Vol. 709 No. 2
48 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications received under the fair deal scheme to date; the number of applications that have been processed to date; the average time it takes to process an application; the number of applicants refused support through the fair deal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20294/10]
61 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who have applied for the nursing home support scheme to date; the number who have applied for a nursing home loan under this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20225/10]
128 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if a review has been carried out of the administration of the financial assessment of persons applying for the nursing home fair deal scheme in view of the difficulties encountered by some hospitals in discharging patients who are ready for nursing home care but whose financial assessment has been delayed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20200/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 48, 61 and 128 together.
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme, A Fair Deal, commenced on the 27th October 2009. Its purpose is to equalise State support for public and private nursing home residents, and to offer assurance to one of the most vulnerable groups in society — those in need of long-term nursing home care — that care will be affordable and will remain affordable for as long as they need it.
Under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009, the HSE has statutory authority for administering the scheme. Applications are processed in accordance with the Act and the HSE’s Guidelines on the Standardised Implementation of the Scheme which were approved by the Minister for Health and Children. This framework ensures a consistent approach across the HSE to the processing of applications.
Since the introduction of the scheme, the HSE has been dealing with a large volume of applications from both existing residents and new entrants. The HSE estimates that it has received over 9,000 applications and that it has processed over half of these to date. In addition over 1,400 applications for Ancillary State support have been received, of which over 600 have been completed. The HSE estimates that approximately 50 applications for State support have been refused on the basis that the applicant’s assessed means exceeded the cost of care. Finally, the HSE informs me that an extremely small number of applications have been refused on the grounds that the applicant was assessed as not needing long-term nursing home care.
The normal timelines for processing applications and making a determination regarding financial support vary according to individual circumstances and complexities. It has taken longer than normal to process applications to date because of the large initial volume of applications received following the introduction of the new scheme. This should improve once the scheme has settled down.
However, I wish to emphasise that any delay in processing applications should not impact negatively on individuals due to the safeguards provided within the primary legislation.
The legislation provides that applicants who were in nursing home care on the date the scheme commenced shall have their State support backdated to that date. Furthermore, anyone who was in receipt of subvention prior to the commencement of the scheme continues to have their subvention paid while their application is being processed. Once their application has been determined, the backdated State support will be netted off against the subvention already paid. In practice, what this means is that people will not be paid twice for the same care but will have State support under the new scheme paid from the 27th October 2009.
For new entrants to nursing home care after the 27th October 2009, financial support will be paid either from the date that the application was made or from date of admission to the nursing home, whichever is the later.
Unfortunately, due to the current industrial action, this is the most up to date information available to me. I regret that I do not have any more information at present but if the Deputies wishes to raise this matter again once the current industrial action has ceased, I will endeavour to have the matter re-examined at that stage.
49 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to develop a strategy on the diagnosis, treatment and care of people with Alzheimer’s disease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20189/10]
Dementia is a most distressing condition and presents a significant and growing challenge to health and social services. Alzheimer's disease represents about 70% of the cases of dementia.
People nowadays live longer and as a consequence are more likely to develop dementia or Alzheimer's disease. While dementia is not solely related to age, it does affect 5% of people over 65 years with the figure rising to 20% for people over 80 years of age.
Research and published work on dementia has outlined the complexity and range of issues involved in the effective management of dementia. This work also emphasises the need for co-ordinated, multi-layered and well-resourced services, which are responsive to the individual needs of people with dementia and of those who care for them.
Over the past number of years there has been continued development of community-based services for older persons. This is reflected in the unprecedented levels of investment in this sector — over €200 million additional funding has been provided for new service developments in recent years. These developments include community nursing, paramedical services, home help services and support to family carers. In tandem there have been significant developments, both nationally and internationally, in the diagnosis and treatment of dementia, and in the development of services to meet the needs of people with dementia and their families.
In recognition of the growing importance of these conditions, particularly in light of current demographic trends, the Department of Health and Children has started the process of developing a strategy on dementia that will support the delivery of long-term care services having regard to future demographic trends and the consequential increase in demand for long-term care.
The strategy will be developed on the basis of the best evidence available from national and international sources. We are now in discussions with relevant stakeholder groups on the first stage of the process. This will be a research phase to include relevant information on current prevalence and future trends in dementia, as well as international strategies and developments, including their outcomes and evaluations. Once this is completed and available my Department will use it as a framework to develop a national strategy.
50 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide details on the hospital accident and emergency units that will close or limit opening hours as a result of health service cutbacks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20236/10]
Last year, the HSE dealt with nearly 1.2 million Emergency Department presentations and it expects to do the same again this year. About 70% of people who attended Emergency Departments last year were not admitted to hospital: they were treated and discharged. This year, the HSE is planning to increase the number who can be safely discharged home without admission to about 72%. This can be achieved by changing the way services are provided, including by providing quicker access to senior clinical decisions makers.
I am determined to move to a consultant provided, rather than a consultant led, service where consultants work on a team basis. As a result, and following agreement in 2008 on a new consultant contract, I have made it clear to the HSE that it needs to increase the number of consultants and reduce the number of NCHDs to achieve a more appropriate balance between both groups.
I am also determined to support the changes in NCHD training status and associated medical registration status being introduced by the Medical Council under the Medical Practitioners Act.
I have been advised that there are likely to be difficulties in filling some NCHD posts when doctors begin their next rotation in early July. The indications are that there will be a reduction in the number of applications for certain NCHD posts, especially in posts which are not part of a formal training rotation scheme and in the areas of emergency medicine, anaesthesia and general medicine. However, the extent of any shortfall will only become evident over the coming weeks.
It is because of the expected reductions in applications for some NCHD posts, and not because of any budgetary challenge, that the HSE is currently examining how best to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to patients attending Emergency Departments.
A range of possible measures are being examined including some relating to recruitment and training status. Other important measures include reductions in tiered on-call and improved cross-cover arrangements. Instead of cases being referred through successive tiers of doctors, we need to increase the extent to which consultants and other senior clinical decision makers respond to urgent or emergency cases.
Because we are serious about patient safety, we also have to ensure that complex acute care — particularly for emergency medicine, critical care and complex surgery — is provided in hospitals with a sufficiently high volume of activity to ensure the clinicians providing those services can maintain their skills. However, quality care also means accessible care and I am equally determined to ensure that the vast majority of people attending Emergency Departments, who require relatively straightforward levels of urgent care, can continue to receive this care locally.
The changes I have outlined are driven by concerns about patient safety, quality of care and financial sustainability, not by immediate budgetary issues. They are the right changes for patients — people want to access care as close to home as possible but also want to be sure they are getting safe high-quality care.
51 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied with the Health Service Executive collection and reporting of outpatient waiting lists; the action she will take to improve outpatient reporting and communication between hospitals and general practitioners on outpatient waiting lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20284/10]
The improvement of access to outpatient services, which are a key access point to the acute hospital system and involve over three million attendances annually, is a priority for the health service. It is essential that people are afforded timely access to outpatient services when they require them and that these services function effectively as part of an integrated acute hospital and primary care system.
The HSE is engaged in a number of measures to improve access to and the efficiency of outpatient services. The principal aims of the National Outpatient Department Service Improvement Programme are to:
Increase the number of new patients seen
Reduce the numbers who do not attend for scheduled appointments (DNAs)
Reduce waiting times for patients and
Ensure that all patients are seen within 30 minutes of their appointment time.
The HSE's 2010 National Service Plan contains performance targets for OPD services of a 1:2 new-to-return ratio and a non-attendance rate of not more than 10%. In its Service Plan, at my request, the HSE has also committed to work on the development of new indicators, in conjunction with National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF), to measure median waiting time from:
GP referral to attendance at outpatient
Outpatient attendance to admission where this is indicated, and
GP referral to hospital admission.
Outpatient waiting list data is currently collected primarily at individual hospital level. The HSE is therefore working to develop a system which, on a national basis, will provide standardised and comparable national outpatient waiting list data by hospital and specialty. The availability of such information will facilitate clinicians and health service managers in further improving the performance of outpatient services.
52 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will give urgent consideration to the wholesale emigration of newly qualified nurses and the loss to the Irish health service of such highly-trained young persons; if she will implement a scheme to keep at least some of them at home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20205/10]
This year, the HSE is required to achieve a net reduction of 1,520 (or 1.4%) in its employment levels. Corresponding reductions will be required in 2011 and 2012 to achieve an overall reduction of 6,000 between March 2009 and December 2012. These reductions are an essential and unavoidable part of the measures being taken by the Government to address the gap between revenue and expenditure.
While there is provision in the HSE's Employment Control Framework for some exemptions and exceptions these are limited because of the need to achieve the required payroll savings. The alternative would be to reduce services in order to secure the necessary expenditure reductions which I assume the Deputy would not favour.
I recognise that the employment controls introduced by the Government will obviously impact on newly qualified nurses. However, the only way to ensure we have a sustainable health service in the future is to take firm action now to address the budgetary imbalance.
53 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will introduce legislation to regulate and inspect home care services; the estimated cost of regulating home care services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20289/10]
The key priorities in relation to services for older people in recent times have been the introduction of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, and the bringing into force of new regulatory standards for the long-term residential care sector.
In tandem with these initiatives for the residential sector, various aspects of community based services have also been advanced by the Department and the HSE, including an expansion of Home Care Packages, and the publication in December last of an independent Evaluation of Home Care Packages commissioned by the Department.
As regards the possible regulation of home care services, the July 2008 Report of the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance recommended, inter alia, the extension of any licensing systems in health care to primary, community and continuing care service.
More recently, in July 2009 the Law Reform Commission published a consultation paper entitled "Legal Aspects of Carers". This considers the legal issues surrounding home care and makes a number of provisional recommendations in the area of standards and regulations generally, including vetting, training and supervision. It also provisionally recommends giving a function to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) in relation to professional home care. Any such changes would require primary legislation and detailed stakeholder consultations.
The Department accepts the need for a more standardised approach to the regulation of home care generally, whether by public or private provision. This year the HSE intends to:
finalise and circulate standardised access and operational guidelines for delivery of Home Care Packages;
adopt and disseminate a voluntary code of Quality Guidelines for Home Care Support Services for Older People; and develop and publish a Procurement Framework for home care services.
The Department will also consider the Law Reform Commission's recommendations in the context of possible changes to legislation and regulation in the area of home care for older persons generally.
54 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which policy within the Health Service is shared, directed or dictated by or between her Department and the Health Service Executive; the degree to which any evaluation has been done as to the provision and delivery of the comprehensive range of health service in line with best practice throughout the EU; if she is concerned that the full range of services as originally intended are not being provided at many of the general hospitals throughout the country due to a combination of inadequate staffing levels, insufficient or inappropriately directed funding, repetitive, time-wasting and bureaucratic procedures, unclear responsibilities, job descriptions and management direction, the growth of which appears to be a massive bureaucracy that is not transparent, is not accountable and is hugely expensive and overloaded with management; if her attention has been drawn to the deep concern of many dedicated persons within the service who are dismayed at the degree to which services now fail to meet adequately, efficiently and cost effectively the health requirements of the public, particularly having regard to the extent of erosion in funding and delivery of services by the private sector resulting in costly duplication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20227/10]
The annual HSE National Service Plan is the primary vehicle through which my Department monitors and evaluates the performance of the Executive to ensure that health services are delivered in accordance with Government policy. My Department is working collaboratively with the HSE to develop and refine performance measures across all service areas matched with timescales to ensure that they are as robust as possible and reflect key priorities and international best practice as well as being comparable both within the EU and further afield. My Department has an agreed monitoring framework with the HSE and receives detailed comprehensive monthly reports on all aspects of the National Service Plan. These Performance Reports are published on the HSE's website each month following approval by the HSE Board.
I approved the HSE National Service Plan 2010 on 5 February. In approving the Plan, I highlighted to the HSE the need to deliver, at a minimum, the levels of service set out in the Plan as well as operating within the limits of its Voted allocation of €14.069bn. The Government made a series of decisions that will reduce HSE costs this year by some €1bn, made up of pay savings of €630m and non-pay savings of €394m. The latter includes a target of €106m in non-pay economies to be saved by the HSE in 2010, including substantial procurement savings. I believe this is achievable without affecting client care.
The Plan commits the HSE to delivering activity levels for 2010 which are broadly in line with 2009 levels. Notwithstanding the difficult financial environment, the Government has made available additional resources to assist the HSE in responding to priority demographic and other needs and to support ongoing reform of the public health services. By reducing costs, and reforming the way services are provided, I am confident the HSE will maintain access to services and continue to improve health outcomes for the population.
Last month I received the second biannual report against the HSE Corporate Plan 2008-2011 which charts progress against desired medium and longer term objectives and priorities as set out in the Corporate Plan and implemented annually through the National Service Plan. This helps the Department and the HSE to track performance trends across the health sector and to inform future strategic and annual service planning.
I am determined to do everything possible to protect services for patients, within the resources we have available for health. To achieve this, staff at all levels will have to work together to deliver services in a more flexible way. Without that co-operation and flexibility, services for patients cannot be protected. It is not just for HSE management to protect services: there is a responsibility on everyone involved to deliver services within budget in new ways that will serve patient needs in accordance with international best practice.
55 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on reports that disability service providers in the west are struggling to provide basic services due to funding cuts; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that respite care will have to be cut, two community houses will have to be closed, three multidisiplinary posts cut and day services charged for and reduced from some persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20302/10]
My Department and the Health Service Executive recognise the valuable contribution disability service providers make in the West. We are also very much aware of the challenges service providers are experiencing. In this context, it is very important that all providers work creatively and co-operatively with the HSE to ensure the maintenance of the maximum level of services within the funding resources available.
I have been advised that in 2008 / 2009 there was an ongoing requirement on the HSE to review expenditure across all areas and to ensure that maximum efficiencies were achieved in service delivery. The HSE set targets for all statutory and non-statutory organisations to achieve efficiency targets in both years equal to 1% of their budgets in 2008 and 2% in 2009.
In the context of the general economic situation and the financial pressure on the disability service budgets in 2009, the HSE requested service providers to review all non-frontline expenditure, in particular staff travel, expenditure on conferences and seminars, advertising and ensuring maximum value from the procurement of goods and services. There was also a requirement on all providers to review the way in which services are delivered e.g. opportunities for amalgamating services or back office supports, reduction or elimination of expenditure on overtime and/or agency staffing.
In 2010 there is a requirement to achieve further efficiencies in disability services with the national objective of achieving a minimum of 2% efficiency savings from non frontline services.
To date, respite services throughout the West are being reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the majority of Local Health Offices have reported that services are being maintained. In all areas, Disability Managers are working closely with agencies to maintain respite at 2009 levels as far as possible, thereby ensuring that those with the most urgent need for respite services are prioritised.
The HSE is aware that a non-statutory service in Galway has proposals to close two houses as part of a planned reconfiguration of its residential services. This is in line with the current Disability Policy to relocate people to appropriate accommodation. This is an enhanced service and no current service users will be without a service in the future.
I have not received a report from the HSE about the necessity to cut multidisciplinary therapy posts in any of the Local Health Offices in the West, however I will ask the HSE to contact the Deputy directly on this issue.
With regard to charges for day services being implemented by non-statutory service providers, the HSE has no evidence that this is happening. However, the Brothers of Charity in Galway are exploring the option of introducing charges for day services but have not introduced such charges as yet. The HSE in Galway will monitor this situation.
There is no evidence to show that numbers attending day services have decreased in 2010. The HSE will make available additional funding as part of the €19.5m demography funding available nationally to provide additional capacity for new Day, Residential, Respite/PA/Home Support services. Of the €19.5m allocated nationally, a total of €4.57M has been allocated to develop disability services in the West. This will equate to 24 new residential places, 92 new day places and 32,200 home support hours.
The HSE has advised that it will continue to work in partnership with all of the agencies in the West, involving the managers of services where issues arise. This includes engagement regarding their requirements to maintain core service delivery. The HSE accepts that disability service providers in the West are struggling to manage the impact of the service efficiencies it is required to implement as outlined above. The HSE are confident that if services are examined, efficiencies and savings can be sustained without impacting on the provision of basic core services.
56 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on reports that the €60 million Health Service Executive integrated patient management system which manages confidential patient records has been plagued by security flaws and operational problems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20287/10]
The Health Service Executive's Integrated Patient Management System (IPMS) is currently in live operation in 26 hospitals and other community centres. The system successfully supports day-to-day patient administrative functions across all these locations as well as a range of clinical functions, which have yet to be more widely deployed. The HSE has confirmed that the system has proven to be operationally good and extremely reliable and has not suffered implementation difficulties beyond what would normally be expected in relation to any large complex IT system. It continues to be rolled out by the HSE in support of increased integration of services at regional level, which is a key aspect of health service reconfiguration. Regional deployments of the system continue to facilitate the sharing of patient records within each hospital group as an essential element of multi-site delivery of services.
I have been assured by the HSE that a recent media report claiming that IPMS has been plagued by security flaws and operational problems is completely without foundation. The report is understood to have been based on a number of HSE internal audits into the operation of IPMS, particularly at two of the HSE's hospitals. The audits did not uncover security deficiencies in the system itself, but did make some recommendations regarding improvements in management and operational procedures, which are being addressed by the HSE.
57 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the date by which the inquiry team set up by the Health Service Executive to investigate the non-reporting of nearly 58,000 X-rays and the failure to process thousands of general practitioner referral letters at Tallaght hospital in Dublin 24 will complete their work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20250/10]
122 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received a final report on the unread X-rays and unopened general practitioner letters at Tallaght hospital, Dublin 24; if investigations have been carried out in other hospitals to ensure that similar systems failure does not pertain elsewhere; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20183/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 122 together.
I welcome the completion of the process of reading and reporting on x-rays that were previously not read by consultant radiologists at Tallaght Hospital and also the management of GP referral letters at the hospital. No further delayed diagnoses were found other than the two initially identified. I am satisfied that the hospital is continuing to address the issues that arose in a way that will enhance confidence in the Hospital and thus reassure patients and their families.
On the 9th March 2010, the CEO of the Health Service Executive instructed that a review be undertaken into the circumstances that led to, and the subsequent management by Tallaght Hospital of, delays in reporting radiological examinations at the Hospital during the years 2005 to 2009. The review is also examining the Hospital's management and processing of GP referral letters. The CEO has specified that the Review would be chaired by a person independent of Tallaght Hospital and the HSE.
Dr. Maurice Hayes was announced as the Chair of the Review group on 18th March. The review team will prepare a report setting out the findings, conclusions and recommendations for submission to the HSE's National Director for Quality and Clinical Care, within 3 months of its first meeting, held on 23rd March.
The HSE has also been reviewing the situation regarding radiology reports in other hospitals, following the problems that emerged in Tallaght Hospital. It expects to complete its work in this regard within the next number of weeks
58 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when colon cancer screening will be introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20220/10]
I am pleased to confirm that the national colorectal cancer screening programme will commence in early 2012. A two-year preparatory period started in January 2010.
The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) has responsibility for the implementation of the screening programme and it is working closely with colleagues across the Health Service Executive on preparations for this.
Colorectal screening works on two fronts: it provides early detection and therefore earlier and more effective treatment, and it helps to prevent cancer in the first place by detecting pre-cancerous growths such as polyps.
The screening programme will initially be offered to men and women aged between 60 and 69 years. There are estimated to be just over 400,000 people in this age group. The programme will be extended to all those in the 55-74 year age group as logistics and resources allow.
As part of the two year pre-implementation phase for the programme, the NCSS is undertaking a series of baseline assessment visits nationwide to assess colonoscopy capacity in existing hospital services. Thirty public hospitals expressed an interest in providing colonoscopy services to support a national screening programme and all visits are due for completion by December 2010.
The NCSS is also currently finalising the job description, training and educational requirements for candidate Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANP). It is intended that ANPs will ultimately be able to perform colonoscopies as part of the national screening programme.
Colorectal cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among both men and women in Ireland. Approximately 2,200 new cases are diagnosed and around 1,000 people die from the disease each year. A successful national colorectal cancer screening programme has the potential to significantly reduce mortality from this cancer.
I am pleased that work on this important initiative is continuing.
59 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding staff discussions at Roscommon Hospital and Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, County Galway; her plans to change the management structure at these hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19998/10]
119 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to change the management structure at Roscommon Hospital, County Roscommon and Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19997/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 119 together.
The HSE plans to recruit a General Manager with responsibility for Galway University Hospital, Portiuncula Hospital and Roscommon County Hospital. The recruitment of a General Manager with responsibility for the three hospitals this is designed to improve good co-ordination between the hospitals and to improve clinical services for patients across the region. It is in line with the ongoing process of achieving greater collaboration between Roscommon and Portiuncula in the provision of services, for example, in the re-configuration of the surgical and anaesthetic departments of the two hospitals into a Joint Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia, which is underway.
The appointment of a General Manager with responsibility for the three hospitals concerned is also in line with the approach on the governance of acute hospitals recommended in the Health Information and Quality Authority's Report on Quality and Safety of Services at the Mid Western Regional Hospital Ennis, which was published in April 2009. This report identified integrated governance across hospital networks as an important factor in ensuring higher quality services for patients.
60 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of additional fully-staffed child and adolescent mental health teams that will be provided in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20216/10]
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.
62 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children if building work has begun at any of the eight co-location sites in view of her plan to free up 1,000 public beds through the co-location plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20242/10]
295 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the full extent of the hospital co-location programme undertaken by her; the nature and extent of the costs incurred to date; the nature and extent of facilities provided thus far; the degree to which any such facilities are duplicated on adjoining sites; if this represents good value for money; the extent to which the Exchequer or private health insurance is being used in each sector in such situations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20732/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 295 together.
The Renewed Programme for Government re-affirms the Government's commitment to the current co-location programme.
Preferred bidders have been selected for six co-located projects at Beaumont, Cork University, Limerick Regional, St James's, Sligo and Waterford Regional Hospitals. Project agreements have been signed for the Beaumont, Cork, Limerick and St James's projects. Planning permission has been granted for the first three of these projects. Planning permission has been granted by the local authority for the St James's project but has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála. Two other projects are at earlier stages of the procurement process.
The co-location programme is a complex public procurement process. It is a matter for each successful bidder to arrange its finance under the terms of the relevant Project Agreement. The co-location initiative, like other major projects, has to deal with the changed funding environment. The HSE is continuing to work with the successful bidders to provide whatever assistance it can to help them advance the projects.
The HSE is required to undertake a rigorous value for money assessment of each co-location project. Projects, in order to proceed, must meet a value for money test which accords with a Public Sector Benchmark. This test is then verified by the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) which acts as adviser to the Department of Health and Children. The HSE and NDFA have confirmed that the tenders received for the six projects where preferred bidders have been selected accorded with the Public Sector Benchmark. As they proceed, the projects must continue to demonstrate value for money.
There is a requirement on each of the preferred bidders to pay a non-refundable deposit to the HSE on the signing of the project agreement. The intention of this requirement is to allow the HSE to recoup the expenses that it has incurred in this context.
The Finance Act 2009 provides for the termination of the schemes of capital allowances for private hospitals and certain other health facilities, subject to transitional arrangements for projects already in development. Provided that a hospital project conforms to the requirements of these transitional arrangements, and otherwise satisfies the general requirements of the scheme of capital allowances, the tax relief will apply. This includes four of the co-location projects in respect of which planning permission had been approved by 31 December 2009, should they wish to arrange their financing on the basis of the capital allowances scheme.
No tax expenditure has been incurred so far and none will be incurred until construction is completed and services are opened. The value of the tax relief in each case will depend on the level of qualifying capital expenditure. I would add that additional revenues will accrue to the Exchequer from the extra activity generated by the construction of the hospitals, the employment arising and the related services provided on which taxes will be paid.
Arrangements with health insurers will be a matter for the private hospital in each instance.
63 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to introduce tracing mechanisms for adopted persons by way of amendment to the Adoption Bill; if not, if and when she will introduce separate legislation for this purpose; if work has already commenced on the drafting of such amendments and legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20194/10]
The Adoption Bill, 2009, is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. The new legislation, which incorporates the provisions of the Hague Convention, is designed to provide a framework to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed and that all adoptions are effected in the best interests of the child. Future intercountry adoption arrangements will be governed by the terms of the Adoption Bill 2009 when enacted.
Registration of domestic adoptions is governed by Section 22 of the Adoption Act 1952. Under that provision, an tArd Chlaraitheoir (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. The Adoption Bill 2009, which will consolidate existing adoption legislation, does not seek to make new proposals in this regard.
Since 2003, when an adoption legislation consultation paper was published by the then Minister for Children, two pieces of legislation were envisaged. The first to provide for the ratification of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption and to make changes to the role and structure of the Adoption Board and the second to provide for a structured and regulated way of providing access to information and contact for those affected by adoption. I indicated during the Committee Stage of the Adoption Bill, 2009, at the Select Committee on Health and Children my intention to bring forward legislation specifically on the issue of information and tracing. The question of introducing these new legislative provisions is under consideration 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.
64 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the self-care movement which has considerable political support in the UK and which has the potential to reduce the demand on general practitioners time and give the public more control over their own health; if she will examine the merit of these ideas in an Irish context; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20202/10]
My Department has developed a national policy on chronic disease management. Central to our thinking and to the policy is the understanding of the importance of patients being educated and supported to participate fully in the management of their own conditions. Chronic illness can be managed best in this way. My Department with the HSE also recently developed a policy on service user involvement in the health services. The commitment to enable individuals and their families to contribute to the delivery of their own care is reinforced in this document.
65 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the future role and development of Ennis General Hospital, County Clare; if same will continue as an acute hospital; if she will report on the progress on commitments given to the hospital prior to reconfiguration, namely, the development and timeframe for delivery of key infrastructure and provision of endoscopy, day surgery and geriatric services at the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20221/10]
95 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children her views 12 months following the reconfiguration of services in the mid-west region; if she is satisfied that adequate resources have been put in place to support this reconfiguration; if she has any further plans for the development of the ambulance service in County Clare, particularly if she supports the concept of having a trained paramedic on-site at each ambulance station on a 24/7 basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20222/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 95 together.
The HSE has made significant progress on reconfiguring acute hospital and related services in the Mid West region informed by the Teamwork/Horwath Report and the Health Information and Quality Authority Report on Ennis, which was published in April 2009. These Reports highlighted the need for changes to be made in the organisation and provision of acute hospital services across the Mid West region as they found services there to be too fragmented, to carry increased risks for patients and staff and to be unsustainable in their present form.
The reconfiguration of services in the Mid-West Region has involved the cessation of 24-hour Accident and Emergency services at Ennis and Nenagh and the transfer of all planned and emergency in-patient surgery from the two hospitals to Limerick Regional Hospital. Ambulance and Paramedic services in Clare and Tipperary have been enhanced. Ennis and Nenagh hospitals now provide an urgent care/minor injuries service for 12 hours a day as part of a regional Accident and Emergency structure. These hospitals also now undertake an expanded range of day case surgery and diagnostic work.
The HSE's draft capital plan is currently under consideration and details of capital projects will be made available when the plan has been approved.
66 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of parliamentary questions received by her Department since the commencement of industrial action by employees; the number and percentage of questions that have not been answered due to industrial action by staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20255/10]
94 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if all parliamentary questions that have not been answered by her in recent months and for which Deputies have been invited to resubmit, are assumed to be resubmitted unless she is told to the contrary; and if she will answer them as soon as she is in a position to do so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20184/10]
237 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health and Children if the staff at the Health Service Executive parliamentary affairs division intends to clear the backlog when they cease their industrial action; if questions raised over the past few months will be answered in due course; if Deputies’ staff have to duplicate their work and raise the questions a second time. [20063/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66, 94 and 237 together.
A total of 1083 Parliamentary Questions were taken by my Department during the period from 3rd March 2010 to 13th May 2010. Of these, 767 (71%) have not been answered due to industrial action by certain staff both within my Department and in the Health Service Executive.
Responding to the information needs of the Oireachtas is a priority for my Department and I very much regret that in recent months it has not been possible to provide a substantive response to many Parliamentary Questions due to industrial action. All Parliamentary Questions affected by the action have been answered by my Department to the effect that the industrial dispute has prevented the supply of substantive answers, and Deputies have been consistently advised to raise the question again in due course should the matter remain of ongoing concern. This approach was designed to prevent a backlog of questions building up, particularly as a significant proportion of the questions related to cases where the information being sought by the Deputy through the Parliamentary process might, in the circumstances, be obtained by alternative means.
The Department of Health and Children will handle in the region of 6,000 Parliamentary Questions this year, approximately half of which will be referred to the Health Service Executive, either for the provision of information to the Department or for direct reply to the Deputy. A considerable proportion of these will concern personal inquiries on behalf of individuals seeking services from the HSE. In such cases, the information can also be obtained by addressing the inquiry directly to the relevant service area of the Executive, and where members of the public do so on their own behalf, their inquiries are not affected by the current dispute.
I fully appreciate the frustration of Deputies who are currently unable to obtain information through the usual Parliamentary channels. While alternative access is available for individual cases, Deputies may wish to resubmit, on resolution of the dispute, any questions in respect of wider service, operational and policy issues that have not been answered and are still a cause of concern. My Department and the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive will, when the current industrial action is resolved, continue to assist Deputies as before.
67 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will commission a report into the long-term health effects of the withdrawal of the dental and optical benefit schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20226/10]
279 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will explain the alteration in legislation that has brought about the situation whereby PRSI does not cover dental treatment and medical cards; her views on whether PRSI should cover dental treatment and medical cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20544/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 279 together.
Responsibility for the Treatment Benefit Scheme, which provides dental, optical and aural services to insured people, rests with my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection. I have no plans to commission a report as suggested.
68 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of unfilled non-consultant hospital doctor posts in hospitals here; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that Irish hospitals face a shortage of doctors because new visa arrangements are discouraging non-EU doctors from coming here; if she will make changes to the visa requirements to address these concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20265/10]
77 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take to ensure that there is an adequate number of non-consultant hospital doctors from July 2010 onwards in order to provide safe care to patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20198/10]
79 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Health and Children the arrangements that will be in place when non-consultant hospital doctors change job on 1 July 2010; the impact of the European Working Time Directive on NCHDs and services offered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20304/10]
88 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and with the Department of Foreign Affairs to address the difficulty of non-EU doctors having to have their visas renewed every six months if they are transferring between hospitals in view of the fact that this is causing problems in the recruitment of non-consultant hospital doctors; her plans to address same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20197/10]
278 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties in filling vacancies at non-consultant hospital doctor level within the Health Service Executive hospitals; if she has had discussions with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation regarding work permit or green card limitations imposed after the passing of the Employment Permits Act 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20506/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 68, 77, 79, 88 and 278 together.
The Health Service Executive (HSE), which has responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement, is anticipating that there may be some difficulties in the filling of Non-Consultant Hospital Doctor (NCHD) posts in July when doctors begin their new training rotation. Initial reports from the HSE indicate reductions in applications for these posts, especially in emergency medicine, anaesthesia, general medicine and in smaller hospitals. A range of proposals to address the situation, if there is a significant number of unfilled posts, are currently being worked on by the HSE.
A number of factors determine the extent to which the HSE can fill the full cohort of NCHD posts:
the legal requirement under the Medical Practitioners Act — reflected in the NCHD Contract 2010 — to employ NCHDs in line with their training or non-training status and related medical registration status;
reductions in the levels of overtime available arising from the implementation of the European Working Time Directive;
and the ability of the HSE and HSE-funded agencies to compete in the international recruitment market for NCHDs.
I have asked the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the number of unfilled Non-Consultant Hospital Doctor posts in hospitals. The HSE and the Government are determined that patients will continue to have hospital services that are accessible and responsive to their medical needs.
With regard to the impact of the European Working Time Directive on services, attainment of compliance is good for patient safety. It is agreed that it serves no good purpose to have over-stretched, over-tired junior doctors treating patients. The use of excessive levels of overtime is not in patients' best interests.
In relation to attracting doctors from outside the EEA, concerns have been expressed that the current visa and work permit obligations for non-EEA doctors may be hindering recruitment. Discussions are in train between my Department, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation and the HSE. The objective is to provide a framework that facilitates the entry of non-EEA doctors while ensuring effective and appropriate visa and work permit arrangements are in place. My Department has been advised that visas are now being issued for 12 months duration and they can be renewed annually at a local Garda Station.
69 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the closure of 52 beds in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9. [19996/10]
70 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the impact the closure of 52 beds in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, will have on patient care; the consequences that this will have for her and the Health Service Executive plans to move from inpatient to day case treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20234/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 70 together.
I have been assured that Beaumont Hospital will meet its service plan targets for 2010. These involve treating the same number of patients this year as last but with less reliance on in-patient stays. In turn this will involve reducing inappropriate hospital admissions, more same day of surgery admissions, more day care cases, earlier discharges and reductions in waiting times for elective surgery.
The planned changes announced by Beaumont are designed to allow it deliver its service plan targets while remaining within budget. For example, the increase in day case activity and the reduction in beds occupied by long-stay patients means the hospital can treat the same number of patients as previously with less in-patient beds. Beaumont has also assured my Department that neurosurgery, transplantation and cancer services will not be affected by the changes.
Treating people in more efficient and effective ways like this, with no reduction in access to appropriate services, is obviously the right thing to do given the very difficult financial position facing the Exchequer. However, it is also the right thing for patients — people want to access quality care as quickly as possible and be allowed go home as soon as possible. It is also the way health services around the world are moving.
There are constant calls inside and outside this House for a more efficient public service, changes in work practices and greater productivity. Despite this, we still hear opposition to such changes with the focus being put instead on issues like the number of in-patient beds rather than the number of patients being treated, and the achievement of best outcomes for patients.
Reforming the way services are provided, reducing costs and maintaining a clear focus on patient safety will allow us to treat people in more effective ways and protect access to appropriate services. I want to make it clear to this House that the implementation by Beaumont Hospital, and other hospitals, of this type of patient-centred reform will have my full support.
71 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the audit of the work of a consultant radiologist in the north east who has been placed on clinical leave; the number of patients’ files that will be included in the audit; the period to which the audit will apply; if there will be a look back review of the consultant’s practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20275/10]
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.
72 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made to date on replacement of branded drugs with their generic counterparts in order to save money; if she will ensure that the cases made for the exclusion of certain drugs from the scheme because they are more effective than the generic will be examined by experts and fairly considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20192/10]
92 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding her plans to introduce reference pricing; the amount that will be saved from the introduction of reference pricing; her views on whether some categories of medicines are not suitable for substitution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20258/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 92 together.
The Government has decided to introduce a system of reference pricing combined with generic substitution under the GMS and community drugs schemes. This will promote price competition and deliver ongoing savings for both the State and for patients. Achieving greater value for money in this area of expenditure will ensure that patients can continue to access innovative and affordable medicines.
A working group, made up of officials and healthcare professionals from my Department and the HSE, has set out a proposed model for the implementation of this initiative. I received the report of this working group last week and it shall be published on my Department's website shortly. I expect to see significant progress on the recommendations of the report in 2010, including the identification of legislative and administrative changes required to give effect to them, where appropriate, in 2011.
There are some categories of medicines that are not suitable for substitution. In addition, there are also certain circumstances where an individual patient should receive a particular product. With a system of generic substitution, it is important that all decisions about the interchangeability of medicines are evidence-based and take into account best practice elsewhere. A key recommendation of the report is that an expert group should provide guidance on this matter.
73 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of beds closed to date in view of the Health Service Executive plans to close 1,100 inpatient hospital beds in 2010; the hospitals affected by these closures; her views on the impact that this will have on patients’ services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20245/10]
91 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of hospital beds closed nationally at the most recent date on which information is available; the reason these beds are closed; the details of the Health Service Executive plans to close an additional 1,100 inpatient hospital beds in 2010; the location of these beds; her views on the impact that this will have on patient services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20263/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 91 together.
The most recent information on bed closures in the acute hospital system refers to the week ended 17 January 2010. At that time, 689 inpatient beds and 37 day beds were closed for reasons of cost-containment, infection control, refurbishment and seasonal closure of facilities.
While public debate tends to focus on bed numbers, it is much more meaningful to measure the actual number of patients treated. In 2009, the combined number of inpatient and day case discharges was 3% greater than the equivalent figure in 2008, despite the difficult situation in relation to resources.
The preparation of the HSE's 2010 National Service Plan, which I approved on 5 February, maintains the focus on increased efficiency and targets broadly the same level of overall hospital activity as in 2009. This involves a shift from in-patient to day cases, a reduction in emergency admissions and a further increase in day cases.
While there is no proposal in the Service Plan to close a specific number of beds, the reduction in in-patient treatments will mean that less capacity will be required in this area during 2010. The exact number of beds available at any one time will fluctuate depending on such factors as planned activity levels, maintenance and refurbishment requirements and staff leave arrangements. Beds may also be closed from time to time in order to control expenditure, given the need for every hospital to operate within its allotted budget for the year.
Meeting the agreed efficiency targets will require increased access to the specialist skills and senior clinical decision-making available in Medical Assessment Units, to diagnostics and to other ambulatory care services. The HSE will also focus on minimising length of stay, with a particular focus on reducing the current variation across different hospitals for similar procedures. It will also work to increase same day of surgery admission and to protect inpatient beds for elective surgery in order to reduce waiting times.
By reforming the manner in which services are provided, I am confident that the HSE can deliver the volumes of service provided for in the plan, while at the same time continuing to improve service quality and patient outcomes.
74 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children if the VHI fulfilled its legal obligation to achieve solvency by the end of March 2010; if the EU Competition Commissioner has contacted her concerning possible legal action and sanctions if the VHI does not meet the requirements of the Financial Regulator regarding appropriate levels of solvency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20277/10]
Arising from a derogation under the Non-Life Insurance Directives, VHI continues to be exempt from prudential solvency requirements. The Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Act 2008 provided for the VHI to acquire sufficient funding in terms of its capital reserves to enable it to make an application to the Financial Regulator for authorisation. The date originally fixed by that Act was 31 December 2008, but this was subject to the right of the Minister to appoint a later date by Order, if satisfied that there is good and sufficient reason for so doing. At the time the original date was fixed, the Supreme Court had not yet ruled in relation to the risk equalisation scheme, which it struck down in July 2008. Since then I have extended the date by which the VHI must accrue the necessary reserves on five occasions. The date is now 1 January 2012. However, it remains my firm conviction that VHI should be properly authorised and that the derogation should be lifted.
The EU Commission has commenced proceedings against the State in the European Court of Justice regarding the VHI's derogation. The State has forwarded a comprehensive written defence to the Court. The matter of sanctions would only arise in the event of an adverse judgment if nothing was then done to ameliorate the situation and further proceedings were then brought to seek financial penalties against the State.
The capital position and authorisation of the VHI are only two of many inter-related and complex issues that need to be resolved in order to achieve a stable community-rated private health insurance market.
I have been examining the broad range of issues involved with my officials, expert advisers and the Health Insurance Authority. The matter has also been considered by the Government on a number of occasions since the Supreme Court Judgement. I will make a full statement at the appropriate time on the measures required to support the Government's key policy goal of a community-rated health insurance market.
75 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of operations cancelled to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20260/10]
I am conscious that the cancellation of a hospital procedure can be inconvenient and stressful for both patients and their families. Every effort is made to avoid cancellations where possible.
Unfortunately cancellations are a feature of hospital systems, in Ireland and internationally because priority must be given to emergency cases and patients in urgent need. It is important to point out that all cancelled procedures are rescheduled. While data is not comprehensive the level of cancellations in the Irish public system appears to be broadly in line with other hospital systems internationally. In 2009, for example, it is estimated that cancellations accounted for about 1.4% of all in-patient and day case activity.
It should be noted not all cancellations are as a result of hospital capacity or availability. Cancellations also occur for clinical reasons, where a patient may not be deemed fit for surgery on a given day by the clinician. For example, the pre-admission assessment might indicate postponing a procedure for clinical reasons such as weight, immune system or blood pressure.
While it is unfortunate that any patient would have a procedure cancelled, patients waiting over three months can be referred to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). The HSE works with the NTPF to ensure that, where appropriate, patients can avail of treatment under this scheme.
In 2010, the HSE is focusing on improving the efficiency of acute hospital services by shifting to day case care where appropriate and by seeking performance improvements such as surgery on the day of admission and reducing inappropriate lengths of stay. There will be a particular focus on reducing the variance between different hospitals for similar procedures. By reducing costs and reforming the way services are provided, I am confident the HSE will maintain access to services and continue to improve health outcomes for the population.
76 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the policy and procedures in place to ensure that Health Service Executive facilities for older persons are upgraded, when so required by the Health Information and Quality Authority, in such a manner as to cause minimum disruption to residents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19995/10]
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.
78 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the provisions she is making to improve direct access to services that are not simply based on medication but allow for talking therapies in view of the statistical data that indicates that there is a higher likelihood of suicide and attempted suicide during times of economic hardships; the progress that has been made to date on the specific proposals in Vision for Change that address issues around suicide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20215/10]
‘A Vision for Change' outlines a comprehensive model for mental health service provision for Ireland. It describes a framework for building and fostering positive mental health across the entire community and for providing accessible, community-based, specialist services for people with mental illness. 'Reach Out' provides a policy framework for suicide prevention activities in Ireland. The strategy calls for a multi-sectoral approach to the prevention of suicidal behaviour in order to foster cooperation between health, education, community, voluntary and private sector agencies. Implementation of these Strategies are a matter for the HSE.
Initiatives which have been progressed by the HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) include developing and implementing national training programmes; the development of a training strategy under the direction of a Training and Development Officer; progressing the availability of self-harm services through Hospital Emergency departments; implementing recommendations arising from a review of bereavement services; dedicated suicide resource officers; the provision of funding to the National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF); supporting voluntary organisations working in the field of suicide prevention and developing mental health awareness campaigns. The NOSP also published an information leaflet and wallet card targeted at the general public entitled ‘looking after your mental health during tough economic times’. The resources outline information on the impact unemployment and financial difficulties have on mental health and wellbeing, how people can look after their mental health, signs of common mental health problems and available support services. An information booklet called ‘Suicide Prevention in the Workplace’ which provides organisations and workplaces with practical guidance on how staff can respond to and support persons who are at risk of suicidal behaviour has also been made available.
80 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children when legislation to ban the sale and distribution of substances sold in head shops and to provide for the closure of head shops will be introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20273/10]
118 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to introduce further measures to control items sold in head shops; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20190/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 118 together.
In the light of the health risks associated with some of the products being sold in head shops, the Government made an Order on 11 May declaring a number of substances, commonly referred to as so-called "legal highs", to be controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, with immediate effect.
The substances controlled include:
synthetic cannabinoids (contained in SPICE products),
benzylpiperazine (BZP) and piperazine derivatives,
mephedrone, methylone, methedrone, butylone, flephedrone, MDPV,
Gamma butyrolactone and 1,4 Butanediol.
Under this new legislation, it is now an offence for a person to import, export, produce, supply or possess these legal high substances.
There have been reports in the media that Head Shop owners may seek to circumvent the new controls by importing other substances that are currently not subject to the Misuse of Drugs Act. I will not hesitate to seek Government approval to ban additional substances if any of them pose a risk to public health.
I should also mention that my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Law Reform, is currently bringing forward urgent legislation that would make it a criminal offence generally to supply unregulated psychoactive substances for use by humans.
81 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children if, during her visit to New Zealand she examined their no-fault compensation scheme for injury as a result of medical negligence or treatment; her views on whether parents of children with cerebral palsy must fight for years to get compensation for injuries at birth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20240/10]
I and my officials held a number of meetings with senior health officials and with the Minister for Health during my recent visit to New Zealand. In the course of those meetings we discussed the role of the Accident Compensation Corporation and the general no fault compensation scheme that operates there.
As the Deputy may be aware, an advisory group was established in 2001, to examine the equity, effectiveness and appropriateness of existing arrangements for compensating persons who suffer cerebral damage at, or close to the time of birth, and to make such recommendations as the Group sees fit. The Group has yet to complete its work. I will await the Group's report before giving further consideration to a wider no fault compensation scheme for the health services.
In this country, compensation in many cases involving cerebral damage is dealt with under the Clinical Indemnity Scheme of enterprise liability. Cerebral Palsy is a complex condition which can be caused by, inter alia, prematurity, developmental brain malformation, neurological damage to the developing brain, hypoxia or medical error.
I understand that the average time from the institution of proceedings to the ultimate resolution of a typical CP case is now approximately 4 years as a result of the introduction of Enterprise Liability.
82 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with the Health Service Executive regarding proposed further cuts to the home help service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19993/10]
97 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify proposals on curtailing the hours that home helps will be allowed to spend on various personal support tasks for their clients; the way home helps are supposed to speed up their clients in personal tasks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20187/10]
106 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene to prevent further cuts to the home help service as proposed in the Health Service Executive’s current draft plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19991/10]
206 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to media reports regarding the home help service, namely that consideration is being given to having the service operate on a five-day week that is Monday to Friday, that the hours for carers will be significantly reduced; the implications that this will have for carers andtheir families; her views regarding same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19910/10]
228 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received the Health Service Executive’s new draft guidelines on home care and home help; if she approves of the proposal to reduce the hours of caring that new applicants can avail of; if she has analysed the cost benefit of the proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20018/10]
272 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the restrictions the Health Service Executive has proposed for home helpers and the duties they perform for the elderly and the infirm; if she will direct the HSE not to implement these proposals. [20471/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 82, 97, 106, 206, 228 and 272 together.
I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
83 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will instruct the Health Service Executive to withdraw its recent circular 008/10, of 26 April 2010, to dentists which cuts dental services for medical card patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19990/10]
98 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the way she expects to achieve savings of €40 million in the dental treatment services scheme for medical card patients; the services that will be withdrawn or reduced for medical card holders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20270/10]
126 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with the Health Service Executive regarding the cuts to dental services for medical card patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19992/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 83, 98 and 126 together.
The Government's decision to limit the funding available to the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) was made in view of the current position of the public finances and the 60% increase in expenditure in the DTSS over the past five years. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has introduced measures to contain DTSS expenditure at the 2008 level of approximately €63 million.
Under the new measures, some treatments which had previously been available in the Scheme, for example, dental cleaning and polishing have been suspended. Other treatments, such as oral examinations and fillings, will continue to be provided but will be limited in number or frequency. More complex, non-routine treatments, such as protracted periodontal treatments, will be available only in the case of clinical emergencies. These measures were introduced following consultation with my Department. The HSE will monitor the ongoing effect of these changes from a clinical and budgetary perspective. The dental and oral health services currently provided through the HSE Public Dental Service will not be affected by these changes to the DTSS.
84 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 476 of 19 January 2010, the result of the discussions between her Department and the Health Service Executive in relation to meeting the information gathering and administrative requirements of the Disability Act, in particular section 13(2) which relates to the reporting on the aggregate unmet needs of the children assessed under the Act; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20224/10]
Discussions are continuing between officials of my Department and the HSE in order to identify the most suitable information gathering arrangements to meet the needs of individual children defined in terms of desired outcomes, to meet the administrative obligations imposed by the Act and also to ensure that reliable service planning data is collected.
The challenges involved in complying with the requirements of section 13 of the Act in relation to information gathering and reporting on aggregate need have been set out in reply to Parliamentary Question No 476.
The Department's focus in these discussions is to ensure that, while complying with the requirements of the Act, as few clinical resources as possible are diverted from direct interventions with children to information gathering.
85 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she can confirm that all X-rays in hospitals are reported by consultant radiologists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20248/10]
The HSE has been reviewing the situation regarding radiology reports in other hospitals, following the problems that emerged in Tallaght Hospital. It expects to complete its work in this regard within the next number of weeks.
86 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the drug rehabilitation services in this county are adequate to cater for the problem of addiction in our towns and cities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18973/10]
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.
87 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the rationalisation of hospital laboratory services; if she will confirm that the Association of Clinical Biochemists in Ireland was not consulted in the drawing up of the Teamwork report on this matter, despite her statement in Dáil Éireann on 8 December 2009 that stakeholders were consulted; her views regarding the report by Teamwork Management Services which claimed that the quality of laboratory services here is of a poor standard; if she and the Health Service Executive have examined the danger of fragmentation of services with the separation of testing in primary and secondary care and the weakening of clinical liaison and input under the proposed privatised and centralised model; her plans to commission a cost benefit analysis of a system that would see these services outsourced, many of them possibly abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19994/10]
Approximately 77 million laboratory tests are undertaken annually across 44 public hospitals. At present the annual cost of this service is approximately €470 million. The workload comprises both urgent and non-urgent tests and a significant proportion of the activity originates in the primary care setting. As with all other parts of the health service, and indeed the public service generally, it is essential that laboratory services are delivered as safely and as cost effectively as possible.
An external review of laboratory services was conducted for the HSE by Teamwork Management Services in 2007. The HSE has stated that Teamwork, in undertaking the review, consulted with the Association of Clinical Biochemists in Ireland amongst other stakeholders. The review highlighted limitations in the organisation of laboratories which had an adverse effect on quality, turnaround time and cost. It found at that time that "the whole system quality" of laboratories was not of a sufficiently high standard. The review also found that the overall proportion of individual laboratory medicine disciplines that had achieved accreditation status was low, "end-to-end" information systems were unsatisfactory and logistic services were inadequate. It found as well that the general condition of the laboratory estate typically was of traditional design and was outmoded.
In light of the review, the HSE announced plans in the early part of 2009 to modernise laboratory services and to achieve significant efficiencies in the configuration and operation of these services. The HSE has already had significant engagement with stakeholders in progressing this initiative. Groups such as the Faculty of Pathology, the Medical Laboratory Scientists' Association and the Association of Clinical Biochemists in Ireland will continue to have a significant input into the process.
As part of this initiative, the HSE has commenced discussions with the National Development Finance Agency about the capital financing of a small number of dedicated "cold" laboratories to process the large volumes of routine patient tests generated from the primary and community care sector which are currently undertaken in hospital laboratories. The HSE is also having a business case/cost-benefit analysis undertaken to assess a number of options which have been put forward for the processing of cold laboratory work. Any new laboratory service arrangements will need to satisfy a range of service and quality requirements, including supporting the provision of integrated care to patients.
I am pleased to acknowledge that a number of improvements in laboratory services have taken place since the completion of the Teamwork review. The number of individual accredited laboratory disciplines has increased significantly. In addition, some reconfiguration of laboratory services has been achieved by transferring work undertaken in a number of small laboratories to larger laboratories. This has allowed for a higher level of throughput. The HSE has indicated that improved processes, introduced in the past year, have achieved non pay savings in 2009 of some €5m.
I am satisfied that the measures being taken by the HSE, with ongoing input from stakeholders, to modernise laboratory services are necessary and appropriate for the reasons which have been outlined.
89 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of adults and children residing in residential centres for people with disabilities; the list of these centres; when she will introduce legislation to regulate and inspect residential centres for people with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20280/10]
109 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children when residential centres for persons with disabilities will be subject to inspection by the Health Information and Quality Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20199/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 109 together.
I wish to advise the Deputies that, due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive, it is not possible for the Executive to supply current information in relation to the number of adults and children residing in residential centres for people with disabilities.
As the Deputies will be aware, "National Quality Standards: Residential Settings for People with Disabilities", which relate to adult services have been published by HIQA. These standards will provide a national framework for quality, safe services for persons with disabilities in a residential setting.
Given the current economic situation, to move to full statutory implementation of the standards, including regulation and inspection, presents significant challenges at this time. However, notwithstanding the difficulties of immediate statutory implementation, my Department, the HSE and HIQA have agreed that progressive non-statutory implementation of the standards will now commence, and that they will become the benchmark against which the HSE assesses both its own directly operated facilities and other facilities that the HSE funds.
A number of preliminary processes are already in place within the HSE to facilitate this work. For example, compliance with the HIQA standards is included in the Service Level Arrangements being implemented between the HSE and service providers. As part of the ongoing review of Service Level Arrangements, service providers will now be required to demonstrate compliance with the standards through the provision of audit outcomes. I am informed by the HSE that the majority of service providers have already commenced a review of their services within the context of the HIQA standards and many service providers have also achieved external accreditation over the past number of years.
In addition, arising from the Ryan Commission report, the Minister for Health and Children will shortly be bringing detailed proposals to Government with regard to the protection of vulnerable adults with disabilities who are currently in institutional care.
Children with disabilities in generic residential centres under the Child Care Act 1991 are covered by the standards and inspection regimes already applying to those centres. There are a number of other centres providing residential or respite care to children with disabilities. Children who reside in these centres are not in the care of the State, although they are cared for by the State. The majority of these centres are run by voluntary organisations funded by the HSE and are not included in the inspection regime under the Child Care Act 1991. In relation to the children with disabilities in these other residential centres, the Ryan Commission report recommends that "all services for children should be subject to regular inspections in respect of all aspects of their care". The implementation plan for the recommendations of the Ryan Commission report contains a commitment that the Health Act 2007 will be commenced to allow the independent registration and inspection of all residential centres and respite services for children with a disability by December 2010.
In addition, I am assured by the HSE that it has a robust system in place to deal with any complaints made in relation to the treatment of persons with disabilities in residential care. This includes ensuring that all HSE funded service providers of residential care have appropriate complaints procedures that are in line with HSE policy.
90 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans, in conjunction with the Health Service Executive, to purchase or lease any further property in Cootehill, County Cavan for the care of the elderly, either on a day service basis or long-term involvement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20139/10]
I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
93 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the proposal to cut a further €200 million from the Health Service Executive budget in order to provide for possible shortfalls later in 2010 have now been abandoned in view of the agreement reached; if the original commitments on spending in the national service plan will be honoured; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20188/10]
I approved the HSE National Service Plan 2010 on 5th February. In approving the Plan, I highlighted to the Executive the need to deliver, at a minimum, the levels of service set out in the Plan as well as operating within the limits of its Voted allocation of €14.069bn. The Government made a series of decisions that will reduce HSE costs by some €1bn, made up of savings of €630m and non-pay savings of €394m. The latter includes a target of €106m in non-pay economies to be saved by the HSE in 2010, including substantial procurement savings.
The Deputy will be aware that there has been considerable difficulties in monitoring the implementation of the Plan due to an industrial relations dispute which has resulted in no performance management information being made available to the management of the HSE. Arising from a Labour Court decision last month it has now been agreed that financial information will be exempted from the ban on information. However there continues to be difficulties in respect of other management information. I have fully supported the HSE in its efforts to resolve this issue.
In the context of uncertainty regarding the financial position of the HSE the Executive indicated publicly that it was developing proposals to initiate cost reduction measures which might have the effect of reducing some of the service levels set out in the National Service Plan, at least on a temporary basis. Any reduction in planned services would require an amendment to the approved Service Plan by the HSE Board and approved by me. No such amendment has been sought and in any event I believe that on the information currently available it would not be acceptable for patients/users to suffer service reductions in the current circumstances. I welcome the subsequent acceptance of the Labour Court recommendations by the HSE and IMPACT. This should assist in ensuring delivery of services in line with the original Service Plan and within the Executive's voted allocation.
My Department is continuing to liaise closely with the HSE on this matter.
96 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will address the issue raised with her by an association (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20214/10]
At present, medical cards are granted primarily on the basis of means and individual circumstances. Under the Health Act, 2004, determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. The HSE has discretion, in cases of exceptional need, to provide assistance to individuals where undue hardship would otherwise be caused.
Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependents who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of general practitioner services. For medical card and GP visit card applications, the HSE considers an applicant's income after tax and PRSI are deducted, rather than total income. Allowances are also made for expenses on childcare, rent and mortgage costs and the cost of travel to work.
There are no plans to provide for the granting of medical cards to any particular group of patients with particular medical conditions as a whole.
99 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with the Department of Finance in relation to possible incentives for general practitioners and other health professionals in relation to the building and equipping of primary care centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20195/10]
I take it that the Deputy is referring to the recommendations on possible incentives for general practitioners and other health professionals in the development of Primary Care Centres, made by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children in its Report on Primary Medical Care in the Community published in February 2010.
At present the HSE is offering to take 25 year leases at agreed rates in Primary Care Centres which have GP involvement. GPs and health professionals entering such centres are doing so at very attractive rates which developers can only offer because of the security and value of the HSE lease. Given the current economic climate, the Government is unlikely to be in a position to make any further incentives available.
100 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will address the needs of former miners who have chronic health problems as a result of mining; if they can be treated as special cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20204/10]
My colleagues in the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and I agreed to a request on behalf of former coal miners that our officials would meet with them on the 5th May 2010 to listen to their concerns. Following on from that meeting my officials will report back to me and I will consider the issues raised.
101 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children if the swine flu H1N1 vaccination programme has concluded; the amount of money spent on the vaccine programme; if there are excess vaccines that will not be needed; if so, if it has been possible to reclaim the cost of same from the manufacturers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20191/10]
The public pandemic vaccination campaign came to an end on 31st of March, 2010. Following a full assessment of the current situation, the risks of a second wave, the availability of vaccine and other factors, the National Public Health Emergency Team decided, following advice received from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee, that those in the "at risk" group will continue to be vaccinated. This means that up to September 2010 the vaccine will continue to be available free of charge through GPs and Maternity Units to the following groups of people:
Pregnant women — from 14 weeks pregnant to 6 weeks after giving birth All those newly diagnosed in the "at risk" group i.e. Anyone aged over 6 months and under 65 years who has:
Long-term Lung Disease (like Asthma and Cystic Fibrosis)
Long-term Heart Disease
Long-term Kidney Disease
Long-term Liver Disease
Long-term Neurological Disease (like MS, Cerebral Palsy)
Immunosuppression e.g. cancer treatment (and their household contacts)
Haemoglobinopathies
Diabetes
Morbid Obesity (check with your GP)
All those travelling to the southern hemisphere during the upcoming influenza season.
With regard to the other issues raised, 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 current information in relation to the swine flu H1N1 vaccination programme. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course. The following is the latest information available.
The HSE had contracts in place for the provision of pandemic vaccine with Baxter for 4.25 million doses and GSK for 3.45 million doses. Baxter has supplied a total of 619,200 doses and the HSE terminated this contract in December 2009. GSK has supplied 2.35 million doses and the HSE is currently finalising negotiations regarding possible options for dealing with the balance.
102 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons with a full medical card and a doctor only medical card at the end of April 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20213/10]
Details of the number of medical card holders and GP visit card holders are provided to my Department each month by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The most recent figures provided by the HSE to my Department reflect the position as at 31st March 2010 and show 1,518,973 medical card holders and 103,111 GP visit card holders on that date.
103 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will give consideration to the difficulty for newly-qualified physio and occupational speech and language therapists getting employment here and the loss this represents to the health services; if she will implement a scheme to keep at least some of these young persons at home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20206/10]
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.
104 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if money raised from the sale of psychiatric institutions will be ring-fenced for mental health services; if that funding will be specifically for capital projects; the way the necessary revenue funding for new mental health services will be ensured; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20217/10]
‘ A Vision for Change’ the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy recommended that a plan to bring about the closure of all psychiatric hospitals should be drawn up and implemented, and that the resources released by these closures should be re-invested in the mental health service. The Government has accepted this recommendation and accordingly the proceeds of the sale of psychiatric lands will be ringfenced to fund new mental health capital developments. In this regard, €25m of the proceeds of the sales of psychiatric lands was returned to the HSE through the Supplementary Estimate for 2009 and this funded developments, including the new child and adolescent units in Cork and Galway, a Community Nursing Unit in Ballinasloe and a day centre in Clonmel. Budget 2010 provided for a multi-annual programme of capital investment which will provide high priority mental health projects across the spectrum of mental health facilities which will be funded from future disposals. In 2010, the HSE may dispose of surplus assets and reinvest an initial sum of €50m in the mental health capital programme. Provision for continued funding of the programme will be made in the 2011 Estimates and subsequent years, in the light of the previous year’s programme of asset sales.
With regard to revenue funding, the position is that there are substantial resources already invested in mental health. Implementation of a ‘A Vision for Change’ requires that these existing resources be remodelled and reallocated. Thus, as the old institutions close, resources will be transferred to the community to facilitate the development of a dynamic and person centred community based mental health service.
105 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children when the newly supplied CAT scan at Monaghan Hospital will be put in use; if she is satisfied that personnel will be made available on an ongoing basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20140/10]
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.
107 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress she has made to date drafting legislation to control the use of sunbeds; if she plans banning them completely; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20209/10]
I intend to seek Government approval in the near future to draft Heads of a Bill to control the use of sunbeds. The proposed measures include:
a prohibition on the use of sunbeds to those under 18 years of age;
restrictions on the sale or hiring of sunbeds;
a ban on unsupervised sunbed use in commercial settings;
warning signs on premises where sunbed services are offered to the public and on sunbeds;
a requirement on proprietors of businesses offering sunbed services to register with the HSE;
exemptions in respect of the use of sunbeds for medical purposes;
enforcement provisions and penalties for non-compliance.
108 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children when it is intended to transfer the community welfare service from her Department to the Department of Social Protection; the elements of the scheme that will remain with the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20207/10]
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.
110 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she has taken or proposes to take to speed up the process of medical card and rent or mortgage support applications with particular reference to the need to meet the needs of the community arising from the current economic climate; if she and or her Department has given any instructions to the relevant officers not to respond to the queries from Members or other public representatives; if her attention has been drawn to the growing practice in this context; her plans to address the issue arising; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20228/10]
The Health Service Executive (HSE), with my full support, has decided to centralise the processing of all medical cards and GP visit card applications and renewals to its Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) in Dublin. The process commenced in January 2009 when the PCRS took over the processing of all medical card applications for persons aged 70 or over. The second phase commenced in September 2009 with the transfer of the case load from two local health offices in Dublin.
The HSE has advised that when fully implemented, the initiative to centralise the processing of all medical card and GP visit card applications and renewals will ensure:
Improved turnaround times for the processing of applications: under the new arrangements the HSE will be aiming for a turnaround time of 15 working days or less, with provision for emergency applications to be dealt with immediately;
Consistent and equitable application of eligibility and service provision;
Clearer governance and accountability, as well as improved management information.
In a communication to all Oireachtas members on 19th January 2010, I provided a list with the names and telephone numbers of the local health office managers and, in each case, a contact name or names and telephone numbers and e-mail addresses for enquiries from Oireachtas Members about medical card and GP visit card applications being dealt with by local health offices. The list also gave the contact details of a dedicated contact person in the PCRS for enquiries from Oireachtas Members about medical card and GP visit card applications and reviews being dealt with by the PCRS.
The Deputy will be aware that ongoing industrial action by certain HSE staff is affecting some of the Executive's work. Neither I nor officials in my Department have instructed HSE officials not to respond to queries from Oireachtas Members or other public representatives.
In relation to the other issues raised in the Deputy's question, 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 these matters remain of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise them with me again in due course.
111 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost of rolling out retinopathy screening nationally in view of the recommendations of the Health Service Executive expert advisory group on diabetes; if the retinopathy screening programme planned for the west is operational; the position regarding the expansion of diabetic retinopathy screening to other areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20295/10]
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.
112 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of primary care teams that are now operational; the number that operate from a designated centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20196/10]
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.
113 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made on the commitments made to sufferers of cystic fibrosis; the timeframe for the completion of the facilities promised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20186/10]
A new ward block to replace existing accommodation is being developed at St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin. 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 and are expected to be finalised shortly. 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.
114 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will consider new ways to provide diagnostic services through general practitioners in view of the waiting times for X-rays, MRI scans and so on; the cost of having these carried out at acute hospitals; the potential for GPs to carry out these services; if leasing of equipment that would be accessible to the GPs, for example, has been considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20208/10]
I acknowledge the importance of easy access to diagnostics in the community. I understand that the Health Service Executive is examining the whole area of access to diagnostics, including the issues raised by the Deputy, and will make recommendations in due course.
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 any further information. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
115 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects to receive the report of the special group she established to examine the way in which the health services should be funded; if the report will be published on her receipt of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20193/10]
I established the Expert Group on Resource Allocation and Financing in the Health Sector under the chairmanship of Professor Frances Ruane, Director, ESRI in April last year to examine how the existing system of resource allocation within the Irish public health service can be improved to support better the aims of the health reform programme. The Group was asked to report to me and the Minister for Finance in April 2010.
The Expert Group has made considerable progress on this complex issue and intends to produce a robust, evidence-based report that will inform public policy on health resourcing, with a particular emphasis on actions in the short and medium term. The Chair has recently informed me that the Group is close to finalising the report and expects to present it to me in June.
116 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has carried out a review or made any changes following the finding of the Department of Finance which indicated inefficiencies in her Department including the fact that some staff have too much work to do and others have very little; if this report will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20212/10]
I take it that the Deputy's question refers to the review of my Department that was carried out last year under the Organisational Review Programme (ORP). Following receipt of the report of the review in February last, the Department set about preparing an Action Plan setting out its response to the ORP conclusions. The report and action plan will be published in due course along with similar reports and action plans for other Government Offices, following submission to the Government.
The ORP is a public service modernisation initiative under the auspices of the Department of the Taoiseach. It involves assessing the capacity of individual Government Departments and major Offices to meet their challenges over the coming years. My Department has already made it clear that it welcomes this report and is satisfied that it provides a timely and helpful review. The report acknowledges the Department's strengths and achievements including, in particular, the ability and commitment of its staff in dealing with a difficult agenda.
It also identifies areas which require improvement, which include the Department's human resource capacities. The drafting of the Action Plan is now at an advanced stage and I would anticipate that it will be sent forward to the Department of the Taoiseach shortly for submission to Government.
The process of drafting the plan has involved extensive internal consultation and it will set out an agreed set of actions designed to address the issues raised in the report and provide a roadmap for the future development of the Department to meet the challenges over the coming years.
I am confident that the Action Plan will be an effective response to the report and my Department will use it to build on its undoubted strengths and to further improve its performance in these changing and challenging times.
117 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify the rights of TDs and Senators, under legislation, to have regular briefings by the Health Service Executive in their region on acute as well as primary and community care service delivery; the frequency of such meetings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20185/10]
There is no statutory requirement for the Health Service Executive to meet with members of the Oireachtas in order to provide briefing on local issues. However, both my Department and the Executive regard the provision of information to Oireachtas members as a priority and there are a number of channels by which briefing material and other information is provided on a regular and ongoing basis.
The Executive has arranged local area briefings for Oireachtas members on an ad hoc basis and it had been intended to hold such briefings earlier this year. However this had to be postponed due to the current industrial action by members of IMPACT. The Executive fully intends to resume this practice once the industrial action has been resolved. It should be noted that outside of such briefings it is open to Oireachtas members to contact their local Health Office Manager or Hospital Manager should they wish to discuss a particular issue. Contact details for local managers have been provided to Oireachtas members and the Executive's Parliamentary Affairs Division can also provide contact assistance if required.
The Health Act 2004 (Dealings with members of either House of the Oireachtas) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 798 of 2005) sets out arrangements for enabling members of the Oireachtas to contact the Executive and specifies a wide range of documentation and information which the Executive must make available to Oireachtas members. This includes:
the Executive's Corporate Plan as approved by the Minister for Health and Children under Section 29 of the Health Act 2004;
any Service Plan as approved by the Minister pursuant to Section 31 of the Act;
the Annual Report as prepared by the Executive and submitted to the Minister pursuant to Section 37 of the Act;
any reports or statistical data made available to the public by the Executive.
The Deputy will be aware that under Section 42 of the Health Act 2004, Regional Health Forums have been established in each of the Executive's administrative areas, the purpose of which is to enable city and county councillors to make representations to the Executive, as appropriate, on the range and operation of health and personal social services provided within its functional area. S.I. 798 of 2005 also provides that any record of proceedings of a Regional Health Forum, or of a committee established by a Regional Health Forum, must be made available to Oireachtas members.
The Deputy will also be aware that a vast amount of information on both local area issues and national policy issues is regularly provided to Oireachtas members by way of responses to Parliamentary Questions, Adjournment Debates and other Parliamentary business in the House. I regret that in recent months this channel of information has been curtailed due to industrial action. However, members will again be at liberty to pursue this option once the current industrial action has been fully resolved.
120 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she and her officials have had with the Health Service Executive in relation to the progress to date of Part 2 of the Disability Act with regard to the number and timescale in providing assessments and service statements for children aged zero to five years; if she is confident with the progress made in relation to this section of the Act; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20223/10]
Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 commenced for children aged under 5 years with effect from 1st June 2007. Significant work was undertaken by my Department and the HSE in preparation for the commencement of the Disability Act in respect of children under the age of 5 including: the development of standards for the assessment of need process; the publication of Regulations and the Commencement Order; the appointment of Assessment Officers responsible for the coordination of the Assessment of Need; and the appointment of Liaison Officers responsible for the provision of Service Statements.
Meeting the statutory deadlines on providing assessments and service statements has proved challenging to the HSE. Accordingly, my Department and the HSE have agreed a set of performance indicators relating to the implementation of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 for children under the age of 5 years which have been included in the 2010 HSE National Service Plan. These are reported on a quarterly basis in the HSE's performance monitoring reports.
In addition, there is ongoing liaison between officials of my Department and the HSE to monitor overall progress on all aspects relating to the implementation of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 for children aged under 5 years.
121 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason Ireland continues to be blacklisted by the Russian authorities in relation to adoptions from the Russian Federation arising from the failure of the authorities here to forward post placement reports of Russian children already adopted in this country; the number of post placement reports that are currently outstanding; the steps that are being taken to address the situation in order that Irish adoptive parents can again complete the adoption process. [20122/10]
Regions from within more than a dozen countries, including Ireland, the United States, the United Kingdom and France were recently "blacklisted" by the Russian Ministry of Education, thus suspending referrals for adoption. The issue as it pertains to Ireland relates to the provision of Post Placement Reports by adoptive parents. When adopting from Russia, adoptive parents agree to complete a series of post placement reports on the child. These reports are lodged by the adoptive parents with the Russian authorities. This is an administrative arrangement as part of the Russian adoption process and is not a legal requirement. While neither the Adoption Board nor the HSE have a statutory function in relation to the provision of the reports, they facilitate the preparation of same.
The issue arose previously, in 2009, and was resolved to the satisfaction of the Russian authorities. I was surprised to learn of this latest problem as there had been recent positive feedback from the Russian authorities and there was no indication that there was to be a suspension of adoptions for Irish applicants.
Once I became aware of the problem, contact was immediately made with the Russian Embassy in Dublin to confirm the suspension of adoption activity and to seek the Embassy's assistance in identifying all outstanding reports. A list of cases where reports were considered to be outstanding was supplied by the Russian Embassy and has since been examined in detail by the HSE and the Adoption Board. It was established, and accepted by the Russian Embassy, that more than half of the reports listed by the Russian authorities as outstanding had, in fact, been previously completed by the adoptive parents and forwarded to the Russian authorities. The majority of the remaining reports had previously been completed by the HSE and are currently with the adoptive parents. In a small number of cases, adoptive parents have not engaged with the HSE, thus preventing the completion of reports. I met with diplomats from the Russian Embassy recently in order to review the position and with a view to re-opening the adoption process for Irish applicants. I am awaiting a response from the Russian Embassy on the matter.
I am very aware of the anxiety experienced by those who are waiting to adopt from Russia as a result of this issue. Parents who have already adopted from Russia are being encouraged by the health authorities to provide any outstanding information to the Russian Government in a timely fashion .
123 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to an article (details supplied) which revealed that Health Service Executive’s Dublin north east region received 33 complaints of physical or sexual abuse of children in foster care between 2006 and 2008; if she has been informed by the HSE of the number of such complaints received from children in foster care for each of the years 2005 to 2008 inclusive; if she will state to whom such allegations can be communicated by a child in foster care; and the action taken when such an allegation is made. [20000/10]
I have read and noted the contents of the newspaper report referred to by the Deputy.
The provision of foster care is central to child welfare and protection. In the course of an inspection last year, HIQA identified serious issues in the HSE Local Health Offices of Dublin North West and Dublin North Central. Key concerns included gaps in the assessment of foster carers, a lack of contact between social workers and foster care children & their families, and weaknesses in the management of records. HIQA brought their concerns to the attention of the HSE. The HSE developed an action plan to address any weaknesses identified and is in ongoing contact with HIQA in terms of addressing any deficits identified.
I met with the HSE to discuss the issues identified by HIQA arising from the inspections. I emphasised to the HSE the importance of ensuring that comprehensive plans are in place as a priority to address any weaknesses identified in the provision of foster care services, and the need to ensure that these plans are fully delivered upon in the shortest possible timeframe. It is particularly important that the HSE take all necessary steps to deliver the approved increase of 200 social workers in the current year in order to ensure, at a minimum, that every child in care has access to an allocated social worker.
It is a positive development that inconsistencies in practice and identified problems are now being identified through the work of the HSE's own internal audit processes and through the inspection process of HIQA. The challenge facing the HSE is the need to ensure that all necessary measures are taken as a priority to address any weaknesses identified.
Any allegation of abuse of a child in the care of the State should be noted to the statutory authorities in accordance with Children First. In addition Section 10 of the National Standards for Foster Care sets out good practice in relation to dealing with issues of alleged abuse of children in foster care.
124 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made to date in drafting the proposed National Vetting Bureau Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20211/10]
The Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is at an advanced stage of drafting the Heads for the National Vetting Bureau Bill with a view to submitting Heads of Bill to Government shortly. Consultations have taken place with the Health Service Executive, An Garda Síochána and colleagues in other Government Departments. My Department has also received a number of public representations on the issue of "soft" information.
This area has also been considered by the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment for Children and the findings of the Committee are being considered in the preparation of the legislation.
125 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that private and public ambulance services are appropriately subject to standards inspection, vetting of staff and other quality control measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20201/10]
The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) sets educational qualifications and lays down standards for provision of ambulance services in the statutory, private and voluntary sectors.
Since its establishment in 2000, the Council has worked in particular to ensure that pre-hospital personnel in the statutory, private and voluntary sectors are appropriately trained for the roles which they carry out. It awards qualifications at three levels under the National Qualifications for Emergency Medical Technicians scheme; these levels are emergency medical technician (the minimum qualification), paramedic and advanced paramedic. PHECC registers all qualified pre-hospital practitioners, including those in private and voluntary services, and has implemented practice standards for practitioners, through clinical practice guidelines, and for emergency ambulances. In addition, the Health Information and Quality Authority is at present leading the development of response time standards for pre-hospital/ambulance services.
PHECC's functions also include the recognition of ambulance service providers, subject to compliance with a range of service standards specified by the Council. These standards require that evidence be provided of:
Garda security clearance for personnel;
Appropriately qualified and registered staff;
English language competency assurance;
Access to ongoing training;
Clinical records management;
Clinical audit;
Medical oversight; and
Professional liability insurance.
The HSE, Dublin Fire Brigade and all private ambulance providers have provided the Council with the required evidence on the specified matters. Inspection of private ambulance services has commenced and inspection of statutory and voluntary services is pending. All private ambulance services contracted to provide services on behalf of private health insurers or the HSE must first go through an approval process, and all have been inspected.
Ireland is the only jurisdiction where the statutory requirements for registration of practitioners, approved clinical practice guidelines and organisational approval to use them apply to the statutory, private, voluntary and auxiliary sectors. This country is also the only jurisdiction in which statutory registration applies to all three levels of Ambulance personnel (Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics and Advanced Paramedics).
As part of the Government's decision to rationalise a number of separate State agencies, the functions of the PHECC will be assigned as appropriate to other statutory bodies. Work is under way to identify the appropriate agency/agencies and to give legal effect to this decision.
127 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will give details of the proposed national awareness campaign around the dangers associated with so called legal highs, including the timeframe of the campaign, the additional resources that will be made available for it and the form of media that will be employed, for example radio, billboards and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18909/10]
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.
129 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a detailed account of the commitment given to forward post-placement reports to the Russian Ministry of Education in relation to adoptions from the Russian Federation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20123/10]
Regions from within more than a dozen countries, including Ireland, the United States, the United Kingdom and France were recently "blacklisted" by the Russian Ministry of Education, thus suspending referrals for adoption. The issue as it pertains to Ireland relates to the provision of Post Placement Reports by adoptive parents. When adopting from Russia, adoptive parents agree to complete a series of post placement reports on the child. These reports are lodged by the adoptive parents with the Russian authorities. This is an administrative arrangement as part of the Russian adoption process and is not a legal requirement. While neither the Adoption Board nor the HSE have a statutory function in relation to the provision of the reports, they facilitate the preparation of same.
The issue arose previously, in 2009, and was resolved to the satisfaction of the Russian authorities. I was surprised to learn of this latest problem as there had been recent positive feedback from the Russian authorities and there was no indication that there was to be a suspension of adoptions for Irish applicants.
Once I became aware of the problem, contact was immediately made with the Russian Embassy in Dublin to confirm the suspension of adoption activity and to seek the Embassy's assistance in identifying all outstanding reports. A list of cases where reports were considered to be outstanding was supplied by the Russian Embassy and has since been examined in detail by the HSE and the Adoption Board. It was established, and accepted by the Russian Embassy, that more than half of the reports listed by the Russian authorities as outstanding had, in fact, been previously completed by the adoptive parents and forwarded to the Russian authorities. The majority of the remaining reports had previously been completed by the HSE and are currently with the adoptive parents. In a small number of cases, adoptive parents have not engaged with the HSE, thus preventing the completion of reports. I met with diplomats from the Russian Embassy recently in order to review the position and with a view to re-opening the adoption process for Irish applicants. I am awaiting a response from the Russian Embassy on the matter.
I am very aware of the anxiety experienced by those who are waiting to adopt from Russia as a result of this issue. Parents who have already adopted from Russia are being encouraged by the health authorities to provide any outstanding information to the Russian Government in a timely fashion .
130 Deputy James Reilly asked the Taoiseach the amount that each household is spending on doctors annually based on the household budget survey 2004 to 2005 adjusted for medical inflation or whatever category of inflation the Central Statistics Office deems suitable for this category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20002/10]
131 Deputy James Reilly asked the Taoiseach the amount that each household is spending on dentists annually based on the household survey 2004 to 2005 adjusted for medical inflation or whatever category of inflation the Central Statistics Office deems suitable for this category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20003/10]
132 Deputy James Reilly asked the Taoiseach the amount that each household is spending on opticians annually based on the household budget survey 2004 to 1005 adjusted for medical inflation or whatever inflation the Central Statistics office deems suitable for this category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20004/10]
133 Deputy James Reilly asked the Taoiseach the amount each household is spending on prescription medicines annually based on the household budget survey 2004 to 2005 adjusted for medical inflation or whatever category of inflation the Central Statistics Office deems suitable for this category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20005/10]
134 Deputy James Reilly asked the Taoiseach the amount each household is spending on other medicines annually based on the household budget survey 2004 to 2005 adjusted for medical inflation or whatever category of inflation the Central Statistics Office deems suitable for this category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20006/10]
135 Deputy James Reilly asked the Taoiseach the amount that each household is spending on pain relievers annually based on the household budget survey 2004 to 2005 adjusted for medical inflation or whatever category of inflation the Central Statistics Office deems suitable for this category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20007/10]
136 Deputy James Reilly asked the Taoiseach the amount that each household is spending on indigestion relievers annually based on the household budget survey 2004 to 2005 adjusted for medical inflation or whatever category of inflation the Central Statistics Office deems suitable for this category. [20008/10]
137 Deputy James Reilly asked the Taoiseach the amount that each household is spending on cough mixtures annually based on the household budget survey 2004 to 2005 adjusted for medical inflation or whatever category of inflation the Central Statistics Office deems suitable for this category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20009/10]
138 Deputy James Reilly asked the Taoiseach the amount that each household is spending on alternative or complementary medicine annually based on the household budget survey 2004 to 2005 adjusted for medical inflation or whatever category of inflation the Central Statistics Office deems suitable for this category. [20010/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 to 138, inclusive, together.
The table shows the average annual household expenditure in April 2010 for each category of medical (including dentists and opticians) expenditure listed. The data are derived from the latest available Household Budget Survey (2004/2005). The expenditure in each category has been adjusted for inflation using the change in a corresponding sub-index of the Consumer Price Index between October 2005 and April 2010.
|
Category |
Annual Expenditure |
|
€ |
|
|
Doctors |
238.91 |
|
Dentists |
190.07 |
|
Opticians |
20.18 |
|
Prescription medicines |
205.06 |
|
Other medicines |
48.52 |
|
Pain relievers |
29.94 |
|
Indigestion relievers |
7.85 |
|
Cough mixtures |
11.40 |
|
Alternative or Complementary Medicine |
22.72 |
139 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Taoiseach the number of persons in his Department and office, including any Departments and offices under his aegis, employed in the civil and public service who are in receipt of a State pension. [21160/10]
Neither my Department nor any of the Offices under its aegis keep such records as requested by the Deputy unless it is relevant to the current employment of the persons concerned.
140 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if, in view of his speech on the Competition (Amendment) Bill 2010, he will provide a full list of all Competition Authority recommendations indicating the 40% that have been implemented, the 9% which are pending and with regard to the other 51% to indicate in each case whether the recommendation has been accepted or rejected or whether it is still under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19888/10]
The Building Ireland’s Smart Economy document, published in December 2008, contained a commitment to publish a whole-of-Government response to recommendations contained in Competition Authority reports within nine months of their publication. The October 2009 review of the Programme for Government, Renewed Programme for Government, further strengthened this pledge.
The recommendations made by the Competition Authority result from studies it carries out on various sectors or professions at regular intervals and usually contain a suite of recommendations, aimed at improving competition in the relevant area and are addressed to the responsible Government Department or body.
Following the commitment given by the Government in December 2008, my Department drew up an initial prioritised list of 21 recommendations, based on their impact on competitiveness. These 21 recommendations related, directly or indirectly, to five Government Departments.
The Government has reviewed the progress made by these Government Departments in responding to the 21 recommendations and a Government Statement to this effect issued in April 2010. In the statement the Government also noted that 40% of the total number of recommendations made by the Competition Authority between 2000 and 2009 had been implemented, with a further 9% being progressed. Since the review by Government earlier this year the Competition Authority has confirmed the following as the current position. Out of a total of 163 recommendations, 69 (42%) have been implemented with a further 13 (8%) recommendations currently being progressed.
The remaining number of recommendations (81 in total; 50%) can be classed as either not implemented; currently being considered by the relevant department or body; no longer relevant; not requiring action; or status unclear. An exercise is currently underway to clarify the precise status of all of these ‘outstanding' recommendations in order to facilitate decisions on whether to reject or pursue each remaining recommendation. In line with a recent Government Decision, I intend to bring to Government twice-yearly updates on the implementation of these and any further recommendations made by the Competition Authority.
My Department has prepared a detailed list of the 163 recommendations made to date by the Competition Authority. The list also indicates the current status of each recommendation. I have arranged for this material to be sent to the Deputy directly. The Deputy may also wish to visit the website of the Authority (www.tca.ie) on which can be found each of the market studies as well as the rationale for each recommendation.
141 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of persons employed in Forfás, FÁS, Office of Director Corporate Employment, Enterprise Ireland, Industrial Development Authority of Ireland, the Health and Saftey Authority, the Companies Register Office, the Labour Relations Commission, the Labour Court, Science Foundation Ireland and any other agency under the remit of his Department terms of whole time equivalents employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target number at which point the moratorium will end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20043/10]
The following table below outlines the number of whole time equivalent staff employed in the offices and agencies of this Department prior to the Moratorium (at 25th March 2009) and currently (at 17th May 2010).
|
Office |
25th March 2009 |
10th May 2010 |
|
Office of Director Corporate Enforcement |
35.50 |
40.55* |
|
Companies Registration Office |
124.91 |
108.21 |
|
Labour Relations Commission |
48.40 |
46.50 |
|
Labour Court |
37.50 |
28.50 |
|
County Enterprise Boards |
154.40 |
136.10 |
|
Competition Authority |
51.40 |
43.20 |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
912.00 |
858.00 |
|
Forfás |
124.00 |
120.50 |
|
Health and Safety Authority |
202.00 |
191.00 |
|
IDA Ireland |
282.00 |
264.00 |
|
IAASA |
12.00 |
12.00 |
|
National Consumer Agency |
48.50 |
43.20 |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland |
200.00 |
190.00 |
|
Personal Injuries Assessment Board |
78.00 |
74.00 |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
52.00 |
51.00 |
|
Shannon Development |
133.00 |
118.00 |
|
InterTrade Ireland |
43.91 |
40.91 |
*6.6 Additional Staff were assigned to the Office of Director Corporate Enforcement between April 2009 and September 2009 to assist with Anglo Irish investigations.
The Moratorium provides that "until the end of 2010, no public service post, however arising, may be filled by recruitment, promotion, nor payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade. Where vacancies arise Departments/agencies must reallocate staff or re-organise work accordingly. Any exceptions to this moratorium will require the prior sanction of the Minister for Finance". Discussions are ongoing between my Department and the Department of Finance in relation to staffing levels in the context of agreeing an Employment Control Framework for my Department and its agencies to cover the period up to end 2012.
The position in relation to FÁS is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Education and Skills.
142 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will provide an update of the Irish legislative position regarding the implementation of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC which protects business to consumer relations and also the Misleading Advertising Directive 2006/114/EC which covers business to business transactions (details supplied). [20077/10]
Directive 2005/29/EC on unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices has been given effect in Ireland by the Consumer Protection Act 2007. The scope of the Directive, and of the provisions of the Act that give effect to it, is confined to commercial practices by a trader that are directly connected with the promotion, sale or supply of a product to consumers. Section 8(6) of the Consumer Protection Act 2007 provides, however, that, while nothing in the Act imposes a duty on the National Consumer Agency to consider whether to investigate a matter referred to it by a trader, the Agency may consider whether to do so, and may accordingly proceed to investigate the matter, where it is satisfied that the matter may affect the interests and welfare of consumers.
Directive 2006/114/EC on misleading and comparative advertising seeks to protect traders against misleading advertising and the unfair consequences thereof and to lay down the conditions under which comparative advertising is permitted. It has been given effect in Ireland by the European Communities (Misleading and Comparative Marketing Communications) Regulations 2007 (S.I No. 774/2007). Article 5 of the Regulations provides that a trader or other person may apply to the Circuit Court or the High Court for an order prohibiting a trader from engaging, or continuing to engage, in a misleading marketing communication or a prohibited comparative marketing communication, and sets out the rules governing such applications and orders.
I would draw the Deputy's attention also to the provisions of section 48 of the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 on directory entries. This provides, among other things, that an order for an entry in a directory must be made by means of an order form or other stationery belonging to the person to whose business the directory entry is to relate, and that the note of a person's agreement to a charge for a directory entry must state the charge and various details relating to the directory. A person is not liable for payment, or is entitled to recover any payment made by him, for a directory entry not made in compliance with the section. It is also an offence for a person to demand payment, or assert a right to payment, for a charge for a directory entry without knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the entry was ordered in accordance with the section or that a proper note of agreement has been signed.
It is not possible from the initial details supplied by the Deputy to establish if the practices by the business directory companies referred to there would come within the scope of Directive 2006/114/EC and the Regulations that give effect to it, or of section 48 of the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980. If the Deputy is in a position to furnish additional information, I would be happy to have my Department consider the matter further.
143 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will expedite redundancy payments in respect of a person (details supplied). [20084/10]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department has processed this lump sum redundancy claim on behalf of the individual concerned and that payment in this case issued in early May 2010.
144 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will support a matter (details supplied). [20425/10]
My Department condemns any practices by employers that may result in non-compliance with employment rights entitlements or any other mistreatment of employees including those on employment permits. Ireland's Employment Rights Legislation establishes the statutory rights applicable to all people working in Ireland whether they are Irish citizens or otherwise. I would urge all whose employment rights are being breached by an employer or those who know of such exploitation, to contact the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA).
The Employment Permits Act 2006 sets out in legislation the rules governing employment permits. One of the main focuses of this Act was in increasing the rights and protections afforded to migrant workers and the means to ensure redress in the event of exploitative practices. The Act's provisions gave immigrants greater freedom, autonomy and control over their own employment choices by enabling workers for the first time to apply and re-apply for their own permit and allowing workers to change their employer after a period of a year and move to another employment in order to take advantage of better conditions or career options. Last year, my Department issued almost 1,500 employment permits in respect of employees changing to new employers.
A properly controlled employment permit system requires that permits be issued to a specific employee for a specific job with a specific employer. To do otherwise would not only risk abuse of the employment permit system but would make it much more difficult to ensure that employers observed the employment rights of employees. The Employment Permits Act 2006 allows for regular review of Ireland's economic migration policies and my Department keeps these policies under review, in line with the emerging needs of the labour market, on an on-going basis.
145 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of companies in counties Cavan and Monaghan that have applied to date for assistance under the €100 million stabilisation fund; the number of applications accepted; the amount per county awarded to date; if he will have sufficient funds to cover the applications received or the €22 million cut in this fund will affect the benefits that were originally expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20465/10]
The Enterprise Stabilisation Fund (ESF) was established by Government in 2009 as a 2-year scheme to support viable but vulnerable exporting companies experiencing difficulties because of the current economic climate. Over the lifetime of the scheme to date, 4 Cavan companies have been approved for support amounting to €1,450,000 with the result that 356 jobs have been sustained in that County. There have been no approvals for companies in Monaghan to date.
At 30 April 2010, a total of 227 applications had been reviewed and 197 projects from 193 companies had been approved €72m under the ESF, of which €64m has been paid out to date. The total number of jobs sustained as a result of this funding in 2009 was in the region of 7,500.
The economic environment in which we are operating is evolving daily and the supports which government make available for company supports must change to reflect current priorities. It is in this context that the overall funding allocated to Enterprise Ireland for company supports in 2010 amounts to €278m, which represents an overall 26% increase on the outturn for 2009.
While a smaller portion of this funding is being allocated to the ESF, the overall increase is a reflection of the Government's commitment to supporting enterprise and the re-prioritisation of funding across the range of Enterprise Ireland programmes is taking account of the recovery phase which the Irish economy is now entering.
To put this re-prioritisation of funding in context, all companies applying under the ESF are assessed to ascertain whether the Fund is a suitable support for them, in the event that it is not, then the company is re-directed to the most appropriate funding mechanism from EI's other suite of funding supports.
The companies that Enterprise Ireland is now assisting includes those that are still vulnerable but just as importantly, those that have shown their potential for high growth and increased export sales. This balance between supporting those companies which are still vulnerable and those, which are ready to grow, is the key to stabilising the position of some companies while facilitating others taking advantage of the opportunities presented by the recovery in global markets.
Allocations to particular schemes are kept under constant review and adjusted to meet our economic needs at any given point in time.
146 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when redundancy payment will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20502/10]
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 28 May 2009.
In instances such as this, where the employer does not formally wind the company up but goes into informal insolvency and is unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements, the Department seeks from the employer evidence of inability to pay the entitlements to the employees. This involves requesting a statement from the company's Accountant or Solicitor attesting to the inadequacy of assets to make the redundancy payments and, the latest set of financial accounts for the company. The employer is also asked to admit liability for the 40% liability attaching to the company arising from the redundancy payments. If this information is provided to the Department, the employees are paid their redundancy entitlement from the Social Insurance Fund. Upon payment, the Department pursues the company for the 40% share that the company would ordinarily have been expected to pay to the employees.
In the present instance, the necessary documentation has not been provided as yet. If it were, it should be possible to authorise the claim for payment shortly. If the necessary supporting documentation required from the employer is not provided to my Department, the employee will be advised by my Department to take a case to the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) against the employer to seek a determination establishing the employee's right and entitlement to redundancy. Once such a determination is available, the Department is then in a position to make the payment to the employee concerned. Should the outstanding documentation be provided by the employer during the period while the case is pending a hearing before the EAT, this would allow the claim to be processed by my Department in the usual way.
147 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the sections of legislation which the Director of Corporate Enforcement has raised as requiring modification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20534/10]
My Department maintains a close ongoing dialogue with the Director of Corporate Enforcement in regard to the operation of the Companies Acts to ensure that they are fit for purpose and any necessary modifications are made through the relevant legislative process as appropriate.
148 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when he will introduce a Bill to amend company law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20535/10]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the Companies Consolidation and Reform Bill which is currently being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel along the lines of the General Scheme of the Companies Consolidation and Reform Bill. The proposed Bill will consolidate into a single Act, comprising more than 1,300 sections, Irish Companies Acts dating from 1963 to 2009 as well as other regulations and common law provisions relating to the incorporation and operation of companies. It is envisaged that the Bill will be published in Autumn 2011.
149 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of investigations that have taken place under the provisions of the Market Abuse (Directive 2003/6/EC) Regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20538/10]
The competent authority designated under the Market Abuse (Directive 2003/6/EC) Regulations 2005 is the Financial Regulator. I have no direct function in relation to investigations undertaken under the provisions of these Regulations.
150 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement is satisfied that it has an adequate number of staff in order to fulfil its duties; if requests for extra staff have been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20539/10]
My Department has no outstanding requests from the Director of Corporate Enforcement for additional staff for his Office.
151 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the schemes used by his Department or its agencies specifically to attract technology companies to the Dublin docklands area; the schemes that are no longer in existence which were used to attract sector specific companies since the Dublin docklands regeneration project began; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20547/10]
At present the Industrial Development agencies under the aegis of my Department use a range of schemes to attract manufacturing or internationally-traded services operations to all parts of the country. The schemes available to all such companies in Dublin docklands are the same, and at the same aid rates, as those available elsewhere in Dublin.
For the country as a whole, schemes fall into a number of categories. Regional aid is paid, in areas where it is allowed under EU State aid rules, in the form of capital or employment grants or in the form of preference shares, and the amount payable is linked to the level of investment or to the numbers to be employed in the operation. However, since 1 January, 2007, regional aid is no longer payable in Dublin, and therefore not in Dublin docklands. Other categories of aid are payable on a uniform basis across the country. These include grants to support Research Development and Innovation, Training grants, and SME supports such as towards the carrying out of market research or towards participation in trade fairs.
Therefore, the category of schemes no longer available in Dublin docklands, or elsewhere in Dublin, is regional aid. The rate for regional aid in Dublin fell to 17.5% in 2000 and to 0% from 1 January, 2007.
152 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of site visits made by agencies under the aegis of his Department with a view to creating employment in County Limerick in the years 2007 to date in 2010; the location of these visits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20550/10]
There have been a total of 70 site visits made to Limerick by potential FDI investors since 2007 and to date in 2010.
The tabular statement breaks down each of these visits and gives their locations.
|
Location of Site Visits |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 to date |
|
Limerick Only |
33 |
8 |
17 |
9 |
|
Limerick + Askeaton |
1 |
1 |
1 |
— |
|
Total |
34 |
9 |
18 |
9 |
The IDA Mid West region consists of Counties Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary. IDA Ireland's regional strategy reflects the National Spatial Strategy, with an emphasis on the Limerick/Shannon Gateway and the hub town of Ennis. IDA Ireland's strategy for the Mid West Region is: to transition to a knowledge economy by winning new FDI in innovation driven, high value, high skills sectors; to work with the existing company base to expand their presence by increasing the number and scale of functions being carried out and by adding further strategic functions; to promote balanced regional development; to influence the provision of modern property solutions with supporting infrastructure; to work with local authorities and other partners to influence the creation of the right infrastructural environment to help win new FDI throughout the region; and to work closely with educational institutions in the region to develop the skill sets necessary to attract high value-added employment.
The Agency cooperates with the existing base of employers to encourage additional investment, particularly in activities such as R&D, customer support and back office functions. Over the past 2 years there have been 9 project announcements for the Mid-West Region of which 6 were for Limerick with a job potential of 1,173. It should be noted however that jobs announced are typically created over a period of up to three to five years. IDA works closely with Shannon Development in the provision of suitable property solutions for potential investors to the region, including Co Limerick.
|
Month of Announcement |
Company Name |
Location |
Jobs Announced |
|
February 2008 |
Vistakon (Expansion) |
Limerick |
60 |
|
February 2008 |
Channel Advisor (New) |
Limerick |
15 |
|
February 2008 |
Zimmer Holdings (New) |
Shannon |
250 |
|
July 2008 |
On Semiconductor (New) |
Limerick |
49 |
|
September 2008 |
Cook Medical (Exp) |
Limerick |
200 |
|
November 2008 |
DTS (New) |
Limerick |
50 |
|
December 2008 |
Microsemi (Exp) |
Clare |
315 |
|
February 2009 |
Intel R&D (Exp) |
Shannon |
134 |
|
March 2010 |
Dell |
Limerick |
100 |
153 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of businesses in Waterford city that have been approved for funding by the city enterprise board in 2009 and to date in 2010; the amount of funding involved; the number of jobs created by this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20702/10]
The role of the Waterford City Enterprise Board (CEB) is to provide support for small businesses with 10 employees or fewer in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level throughout Waterford City.
The CEB delivers a series of Programmes to underpin this role and can provide both financial (grant) and non-financial (training, mentoring and a wide range of business advice activities) assistance to a project promoter. Business growth and job creation are inherent considerations in the activities of the CEB and they continue to support enterprise development in the Waterford City area ensuring that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development at local level. A priority for 2010 is to assist owner/managers in enhancing the survival and sustainability of their businesses in these difficult economic times and to assist people wishing to start their own business including those made redundant.
The figures requested by the Deputy are in tabular format as follows. The figures relating to net jobs existing in CEB-supported micro-enterprises are gathered in a CEB Job Survey each year. As figures are compiled on an annual basis, figures in respect of 2010 will not be available until early in 2011.
|
Waterford City Enterprise Board |
No. Projects Approved for Grants |
Value of Grants Approved |
Net jobs existing in CEB-supported Companies* |
|
€ |
|||
|
2009 |
30 |
360,867 |
662 |
|
2010 (to date) |
8 |
157,500 |
— |
*Figures exclude jobs existing prior to CEB support.
154 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of jobs in Waterford city in companies supported by the city enterprise board that existed in 2009; the net number of jobs existing at present in such companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20703/10]
The role of the Waterford City Enterprise Board (CEB) is to provide support for small businesses with 10 employees or fewer in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level throughout Waterford City.
The CEB delivers a series of Programmes to underpin this role and can provide both financial (grant) and non-financial (training, mentoring and a wide range of business advice activities) assistance to a project promoter. Business growth and job creation are inherent considerations in the activities of the CEB and they continue to support enterprise development in the Waterford City area ensuring that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development at local level. A priority for 2010 is to assist owner/managers in enhancing the survival and sustainability of their businesses in these difficult economic times and to assist people wishing to start their own business including those made redundant.
The figures requested by the Deputy are in tabular format as follows. The figures relating to net jobs existing in CEB-supported micro-enterprises are gathered in a CEB Job Survey each year. As figures are compiled on an annual basis, figures in respect of 2010 will not be available until early in 2011.
|
Waterford City Enterprise Board |
Net jobs existing in CEB-supported Companies* |
|
2009 |
662 |
*Figures exclude jobs existing prior to CEB support.
155 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of applications under the propel programme received from Waterford city; the number of jobs projected to be created under this programme in Waterford city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20704/10]
156 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of jobs created by agencies under his control in Waterford city in 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20705/10]
157 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of businesses in Waterford city that have been approved for funding under the growth fund in 2009 and to date in 2010; the amount of funding involved; the number of jobs created by this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20707/10]
158 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of businesses in Waterford city that have been approved for company expansion funding by Enterprise Ireland in 2009 and to date in 2010; the amount of funding involved; the number of jobs created by this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20708/10]
159 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of businesses in Waterford city that have been approved for funding by Enterprise Ireland in 2009 and to date in 2010 under its schemes for exploring new opportunities; the amount of funding involved; the number of jobs created by this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20709/10]
160 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of businesses in Waterford city that have been approved for funding by Enterprise Ireland in 2009 and to date in 2010 under its schemes for research and development; the amount of funding involved; the number of jobs created by this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20710/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 to 160, inclusive, together.
The provision of grant assistance to individual companies is a matter for the development agency or body concerned, and not one in which I have a direct function.
It should be noted that data in relation to funding is collated on a County only basis, so it is not possible to provide specific data in relation to Waterford City.
The Propel Programme is a nationwide business development programme aimed at supporting the setting up of start up companies in the information technology and life science sectors that have significant export potential. The initiative, the latest stage of Enterprise Ireland's ‘Propel Ideas into Business' Programme', is geared towards providing a select number of entrepreneurs and early stage businesses with the skills and training required to take the next step in expanding their service offerings. I understand from Enterprise Ireland that two applications have been received from companies in Waterford under this Programme and are currently at the evaluation stage.
The Growth Fund, launched in 2008, is designed to assist SME clients of Enterprise Ireland to achieve greater competitiveness by improving their export potential. This will be achieved by increasing both their gross output and gross productivity, while also providing new employment or maintaining existing employment levels. In 2009 and 2010, 3 companies from across Waterford, were approved funding totalling €578,341 from the Growth Fund. Typically, this funding is paid out over a two-year period.
Funding for company expansion is designed to assist companies achieve their growth plans. This includes support in the areas of capital equipment, training/management development, job creation, recruitment of key managers and R&D, with the focus on increasing exports. In 2009 and 2010, 16 companies were approved a total of €2,540,608 in Waterford with funding typically made available over a two to three year period.
Enterprise Ireland funding for investigating new ideas and markets is an essential aspect of business development. "Funding for Exploring New Opportunities" includes a range of different types of feasibility supports, assistance towards hiring a business mentor, attendance at trade fairs, and a range of consultancy supports. In 2009 and 2010, under this initiative, 30 companies from Waterford were approved funding totalling €523,416.
In addition, Enterprise Ireland provides critical in-company R&D funding designed to provide support for research, development and technological innovation relevant at all stages of company development, and which will enable companies to progress from undertaking an initial research project to high-level innovation and R&D activity. In 2009/10 there was one R&D project approved for €90,607 in Waterford. Innovation Vouchers give small companies access to the vast knowledge available in Irish Institutes of Technology, Universities and other public research bodies. The average Irish company can use these vouchers, worth €5,000, to bring in knowledge that is new to the company. In 2009, 10 Waterford City traders pooled their vouchers for a total of €50,000 to develop a marketing strategy for local businesses.
All EI's supports to companies work in a complementary manner, so it is not possible to say the number of jobs created individually by these various forms of funding. Enterprise Ireland is the lead government agency responsible for the development of Irish enterprise. Its mission is to accelerate the development of world-class Irish companies to achieve strong positions in world markets. Enterprise Ireland delivers a wide range of supports to Irish companies, targeted at the specific requirements of clients throughout all regions to ensure that they develop to their full potential in terms of employment, innovation and exports, which in turn, stimulates further job creation. Across the full range of supports, EI client companies had 3,640 full time employees in Waterford during 2009.
Employment data in respect of companies supported by the Enterprise Agencies is collated by Forfás on an annual basis and accordingly no data is available for 2010. This data is compiled on a county basis only so it is not possible to provide specific data for Waterford City. In 2009, 332 new full-time jobs were created in enterprise agency assisted firms (IDA Ireland 71 and Enterprise Ireland 322) in Waterford. At the end of 2009, the numbers in permanent employment in Enterprise Agency Assisted firms in Waterford stood at 9,247.
The figures relating to net jobs existing in CEB-supported micro-enterprises are gathered in a CEB Job Survey each year. The net number of jobs existing in CEB-supported companies in Waterford (excluding jobs existing prior to CEB-support) as per the Survey for 2009 was 662. As figures are compiled on an annual basis, figures in respect of 2010 will not be available until early in 2011.
161 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of businesses in Waterford city that have been approved for grant aid by Industrial Development Authority Ireland in 2009 and to date in 2010; the breakdown by each category of grant; the amount of funding involved; the number of jobs created by this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20711/10]
The IDA grant payments figures for companies in Waterford City and County for 2009 and to date in 2010 are outlined as follows. Grant payment information is provided on grants paid, not on grants approved, and broken down on a county basis only.
|
€ |
||
|
Employment |
2 companies |
432,200 |
|
R&D |
1 company |
35,367 |
|
Training |
1 company |
59,767 |
|
ESS* first call |
4 companies |
327,600 |
|
€ |
||
|
Employment |
1 company |
369,000 |
|
ESS* first call |
4 companies |
327,600 |
|
ESS* 2nd call |
1 company |
9,620 |
*Employment Subsidy Scheme.
Since the beginning of 2007 there were four announcements in Waterford City and County in relation to multinational start ups and expansions, with 438 jobs announced. The names of the companies, excluding companies who do not wish to make an announcement, are set out in the following table. Jobs announced are typically created over a period of up to three to five years and grant payments are paid as jobs are created and the company makes a claim. In this regard no comparison should be made between the table of announcements and the figures provided in the table for grant payments.
|
Month of Announcement |
Company Name |
Location |
Jobs |
Investment if disclosed |
|
€ |
||||
|
September 2007 |
Genzyme |
Waterford |
18 |
20 Million |
|
April 2008 |
Genzyme |
Waterford |
170 |
130 million |
|
April 2008 |
Microchem/Lancaster Labs |
Dungarvan |
100 |
Not disclosed |
|
April 2008 |
GlaxoSmithKline |
Dungarvan |
50 |
30 million |
Waterford and the South East is a high priority for IDA and the Agency is continuing to vigorously promote the region to potential new investors through its network of overseas offices and the various teams in its operational divisions. In line with the National Spatial Strategy, IDA Ireland is focused on advancing the economic development of the region primarily through the Gateway of Waterford City as well as Kilkenny, Wexford, Dungarvan, Carlow and Clonmel.
162 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of persons in his Department and office, including any Departments and offices under his aegis, employed in the civil and public service who are in receipt of a State pension. [21156/10]
I understand that the Deputy's question refers to both persons in receipt of a State pension such as a Widow's or Widower's Pension as well as to persons in receipt of a pension arising from public sector employment. Either way, the information requested by the Deputy is not held by my Department.
The Deputy should be aware that Public Service pension entitlements may be carried from one Public Service employment to the next provided the employer is a member of the Public Service Transfer Network. Pensions are generally not payable until retirement age. Where they are being paid prior to retirement age, they will likely be subject to an actuarial reduction except in the case of the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement which was available to Civil and Public Servants in 2009.
163 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance his plans to introduce new regulatory rules for the banking sector concerning risk management, compliance, liquidity management and general control processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20536/10]
Most aspects of banking regulation are governed by the relevant EU directives, in particular the Capital Requirements Directive (CRD), which implements the Basel II capital adequacy framework in the European Union. A wide-ranging programme of reform has been mandated at international level by the G20, arising from analysis which highlighted areas where the existing Basel II framework was insufficiently prescriptive, including liquidity requirements; capital quality and capital buffers; large exposures; securitisation; supervisory coordination; and leverage ratios. These reforms are being addressed in the EU through a series of amendments to the CRD, which will have to be transposed into national legislation.
At a pan-European level, we are also seeing a change in the regulatory architecture through the implementation of the De Larosiere report which seeks to address structural "systemic and inter-connected vulnerabilities" highlighted in recent years. Under proposals which are currently being finalised, a new EU function called the European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB) will be established under the ECB. The ESRB's role will be to gather information on all macro-prudential risks in the EU. At a micro level, a new European System of Financial Supervision (ESFS) will also be established. The current Level 3 Committees — CEBS (banking), CEIOPS (insurance), CESR (securities) — will be transformed into three new European Supervisory Authorities which will have a considerably expanded role compared to their current powers including issuing binding technical standards and having a strong coordinating role in crisis situations. There will be binding cooperation with the ESRB to provide adequate prudential supervision. Ireland will be playing an active role at both a macro and micro level within this new framework.
At national level, the Government is in the process of putting in place a domestic regulatory framework for financial services, including the banking sector, that: meets the Government's objective of maintaining the stability of the financial system; provides for the effective and efficient supervision of financial institutions and markets; and safeguards the interests of consumers and investors.
The Central Bank Reform Bill 2010, which has just completed second stage in Dáil Éireann, is the first of a three-stage legislative process to create a new fully-integrated structure for financial regulation. It provides a statutory basis for a new structure which will replace the existing Central Bank and Financial Services Regulatory Authority.
A second bill, to be brought before the House in the autumn, will enhance the powers and functions of the restructured Central Bank in relation to the: prudential supervision of individual financial institutions; conduct of business, including the protection of consumer interest; and overall stability of the financial system.
Having regard to international developments, particularly at EU level, the second bill will provide an opportunity to consider what further provision might be made at that time with respect to financial institutions in national legislation in the areas mentioned in the Deputy's question.
A third bill will consolidate the statutory arrangements for the Central Bank and financial regulation in the State.
I also understand that the Financial Regulator is developing an assertive risk-based system of regulation underpinned by the credible threat of enforcement. This involves calibrating the intensity of its regulatory standards and day-to-day supervisory approach to the risk profile of the firms and sectors that are supervised. In doing this, the Regulator will focus on risk mitigation, assessing business risk, and developing and using the risk model to assess firms systematically and to set the supervisory agenda.
Where matters are not prescribed by EU legislation, the Financial Regulator will propose national standards. The Financial Regulator has already published a package of proposals covering corporate governance standards and a consultation paper on Lending to Related Parties. The proposals in both documents are expected to be implemented in autumn 2010. The Financial Regulator also intends to issue further requirements, including tougher fitness and probity requirements and guidelines on remuneration and risk taking. Many of these initiatives will extend beyond the banking sector to other categories of financial services firms but will be developed in a proportionate manner, in line with the Regulator's risk-based approach.
164 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance if he has met representatives of the International Monetary Fund in 2007, 2008 and 2009; the dates and times of meetings for each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20546/10]
I had a courtesy call with the representatives of the International Monetary Fund during their Article IV mission on Wednesday 29th April 2009 from 10.30 a.m. to 11 a.m. There was no Article IV mission to Ireland during 2008.
The Minister for Finance had a courtesy call with the IMF during their Article IV mission on Wednesday 20th June 2007 from 5.30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Minister of State at the Department of Finance, on behalf of the Minister for Finance, met the IMF during the IMF/World Bank Annual meetings in 2008 and 2009 (10th to 13th October 2008 and 3rd to 6th October 2009).
The Executive Director of our IMF Constituency also visits once a year to provide an update on what is happening at the Fund and at Constituency level. As part of these visits, I met him on 22 May 2008 and 29 April 2009.
165 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide the subscription agreement signed with Anglo Irish Bank in 2009; if he will confirm, as per Anglo Irish Bank’s annual report, that the bank is precluded under this agreement from any new lending to clients beyond its existing customer base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19896/10]
The restriction on lending was a condition of the EU Commission approval for the provision of capital to Anglo Irish Bank. The purpose of the State aid restriction on new lending is to reduce the balance sheet and the risk weighted assets of the bank.
The Deputy will be aware that Subscription agreements are normally confidential documents. However, since much of the detail of the specific agreement between the Minister for Finance and Anglo Irish Bank Corporation is already in the public domain and the Bank has no objection to the release of the document I have forwarded to you a copy of the document, excluding the annexes, for your information. The annexes are excluded for commercial reasons.
166 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance the number of hotels that have claimed tax relief under the seven-year exemption on construction costs in each of the past five years; the amount of tax forgone in each year; the expected number of hotels which will be part of the scheme in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19909/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant information available on the amount of tax forgone in relation to hotel capital allowances is based on personal income tax returns filed by non-PAYE taxpayers and corporation tax returns filed by companies for the years 2004 to 2008, the latest year for which this information is available. The relevant figures alongside the figures for the number of claimants are as set out in the following table: Amount of Tax Forgone
|
Year |
€m |
Number of Claimants |
|
2004 |
37.7 |
611 |
|
2005 |
67.0 |
1,038 |
|
2006 |
106.6 |
1,515 |
|
2007 |
118.0 |
1,893 |
|
2008 |
114.7 |
1,966 |
The estimated relief claimed has assumed tax forgone at the 42% rate for 2004 to 2006 and 41% for 2007 and 2008 in the case of individuals and 12.5% in the case of companies for all years. The figures shown correspond to the maximum Exchequer cost in terms of income tax and corporation tax.
The figures for 2008 are subject to adjustment in the event of late returns being filed or where returns already filed are subsequently amended.
I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested on tax returns does not require the number of qualifying hotels to be specified. Accordingly, the specific information requested by the Deputy in respect of numbers of hotels is not available.
It should be noted that any corresponding data returned by PAYE taxpayers in the income tax return form 12 is not captured in the Revenue computer system. However, any PAYE taxpayer with non-PAYE income greater than €3,174 is required to complete an income tax return form 11.
167 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money in the National Pension Reserve Fund in each year since the fund was established; the amount of money which has been withdrawn in recent years; the amounts withdrawn on each occasion; the purpose for which the money was withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19933/10]
The National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) was established on 2 April 2001 with the objective of meeting as much as possible of the cost to the Exchequer of social welfare pensions and public service pensions to be paid from the year 2025 until at least 2055.
No withdrawals have been made from the Fund. The Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2009 amended the original legislation so as to allow the Minister for Finance to direct the NPRF Commission — who control and manage the Fund — to invest in a listed credit institution and to make payments into the Fund for the purposes of such an investment, such additional contributions to be offset against the contribution liability in future years. These amendments reflected the Government decision, announced on 11 February 2009, that the recapitalisation of Allied Irish Bank (AIB) and Bank of Ireland (BoI) through the purchase of preference shares by the NPRF would be funded by €4 billion of the Fund's own resources and €3 billion from the Exchequer through the frontloading of the 2009 and 2010 Exchequer contributions to the Fund.
In March and May 2009, under the terms of this Act, the NPRF Commission invested, at my direction, a total of €7 billion in preference shares issued by BoI and AIB (€3.5 billion in each institution). I expect that this participation by the NPRF in the recapitalisation of AIB and BoI will yield a satisfactory return for the Fund over time and will assist the Fund in its purpose of meeting as much as possible of the cost to the Exchequer of social welfare pensions and public service pensions from 2025.
The NPRF Commission publishes annual reports as a statutory obligation and quarterly reports providing an update on the Fund's performance. Both the annual reports and the quarterly reports are available on the Commission's website www.nprf.ie
The market value of the Fund at the end of each year since 2001 was as follows:
|
€ billion |
|
|
2001 |
7.7 |
|
2002 |
7.4 |
|
2003 |
9.6 |
|
2004 |
11.7 |
|
2005 |
15.4 |
|
2006 |
18.9 |
|
2007 |
21.2 |
|
2008 |
16.1 |
|
2009 |
22.3 |
The most recent quarterly report, to 31 March 2010, valued the Fund at €24.5 billion.
168 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Finance the solvency reserves of each of the health insurers here; if each of them meet the Financial Regulator’s requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20026/10]
169 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Finance the reason the required solvency reserves for health insurers in the market here is higher than the required solvency reserves for health insurers elsewhere in European Union market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20027/10]
189 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the reason the State maintains an insurance sector solvency threshold far in excess of that required by the European Union; if this threshold applies to all insurance companies performing in the Irish market, both indigenous and foreign-based; if not, the names of the companies to which it applies; his plans to bring the Irish requirement into line with that of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20407/10]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 168, 169 and 189 together.
The Financial Regulator has informed me that the solvency margin calculation set out under the EC Directives determines the minimum acceptable requirement. In practice, in common with the Financial Regulator in Ireland, most EU supervisory authorities insist on solvency being maintained above this minimum requirement, as this allows for supervisory authorities to intervene before a company breaches the minimum requirement of 100% and becomes technically insolvent.
The application of higher solvency requirements than the minimum also reflects the fact that the existing Solvency regime (Solvency 1) is not sufficiently risk based. This explains why a new insurance directive on solvency requirements has been agreed (Solvency II) which will come into force from 1 January 2013. This regime will harmonise solvency requirements for all insurance companies across the EU.
The Financial Regulator has also advised my Department that it does not draw a distinction between health insurance and other types of general insurance as the solvency requirements for all non-life insurance companies are the same. Under the conditions of authorisation imposed by the Financial Regulator, all insurance companies must maintain a solvency margin of 200% of the EU minimum requirement for their first three years of operation due to the fact that the risk of financial difficulties arising is higher during this period. After three years they can apply to have the requirements reduced to 150% of the EU minimum requirement. This is the case for all Irish-authorised insurance undertakings.
Finally, in relation to the specific solvency reserves of individual insurers, this information is not in the public domain due to its commercially sensitive nature.
170 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Finance the estimated amount of revenue lost to Irish tax and customs annually as a result of laundered fuel being sold illegally in the Twenty-six Counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20034/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they are not in a position to provide a reliable estimate on the amount of revenue lost as a result of the illegal sale of laundered fuel, as there is no proven method for determining this figure. The following table illustrates Revenue's enforcement activity regarding laundered fuel over the last four years.
|
Year |
No. Detections |
Laundered Fuel Seized — Litres |
Convictions |
Penalties Imposed |
|
€ |
||||
|
2006 |
25 |
147,104 |
19 |
62,997 |
|
2007 |
16 |
94,895 |
19 |
54,300 |
|
2008 |
7 |
32,900 |
7 |
29,500 |
|
2009 |
5 |
155,990 |
5 |
17,900 |
|
Totals |
53 |
430,889 |
50 |
164,697 |
In addition to above six heavy goods vehicles associated with laundered fuel were also seized. At 2009 excise duty rates, and on the assumption that the laundered fuel would have been sold for use in road vehicles, the revenue loss on this quantity would have been approximately €206,800.
171 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons in terms of whole time equivalents employed in the Civil Service prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target point at which point the moratorium will end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20044/10]
The number of persons in terms of whole time equivalent who were employed in the civil service prior to the introduction of the moratorium on 27 March 2009 was 39,196. The number currently employed is 37,156 as at the end of March 2010.
In relation to the Deputy's query regarding the target number at which point the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service will end, the precise ceilings in each area are subject to any future Government policy decisions and priorities in regard to public service provision. The Government will keep the application of the moratorium on recruitment and promotion under review and the matter will be revisited in each sector as the staffing levels in the Employment Control Frameworks for the sectors are achieved.
172 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is in receipt of the appropriate tax free allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20061/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the tax credits currently allocated to the person in question are in accordance with the information supplied by her to the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.
If the taxpayer has any further queries she should contact her local Revenue Office on 1890 22 24 25.
173 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the purchase by the Office of Public Works of a site in Portlaoise, County Laois for the purpose of the construction of a new Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20099/10]
The acquisition of a site for a new District Headquarters in Portlaoise has not yet been completed. Other property solutions for the accommodation requirements at Portlaoise are being actively examined. The proposed site acquisition will be finalised should it transpire that the best option is a new site.
174 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the value of capital allowances provided to landlords of private residential property and commercial property in each of the past seven years; and the cost to the Exchequer arising from these allowances. [20100/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that on the basis of the claims for capital allowances entered on tax returns filed by non-PAYE taxpayers and companies for the tax years 2002 to 2008 in respect of property used for the provision of rented accommodation, both private and commercial, the amounts of capital allowances so claimed and the estimated costs to the Exchequer are as set out in the following table. Capital allowances for rental property
|
Tax Year |
Amount Claimed |
Maximum Tax Cost |
|
€m |
€m |
|
|
2002 |
473 |
199 |
|
2003 |
494 |
183 |
|
2004 |
648 |
248 |
|
2005 |
650 |
252 |
|
2006 |
683 |
260 |
|
2007 |
542 |
200 |
|
2008 |
470 |
169 |
The figures shown for 2002 relate to individuals only as rental income of companies was returned as excluding capital allowances on the corporation tax return for that year.
The estimates are based on assuming that tax relief was allowed at the top income tax rate of 42% (up to 2006) and 41% (for 2007 and 2008) in respect of individuals and at the standard rate of 25% in respect of companies. The figures provided could therefore be regarded as the maximum Exchequer cost in respect of those taxpayers.
The figures for 2008 are subject to adjustment in the event of late returns being filed or where returns already filed are subsequently amended.
It should be noted that any corresponding data returned by PAYE taxpayers in the income tax return form 12 is not captured in the Revenue computer system. However, any PAYE taxpayer with non-PAYE income greater than €3,174 is required to complete an income tax return form 11. This return is the source of the figures provided in this reply.
The Deputy will no doubt be aware that the level at which interest repayments can be claimed against tax for residential rental properties was reduced from 100% to 75% in section 5 of the Finance Act 2009 at an estimated full year yield of €95 million.
175 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance his estimate of the savings to the Exchequer in a full year if rent relief provided to tenants was allowed only in proportion to the duration of the year spent in rented accommodation rather than as a single tax relief regardless of the number of months spent in such accommodation. [20101/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested on tax returns does not require the duration of the year spent in rented accommodation to be specified. Accordingly, there is no basis on which the estimate requested by the Deputy could be provided.
176 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding mortgage interest relief in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath. [20102/10]
The position is that an individual's entitlement to mortgage interest relief is based on a year of assessment, which is defined in the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 as a calendar year i.e. from 1 January to 31 December. The administration of the mortgage interest relief is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners in conjunction with the relevant financial institutions.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that in this particular case the first year of assessment for which the mortgage qualified for mortgage interest relief was 2003 and that entitlement ended on 31 December 2009.
In addition, the Revenue Commissioners have advised me that contact is being made with the individual concerned to confirm that the full relief available was granted for the year 2009. If there is any additional relief due for 2009, it will be paid by the Revenue Commissioners.
177 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether a cohabiting couple are disadvantaged by the income tax system; his further views on amending the income tax system to provide more favourable tax treatment to cohabiting couples; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20136/10]
Generally speaking, members of cohabiting couples are treated as separate and unconnected individuals for the purpose of income tax. Each partner is a separate entity for tax purposes and credits and bands and reliefs cannot be transferred from one partner to the other. The basis for the current taxation of married couples derives from the Supreme Court decision in Murphy v the Attorney General (1980) which held that it was contrary to the Constitution for a married couple to pay more tax than two single people living together and having the same income. The tax treatment of unmarried couples who cohabit was unaffected by the Murphy Judgement. Each partner is taxed as a single person and each is entitled to the tax credits and standard rate band appropriate to single persons.
To the extent that there are differences in the tax treatment of the different categories of couples, such differences arise from the objective of dealing with different types of circumstances while at the same time respecting the constitutional requirements to protect the institution of marriage. Any change in the tax treatment of cohabiting couples would need to be addressed in the broader context of future social and legal policy development in relation to such couples.
178 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 119 of 11 May 2010, when the Central Bank undertook its final stress test on the financial system prior to the recession; the amount that the price of houses would have to fall in order for the financial system to be at risk according to the stress test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20148/10]
I am informed by the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland (CBFSAI) that the stress-testing exercise relevant to the Deputy's question was carried out by the CBFSAI on Irish credit institutions in 2006. The findings were reported by the CBFSAI in its Financial Stability Report published on 6 November 2006. The results of this exercise were reported in a signed article in the Financial Stability Report.
The stress-testing exercise examined how Irish banks would perform as a result of simultaneous shifts in a number of economic variables. It was assumed that under the adverse scenario that house price inflation would be -13.0 per cent and -8.7 per cent in 2006 and 2007 respectively before growing by 1.1 per cent in 2008. The decline in house prices coupled with the other economic variables produced the broad findings by the banks involved that they could weather the hypothetical scenarios. In the section of the stress test examining the impact of a fall in prices in isolation the analysis found that a 25 per cent fall in house prices coupled with a 10 per cent default rate appeared to yield manageable losses in terms of banks reserves (i.e., the sum of provisions, profits and capital).
The results of the exercise drew attention to the risks faced by the Irish banking system from an assumed decline in house prices but supported the CBFSAI's central expectation at that time, as reported in the Financial Stability Report, that the current shock-absorption capacity of the banking system left it well placed to withstand pressures from possible adverse economic and sectoral developments, although vulnerabilities and risks to the economic outlook posed continuing difficulties for the banking system.
179 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Finance the cost of the disabled drivers appeals board scheme for 2008 and 2009; the number of appeals that were received, granted or refused; the number of appeals that were still on hand at the end of the year; the cost of the appeals granted; the average cost of each appeal granted; the average time to process appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20152/10]
The Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal is hosted by the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH), Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin on behalf of the Department of Finance. The cost of the Board has been recouped to the NRH since 2005 from the Department of Finance Vote.
The amounts recouped to the NRH was €320,323 for 2008 and €371,467 for 2009. These amounts include the salary costs of the Chairperson of the Board who also works as a consultant with the NRH and Beaumont Hospital.
The number of appeals that were received, granted, refused and the number of appeals still on hand at the end of each year, is as follows:
|
No. of appeals received |
No. of appeals granted |
No. of appeals refused |
No. of appeals still on hand at year end |
|
|
2008 |
354 |
60 |
319 |
49 |
|
2009 |
405 |
37 |
202 |
62 |
In addition to the Chairperson, two doctors from a panel of doctors attend each Appeal Board sitting. The average waiting time for an appeal, where the appellant can travel to Dublin, is approximately four to six weeks, down from six months in 2007 and for around two years in mid 2005.
180 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the excise duty received for tobacco products from 2005 to 2009 and the first quarter of 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20161/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the yield from all tobacco products for the years 2005-2009 and the first quarter of 2010 is as follows
|
Year |
€m |
|
2005 |
1,079.6 |
|
2006 |
1,103.3 |
|
2007 |
1,192.0 |
|
2008 |
1,171.0 |
|
2009 |
1,216.5 |
|
2010 (Jan to Mar) |
100.7 |
181 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the number of seizures of counterfeit clothing, counterfeit medicine and counterfeit DVDs from 2005 to 2009 and the first quarter of 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20162/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that figures for the individually named categories of seized counterfeit goods are not available for the period prior to 2007. Furthermore, Revenue has responsibility for enforcing Intellectual Property Rights regulations on goods imported from non-EU states only.
Recorded seizures of the above-mentioned goods for the period 2007-2010 (first quarter) are as follows:
|
Category |
Year |
No.of seizures |
No.of articles seized |
|
Clothing |
2007 |
76 |
5,000 |
|
2008 |
83 |
4,114 |
|
|
2009 |
166 |
2,363 |
|
|
2010 to 31/03/10 |
44 |
566 |
|
Category |
Year |
No.of seizures |
No.of articles seized |
|
Medicines |
2007 |
246 |
12,937 |
|
2008 |
91 |
9,138 |
|
|
2009 |
62 |
2,457 |
|
|
2010 to 31/03/10 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Category |
Year |
No.of seizures |
No.of articles seized |
|
DVDs |
2007 |
79 |
177 |
|
2008 |
180 |
10,185 |
|
|
2009 |
122 |
7,938 |
|
|
2010 to 31/03/10 |
24 |
1,331 |
182 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the number of cigarette seizures from 2005 to 2009 and the first quarter of 2010; the monetary value of these seized cigarettes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20163/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the following tables contain the information requested by the Deputy in relation to seizures by its Customs and Excise service of illicit tobacco products. The figures for 2010 cover the period 1 January to 31 March.
|
Year |
Number of Seizures |
Quantity |
Estimated Retail Value |
Total Duties (Excise & VAT) |
|
€ |
€ |
|||
|
2005 |
13,424 |
51,337,485 |
16,240,613 |
12,621,321 |
|
2006 |
17,276 |
52,379,952 |
17,992,513 |
14,404,486 |
|
2007 |
15,481 |
74,520,798 |
25,597,894 |
20,493,219 |
|
2008 |
10,191 |
135,243,859 |
49,228,765 |
39,491,207 |
|
2009 |
10,610 |
218,532,960 |
92,057,009 |
73,263,175 |
|
2010 |
2,035 |
58,013,951 |
24,438,377 |
19,449,177 |
|
Year |
Number ofseizures |
Quantity |
Estimated Retail Value |
Total Duties (Excise & VAT) |
|
€ |
€ |
|||
|
2005 |
498 |
1,107 KGS |
316,602 |
238,414 |
|
2006 |
641 |
2,068 KGS |
591,448 |
445,385 |
|
2007 |
763 |
1,518 KGS |
434,148 |
326,931 |
|
2008 |
1,100 |
3,083 KGS |
995,192 |
765,201 |
|
2009 |
1,171 |
10,451 KGS |
3,718,495 |
2,932,880 |
|
2010 |
234 |
1,142 KGS |
409,704 |
323,140 |
183 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his plans to bring Health Information and Quality Authority within the remit of the Office of the Ombudsman under the Ombudsman Amendment Bill 2008 when it is enacted. [20376/10]
Report Stage of the Ombudsman (Amendment) Bill 2008 is due to be taken in the Dáil shortly. Once enacted, the Bill will extend the powers of the Ombudsman to cover a significant number of new bodies which, at present, are outside the remit of the Ombudsman. This means that the administrative actions of many public bodies, that were previously not subject to investigation by the Ombudsman, will now be open to impartial and independent scrutiny. The primary reason to expand the Ombudsman's remit at this time is ensure that bodies that are appropriate for inclusion in the remit of the Ombudsman and that have been set up since the Office was established become reviewable.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) was established in May 2007 as part of the government's health reform programme. HIQA is an independent Authority which is responsible for driving quality and safety in Ireland's health and social care services and its functions are based on establishing and regulating standards in health care.
Bodies with regulatory type functions are being excluded from the Ombudsman's remit, at this time, where they have little or no direct dealings with the public and where their interface is normally with commercial entities.
Given the regulatory role of HIQA and ongoing rationalisation of a number of other bodies the Government will review the bodies included within the Ombudsman's remit during the passage of the above mentioned legislation through the Oireachtas.
184 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an explanation for the suggestion this week that there are vacant offices in the town of Navan, County Meath, costing €50,000 per annum to maintain; if he can reconcile the expenditure via the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government offices in the same town being rented from the private sector while there are vacant publicly funded high quality new local government offices in the town of Ashbourne, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20399/10]
The former Government Offices, Kells Road, Navan, is located on a very valuable and strategic site, which will be retained by the State. In this regard, the Office of Public Works is currently evaluating a range of options for the long-term use of this property. To maintain the basic fabric of the building and prevent further deterioration, limited services are being maintained in the building at a total cost of the order of €50,000 since its vacation in 2007.
A number of Government Departments, including the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, are accommodated in a leased office building at Kilcairn, Navan since 2007. The location, as between particular towns, of particular Government services is a matter for the Departments involved.
185 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the surplus available to the Exchequer after payment of prize money and administration costs from the national lottery for each of the past five years; and the breakdown for the distribution of such surplus for each of those years. [20403/10]
The surplus of the National Lottery (viz. its turnover net of prizes and all costs) is transferred to the Exchequer on a regular basis. The following table shows the surplus transferred in each of the past five years:
|
Year |
€m |
|
2005 |
211 |
|
2006 |
200 |
|
2007 |
230 |
|
2008 |
265 |
|
2009 |
275 |
The transferred surplus is applied each year to part-fund the Exchequer allocations to a specified range of expenditure subheads across various Votes. Details of the amount transferred and the allocations to the relevant subheads are set out each year in Appendix 1 of the annual Revised Book of Estimates. In recent years, the total amount provided from the Exchequer to these subheads is significantly larger than the amount available from the National Lottery surplus.
186 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a refund of medical expenses claim in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20404/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a claim for tax relief on medical expenses, incurred by the person in question during 2009 was received on 18 March 2010. In a letter to the taxpayer on 23 March 2010, the Revenue Commissioners sought further details in order to process the claim. To date, no reply to this letter has been received.
However, the position is that the person is taxed under joint assessment with their spouse for 2009. Their joint tax affairs for 2009 have now been reviewed without including the claim for medical expenses. An overpayment of €499.65 arises in respect of the person's spouse. This amount will transfer to their bank account within 5 working days. This represents all the tax deducted in relation to both taxpayers in 2009. Consequently, there is no need for the taxpayer to reply to the letter dated 23 March 2010 as there is no further refund due.
187 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a refund of tax in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20405/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the tax affairs of the person in question for 2009 have now been reviewed. An overpayment of €499.65 arises. This amount will transfer to his bank account within 5 working days. This represents all the tax deducted in 2009.
188 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if he will publish the full list of the bond holders involved in Anglo Irish Bank in view of the fact that Anglo Irish Bank is now in State ownership and given the extent of the Irish public’s exposure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20406/10]
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.
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).
190 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider approving a specific tax credit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork in view of the special circumstances. [20423/10]
In order to qualify for the Home Carer's Tax Credit, the claimant must normally reside with the dependent relative for the tax year or reside in a neighbouring residence, i.e. within 2 kilometres of the claimant. If these circumstances apply in this case, the person in question may make a claim for the Home Carer's Tax Credit. He may do this online at www.revenue.ie or on the application form included with Leaflet IT66 which is also available on the Revenue website or from his local Revenue office.
191 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered tax measures to help charities most in need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20427/10]
Exemptions from a broad range of taxes are already available to bodies that are established for charitable purposes only and which apply all of their income for such purposes. Sections 207 and 208 of the Taxes Consolidation Act (TCA) 1997 provide an exemption from Income Tax and this exemption is extended to cover Corporation Tax by sections 76 and 78 of the same Act. Exemptions are also available in respect of Capital Gains Tax — section 609 TCA, Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) — section 266 TCA, Capital Acquisitions Tax — sections 17, 22 and 76 of the Capital Acquisitions Taxes Consolidation Act 2003, Stamp Duty — section 82, Stamp Duties Consolidation Act, 1999 and Dividend Withholding Tax — Chapter 8A, Part 6, TCA.
Charities engaged in non-commercial activity are exempt from VAT insofar as that they are not required to charge VAT on their services and therefore generally cannot recover VAT incurred on goods and services purchased. However, there are various specific relieving provisions in respect of VAT on vehicles, fuel, aids, appliances, crafts and equipment used by organisations or individuals in connection with disabled people, humanitarian goods for export, rescue groups and donated medical and research equipment.
Section 848A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 also provides for a scheme of tax relief for donations of money or designated securities to eligible charities and other approved bodies. The precise arrangements for allowing tax relief on such donations varies, depending on whether the donor is a PAYE taxpayer, a person who is subject to self-assessment or a company. Relief from Capital Gains Tax is also available under Section 611 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 in relation to the donation of assets by taxpayers to charities. A comprehensive list of the various tax exemptions available to charities and details of how these can be applied for is available on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie.
192 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance if Anglo Irish Bank has hard and soft copy details of each individual outstanding loan made by the bank; if there are any outstanding loans accounted for on paper files; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20428/10]
The maintenance of records is an operational matter for the bank itself. I am assured that under the new management team the bank is maintaining its records in line with standard banking practice. For the information of the Deputy the Bank maintains files on all loans made by the Bank. Some, but not all, elements of the loan documentation are recorded electronically and/or scanned by the Bank. For this reason it is not possible to confirm that all records relating to individual loans outstanding in the Bank are held in both formats (i.e. soft and hard copies). However, records of loans, including personal guarantees, are held in at least one format.
Securities, including personal guarantees, are catalogued and retained in the bank's vault or in the safe keeping of solicitors who act on the bank's behalf. These securities are reviewed as part of internal audit of lending and the related securities. The lending process, including related securities, is included in the scope of the external audit of the bank.
193 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20429/10]
My Department has consulted with the relevant financial institution with regard to the matter raised in the Deputy's question. The financial institution has confirmed to my Department that no instances of the nature outlined by the Deputy have come to light. If the Deputy has any information in relation to specific instances of the nature described he should provide the authorities with details in order that further investigations can take place.
Securities, including personal guarantees, are catalogued and retained in the bank's vault or in the safe keeping of solicitors who act on the bank's behalf. These securities are reviewed as part of internal audit of lending and the related securities. The lending process, including related securities, is included in the scope of the external audit of the bank.
194 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance his plans to take account of the new local authority charge for residential properties which is not covered in section 97(2) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 covering deductible expenses for rental income; his further views on whether a person in receipt of rental income should be entitled to have the local authority charge deducted from the net amount of rent received in respect of an individual property in the same way that other costs such as interest, maintenance, repairs, insurance, management and local authority rates are allowable; if he has had any formal or informal discussions or correspondence with officials, property owners or others on the subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20452/10]
Under the provisions of the Tax Acts, a person in receipt of rental income is assessed to income tax on the net amount of the rents received (i.e. the gross rents less allowable expenses incurred in earning those rents). In computing the net amount of the rents received, only those deductions that are specified in section 97(2) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 are allowable. The main deductible expenses are:
Any rent payable by the landlord in the case of a sub-lease;
The cost to the landlord of any goods provided or services rendered to a tenant;
The cost of maintenance, repairs, insurance and management of the property;
Interest on borrowed money used to purchase, improve or repair the property; and
Payment of local authority rates in the case of rateable properties used for commercial purposes.
As payment of the new local authority charge for residential properties is not included on the list of allowable deductions, it is not an allowable expense in computing taxable rental income.
195 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Finance his plans to assist those companies with borrowings of less than €5 million that do not come under the National Asset Management Agency structures; his views on the fact that many of these are equally as important for the retention of jobs as those who have already been facilitated through NAMA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20467/10]
The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) has been established to remove the portfolio of risky assets from the balance sheets of relevant institutions. It has not been established for the benefit of borrowers, whether their borrowings are above or below €5 million. Borrowers whose loans are transferred to NAMA will continue to owe the full amount borrowed and the conditions of their loans will generally remain the same. NAMA will manage these loans in the best interest of taxpayers and it will have a range of options to pursue the lender including the seizure of property or other assets which are the security to the loan.
Of course, I am anxious that jobs and businesses are supported to the maximum extent possible. In that regard, I have sought to ensure that the banks, which have been supported by the State, comply with their responsibilities. In relation to small and medium enterprises, specific lending targets — not to include significant sums in respect of land development and property lending — were recently imposed by the Government on both AIB and Bank of Ireland. They will make available for targeted lending not less than €3 billion each in new or increased credit facilities to SMEs in both 2010 and 2011. This in particular must include funds for working capital for businesses. This will help to sustain the economy and foster growth. The lending targets will be reviewed as the needs of the economy change. To ensure the proper management of these funds the two banks were required to submit SME lending plans both by geography and sector for 2010 and 2011. Both banks have been informed that the plans must not include significant sums in respect of land development and property lending. Mr. John Trethowan, as our new Credit Reviewer, will be reviewing bank lending policies as part of his remit.
196 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance the mechanism that exists for Dublin-based civil servants to transfer to the Cork or Kerry region within the Civil Service; to whom such applications may be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20475/10]
Transfers for grades represented by the Civil and Public Services union (mostly Clerical and Staff Officers) are arranged in accordance with formal procedures agreed with the Staff Side at General Council under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for the Civil Service. Officers in these grades seeking a transfer to another Department or location may apply to the Personnel Officer of the Department in which they wish to serve. The names of officers applying for transfer to a location are entered on the particular Department's transfer lists in the order in which they are received. Vacancies which arise are then filled by the Department concerned by reference to these lists.
Transfers for other grades can be arranged on an informal, head-to-head, basis. Such transfers are arranged between the officers seeking to move and the relevant Personnel Units and require the agreement of both Personnel Officers. In addition, a Central Applications Facility (CAF) was established in 2004 and remains open for all staff wishing to apply for posts included in the Decentralisation Programme. Its purpose is:
to give information about locations and posts;
to allow certain public servants to apply for transfer to posts at the same or equivalent level in decentralised locations;
to rank preferences for different locations.
CAF Applications may be made online through:
http://www.publicjobs.ie/publicjobs/en/caf/default.do
However, the Deputy should note that in light of the budgetary constraints and affordability issues at this time, I have decided to defer proceeding with permanent accommodation in respect of a number of locations. All deferred locations will be considered as part of the overall review of the programme in 2011.
197 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a person who is employed in the UK but lives in Ireland with their family and who wishes to pay income tax in Ireland rather than to the UK authorities. [20478/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that it is not open to an individual to choose to pay income tax in any particular jurisdiction. Rather, the individual's income tax liabilities and obligations are governed by the domestic tax legislation of the particular jurisdiction. Relevant factors in this regard include:
where the individual is resident for tax purposes;
where the income arises; and
where the duties of a trade, profession or employment are exercised. In the type of case described, there are generally two scenarios—
Scenario A
If the individual to whom the Question refers is not, under the rules of tax residency, resident in the State for tax purposes and exercises the duties of his or her employment in the UK, then the UK employment income is not taxable here.
Scenario B
If the individual to whom the Question refers is, under the rules of tax residency, resident in the State for tax purposes and exercises the duties of his or her employment in the UK, then he/she has an obligation to submit a tax return in the State and is liable to tax here on his or her UK employment income. However, it is likely that the UK employment income will remain liable to UK tax. Put simply, in this scenario, the individual's UK employment income is taxable both in the UK and here.
This ‘double taxation' of the same income may be relieved either under a relief found in Irish domestic tax legislation or under the terms of the Ireland / UK double taxation agreement. I am further informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relief most likely under Irish domestic tax legislation to be relevant in such a case is the relief known as the ‘transborder relief' which is designed to give income tax relief to individuals who are resident in the State for tax purposes but who commute daily or weekly to their place of work abroad and who pay tax in the other country on the income from that employment. Under the Ireland / UK double taxation agreement, in general, the double taxation is relieved by way of Revenue granting a credit against Irish tax due on the UK salary for final UK tax paid on the same salary. The individual concerned may wish to consult with the Department of Social Protection as regards the PRSI implications of his or her situation.
198 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to an incident at farmland (details supplied) outside Athlone, County Westmeath, on which deposits of peat silt were deposited. [20482/10]
Following representations on behalf of the property owner, an Office of Public Works official carried out an inspection of the lands affected by the silt deposit on 22 April. Given the peat-like composition of the material and the fact that there is a Bord na Mona extraction facility nearby, the OPW will refer the matter to that organisation for direct reply to the Deputy.
199 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Finance the total cost in wages of those currently employed in the civil and public service and also in receipt of a state pension. [20483/10]
The gross Exchequer pay bill allocation for 2010 is €16.045 billion. The gross Exchequer pensions bill allocation for 2010 is €2.774 billion. In net terms, the respective figures are €15.092 billion and €2.237 billion. Full details are available in the Revised Estimate Volume for 2010.
The Deputy should also be aware that there are some civil and public servants whose employment costs are not met directly from Voted Exchequer expenditure. The largest single category to which this applies is Local Authority staff with the remainder mainly occurring in Non-Commercial Semi-State Bodies such as regulators. Information on the employment costs in these areas may be obtained from the relevant Minister in each case or from the bodies themselves.
200 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance his plans regarding the way in which retirement increases for existing public service pensioners are awarded. [20489/10]
Budget 2010 announced that the Government would be considering using the Consumer Price Index as the basis for post-retirement increases for both existing and future public service pensioners. The CPI linkage would displace the linking of public service pensions to earnings, also known as "pay parity". The Government is conscious of the substantial long-term saving for the Exchequer which would be expected to materialise were this change to proceed and that it demonstrates a significant level of administrative and fiscal reform.
The draft Public Service Agreement provides that there will be discussions on the method of pension increases for serving staff and current pensioners in the context of discussions on the review of pay in Spring 2011. The clarification of the Draft Public Service Agreement issued recently by the facilitators separately indicated that, while I announced in Budget 2010 that I am reviewing the arrangements around indexation of Public Service pensions and considering linking Public Service pensions increases to the cost of living, no change in the indexation arrangements for the indexation of Public Service pensions for serving public servants and current public service pensioners will be implemented during the period of the agreement.
201 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that approval to implement a Labour Court recommendation (details supplied) will issue. [20552/10]
The Deputy's question refers to Labour Court Recommendation LCR 19764 relating to the closure of the Finglas Child and Adolescent Centre operated by the Irish Youth Justice Service of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Centre closed on 31 March 2010 and the staff and residents moved to the Irish Youth Justice Service facility at Oberstown in Lusk, Co. Dublin.
My Department has examined the Recommendation and has sought some clarification from the Labour Court on issues arising from it. A final decision on the matter will be taken in light of that clarification.
202 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange for the issue of a tax clearance certificate in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20741/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the issue of a tax clearance certificate to the person in question will be considered on receipt of an application. A tax clearance application may be made online at www.revenue.ie or by completing a Form TC1 and forwarding it to the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, Tax Clearance Section, Revenue House, Cork.
203 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance the timeframe for the recruitment of 1,000 third and fourth level graduates to provide additional capacity and skills across the public service and in Departments to provide valuable work experience as contained in the revised programme for Government 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20746/10]
The Renewed Programme for Government provides for the taking on of 1,000 Third and Fourth level graduates to provide additional capacity and skills across the Public Service and in Government Departments and to provide valuable work experience. These are work placements as distinct from additional posts in the Public Service.
My Department would be directly concerned with recruitment to the Civil Service and indirectly with recruitment to the wider public service. Bearing in mind the Moratorium, Employment Control Frameworks and other factors such as reductions in programme expenditure the scope for graduate recruitment to permanent positions would be limited to small numbers in specialist areas such as taxation, audit, economic/financial skills and IT sections service wide and a few casual vacancies in other disciplines.
Government Departments will be encouraged to support the FÁS Work Placement Programme. The Work Placement Programme, under the auspices of FÁS, provides valuable work experience for nine months to 2,000 unemployed individuals of which 1,000 of the places are for graduates. The programme is already available to employers in the public and private sectors.
The Draft Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 ("Croke Park" agreement) provides for the following: "There will be full support in the Civil Service and State Agencies with programmes and initiatives to support and assist the unemployed, including the rollout of the FÁS placement programme. This Programme will not displace existing graduate placement programmes".
Once that agreement is ratified my Department will write to Personnel Officers endorsing the Programme and setting out various operational details. Department and State Agencies will be able to proceed with placements at that stage.
204 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance his plans on extending the 12-month period of grace during which a person is exempt from capital gains tax on the former family home when a new family home has been purchased in view of the fact that families are currently facing difficulties disposing of homes within that 12-month timeframe; his further plans on allowing a two-year period of grace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20748/10]
A gain accruing to an individual on the disposal of an interest in a private residence and grounds of up to one acre, which has been occupied by him/her throughout the period of ownership as his/her only or main residence, is fully relieved from Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Certain periods of absence are treated as periods of occupation for the purposes of the relief. For example, the last twelve months of ownership is counted as a period of occupation, which can facilitate an individual who has purchased another private residence and is in the process of selling the previous residence.
Where an individual occupies a property as his/her principal private residence for part of the period of ownership, any gain made on the disposal of the premises is apportioned and the portion related to periods of occupation or deemed occupation is relieved from CGT. For example, if an individual occupied a private residence for twenty years, moved to a new home and the old home was not sold for two years, the full period of occupation and the last twelve months of ownership are relieved from CGT and only 1/22 of any gain made on the disposal of the premises is taxable.
This is already a generous relief and I have no plans at this time to make changes in line with the Deputy's suggestion.
205 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons in his Department and office, including any Departments and offices under his aegis, employed in the civil and public service who are in receipt of a State pension. [21157/10]
By "State pension", I understand the Deputy to refer to an occupational pension as a result of previous service in the civil or public service. I further understand the Deputy to refer to the full or part time employment of retired public servants as part of the staffing of the Department. As I indicated in a reply to Parliamentary Question No. 149 on 5 May, 2010, records of past employments of new recruits are not captured in such a way as to provide a dedicated basis for compiling the information requested by the deputy. Accordingly, the specific information requested is not available. In relation to Offices under the aegis of my Department, I am advised that this is also the position.
Retired public servants are, however, engaged by the Department from time to time for specific tasks or projects. Such engagements are normally remunerated on a fee basis (provision exists for fees to be abated, where appropriate, by reference to pension payments) but in some cases, indeed, retired public servants have provided their services without any additional remuneration.
207 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will reconsider the decision to refuse payment for child care in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19936/10]
I have responsibility for implementing the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme, which was introduced in January of this year.
Children will qualify for a free pre-school year place when they are aged more than 3 years 2 months and less than 4 years 7 months at 1 September each year. This means that children born between 2 February 2005 and 30 June 2006 qualified for the scheme in January 2010 and children born between 2 February 2006 and 30 June 2007 will qualify in September 2010. From the information provided by the Deputy, the child in question was not eligible for the scheme in January this year but will be eligible in September 2010.
The objective of the ECCE scheme is to make early learning in a formal setting available to all children in the key developmental year before they commence primary school. To achieve this, services participating in the pre-school year will be expected to provide appropriate age related activities and programmes to children within a particular age cohort. Targeting the pre-school year at a particular age cohort is clearly fundamental to the scheme and it is necessary, therefore, to set minimum and maximum limits to the age range within which children will participate in the scheme each year.
In setting the minimum and maximum age limits, account was taken of a number of factors, including the fact that the majority of children commence primary school between the ages of 4 years 6 months and 5 years 6 months. Notwithstanding this, the ECCE scheme provides for an eligibility range of almost 17 months. The upper age limit does not apply where children are developmentally delayed and would benefit from participating in the pre-school year at a later age.
As in the case of any scheme introduced, cases will arise where individuals fall outside the conditions which apply. However, it is necessary that the scheme is delivered within a structure which supports the best delivery of pre-school education and it is considered therefore that the age range provided for is appropriate.
208 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the European Commission on the solvency requirements for the VHI; the financial implications to the State of postponing solvency requirements for the VHI until January 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20028/10]
209 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will comment on the difference in solvency requirements imposed on the VHI compared to Quinn Direct or Aviva in terms of an even and fair playing pitch for regulation and competition. [20553/10]
223 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason Voluntary Health Insurance is still permitted to operate in breach of the EU solvency requirements for insurance companies when it is expected that this practice will cease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19960/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 208, 209 and 223 together.
Arising from a derogation under the Non-Life Insurance Directives, VHI continues to be exempt from prudential solvency requirements. The Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Act 2008 provided for the VHI to acquire sufficient funding in terms of its capital reserves to enable it to make an application to the Financial Regulator for authorisation. The date originally fixed by that Act was 31 December 2008, but this was subject to the right of the Minister to appoint a later date by Order, if satisfied that there is good and sufficient reason for so doing. At the time the original date was fixed, the Supreme Court had not yet ruled in relation to the risk equalisation scheme, which it struck down in July 2008. Since then I have extended the date by which the VHI must accrue the necessary reserves on five occasions. The date is now 1 January 2012. However, it remains my firm conviction that VHI should be properly authorised and that the derogation should be lifted.
The EU Commission has commenced proceedings against the State in the European Court of Justice regarding the VHI's derogation. The State has forwarded a comprehensive written defence to the Court. The matter of sanctions would only arise in the event of an adverse judgment if nothing was then done to ameliorate the situation and further proceedings were then brought to seek financial penalties against the State.
Quinn and Aviva both offer a broad range of insurance products across different areas and markets. Private health insurance constitutes only one aspect of their business, unlike VHI which is restricted in the type and range of insurance it can offer. Both companies are, quite rightly, subject to regulation by the Financial Regulator in the normal way.
The capital position and authorisation of the VHI are only two of many inter-related and complex issues that need to be resolved in order to achieve a stable community-rated private health insurance market.
I have been examining the broad range of issues involved with my officials, expert advisers and the Health Insurance Authority. The matter has also been considered by the Government on a number of occasions since the Supreme Court Judgement. I will make a full statement at the appropriate time on the measures required to support the Government's key policy goal of a community-rated health insurance market.
210 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the staffing arrangements that have been made to administer the cervical cancer vaccine in the coming year both in the holiday period for the girls who receive their first vaccine before the summer break and in the autumn when there will be two cohorts of girls to be vaccinated in the majority of schools; if an assessment has been made of the staffing that will be necessary to administer the vaccine; if arrangements have been made to ensure that this staffing will be in place and will not deprive other services of necessary staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20561/10]
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.
211 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if, during her visit to New Zealand, she examined its no fault compensation scheme for injury as a result of medical negligence or treatment; her views on the fact that parents of children with cerebral palsy must fight for years to get compensation for injuries at birth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20718/10]
I and my officials held a number of meetings with senior health officials and with the Minister for Health during my recent visit to New Zealand. In the course of those meetings we discussed the role of the Accident Compensation Corporation and the general no fault compensation scheme that operates there.
As the Deputy may be aware, an advisory group was established in 2001, to examine the equity, effectiveness and appropriateness of existing arrangements for compensating persons who suffer cerebral damage at, or close to the time of birth, and to make such recommendations as the Group sees fit. The Group has yet to complete its work. I will await the Group's report before giving further consideration to a wider no fault compensation scheme for the health services.
In this country, compensation in many cases involving cerebral damage is dealt with under the Clinical Indemnity Scheme of enterprise liability. Cerebral Palsy is a complex condition which can be caused by, inter alia, prematurity, developmental brain malformation, neurological damage to the developing brain, hypoxia or medical error.
I understand that the average time from the institution of proceedings to the ultimate resolution of a typical CP case is now approximately 4 years as a result of the introduction of Enterprise Liability.
212 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of operations cancelled to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20719/10]
I am conscious that the cancellation of a hospital procedure can be inconvenient and stressful for both patients and their families. Every effort is made to avoid cancellations where possible.
Unfortunately cancellations are a feature of hospital systems, in Ireland and internationally because priority must be given to emergency cases and patients in urgent need. It is important to point out that all cancelled procedures are rescheduled. While data is not comprehensive the level of cancellations in the Irish public system appears to be broadly in line with other hospital systems internationally. In 2009, for example, it is estimated that cancellations accounted for about 1.4% of all in-patient and day case activity.
It should be noted not all cancellations are as a result of hospital capacity or availability. Cancellations also occur for clinical reasons, where a patient may not be deemed fit for surgery on a given day by the clinician. For example, the pre-admission assessment might indicate postponing a procedure for clinical reasons such as weight, immune system or blood pressure.
While it is unfortunate that any patient would have a procedure cancelled, patients waiting over three months can be referred to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). The HSE works with the NTPF to ensure that, where appropriate, patients can avail of treatment under this scheme.
In 2010, the HSE is focusing on improving the efficiency of acute hospital services by shifting to day case care where appropriate and by seeking performance improvements such as surgery on the day of admission and reducing inappropriate lengths of stay. There will be a particular focus on reducing the variance between different hospitals for similar procedures. By reducing costs and reforming the way services are provided, I am confident the HSE will maintain access to services and continue to improve health outcomes for the population.
213 Deputy Seán Power asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19905/10]
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.
214 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the anticipated income from the statutory inpatient charge and the statutory outpatient charge to date in 2010; if she will provide a breakdown of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19906/10]
As set out in the Health Service Executive National Service Plan 2010, anticipated income from the statutory in patient and out patient charge is budgeted at €216m and €32m respectively. The out patient charge refers to the €100 which is payable by people who attend A&E departments without a referral letter from a GP. Medical card holders do not pay this charge.
The Executive has responsibility for collection of these charges and my Department does not routinely collect information on income raised to date. Accordingly my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy on this matter. I wish to advise the Deputy that, due to an intensification of industrial action in the public service by members of IMPACT, the HSE may not be in a position to provide a response to this Parliamentary Question at this time. However, if the issue remains of continuing concern you are invited to raise the matter again in due course.
215 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to media reports which suggest that the hours of operation of the accident and emergency departments will be reduced or closed from this summer; her views regarding these reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19913/10]
My Department is not aware of any proposals by the HSE to move from the service commitments given in its National Service Plan 2010. Their Service Plan for 2010 has, as a key result area, the reconfiguration of emergency services to ensure that they serve an appropriate population catchment, and are resourced to provide comprehensive emergency services and care for other urgent needs and minor injuries. Plans to meet that objective continue to be developed by the HSE.
216 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the reassurances she will give to persons in County Limerick who have family members attending a charity (details supplied) in view of the fact that they are concerned at the effect that the proposed cuts to their services will have on their abilities to continue providing the necessary services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19922/10]
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.
217 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Health and Children if applicants for the nursing home support scheme who have been in a nursing home for over three years before applying for the scheme will be subject to the 5% levy on their assets for the first three years they are in the scheme; if not, if they have to supply evidence of their assets other that their State pension with their application for the scheme when they previously disclosed these as part of their subvention application. [19939/10]
A person's contribution to care under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme is worked out based on 80% of their assessable income and 5% of the value of their assets per annum. The first €36,000 of a person's assets, or €72,000 in the case of a couple, is not included at all in the assessment.
A person's home is only included in the financial assessment for their first three years in long-term nursing home care. Time spent in nursing home care prior to applying for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme is taken into account in calculating the three years. Assets other than a person's home are taken into account for the duration of their stay in nursing home care.
Finally, evidence of all assets, e.g. valuations or bank statements, is required to be submitted with a person's application for the scheme. If a person has previously disclosed assets in connection with an application for subvention, they must still provide evidence of these assets when submitting an application under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. This enables the HSE to take account of money that has been spent since the application for subvention to ensure that the person's contribution towards their care is fair.
218 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be determined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19944/10]
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.
219 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) will be provided with a hearing test, first applied for on 20 April 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19948/10]
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.
220 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in accessing speech and language therapy sessions in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19954/10]
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.
221 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19956/10]
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.
222 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19957/10]
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.
224 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will deal with the following matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19961/10]
It is not possible to disaggregate the amount spent on the quality of disability services from the overall total spent on disability services annually.
As the Deputy may be aware, "National Quality Standards: Residential Settings for People with Disabilities", which relate to adult services have been published by HIQA. These standards will provide a national framework for quality, safe services for persons with disabilities in a residential setting.
Given the current economic situation, to move to full statutory implementation of the standards, including regulation and inspection, presents significant challenges at this time. However, notwithstanding the difficulties of immediate statutory implementation, the Department of Health and Children, the HSE and HIQA have agreed that progressive non-statutory implementation of the standards will now commence, and that they will become the benchmark against which the HSE assesses both its own directly operated facilities and other facilities that the HSE funds. The Minister for Health and Children will shortly be bringing detailed proposals to Government with regard to the protection of vulnerable adults with disabilities who are currently in institutional care.
Children with disabilities in generic residential centres under the Child Care Act 1991 are covered by the standards and inspection regimes already applying to those centres. There are a number of other centres providing residential or respite care to children with disabilities. Children who reside in these centres are not in the care of the State, although they are cared for by the State. The majority of these centres are run by voluntary organisations funded by the HSE and are not included in the inspection regime under the Child Care Act 1991. In relation to the children with disabilities in these other residential centres, the Ryan Commission report recommends that "all services for children should be subject to regular inspections in respect of all aspects of their care". The implementation plan for the recommendations of the Ryan Commission report contains a commitment that the Health Act 2007 will be commenced to allow the independent registration and inspection of all residential centres and respite services for children with a disability by December 2010.
225 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the grounds for refusal of the appeal of an application for a medical card by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if an oral hearing will be granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19966/10]
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.
226 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [19975/10]
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.
227 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20016/10]
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.
229 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will lift the staff moratorium at a charity (details supplied) in County Galway which is having a direct impact on the retention of respite services; the reason for the different policy on the moratorium for section 38 and section 39 funded agencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20025/10]
I understand the agency in question is funded by the Health Service Executive (HSE) under section 38 of the Health Act 2004. Existing employment control arrangements for the health services include the HSE and section 38 agencies.
The Government has made clear that a critical part of its strategy to restore the public finances is to achieve sustainability in the cost of delivering public services relative to State revenues. To help achieve this goal, it will be necessary to restructure and reorganise the public service and to reduce public service numbers over the coming years. This requires that the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the health service will continue to apply until the numbers have fallen to the level set out in the Employment Control Framework for the health sector. The Framework for 2010-2012 gives effect to the Government decision on employment policy in the public sector and provides that there will be a net reduction in employment to 2012. This includes a target reduction in numbers in 2010 to achieve the overall reduction of 6,000 from March 2009 to the end 2012 and consequential pay roll savings. Based on numbers reductions already achieved in 2009, the net target reduction to end 2012 is 4,560 WTE (or 1,520 per annum). Similar to 2009, there are a number of grades exempted from the moratorium to maintain key front line services and to support the development of policies in relation to disability, mental health, cancer, and child care.
Grant aided agencies (funded under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004) are not directly affected by the pay adjustments provided for under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No 2) Act 2009. Section 39 agencies are not public service bodies as defined in that Act and their employees are not public servants. Therefore, the Employment Control Framework 2010-2012 (including the moratorium on recruitment) does not cover section 39 agencies.
However, the grant funding of Section 39 Agencies is subject to the general efficiency savings for the health sector provided for in the Budget. Accordingly, it is entirely appropriate that Section 39 Agencies and other HSE funded voluntary providers take appropriate measures to ensure that they continue to provide the same level of service in 2010 as previously, notwithstanding the reductions in their funding. It is the responsibility of each individual employer to decide exactly what mix of actions should be taken to achieve this goal, to take appropriate legal and other advice, to consult and inform its employees/trade unions as necessary and to manage the HR and industrial relations implications of its decisions.
230 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of doctors within the health service in terms of whole time equivalents employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target point at which point there moratorium will end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20049/10]
231 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of nurses within the health service in terms of whole time equivalents employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target point at which point there moratorium will end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20050/10]
232 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of physiotherapists within the health service in terms of whole time equivalents employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target point at which point the moratorium will end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20051/10]
233 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of porters within the health service in terms of whole time equivalents employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target point at which point the moratorium will end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20052/10]
234 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of household staff within the health service in terms of whole time equivalents employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target point at which point the moratorium will end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20053/10]
235 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of nurses aides within the health service in terms of whole time equivalents employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target point at which point the moratorium will end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20054/10]
236 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff within the health service in terms of whole time equivalents employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target point at which point the moratorium will end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20056/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 to 236, inclusive, together.
In order to implement savings measures on public service numbers, the Government introduced a moratorium on recruitment, promotion, or payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade, with effect from 27 March 2009. The Employment Control Framework for 2010-2012 gives effect to the Government decision on employment policy in the public sector. It provides that there will be a net reduction in employment to 2012. This includes a target reduction in numbers in 2010 to achieve the overall reduction of 6,000 from March 2009 to the end 2012 and consequential pay roll savings. Based on numbers reductions already achieved in 2009, the net target reduction to end 2012 is 4,560 WTE (or 1,520 per annum).
Similar to 2009, there are a number of grades exempted from the moratorium to maintain key front line services and to support the development of policies in relation to disability, mental health, cancer, and child care.
The numbers of relevant grades cited in the question are set out in the following table:
|
31/12/2008 |
31/03/2009 |
31/12/2009 |
31/03/2010 |
|
|
Medical grades |
7,763.55 |
7,788.97 |
7,737.26 |
7,717.08 |
|
Nursing grades |
38,107.92 |
38,789.00 |
37,466.03 |
37,720.50 |
|
Physiotherapist grades |
1,448.91 |
1,464.21 |
1,468.83 |
1,486.54 |
|
Porter grades |
1,642.43 |
1,650.95 |
1,525.54 |
1,526.81 |
|
Theatre Technician/Porter/Attendant |
49.16 |
51.34 |
50.75 |
49.71 |
|
Domestic grades |
3,359.48 |
3,307.25 |
3,250.25 |
3,173.88 |
|
Nurses Aides |
167.34 |
174.32 |
157.12 |
155.41 |
Notes:
(i) Medical grades includes all the grades of the Medical/Dental grade category excluding the dental grades.
(ii) Student nurses are included in the 2008 employment ceiling on the basis of 3.5 students equating to 1 wholetime equivalent. The employment level for nursing grades (adjusted for student nurses on the above basis) is 38,084 WTEs (Dec 08).
(iii) In the case of some agencies, data for March may not have been returned due to industrial action. Where this occurs, data has been rolled forward from the previous census.
The numbers of staff employed in the public health service are set out in the following table:
|
31/12/2008 |
31/03/2009 |
31/12/2009 |
31/03/2010 |
|
111,025.30 |
111,769.97 |
109,752.90 |
109,754.74 |
(1) Excludes Home Helps.
(2) Student nurses are included in the 2008 employment ceiling on the basis of 3.5 students equating to 1 wholetime equivalent. The employment level adjusted for student nurses on the above basis is 111,001 WTEs (Dec 08).
(3) In the case of some agencies, data for March may not have been returned due to industrial action. Where this occurs, data has been rolled forward from the previous census.
In addition, a full list of the grades in the public health service and the numbers employed in each (for the dates above) will be forwarded to the Deputy.
238 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their over-70 years medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20065/10]
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.
239 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the systems that exist to reimburse persons who are entitled to an over-70 years medical card, the medical expenses they may have incurred in the period between their 70th birthday and receipt of their medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20066/10]
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.
240 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to implement the findings of a recent report funded by the Family Support Agency, which recommended that she set up 37 specialist centres to facilitate meetings between children and parents who face difficulties following relationship breakdown. [15488/10]
As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I have responsibility for a broad range of policies and services which impact directly on children and young people's well being. In this context, I recently launched the research report by One Family on the Need for Child Contact Centres in Ireland. I understand that One Family was supported in carrying out this research with funding from the Family Support Agency.
Child and Family Contact Centres are intended to provide safe and reliable environments for parents and children to maintain family contact, often where difficult circumstances or family breakdown apply. I am strongly aware that the Ryan Report recommended that children in care should not, save in exceptional circumstances, be cut off from their families and priority should be given to supporting ongoing contact with family members for the benefit of the child.
In giving consideration to the best way to meet the recommendations, I think it is important that the potential role in this regard of Child and Family Contact Centres is looked at. For this reason, I have asked officials in my Office to bring forward a detailed proposal to establish a Child and Family Contact Centre on a pilot basis, with a view to considering the best model for future service provision on a wider scale.
241 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an investigation will be conducted into the death of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20095/10]
It is understood that the Health Service Executive will conduct a review into this matter; the findings of the review will, in due course, be considered by the Inspector of Mental Health Services.
242 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients awaiting cancer treatment services, including pre-operative, surgery and post-operative services, in the greater Dublin area; if waiting times are compatible with targets as set out under the national cancer strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20116/10]
As this is a service matter, the question would in the normal course of events be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. This is not possible due to industrial action.
However, I can advise that waiting times for referrals to symptomatic breast services were set by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) in its 2007 National Quality Assurance Standards for Symptomatic Breast Disease Services. The most recently-available performance indicator statistics for urgent and routine referrals showed the standards being exceeded across all cancer centres as a whole (standards are for 95% of urgent referrals to be seen within two weeks and 95% of routine referrals to be seen within 12 weeks).
In relation to the greater Dublin area specifically, both cancer centres in the Dublin North East region exceeded the standard for urgent referrals and in Dublin Mid-Leinster, one of two centres exceeded the standard. For routine referrals, in Dublin North East one of two centres exceeded the standard while in Dublin Mid-Leinster, both centres exceeded the standard. In February 2010, HIQA published its Report into the Quality and Safety of Symptomatic Breast Disease Services in Ireland. It found that the centres were meeting the key requirements of the National Quality Assurance Standards.
243 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to reduce health service employees by 5,740 by 2012; if she will provide a breakdown of the categories of staff included in this reduction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20125/10]
The Government has made clear that a critical part of its strategy to restore the public finances is to achieve sustainability in the cost of delivering public services relative to State revenues. To help achieve this goal, it will be necessary to restructure and reorganise the public service and to reduce public service numbers over the coming years. This requires that the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the health service will continue to apply until the numbers have fallen to the level set out in the Employment Control Framework for the health sector. The Employment Control Framework for 2010-2012 gives effect to the Government decision on employment policy in the public sector. It provides that there will be a net reduction in employment to 2012. This includes a target reduction in numbers in 2010 to achieve the overall reduction of 6,000 from March 2009 to the end 2012 and consequential pay roll savings. Based on numbers reductions already achieved in 2009, the net target reduction (for the Health Sector) to end 2012 is 4,560 WTE (or 1,520 per annum).
The following table sets out the net target reduction for the Health Group of Votes:
|
Vote Group |
Net Target Reduction 2010-2012 (in whole-time equivalents) |
|
Health Sector (HSE and voluntary bodies) |
4,560 |
|
Non-Commercial State Sponsored Bodies |
60 |
|
Department of Health and Children |
60 |
|
Total |
4,680 |
There is no breakdown, by grade category, of staff included in the target reduction. However, the following table sets out actual employment by grade category:
|
31/12/2008 |
31/03/2009 |
31/12/2009 |
31/03/2010 |
|
|
Medical/ Dental |
8,109.48 |
8,149.07 |
8,083.03 |
8,052.26 |
|
Nursing |
38,107.92 |
38,789.00 |
37,466.03 |
37,720.50 |
|
Health & Social Care Professionals |
15,979.73 |
16,027.32 |
15,972.85 |
15,974.43 |
|
Management/ Admin |
17,967.47 |
17,953.95 |
17,610.70 |
17,578.01 |
|
General Support Staff |
12,630.55 |
12,612.52 |
11,906.34 |
11,786.06 |
|
Other Patient & Client Care |
18,230.15 |
18,238.11 |
18,713.95 |
18,643.48 |
|
Total |
111,025.30 |
111,769.97 |
109,752.90 |
109,754.74 |
(1) Excludes Home Helps.
(2) Student nurses are included in the 2008 employment ceiling on the basis of 3.5 students equating to 1 wholetime equivalent. The employment level adjusted for student nurses on the above basis is 111,001 WTEs (Dec 08).
(3) In the case of some agencies, data for March may not have been returned due to industrial action. Where this occurs, data has been rolled forward from the previous census.
244 Deputy Jimmy Devins asked the Minister for Health and Children if she proposes to take any action regarding the correspondence from a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20131/10]
This question refers to the inspection of a nursing home in Co. Donegal. Under the Health Act, 2007, statutory responsibility is given to the Chief Inspector of Social Services, part of HIQA for inspecting and registering residential services for children, older people and people with disabilities. I will pass on the information supplied by the Deputy to the Chief Inspector for appropriate attention.
245 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children on waiting lists for psychological services; her plans to expand the number of councillors that would be available for children referred by a general practitioner with a need for psychological services and emotionally-related issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20137/10]
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.
246 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children when construction will commence on the proposed primary care centre at Glenamaddy, County Galway (details supplied); the amount of funding available for the project to proceed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20144/10]
290 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which she proposes to provide funding for upgrading, improvement of facilities or otherwise extending the various health centres throughout County Kildare; the time scale for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20727/10]
291 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will approve the extension and or upgrading of Johnstownbridge health centre, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20728/10]
292 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent of the discussions to date in respect of Johnstownbridge health centre, County Kildare; if provision is being made to upgrade or extend the facility in line with population requirements; the degree to which she has studied the submissions made in this regard; the extent of costing undertaken; when it is expected that she will be in a position to make the necessary funding available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20729/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 290 to 292, inclusive, together.
I wish to advise the Deputies that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If these matters remain of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise them with me again in due course.
247 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a surgical procedure at Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24, in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20149/10]
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.
248 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children the recommendations that the Office of Tobacco Control has made to her Department for tackling the consumption of illicit and counterfeit cigarettes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20160/10]
My Department has not received any such recommendations from the Office of Tobacco Control as the Office has no function in this matter.
249 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 130 of 1 December 2009 the position regarding an appointment for a surgical procedure at Cork University Hospital in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [20174/10]
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. However, in the meantime, 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.
250 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if provision of additional speech and language sessions will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20310/10]
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.
251 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20311/10]
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.
252 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when residential care will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20312/10]
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.
253 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will be awarded in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20313/10]
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.
254 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20314/10]
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.
255 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the full extent of support services available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20319/10]
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.
256 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a rheumatology outpatient department review appointment will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20342/10]
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.
257 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be accepted onto a drug rehabilitation course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20343/10]
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. I would also recommend that you inform the individual mentioned that it is open to him to contact his local health office directly.
258 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Kildare regarding their stay in the Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24; her plans to address and respond to this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20344/10]
Correspondence was received in my Department on 29 March from the person concerned. As this is a service issue, the matter was referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply on 31 March and the person concerned was also informed of this on 31 March. My Department is looking at the issues raised in this correspondence in the broader clinical governance context.
259 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she or the Health Service Executive have carried out a detailed cost analysis before making the decision to provide the HPV vaccine through schools and special HSE clinics as opposed to making it available through general practitioner network or primary care centres; the cost of staffing and location of the HSE clinics who will provide the HPV vaccine to girls in July, 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20351/10]
260 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the HPV vaccine will not be provided to girls free through the general practitioner network when this network is used to provide smear tests through the national cervical screening programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20352/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 259 and 260 together.
Matters such as the staffing and funding of the HPV vaccination programme are, in the first instance, the responsibility of the HSE and I wish to advise the Deputy that, due to industrial action affecting the HSE, 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.
However, the HPV vaccine will be provided free to first year girls in secondary school rather than a specific age group. The vaccination schedule requires three doses of the vaccination to be given over the course of a six month period. Evidence from other countries (UK and Australia) has shown that the highest uptake rates are achieved when HPV vaccine is administered in schools (3rd dose uptakes of over 80% versus less than 65% for GP administration). I am satisfied that the policy of delivering the vaccination programme mainly in school settings is the most appropriate one.
261 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the below cost selling of alcohol in off-licences that is widely consumed by young persons; if she will initiate public health measures to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20365/10]
Below-cost selling of alcohol products was one of the areas examined by the Government Alcohol Advisory Group in 2008. However, due to the complex pricing systems which it encountered during its examination of the issue, the Group was unable to establish any standard costs for the purposes of prohibiting below-cost sales of such products. On 31st March, 2009 the Government agreed to include alcohol in a National Substance Misuse Strategy that would be co-ordinated jointly by the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs and my Department. A Steering Group has been established to develop the alcohol element of the National Substance Misuse Strategy. It will base its recommendations on evidence based measures to deal with the significant public health issue of alcohol in areas such as supply, pricing, prevention, treatment, awareness and education. The Steering Group is currently meeting on a monthly basis and it is expected that its Report will be submitted to Government by the end of this year.
262 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the communications that have taken place between her Department, the Health Service Executive and an organisation (details supplied) regarding the decrease in the funding to the organisation; if her attention has been drawn to the effect such a funding decrease will have on this organisation; her views on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20367/10]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the Minister for Health and Children and myself will attend a meeting with the Jack and Jill Foundation later this month. I understand that the HSE will be represented at that meeting.
The Department of Health and Children is undertaking a review of the efficiency and effectiveness of the health and personal services provided to people with disabilities. This review is part of the Government's Value for Money and Policy Review programme. The review will focus, in particular, on the scope for achieving greater efficiency and effectiveness from the substantial resources expended on services for people with disabilities, and will support the future planning and development of such services.
In the current economic situation, there is a need to ensure that all developments are planned and implemented to give best value for money and with the most appropriate mix of national, regional and local services.
263 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to combat depression and isolation among members of the farming community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12041/10]
The HSE, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Department of Health and Children are working together to develop a protocol for addressing mental health issues that arise among the farming community.
264 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the recent report of the special rapporteurs on child protection appointed arising from the recommendation of the Sullivan report following the A Case in 2006. [16718/10]
The Government recently published the third report of Mr. Geoffrey Shannon, Special Rapporteur on Child Protection.
Mr. Shannon was appointed in the aftermath of the ‘CC case' (sometimes referred to as the ‘A Case') and was required to review and audit national and international legislative developments for the protection of children, and to prepare, annually from 2007 to 2009, a report setting out the results of the previous year's work.
In his 2009 report Mr. Shannon makes a number of recommendations and observations in relation to areas under the remit of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA), including:
the Children First National Guidelines;
HIQA inspections;
evaluation of child care services;
the use of a ‘Differential Response Model' as an alternative model for the promotion of child welfare and protection;
mandatory reporting;
future inquiries into matters concerning children.
The OMCYA is actively engaged in all the aforementioned matters. Mr. Shannon's report also considers issues of relevance to the Department of Justice and Law Reform. Mr. Shannon's three reports have helped to inform the approach to strengthening the policy and legislative framework covering child welfare and protection. The Government has re-appointed Mr. Shannon for a further term of three years.
265 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [20383/10]
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.
266 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist in having an appointment arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [20385/10]
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. However, in the meantime, 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.
267 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange to have a person (details supplied) considered for long term care at a hospital in County Cork. [20388/10]
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.
268 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to introduce risk equalisation legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20394/10]
Following the Supreme Court decision of July 2008, which found the Irish Risk Equalisation Scheme to be ultra vires, the Government decided to introduce an interim scheme of loss compensation. This was provided for under the Health Insurance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, covering the period 2009 to early 2012.
In any community rated health insurance market, a comprehensive risk equalisation or loss compensation system is required in order for the market to operate in the best interests of all consumers. Without a risk equalisation or loss compensation system, insuring older or ill people will be loss making. As a result, insurers that cover a higher proportion of older people will be at a significant competitive disadvantage and insurers will seek to avoid insuring older people. It follows that, without risk equalisation or loss compensation, competition will not function properly and the market will operate counter to the interests of ill and older people. This is why it is the international norm for risk equalisation or loss compensation to apply in community rated markets.
At my request, the Health Insurance Authority has started work on preparing a comprehensive risk equalisation scheme to replace the interim scheme of loss compensation when it expires. Risk equalisation is one of a number of key elements in a community rated system. I have raised this and the other key issues relating to the private health insurance market with Government and I will make a further statement on the matter at the appropriate time.
269 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [20413/10]
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.
270 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [20421/10]
I understand that the Deputy's question is referring to a medical card application. 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.
271 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the non-statutory report into the death of a person (details supplied) at a nursing home in 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. [20436/10]
The Health Service Executive engaged Counsel in 2007 to carry out the non-statutory inquiry referred to by the Deputy. The Inquiry's Report was delivered to the HSE in October 2009. Following receipt of the report two of the parties requested that they be allowed make further submissions and these requests were granted. The submissions were made in early 2010 and were considered by the inquiry. It is my clear understanding, from the HSE, that none of the parties are now being asked to sign a non disclosure agreement. The question of dissemination of the Report is a matter for the Executive and I understand that it is considering a number of options for the release of the Report.
273 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist in providing assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [20474/10]
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.
274 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will issue on an appeal for a full medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [20476/10]
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.
275 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the possible roll-out of a 116000 EU-wide hotline for missing children. [20486/10]
I have discussed the proposal to put in place a hotline for missing children that is operational in some EU Member States with members of charitable organisations and non-governmental organisations with a view to providing some level of service. I will keep the Deputy informed of developments in this regard.
276 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will include products (details supplied) in the prescribed list of products available on the medical card which are used by cancer patients in view of the cost of these products and the hardship it is for people on low incomes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20487/10]
Pharmaceutical companies must apply to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for products to be reimbursed under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme and the community drugs schemes. In order for a medicinal product to be considered for reimbursement it must meet specified criteria. These include the following:
The product must be an ‘allopathic' medicinal product authorised by the Irish Medicines Board or the European Commission.
The product must be such that it is ordinarily supplied to the public only on foot of a medical prescription.
The product should not be advertised or promoted to the public.
I am advised that the products referred to by the Deputy do not meet the above criteria as they are generally available over-the-counter and may be advertised directly to the public.
277 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for mobility allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20500/10]
I regret 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, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course. However, I would also recommend that you inform the individual mentioned that it is open to them to contact their local health office directly.
280 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are vacancies on the National Youth Work Advisory Committee; if so, if a recommendation has being made by a nominating authority to fill any such vacancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20548/10]
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. As provided for under the Act, arrangements are currently in train to have new nominees appointed to vacant positions on the Committee.
281 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason persons (details supplied) in County Mayo are being assessed for a medical card under the national income guidelines instead of begin assessed according to the over 70s guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20568/10]
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.
282 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review a decision to refuse a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20570/10]
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.
283 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons in Waterford city possessing medical cards in each of the years from 2002 to 2009; the number in Waterford city in possession of such cards; the breakdown of the number between full medical cards, general practitioner only cards and over 70 years cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20720/10]
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.
284 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of home help hours allocated in County Waterford for each year since 2005 and to date in 2010; the number of persons benefiting in each year; the budget allocated in each year in Waterford City; if the allocation was used in each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20721/10]
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.
285 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the full extent of facilities available at Naas General Hospital, County Kildare; the extent to which this is in accord with the objectives set out in the original enhanced development plan for the hospital; the number of procedures, medical, and surgical undertaken at the hospital in each of the past five years to date; the bed occupancy over the same period; the extent and range of surgical and medical procedure available at the hospital over this period; the degree to which the various supportive staffing levels have fluctuated during the time in the same period; the number of orthopaedic procedures in the same period; the extent to which each of the operating theatres have been utilised on a daily basis and are or will be utilised; the total patient throughput in respect of each of the procedures or facilities available at the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20722/10]
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.
286 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent of medical and surgical procedures undertaken at Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24 on a monthly basis in each of the past years to date in 2010; the areas in respect of which activities or procedures have been curtailed or increased including staffing levels in the same period; the bed occupancy throughout the hospital on a monthly basis in the same period; the extent to which previous commitments given have been honoured to date; the extent to which procedures and facilities are shared with Naas General Hospital, County Kildare; the extent to which all theatres and facilities at both hospitals are in continuous use, currently and over the period in question; the number and nature of procedures at both hospitals in the period in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20723/10]
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.
287 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons in long-stay care or beds in both the public and private sectors throughout the country; the total such requirement; the degree to which waiting lists exists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20724/10]
It is estimated that 23,750 older people are in long term residential care with a total provision, public, private and voluntary, of approx 30,000 places altogether. The overall place number includes long-stay, respite, convalescence and palliative care beds. These consist of over 10,000 public places in Health Service Executive (HSE) facilities and 20,000 places in private and voluntary settings nationally.
The Health Information and Quality Authority had registered 593 designated centres for older people in accordance with the Health Act 2007 (Registration of Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations, 2009 (S.I. no. 245 of 2009) on 31 December, 2009. These consisted of 450 private nursing homes, 124 nursing homes run by the Health Services Executive (HSE) and 19 nursing homes run by voluntary organisations.
As the Deputy is aware, the Nursing Homes Support Scheme is now the single system of financial support for individuals who require long-term nursing home care. The scheme applies to public, private and voluntary nursing homes. The HSE is provided with a set level of funding for the scheme each year. While it is hoped that there would be sufficient funding to support everyone, there may be situation where a person's name must go onto a waiting list until funding becomes available. If this is the case, the HSE will notify the individual. There is no waiting list for funding at present.
288 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which patients have to wait for hip operations at all relevant public and private hospitals, excluding Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24 and Naas General Hospital, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20725/10]
Statutory responsibility for the collection, collation and validation of data on waiting times and numbers of persons waiting for hospital treatment rests with the National Treatment Purchase Fund. My Department has, therefore, asked the Chief Executive of the Fund to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the information requested.
289 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which patients have to wait for hip operations at Tallaght Hospital, Dublin and at Naas Hospital, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20726/10]
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.
293 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of medical card holders in each of the regions throughout the country in each of the past five years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20730/10]
I set out a table showing the end of year national figure for medical card holders for each of the past five years. The table also shows the position for the 31st March 2010, which is the most recent figure received by my Department from the Health Service Executive.
|
Year |
Number of Medical Card Holders |
|
31st December 2005 |
1,155,727 |
|
31st December 2006 |
1,221,695 |
|
31st December 2007 |
1,276,178 |
|
31st December 2008 |
1,352,120 |
|
31st December 2009 |
1,478,560 |
|
31st March 2010 |
1,518,973 |
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 specific 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.
294 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of orthodontic treatment requirements identified in the course of school medical examinations in each of the past five years to date; the number of such requirements met in full to date through the public or private sectors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20731/10]
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.
296 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the full extent of expenditure to date including associated costs in respect of the new national children’s hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20733/10]
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.
297 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients dealt with or procedures provided at or through the entire public and private hospital sectors in each of the past five years to date; the costs associated therewith through public funding or private health insurance annually during his period in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20734/10]
Activity data in private hospitals is not collected or verified by the Department of Health and Children or by the HSE. In relation to public acute hospital activity I set out in tabular format the information sought by the Deputy.
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009*** |
|
|
ED Attendances |
1,249,659 |
1,245,001 |
1,296,091 |
1,150,674 |
1,119,719 |
|
Outpatient Attendances |
2,453,000 |
2,796,331 |
3,087,448 |
3,298,494* |
3,320,729 |
|
In-Patient Discharges |
564,844 |
582,800 |
598,776 |
594,824 |
593,359 |
|
Day Case Discharges** |
443,657 |
662,092 |
718,851 |
770,265 |
674,949 |
*Provisional figure for 2008.
**From 2006 the HIPE system includes data on day case patients admitted for dialysis in dedicated dialysis units.
***The data for 2009 is provisional and has yet to be validated.
Information on the costs associated with these activity headings is not available within my Department. I therefore regret that due to industrial action in the Health Service Executive I am not in a position to provide a substantive response on this issue.
In relation to any comparison between the costs of public and private hospitals as regards costs or claims, it should be noted that I do not have any role in relation to the day-to-day operation of private hospitals and private health insurers. The negotiation of fees between private hospitals and health insurance providers is a commercial matter for the parties themselves. However, the Health Insurance Authority has provided some information for the health insurance market as a whole which relates to all private health insurance business, not just hospital costs.
In 1998, claims incurred per insured person in VHI (which constituted almost the entire market at the time), was €287. In 2008, (the latest year for which the Financial Regulator has published data), the incurred claims per insured person in the market was €624. This equates to an annualised increase over the 10 year period of 8.1% per annum.
298 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the future of St. Luke’s Hospital, Dublin; the decisions taken to date which are ultimately likely to have a lasting impact on the hospital, its future and location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20735/10]
Under the National Plan for Radiation Oncology (NPRO), there will be a network of four radiotherapy centres and two satellite centres by 2014. The four main centres will be located at Beaumont, St James's, Cork and Galway plus two satellite centres at Limerick and Waterford. It is intended that services at the existing facility in St Luke's in Dublin will have transferred in full to Beaumont and St James's by the end of 2014. This decision is based on expert advice and is designed to ensure that radiation oncology is integrated with all other aspects of cancer care, including surgery and medical oncology. This is in line with best international practice.
The Board of St. Luke's Hospital and its Executive Management Team are fully committed to supporting the Government's decision in relation to the development of radiation oncology and a Transition Team has been established to oversee developments.
Phase 1 of the NPRO involves the construction of new facilities at St. James's Hospital and Beaumont Hospital and is currently under way and on target for completion by the end of this year. Some staff and resources will transfer from St Luke's to the new centres in the latter half of this year. St Luke's will continue to provide radiation oncology services for the period up to the completion of the NPRO in 2014. During this period St Luke's will, together with the new facilities, form a Radiation Oncology Network for Dublin and the East. To facilitate the operation of the Network, St Luke's will be incorporated into the HSE from July this year.
These developments will ensure increased radiation oncology capacity in the Dublin and Eastern region from the end of this year. Additional linear accelerators were also provided at St Luke's in 2008 in order to provide sufficient capacity in the interim before completion of the NPRO in 2014.
No decisions have yet been taken in relation to the future use of the site and facilities at St. Luke's. However, I am anxious to ensure that these resources are utilised in the best interest of the health services. I understand that the Friends of St. Luke's are preparing a report on possible future uses of the site and facilities and I hope to receive a copy of this report shortly.
299 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of hospital wards or beds currently closed in both the public and private health sectors at the present time for whatever reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20736/10]
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.
300 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent private health care insurance costs and premiums have increased in each of the past ten years to date in 2010; the extent to which claims have grown over the same period; the proportion of such claims originating in both the private and public hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20737/10]
As indicated in my response to PQ Reference No. 17571/10, the information sought in this question is detailed. A comprehensive reply is being prepared and will be submitted directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
301 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received a fair deal application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when the application will be activated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20739/10]
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.
302 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take immediate steps to have a detailed assessment carried out for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20751/10]
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. I would also recommend that you inform the parent or GP that it is open to them to contact their local services directly.
303 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take steps to have a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath immediately admitted to the ear, nose and throat department of the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore for assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20752/10]
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.
If the patient's medical condition continues to cause concern it is open to their general practitioner to contact the hospital directly in relation to the case.
304 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review her decision to refuse a medical card to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20754/10]
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.
305 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of occupational health departments here; the locations of same, per hospital and on a county basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20755/10]
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.
306 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons in her Department and office, including any Departments and offices under her aegis, employed in the civil and public service who are in receipt of a State pension. [21158/10]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the State Pension (Transition, Contributory and Non-Contributory) which is administered and paid by the Department of Social Protection and based on pay related social insurance contributions. As such, the information requested by the Deputy is not available to my Department.
307 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of the 6 May 2010, when he expects his Department’s consideration of the Dublin Airport Authority’s business case for the Lynx Cargo Project to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19974/10]
This proposal is the subject of ongoing consideration by my Department in conjunction with the DAA and the Lynx Group. This involves the evaluation by the parties concerned of a number of commercial matters. I expect that this process will be concluded in the near future.
308 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the delays and cancellations in relation to the rights and options under the EU regulation 2004 in acting upon refunds, rerouting, care and assistance for passengers that have been impacted by the ash cloud; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19985/10]
Regulation (EC) 261/2004 established common European rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of cancellation or long delay of flights or in the event of being denied boarding.
The Regulation has direct application in Member States and the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) has been designated as the National Enforcement Body for the Regulation in the State. The CAR is the competent body to enforce the provisions of the Regulation arising from cancellations due to depart from Ireland; for travellers whose cancelled flights were due to depart from other Member States, the relevant national enforcement body will be the body designated by that Member State.
Passengers must apply to their airline in the first instance to claim their entitlements. If airlines do not comply with the law and passengers fail to receive their entitlements, the relevant national enforcement body can then take enforcement action. The list of all EU national enforcement bodies is available on the CAR's website www.aviationregulation.ie along with all other relevant information on the provisions of the Regulation.
309 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons in the National Roads Authority, Road Safety Authority, the Medical Buerau of Road Safety and any other agency under the remit of his Department in terms of whole time equivalents employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target number at which point the moratorium will end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20040/10]
The information requested is set out in the table.
|
Non Commercial Semi State Body |
Number of WTEs employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium |
Estimated number of WTEs currently employed |
|
National Roads Authority |
145.0 |
139.80 |
|
Road Safety Authority |
312.9 |
306.54 |
|
Medical Bureau of Road Safety |
34.0 |
33.00 |
|
Commission for Aviation Regulation |
22.5 |
18.70 |
|
Dublin Transportation Office/ National Transport Authority |
34.0 |
36.00 |
|
Railway Safety Commission |
14.0 |
12.00 |
|
Commission for Taxi Regulation |
37.5 |
34.50 |
The Department is in discussions with the Department of Finance in relation to an Employment Control Framework governing staff numbers for the Department and its agencies and setting out the targets for reductions in overall numbers.
310 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Transport the support he will provide to Cork County Council to proceed with the construction of the western relief road in Carragaline, County Cork; the funding available for this project; the interest groups he has met with to discuss this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20069/10]
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities own resources supplemented by State road grants paid by my Department. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
On 22nd February, I announced the 2010 regional and local road grant allocations. A total of €411.409 million is being provided to local authorities this year for the maintenance and improvement of regional and local roads.
In deciding on allocations for 2010 the first priority was to ensure the protection of the existing road network and, particularly the massive Exchequer investment of €6 billion in regional and local road grants since 1997. It is important that resources are therefore targeted to address, on a priority basis, the most urgently required repairs resulting from the extensive damage caused by the prolonged severe weather.
Local authorities have been asked to carefully re-assess their planned road programmes for 2010 having regard to these priorities.
In August 2009, Cork County Council submitted a proposal for funding the land acquisition and construction of this project in 2010 and beyond. The estimated cost of this project is approximately €18.5 million.
Since then I have met with local representatives and Deputy Michael McGrath regarding this issue. I recently wrote to Cork County Council (through local Deputy Michael McGrath) raising a number of issues and I am awaiting their response.
311 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport the role of the Air Corps in providing the marine search and rescue Coast Guard helicopter service; the funding provided to the Air Corp, in each of the past three years for the delivery of this service; if there are plans to downgrade this service; if there are plans to outsource this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20078/10]
Delivery of aeronautical maritime search and rescue commenced in Ireland in September 1991 with the transfer of the Shannon base to civilian service delivery. The entire national aeronautical maritime search and rescue service has been fully transferred to contract delivery since 2004. The Air Corps provides support to the Coast Guard as the need arises and within their available capability, in accordance with the roles assigned by Government in the White Paper on Defence. The Air Corps was withdrawn from maritime search and rescue in 2004 and there are no plans to reconsider this decision. Current Air Corps helicopter assets are not configured for maritime search and rescue nor does it have pilots or winch men with the required training and experience to support such operations.
Air Corps funding is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Defence. However I am advised that there are no specific funds allocated from the Defence Vote for the provision of search and rescue services by the Air Corps.
The Government has recently approved a continuance of the current arrangements for provision of maritime search and rescue capability in Ireland using modern helicopters. The new contract, which will run to 2023, will represent a stepped improvement in the capacity, range, speed and capability of the service. It is a major advancement for search and rescue in Ireland at a time of serious budgetary constraints.
312 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport the number of air traffic movements, taking account of the directional split at either end, on each runway at Dublin and Cork airports for each of the years from 2003 to 2009, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20156/10]
This concerns day to day operational matters of the two airports for which the Dublin and Cork Airport Authorities are responsible. I have no function in the matters.
313 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 108 of 10 February 2010, when he plans to reach a decision on the proposals to improve taxi services for persons with disabilities submitted by the Commision for Taxi Regulation to his Department to incentivise the upgrading of the wheelchair accessible fleet in view of the new standards for accessible taxis; his further plans to introduce subsidies to allow for the upgrading of wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys in view of the already low base of accessible vehicles in operation; the funding he plans to make available under the subsidy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20350/10]
The proposal by the Commission for Taxi Regulation (CTR) for a scheme to incentivise the provision of wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys is currently being considered by the National Transport Authority (NTA) given its wider public transport remit and in terms of the options for future funding of the proposed scheme. Among the potential funding options to be considered include the use of surplus funds held by the Commission, Transport 21 accessibility funding currently held within the NTA purse or a combination of both.
Officials from my Department will be meeting with both the NTA and the CTR in the coming week to discuss these options and I will consider the CTR proposals within the context of these deliberations and within the overall public transport priorities.
314 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if animal rescue ambulances can use the quality bus corridors when transporting sick or rescued animals to and from their veterinary units such as the Cat Protection Society or any other animal societies that may need to hurry their animals for medical attention. [20369/10]
The current rules governing use of bus lanes were established through the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997-1998. Large public service vehicles (buses) are permitted to use all bus lanes. Several exemptions are provided in the regulations. Pedal cyclists are regarded as being vulnerable road users and, on road safety grounds, are permitted to use with-flow bus lanes. Taxis are available for hire on-street to the public at large and are regarded as being an element of the public transport service. They are, accordingly, permitted to use with-flow bus lanes.
Emergency services — Gardaí, fire brigade and ambulances for persons — may also avail of bus lanes when in performance of their duties. These services are, like bus services, for the benefit of the general public.
I have no proposals to extend further the types of vehicles permitted to use bus lanes.
315 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider a proposed project (details supplied) under his Department’s smarter travel initiative. [20378/10]
I would refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 47 of 5 May 2010, which outlines how funds available in 2010 for Smarter Travel initiatives have been allocated. I am not, at this stage, in a position to commit funding to other proposals.
316 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons in his Department and office, including any Departments and offices under his aegis, employed in the civil and public service who are in receipt of a State pension. [21162/10]
My Department does not hold information on the number of staff in receipt of a state pension. Accordingly, I am not in a position to provide the information requested to the Deputy.
317 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he is taking to alleviate the problems facing Granard, County Longford regarding the delay in providing the necessary funding for the installation of closed circuit television in the town. [20410/10]
The Community-based CCTV Scheme was launched in 2005 to provide financial assistance towards the capital costs of establishing a community CCTV system. To date two major rounds of this Scheme have been advertised, in 2005 and 2007. I am advised by Pobal who administer the scheme on behalf of my Department that no application was received in response to either of these rounds in respect of Granard, County Longford.
Any further plans for extension of CCTV are dependent on a number of factors, including the progression of the schemes already grant aided, the availability of funding and overall policy considerations.
318 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for a visa to visit Ireland in respect of a person (details supplied); if same will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19889/10]
An application for a ‘Join Spouse (Irish National)' visa for the person concerned was created on my Department's on-line visa application system on 22 March 2010. At present, there are no papers for assessment in my Department and the applicant should contact the relevant consulate and file papers there. On receipt of the necessary papers a decision will issue in due course.
319 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will grant leave to remain in respect of a person (details supplied). [19892/10]
The case of the person concerned was examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, (as amended), and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended), on the Prohibition of Refoulement. On 23 March 2010, I refused the person concerned permission to remain temporarily in the State and instead signed a Deportation Order in respect of him. The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State. If new information or circumstances have come to light, which have a direct bearing on his case and which have arisen since the original decision to deport him was made, there remains the option of applying to me for revocation of his Deportation Order pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended. However I wish to make clear that such an application would require substantial grounds to be successful.
The enforcement of the Deportation Order is, and remains, an operational matter for the GNIB.
320 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will revoke the deportation order in respect of a person (details supplied); if he will grant them leave to remain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19908/10]
The case of the person concerned was examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, (as amended), and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended), on the Prohibition of Refoulement. On 23 March 2010, I refused the person concerned permission to remain temporarily in the State and instead signed a Deportation Order in respect of him. The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State.
If new information or circumstances have come to light, which have a direct bearing on his case and which have arisen since the original decision to deport was made, there remains the option of applying to me for revocation of his Deportation Order pursuant to the provisions of Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended. However I wish to make clear that such an application would require substantial grounds to be successful. The enforcement of the Deportation Order is, and remains, an operational matter for the GNIB.
321 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19912/10]
I can inform the Deputy that under the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority (PRA) was established as and from 4 November, 2006. The PRA replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions.
The Deputy will be aware of the service to T.D.s and Senators which provides information on the current status of applications, such as the subject of this question, which was introduced in May 2006. The service provides a speedier, more efficient and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions. It is operated by the PRA and is available all year round. I can further inform the Deputy that his query has been forwarded to the PRA for attention and direct reply via the above mentioned service.
322 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress that has been made on an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19928/10]
This person's case falls under the Dublin II Regulation, (Council Regulation (EC) No. 343/2003). The Dublin II Regulation is intended to prevent the phenomenon of ‘asylum shopping' across Europe and sets out criteria for determining which Regulation State is responsible for examining an asylum application where applications have been lodged in more than one Regulation State or whereby an asylum seeker has been granted a visa to enter another Regulation State and has entered that other State before entering Ireland and making an asylum application here. At the same time, it guarantees applicants that one State will process their application, thereby preventing the creation of ‘refugees in orbit', a situation which had previously pertained in Europe.
The Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, (ORAC), determined on 27 February, 2009, in accordance with the terms of the Dublin II Regulation, that Spain is responsible for examining this person's asylum application. A Transfer Order was signed in respect of this person on 10 March, 2009, and they were requested to present themselves to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) on 16 March, 2009. He failed to present as requested and is now recorded as having evaded his transfer. He is currently illegally present in this State and is liable to be arrested and detained without further notice. He should make himself known to the Garda National Immigration Bureau without further delay so that final arrangements can be made for his transfer to Spain.
323 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an official from his Department will meet with a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [19981/10]
The Visa section of my Department can find no record of correspondence of 5th and 15th February 2010 having been received from the person referred to by the Deputy. However, the person referred to can resubmit the correspondence to the Visa section to allow for any issues raised to be addressed.
While officials of my Department regularly meet with representative bodies who act on behalf of groups of stakeholders in the area of immigration generally and visas in particular, resource constraints dictate that it is quite rare for meetings to take place with individual businesses, including individual schools or colleges. Most routine issues raised in relation to visa matters are more appropriately and efficiently dealt with by way of written correspondence, e-mail or by telephone. Exceptions to this general rule may occasionally be made if matters of unusual importance or urgency are raised. It is open to the person referred to by the Deputy to write to the Visa section outlining any such exceptional or urgent issues and the reasons why they feel that a meeting is warranted.
324 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision on an application for long-term residency will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [19982/10]
An application for Long Term Residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in April 2009 and is currently being processed by my officials. It is likely that a decision will be reached in the coming months. As soon as a decision is made, the person concerned will be notified.
325 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 232 of 5 May 2010, the reason a person (details supplied) was refused a holiday visa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20020/10]
I refer the Deputy to my previous reply to Question 232 of the 5 May 2010 including the reasons for the refusal of the visa application in question. As also outlined in my reply, this application was refused on the 30 March 2010 and mention was made that it was open to the person concerned to appeal the decision of the Visa Officer within two months of the date of refusal, in this case before the 30 May 2010.
On 13 May 2010, an appeal letter which contains information in line with the details supplied by the Deputy was received from the person concerned by the Visa section of my Department, in Dublin. This letter has been forwarded for the attention of the Visa Appeals Officer at the Irish Embassy in Cairo. A decision regarding this matter will issue in due course.
326 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of domestic violence incidents that the Garda Síochána responded to in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20029/10]
In the time available it has not been possible for the Garda authorities to provide the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.
327 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 401 of 23 March 2010, the progress made to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20030/10]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the official accommodation attached to Lahinch Garda Station has been vacated as of the 16th April 2010. Local Management will meet with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation, in the coming weeks to determine the scale and the costs of works, if any, to be undertaken to the building prior to its re-allocation to another member.
328 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cars in the Garda fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20031/10]
329 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cars in the Garda fleet that are more than four years old; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20032/10]
330 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to upgrade the Garda fleet of cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20033/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 328 to 330, inclusive, together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as at 6 May 2010, the number of cars within the Garda fleet is 2,014, of which 957 are over four years old. Over the last number of years there has been a sustained programme of investment in Garda vehicles in terms of maintenance, running expenses and new purchases amounting to some €72 million in the period 2007 to 2009. This level of investment has resulted in both the expansion of the fleet and the lowering of its age profile with consequent benefits to Garda members in terms of health and safety and lower maintenance costs.
I am further advised by the Garda authorities that they are developing a Request for Tender with a view to purchasing more new vehicles later this year. The Garda Commissioner has stated that the benefits of these investments in the Garda fleet will be sustained into 2011 and beyond.
331 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons employed in the Human Rights Commission, the Legal Aid Board, the National Disability Authority, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner and any other agency under the remit of his Department; the number of persons in terms of whole-time equivalents employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target number at which point the moratorium will end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20036/10]
332 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí in terms of whole-time equivalents employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target point at which point the moratorium will end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20058/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 331 and 332 together.
My Department is responsible for staffing its Head Office and a large number of agencies under its remit, including the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. Separately, the Human Rights Commission, Legal Aid Board, National Disability Authority, An Garda Síochána, Irish Prisons Service, Courts Service and Property Registration Authority recruit their own staff. The whole-time equivalent number of staff employed in these bodies prior to the Moratorium on recruitment and promotion, and currently, is as follows:
|
Body |
Staffing number prior to Moratorium |
Current staffing number |
|
Irish Human Rights Commission |
16 |
12 |
|
Legal Aid Board |
274 |
258 |
|
Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission |
94 |
89 |
|
National Disability Authority |
41 |
37 |
|
An Garda Síochána (attested members) |
14,552 |
14,523 |
|
Garda Civilians |
2,109 |
2,077 |
|
Irish Prison Service |
3,619 |
3,538 |
|
Courts Service |
1,081 |
1,020 |
|
Property Registration Authority |
695 |
615 |
The question of the lifting of the Moratorium is a matter for the Department of Finance in the first instance.
333 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an appeal for a visa in respect of a person (details supplied) will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20062/10]
The Visa Section of my Department confirms that an appeal has been received from the person referred to. The appeal is being processed and a decision will issue in due course.
334 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20072/10]
I wish to confirm to the Deputy that his representations on behalf of the person concerned were received by my office on the 18th March 2010. A number of standard procedures need to be followed before I can make a decision on this appointment and my officials are currently attending to these matters. I expect to be in a position to make a decision in the near future.
335 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Limerick can have their application expedited. [20109/10]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 11 February 2005. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 7 March 2006, 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 person concerned.
The position in the State of the person concerned will now 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.
Due to the high volume of cases on hand, it is not possible to expedite the case of the person concerned. However, a commitment has been given to have his case finalised by 29 April 2011 at the latest with every effort being made to have it finalised in advance of that date.
336 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to introduce legislation to abolish or modify fee farm grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20114/10]
The position is that section 12 of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009, which entered into effect on 1 December 2009, prohibits the creation of a fee farm grant at law or in equity. From that date, any instrument purporting to create a fee farm grant, or to grant a lease for life or lives renewable for ever or for any period which is perpetually renewable, vests in the purported grantee or lessee a legal or equitable fee simple.
337 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20327/10]
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 December 2007.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 26 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. However, I understand that the person concerned is a refugee. In accordance with the Government's obligations under the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, every effort is made to ensure that applications from persons with refugee status are dealt with as quickly as possible. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that processing of the application is at an advanced stage and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
338 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for family reunification in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20328/10]
I refer the Deputy to my previous replies to his Parliamentary Questions.
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a letter issued to the person referred to by the Deputy on 20th April 2010.
I am further informed by INIS that on receipt of a response from the person referred to by the Deputy the case will be considered further.
339 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20329/10]
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that the person referred to is the subject of a Family Reunification application made by his wife in April 2010.
The application has been forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996.
On completion of the investigation the Commissioner will prepare and forward a report to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service and on receipt of the Commissioner's report the application will be considered further.
340 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20330/10]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Questions 512 on 20 April, 2010 & 196 on 29 April, 2010. The position remains as stated.
341 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for subsidiary protection in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20331/10]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 11 April 2007. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 21 August 2008, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
342 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship or naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20332/10]
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.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 26 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that processing of the application is ongoing and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
343 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20333/10]
The person concerned has been granted Leave to Remain in the State for a three year period, to 7 February 2013. This decision was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter dated 8 February 2010, re-issued on 8 March 2010.
344 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20334/10]
I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his earlier Parliamentary Question, No 126 of Thursday, 18 June 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.
345 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20335/10]
Currently, there is no application for residency from this applicant, however, this applicant applied for asylum on the 30th August, 2002, his application was refused and a Deportation Order was made on the 11th September, 2003.
The applicant instituted Judicial Review proceedings on the 25 April, 2008 challenging the Deportation Order made in respect of him and accordingly, as the matter is sub judice, I do not propose to comment further.
346 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20336/10]
Officials in the Citizenship section of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.
347 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will revoke on humanitarian and human rights grounds the deportation order of a person (details supplied) who has been victim of physical and racial abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20337/10]
The person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order following a comprehensive and thorough examination of his asylum claim and of his application to remain temporarily in the State. He has been evading his deportation since 19 May 2005 and should he come to the notice of the Gardaí, he would be liable to arrest and detention. He should, therefore, present himself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau without any further delay.
As a matter of policy, I do not intend to reward persons who have failed a very fair and comprehensive asylum process, and who have thereafter proceeded to evade their deportation for several years, by granting such persons residency in the State. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if there has been a change in the circumstances of the person concerned, or new information has come to light which has a direct bearing on his case, there remains the option of applying to me for revocation of his Deportation Order pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended. However I wish to make clear that such an application would require substantial grounds to be successful.
348 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the planned development of the new prison at Thornton Hall; and the timeline for the completion of the project. [20348/10]
The Government has re-affirmed its commitment to developing a new prison campus at Thornton Hall, County Dublin and also approved the launch of a new tendering process for the construction of a more affordable and better value prison campus at Thornton. The aim is to provide good quality, regime focussed prison accommodation with appropriate support and rehabilitative facilities for prisoners to prepare them for re-integration back into society.
As previously stated, the new prison facility will provide accommodation for 1,400 cells with operational flexibility to accommodate up to 2,200 in a range of security settings and facilities. The Irish Prison Service is satisfied that the scope and scale of the project is appropriate given the current level of committals.
The development of the new prison at Thornton Hall, County Dublin is proceeding on a phased basis. Phase one comprises essential enabling works required for the prison development. These works include the construction of the dedicated access road, perimeter security wall and various off-site services. Phase two of the project comprises the various prisoner accommodation blocks, workshops, education facilities and administration buildings.
Tenders for the design and construction of the access road to serve the prison development were issued in March of this year. The competition is still in progress and it is anticipated that contract award will take place in June with construction work commencing on site in July.
It is intended that tender documents for various off-site works will be issued later this month with construction work expected to commence in September this year. The tender documentation for the design and construction of the perimeter wall of the prison is currently at an advanced stage of preparation. It is intended to invite tenders for this phase of the project by the end of September with the construction work commencing immediately following the completion of the access road in January 2011. The construction of the perimeter wall is estimated to take about 12 months to complete.
In relation to the main prison development, the National Development Finance Agency acting on behalf of the Irish Prison Service, has initiated an EU wide tender competition for the appointment of multi-disciplinary technical advisors for the project. The technical advisors will develop the output specification and other tender documents which will be the subject of a tender competition later this year. It is anticipated that the prison will be operational within 3 years from the commencement of the construction of the main prison campus.
The detailed design of the new prison has not yet been finalised. When designing a new prison, the Irish Prison Service must take into consideration a wide range of factors. These include the need to provide sufficient accommodation to meet current and future committals from the courts, the need to provide safe, secure custody for offenders and, the provision of appropriate rehabilitation services in order to prepare offenders for re-integration back in to society on completion of their sentence.
349 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application in respect persons (details supplied); and when a decision on this application will issue. [20368/10]
The family referred to by the Deputy comprise a husband and wife and their four children, all of whom are Romanian citizens. The first named person applied for asylum on 17 June 2002 and this application included two of the children. The second named person applied for asylum on 22 July 2002 and this application included the couple's other two children.
Arising from the refusal of their respective asylum claims, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), they were separately notified, she by letter dated 14 July 2005 and he by letter dated 23 September 2005, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of them and their children. They were each given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why Deportation Orders should not be made against them and their children. Representations were received on their behalf at that time.
As stated already, the persons concerned are Romanian citizens and, since the accession of Romania to the European Union (EU) on 1 January 2007, citizens of Romania are, in terms of immigration controls, covered by the provisions of the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) (No. 2) Regulations, 2006. This means they have the same rights of access to the Republic of Ireland as a citizen of an existing EU Member State, with the exception of access to the labour market. As a result, since that date no further consideration can be given to a Romanian citizen's case under the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). This position has been confirmed by the High Court in the Judgment of Mr. Justice Cooke in B & Anor v MJELR [2009] IEHC 333, 16th July 2009. In this case the High Court was satisfied that the Minister has no power since 1 January 2007 to make a decision under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) in relation to a Romanian national. Therefore, no further consideration can or will be given to the cases of the persons concerned in the context of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended).
350 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the legal costs incurred to date by the publicly funded Commission as a respondent in a case (details supplied) lodged with the Equality Tribunal, such case now being closed, a decision notified to the complainant and respondent respectively by the equality officer assigned to the case and no appeal lodged to the Labour Court within the 42 day time limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20380/10]
352 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the legal and other associated costs incurred to date by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission as a respondent in a case (details supplied) lodged with the Equality Tribunal; if his attention has been drawn to the fact this case is now being closed and a decision notified to the complainant and respondent respectively by the equality officer assigned to the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20395/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 350 and 352 together.
I understand from the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission that it incurred approximately €34,000 in legal costs in defending itself in this case.
As a matter of fact I believe it is appropriate to point out that the Equality Tribunal actually found against the claimant and in favour of the Commission in this case.
351 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will respond to representations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20381/10]
I have received the correspondence to which the Deputy refers. Information in respect of the matters raised has been sought from the Garda authorities and when that information is to hand a reply will issue to the correspondent.
353 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [20396/10]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 29 June 2005. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 7 November 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
354 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm the way in which matters concerning asylum and immigration are being managed within his Department. [20440/10]
Overall responsibility for Immigration and Asylum matters rests with the Minister. Within this framework a number of agencies and bodies both statutory and non-statutory, administer the various aspects of the service. These include the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC), the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT), the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA), the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) and the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). In addition, funding is provided to the Refugee Legal Service under the auspices of the Legal Aid Board who provide legal services to asylum claimants.
If the Deputy has a specific query in relation to any particular aspect of service, it may be addressed directly to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, 13–14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 who will coordinate a response from the various agencies as appropriate.
355 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 582 of 20 April 2010, the number of hours the prisoners referred to have out of their cells each day. [20441/10]
I refer to further to Question No. 582 of 20 April 2010.
It is not possible to provide the exact number of out of cell hours for each of the 317 prisoners referred to in my previous answer as the length of time these prisoners will have out of their cells changes on a daily basis. However, all prisoners on protection are being offered a daily minimum of one hour outdoor exercise.
The majority of these cases are prisoners who require protection and whose regimes have to be restricted for their own safety. There are also a number of prisoners who are subjected to a restricted regime because of medical conditions.
356 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the capacity of each prison here. [20442/10]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below which provides the bed capacity per prison/institution for 17 May 2010.
|
Prison/ Place of Detention |
Bed Capacity |
|
Arbour Hill Prison |
148 |
|
Castlerea Prison |
351 |
|
Cloverhill Prison |
431 |
|
Cork Prison |
272 |
|
Dóchas Centre |
85 |
|
Limerick Prison (male) |
290 |
|
Limerick Prison (female) |
20 |
|
Loughan House |
150 |
|
Midlands Prison |
516 |
|
Mountjoy Prison |
590 |
|
Portlaoise Prison |
359 |
|
Shelton Abbey |
100 |
|
St. Patrick’s Institution |
217 |
|
Training Unit |
107 |
|
Wheatfield Prison |
430 |
|
Total |
4,066 |
357 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the remarks made by a person (details supplied), he will consider the creation of commissions of inquiry into each Roman Catholic diocese around the country following the revelations of the Ryan and Murphy reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20449/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Commission's report on the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin was published last November. The Commission is at present examining the Diocese of Cloyne, and the Government extended the Commission's term to 30 June to allow this work to be completed.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the investigations of the Assistant Commissioner appointed by the Garda Commissioner to examine the findings of the Dublin Archdiocese report relating to the handling of complaints and investigations by both Church and State authorities are ongoing. He will complete his investigations expeditiously with a view to reporting to the Commissioner as early as possible. When he reports to the Commissioner with his recommendations, the Commissioner will consult with the DPP as to what issues arise in the context of criminal liability.
I am informed by my colleague the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs that the Health Service Executive (HSE) is currently in the process of completing its audit of Catholic dioceses to ensure that it, as the statutorily responsible body, is fully aware of all cases of clerical child sex abuse known to the Church. It is hoped that the HSE will submit its report to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in the near future. Consideration of the results of all these investigations will include consideration of what further actions require to be taken, including a possible extension of the Commission's remit.
358 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to introduce amending legislation on the matter of the age restrictions as pertaining to the Garda Síochána, with particular reference to recruitment and retirement ages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20473/10]
The recruitment age for entry to An Garda Síochána was considered as recently as 2004 when, on the recommendation of the Garda Commissioner, the maximum recruitment age was increased from 26 to 35 years. The standard retirement age in An Garda Síochána is 60 years of age. I have currently no plans to amend either the recruitment or the retirement age.
359 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his policy in relation to the EU anti-trafficking directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20479/10]
The Government recognises that human trafficking is a violation of human rights and a crime and it is committed to doing everything in its power to prevent this despicable crime, punish the perpetrators and protect the victims. Arrangements are in train to seek the approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas to opt in to the measure referred to by the Deputy.
360 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of citizenship applications awaiting a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20480/10]
The number of applications for certificates of naturalisation currently pending a decision is circa 19,600.
361 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a visa application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; when a decision will issue on the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20484/10]
I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person in question has lodged an application to remain in the State to study English. This application is currently under consideration and a decision will issue to the person concerned in the near future.
362 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will undertake to carry out a survey into the prevalence of problem gambling; the supports in place for persons with problem or addictive gambling; the responsibility and contribution of the industry towards supporting those with problem or addictive gambling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20493/10]
As Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I have responsibility for the regulation of Gaming and Lotteries under the Gaming and Lotteries Acts 1956 to 2003. My colleague, the Minister for Finance has responsibility for Betting under the Betting Acts 1931 and 1994, as amended and for the National Lottery under the National Lottery Act 1986.
The current arrangements governing gaming and lotteries do not provide me with the facility to conduct the type of research — some of which could be of a clinical nature — envisaged by the Deputy. However, as the Deputy is aware, I have initiated a major review of gambling from within my own Department. The review will provide Government with options for a new and comprehensive legal and organisational framework governing the gambling architecture in the State. Three important considerations which are the hallmark of most well-regulated gambling codes inform the review. These are:
that young people and the vulnerable are protected
that gambling should in all respects be fairly and openly conducted and
that gambling is kept free of crime.
The consultation phase of the review has now been completed. Following the settling of policy in relation to a new gambling architecture for the State, the House can expect the publication of legislative proposals in the normal course. I envisage that the costs associated with ensuring adherence to standards are met by the industry as part of the licensing arrangements, and that in that context the industry contributes the cost of properly commissioned and independently undertaken research into aspects of gambling, particularly into problem and compulsive gambling.
363 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will issue on an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20498/10]
Officials in the Citizenship section of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.
364 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons currently on temporary release from prison; the offences for which those persons currently on temporary release were convicted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20507/10]
365 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who were given early release from prison in the past 24 months; the offences for which these persons given early release were convicted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20508/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 364 and 365 together.
I wish to inform the Deputy that on 17 May 2010 there were 859 prisoners on temporary release. With the exception of certain categories of prisoner, most notably those serving life sentences, all prisoners are entitled to remission of their sentence at a rate of 25% of the term they have been sentenced to. It is not possible to provide figures and a breakdown of offences to the Deputy as requested as this would require the manual examination of records going back over a considerable time period. Such an examination would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort and could not be justified in current circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources.
The Criminal Justice Act 1960, as amended by the Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Act 2003 provides that the Minister may approve the temporary release of a sentenced prisoner. This discretionary instrument assists in gradually preparing suitable offenders for release, in administering short sentences, in addressing humanitarian issues and can be an incentive to well-behaved prisoners. It should be noted that a prisoner on temporary release is still subject to his or her sentence and may be returned to prison without any court intervention.
Temporary release arrangements are an important vehicle for re-integrating an offender into the community in a planned way. The generally accepted view is that the risk to the community is reduced by planned re-integration of offenders compared with their return to the community on the completion of their full sentence. Each case is examined on its own merits and the safety of the public is paramount when decisions are made. In addition, all releases are subject to conditions, which in the vast majority of cases include a requirement to report on a regular basis to the offender's Garda Station. Of course, any offender who breaches his or her conditions may be arrested and returned to prison immediately by the Gardaí.
366 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 312 of 16 February 2010, when a response may be expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20514/10]
I have been informed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau that the table below outlines the number of non-nationals who were refused permission to enter the State and the number of whom were subsequently permitted to enter the State having made an application pursuant to the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended).
|
Refused Permission to Land |
Permitted after application under Refugee Act 1996. |
|
|
2009 |
3,857 |
317 |
|
2008 |
5,390 |
345 |
The table below outlines the number of non-nationals, not being exempt, by virtue of an order under Section 17, from the requirement to have an Irish visa, who were refused permission to land in the State in 2008 & 2009, due to not being the holder of a valid Irish visa.
|
Year |
Number |
|
2009 |
1,009 |
|
2008 |
1,221 |
A decision to refuse leave to land for any of the reasons outlined in Section 4 of the Immigration Act 2004 could have been based, or partly based, on the inadequacy of documentation produced to an immigration officer. The number of non-nationals who were refused permission to land in the State based on having inadequate documentation to satisfy the requirements of the Immigration Act, 2004, is not readily available and would require a disproportionate level of Garda resources to collate.
367 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 313 of 16 February 2010, when a response may be expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20515/10]
I have been informed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau that there is no requirement or obligation on Immigration Officers, nor is it common practice, to ensure that the attention of non visa required nationals is drawn to the requirements that can be asked of them by Immigration officers at a point of entry. However, if a person has a specific enquiry regarding the immigration requirements of this State, it is open to them to visit the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service website; www.inis.gov.ie.
368 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the evaluation process for the provision of a new Garda station at Castleisland, County Kerry, has been completed; if so, when a contract will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20516/10]
I am advised by the Office of Public Works that the evaluation of tenders for the provision of a new Garda station at Castleisland is at an advanced stage. It is expected that a contract will be issued in the near future.
369 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he has taken to address white collar crime this year; his plans to address it in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20533/10]
I am advised by An Garda Síochána that the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation (GBFI) is currently investigating a wide range of cases of what might be regarded as white collar crime and, where appropriate does so in collaboration with other statutory authorities. I am further advised that the Bureau has sufficient resources available to it to investigate this type of criminality, and where additional personnel are required they have been made available to the appointed senior investigating officers. The GBFI has also recently trained additional personnel attached to divisions outside the Dublin Metropolitan Region in fraud investigation techniques to enable them to investigate less serious cases locally and support GBFI in its national responsibilities.
I have informed the Garda Commissioner that I am prepared to bring forward any changes to the criminal law which would enhance the ability of An Garda Síochána to investigate white collar crime, and, in this context, I have asked him to look at the law in this area and let me have any proposals he might consider desirable in the public interest. The issue of white collar crime will also be addressed as part of the process of the preparation of a White Paper on Crime, which is taking place at present.
370 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons in his Department and office, including any departments and offices under his aegis, employed in the civil and public service who are in receipt of a State pension. [21159/10]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to an occupational pension. The position of my Department on this matter is as outlined in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 260 of 5th May 2010.
371 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will expedite a passport application in respect of a person (details supplied). [20104/10]
A passport application for the named person was registered with the Passport Office in London on 12 April, 2010. As a direct result of the industrial action, significant arrears of passport applications have arisen within the passport service. Applications, other than those that are prioritised on the basis of demonstrable urgent humanitarian need, are being processed on a first come first served basis. It is presently taking up eight weeks to process Passport applications in London. However, I understand that the application in question will be issued in time for travel. Every effort is being made to reduce the waiting time for applications, pending the resolution of the industrial action which is preventing the recruitment of temporary staff to address the seasonal surge in demand for passports.
372 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action that is being taken to ensure that the public is satisfied with the service being provided by the passport office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20453/10]
As a direct result of ongoing industrial action by the Civil Public and Services Union (CPSU), significant arrears of passport applications have arisen within the Passport Service. There are currently approximately 66,000 passport applications waiting to be processed within the system and it is presently taking up to twenty two working days to process individual applications. Applications, other than those that are prioritised on the basis of demonstrable urgent humanitarian need, are being processed on a first come first served basis. The dispute is having a severe impact on the travelling public. Unfortunately, there are citizens whose trips abroad have had to be cancelled and holiday and work plans severely disrupted.
Every effort is being made to reduce the waiting time for applications, pending the resolution of the industrial action which is preventing the recruitment of temporary staff to address the seasonal surge in demand for passports. Staff have been working overtime for some weeks and this has kept the level of increase in the backlog to a minimum and in recent days seen a marginal reduction in this level.
However, the backlog in passport applications can and will be overcome when the CPSU call off their industrial action and co-operate with the recruitment of temporary staff normally engaged at this time of year. My Department has obtained the necessary sanction to recruit the temporary staff and arrangements have been made for staff to commence work at short notice. I would once again call on the CPSU to withdraw this restriction and to allow a significant number of currently unemployed workers to take on paid employment and assist in reducing the sizeable backlog of passport applications.
The Department's current advice to passport applicants is available on the website www.passport.ie:
1. Before making any overseas travel plans, customers should check passport expiry dates and submit any applications in sufficient time before the intended date of travel.
2. Photocopy the photograph page of any existing passport being renewed, include with the application form and retain the existing passport.
3. The recommended method for submitting passport applications is via the Passport Express service or Royal Mail NIPX service, available through local post offices.
4. Applications submitted through this service are currently being processed up to 22 working days from the date of receipt. The turnaround time for applications submitted through Irish Embassies abroad should in the 1st instance be checked on the relevant Embassy website.
5. Projected turnaround times for the issuing of passports are regularly updated and available at www.passport.ie
6. The public counters and out of hours services should only be used by those who have a necessity to travel for reasons of family emergency. i.e. travel is necessitated by the death, illness or welfare of a family member.
7. All other applications should be submitted through the Passport Express channel.
8. Customers should retain the barcode number on their passport application and use this number to check the status of their application on the Passport Service website: www.passport.ie . This should be the primary contact point for information and the site is updated several times a day.
9. Any queries on applications should be e-mailed using the contact details page on the website and should include the barcode number. These e-mails will be dealt with in order of receipt.
10. Customers who have made arrangements to collect their passport, should not call to the public counter until they have confirmed on the website that the relevant passport is ready for collection.
373 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of money given by Irish Aid to all Irish non-governmental organisations for the years 2008 and 2009; the predicted amount for 2010, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20505/10]
Cooperation with development Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) represents a very important element of the Government's aid programme, administered by Irish Aid. We consistently channel a higher proportion of our overall assistance through the non-governmental sector than most other international donors, reflecting the strong support of the Irish people for the work of NGOs and missionaries.
So far this year, Irish Aid has provided €56 million in funding to Irish NGOs. I expect that total funding for 2010 will be over €100 million. In 2009, over €114 million was provided to Irish development NGOs, and in 2008 over €145 million. This funding is provided to support the long term development work of NGOs, in accordance with the central objective of the Government's aid programme, to make an effective Irish contribution to the fight against global poverty and hunger. Funding is also provided to support emergency and humanitarian assistance, and work in the area of development education. Through Irish Aid, the Government provided funding to over 170 Irish NGOs last year. The following is an outline of all funding to Irish NGOs in 2008 and 2009, and funding provided to date in 2010.
|
NGO Name |
2010 (to date) |
2009 |
2008 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
80:20 Educating & Acting for a better world |
195,074 |
207,600 |
416,929 |
|
Action Aid |
850,000 |
1,603,331 |
|
|
Afghan Social and Cultural Ctr |
14,975 |
||
|
AFRI Ltd — Action from Ireland |
89,400 |
103,000 |
|
|
Africa Centre |
75,000 |
75,000 |
|
|
Africa Direct Ltd |
20,000 |
||
|
Africa Solidarity Centre |
9,000 |
||
|
AIDLINK |
960,000 |
1,200,000 |
|
|
AIDS Partnership Africa |
127,191 |
460,940 |
185,000 |
|
AKIDWA |
3,190 |
14,033 |
|
|
Amawele Ltd |
12,000 |
6,000 |
224,000 |
|
Amnesty International Irish Se |
70,000 |
115,000 |
100,000 |
|
AONTAS |
48,480 |
||
|
Apostolic Work |
82,560 |
166,080 |
|
|
Arts for Peace Foundation |
30,000 |
||
|
ASHA Community Health & Development Society |
75,038 |
||
|
ASTI General Fund |
9,600 |
947 |
9,844 |
|
A-Z Children’s Charity |
2,000 |
27,037 |
|
|
Ballyfermot Travellers’ Action |
4,000 |
16,000 |
|
|
Banúlacht |
100,000 |
155,000 |
151,000 |
|
Bawnogue Womens Development Group |
2,000 |
||
|
Bóthar Ltd. |
92,882 |
71,656 |
|
|
British Irish Rights Watch |
18,000 |
||
|
Burma Action Ireland |
13,968 |
13,337 |
|
|
Camara Education Ltd. |
400,000 |
500,000 |
|
|
Cambodia Education Fund |
19,620 |
||
|
Cambodia Trust Ireland |
28,980 |
||
|
Cara Malawi |
69,192 |
||
|
Carmona Services |
18,488 |
||
|
Centre for Global Education |
86,163 |
90,000 |
|
|
Chernobyl Children’s project International |
277,677 |
44,666 |
|
|
Child Aid Ireland |
52,311 |
||
|
Childfund Ireland |
731,000 |
983,876 |
|
|
Children in Crossfire |
787,000 |
1,035,100 |
|
|
Children’s Educational Dev Fund |
20,000 |
||
|
Christian Aid Ireland |
2,343,666 |
3,199,920 |
3,680,772 |
|
Christian Blind Mission Ireland |
982,000 |
1,059,592 |
|
|
Church Mission Society Ireland |
495,856 |
167,229 |
382,907 |
|
City of Dublin YMCA |
60,000 |
||
|
COHAB Initiative |
10,000 |
||
|
Comhlámh |
725,690 |
703,679 |
|
|
Concern Universal |
200,000 |
||
|
Concern Worldwide |
15,997,000 |
24,812,620 |
33,395,950 |
|
Council for Education in World Citizenship, Northern Ireland |
1,260 |
||
|
Cradle Ltd |
6,300 |
||
|
Crosslinks |
101,899 |
239,745 |
|
|
Debt & Development Coalition |
33,600 |
15,841 |
73,363 |
|
Development Perspectives |
20,000 |
20,000 |
|
|
Dóchas |
250,000 |
250,000 |
|
|
Donegal Peace Centre |
44,065 |
||
|
East Africa Medical Trust |
20,000 |
||
|
ECO-UNESCO |
80,000 |
80,000 |
|
|
Edith Wilkins Foundation |
51,000 |
92,250 |
|
|
EIL International Learning |
24,000 |
8,000 |
39,000 |
|
Environmental Foundation Africa |
37,500 |
||
|
Ethical Development Action |
2,000 |
10,500 |
|
|
Foundation Romanian Children’s |
123,680 |
||
|
Friends in Ireland |
46,154 |
249,598 |
|
|
Friends of Hospice Uganda (Ireland) |
298,368 |
388,430 |
|
|
Friends of Londiani Ireland |
129,915 |
123,406 |
|
|
Friends of the Earth Ireland |
18,400 |
10,000 |
|
|
Front Line |
450,000 |
450,000 |
|
|
Galway One World Centre |
113,000 |
105,000 |
|
|
Glencree Centre for Reconciliation |
151,344 |
||
|
Global Education Network Europe |
59,200 |
32,000 |
|
|
GOAL |
9,960,720 |
16,596,722 |
20,197,526 |
|
Guidestar Ireland Ltd |
200,000 |
||
|
Habitat for Humanity Ireland |
172,636 |
12,800 |
179,686 |
|
Hope Foundation |
163,520 |
156,847 |
|
|
Housing for Boaco |
78,000 |
||
|
ICTU Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Global Solidarity Campaign) |
87,000 |
105,000 |
|
|
IDEA — Irish Development Education Association |
169,547 |
191,997 |
|
|
International Service Ireland |
443,001 |
221,269 |
|
|
Interserve Ireland |
25,586 |
129,471 |
|
|
Irish Association of the Order of Malta |
64,000 |
64,000 |
|
|
Irish Council for Overseas Students |
1,356,129 |
1,830,710 |
|
|
Irish Ethiopian Friendship Association |
18,507 |
||
|
Irish Fair Trade Network |
3,925,000 |
3,340,000 |
|
|
Irish Forum for Global Health |
40,000 |
||
|
Irish Friends of Albania |
163,000 |
||
|
Irish Medical Aid for Palestinians |
4,800 |
||
|
Irish Quaker Faith in Action |
20,000 |
||
|
Irish Social Finance Centre Ltd |
18,750 |
||
|
Jampa Ling Trust |
192,000 |
||
|
Just Forests |
54,400 |
46,800 |
|
|
KADE -Kerry Action for Development Education |
105,000 |
82,201 |
|
|
Latin America Solidarity Centre |
90,000 |
85,420 |
|
|
Law Society of Ireland |
44,600 |
64,300 |
|
|
LEPRA Ireland |
87,567 |
211,052 |
198,725 |
|
Link Community Development |
32,000 |
208,126 |
252,229 |
|
Livability Ireland |
151,360 |
||
|
LORETO Education Trust Co. Ltd |
20,000 |
6,000 |
24,000 |
|
Louisburgh Community Project |
8,000 |
1,500 |
|
|
Lourdes Youth & Community Services |
142,000 |
150,000 |
|
|
Louth Youth Federation |
5,000 |
23,578 |
|
|
Mayfield Community Arts Centre |
80,000 |
100,000 |
93,000 |
|
Medicins Sans Frontieres |
200,000 |
995,000 |
1,183,965 |
|
Methodist Missionary Society |
174,680 |
198,000 |
|
|
misean cara -formerly Irish Missionary Resource Services |
11,200,000 |
16,000,000 |
20,000,000 |
|
Mission Alive |
8,000 |
2,000 |
|
|
National Council YMCA Irl |
80,000 |
95,000 |
|
|
National Youth Council of Ireland |
277,508 |
309,806 |
|
|
Nepal Leprosy Trust |
108,349 |
106,045 |
|
|
Nepalese Childrens Foundation |
20,000 |
||
|
Northern Memorial Trust Fund |
20,000 |
||
|
Northside Learning Hub |
12,000 |
||
|
Ogra Chorcai |
28,000 |
42,000 |
41,794 |
|
ORBIS |
200,000 |
200,000 |
|
|
Oxfam Ireland |
2,385,000 |
3,678,231 |
|
|
Partners in Mission |
5,000 |
20,000 |
|
|
PLAN International Ireland |
249,994 |
1,482,563 |
1,681,699 |
|
Playing for Life Ltd |
134,900 |
121,700 |
|
|
Power4good Ireland Ltd |
125,827 |
124,328 |
|
|
Progressio |
700,000 |
994,371 |
|
|
Protea Education Development Programme |
105,396 |
165,529 |
|
|
Realt Africa Teaching Programme |
2,000 |
9,200 |
|
|
Realta Global AIDS Foundation |
87,300 |
||
|
Right to Sight |
100,000 |
100,000 |
|
|
Samaritan’s Purse Ireland |
150,216 |
150,216 |
|
|
Schools Across Borders |
135,000 |
142,000 |
|
|
Seachange Foundation |
20,000 |
||
|
Seeds One World Centre |
2,100 |
||
|
Self Help Africa |
933,333 |
2,800,000 |
3,500,000 |
|
SERVE in Solidarity Ireland |
270,190 |
350,268 |
|
|
Shanty Educational Project Ltd |
28,000 |
58,000 |
|
|
Sight Savers International |
780,000 |
1,531,558 |
|
|
Skillshare International Ireland |
271,732 |
785,328 |
|
|
Sli Eile — Zamcraft |
5,250 |
||
|
Social + Health Education Project |
115,176 |
104,543 |
|
|
Social Innovations Foundation |
100,000 |
20,000 |
|
|
South Inner City Community |
57,800 |
||
|
Special Olympics Ireland |
210,500 |
||
|
Sponsor an African Scholar |
60,000 |
||
|
SUAS Educational Development |
510,000 |
300,000 |
|
|
Sue Ryder Foundation Ire Ltd |
35,988 |
58,054 |
|
|
Sustainable Ireland Co-operation |
5,000 |
26,000 |
|
|
Tearfund Ireland |
4,000 |
16,000 |
|
|
Tekera Resource Centre Ireland |
19,165 |
||
|
The Billy Riordan Memorial Trust |
20,000 |
||
|
The Football Village of Hope |
55,000 |
45,000 |
|
|
The Hollies Centre for Practical Sustainabilty |
3,000 |
||
|
The Leprosy Mission Ireland |
548,078 |
746,494 |
|
|
The Rose Project |
200,000 |
200,000 |
|
|
The Support Africa Foundation |
100,000 |
100,000 |
200,000 |
|
The Volunteer Missionary Movement |
8,000 |
1,000 |
|
|
The West Cork Scrapstore |
16,000 |
4,000 |
20,000 |
|
Tools for Solidarity |
22,306 |
||
|
TRAIDLINKS |
450,000 |
1,250,000 |
1,320,000 |
|
Transparency Int. Ireland |
1,985 |
8,000 |
|
|
Trócaire |
11,200,000 |
19,524,452 |
23,999,837 |
|
Twinning the Kingdoms Ltd |
8,000 |
8,000 |
20,000 |
|
UCD Volunteers Overseas |
98,559 |
||
|
Valid Nutrition |
676,000 |
525,000 |
|
|
Value Added In Africa |
20,000 |
||
|
VITA-Refugee Trust International |
700,000 |
1,075,000 |
|
|
Voluntary Service International |
25,000 |
25,000 |
|
|
Volunteering Ireland |
69,800 |
||
|
Volunteers in Irish Veterinary Assistance — VIVA |
32,340 |
57,275 |
|
|
VSO Ireland Limited |
960,000 |
1,299,084 |
|
|
War On Want NI |
400,000 |
||
|
Warrenmount CED Centre |
1,240 |
||
|
Waterford One World Centre |
120,000 |
115,000 |
|
|
Waterford Youth Arts |
8,000 |
2,400 |
|
|
West Papua Action |
2,340 |
||
|
World Vision Ireland |
200,000 |
1,624,075 |
3,394,200 |
|
Youth Work Ireland |
20,000 |
374 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the number of persons in Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Irish Sports Council, the National Museum of Ireland, the Irish Film Board and any other agency under the remit of her Department in terms of whole time equivalents employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target number at which point the moratorium will end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20042/10]
The moratorium on staffing in the public service was introduced from 27 March 2008 to end 2010. The table below sets out the numbers, in terms of whole time equivalents, employed in the State bodies under the aegis of my Department as at 31 December 2008 and 31 December 2009.
|
Name of Agency |
Number of staff serving at end 2008 |
Number of staff serving at end 2009 |
|
Arts Council |
62.00 |
58.50 |
|
Irish Film Board |
16.00 |
16.00 |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
36.40 |
35.40 |
|
Failte Ireland |
389.19 |
356.69 |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
94.00 |
93.00 |
|
Irish Sports Council |
29.40 |
28.40 |
|
National Concert Hall |
67.50 |
66.29 |
|
National Library of Ireland |
123.15 |
104.05 |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
180.92 |
175.51 |
|
National Sports Campus Development Authority |
5.60 |
4.60 |
|
SFADCo. (Tourism) |
30.50 |
30.50 |
|
Tourism Ireland Ltd. |
161.50 |
159.00 |
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
13.00 |
14.00 |
|
Total |
1,209.16 |
1,141.94 |
The objective is to reduce the total number of staff, in terms of whole time equivalents, across all the agencies listed above to 1,118 by end 2010.
375 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if she will provide a table of attendance of tourism Ministers, junior Ministers or officials at each of the Education, Youth and Culture Councils in the past three years, or at any other Council meetings related to arts, tourism, sports or culture; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20520/10]
The requested information in respect of formal meetings of the Council of the European Union for the past three years is as set out in tabular form as follows.
|
Date of Meeting |
Attendance |
|
24 May 2007 |
Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union, Brussels |
|
16 November 2007 |
Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union, Brussels |
|
21 May 2008 |
Minister Éamon Ó Cuív (deputising on behalf of Mr. Martin Cullen, then Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism) |
|
21 November 2008 |
Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union, Brussels |
|
12 May 2009 |
Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union, Brussels |
|
27 November 2009 |
Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union, Brussels |
|
10 May 2010 |
Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union, Brussels |
Tourism issues are normally dealt with by the Competitiveness Council which my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation attends.
Since my appointment as Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport in March this year, there was one formal meeting of the Education, Youth and Culture Council which I was entitled to attend on 10th May 2010. I had planned to attend this meeting but unfortunately I was unable to do so due to pressing domestic tourism commitments relating to the volcanic ash disruption. As set out above the Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union, Brussels deputised on my behalf at this meeting.
For the Deputy's information, I participated in an ad hoc video conference with EU Tourism Ministers on 28th April to discuss the impact on tourism business across the EU as a result of the volcanic ash disruption.
376 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the number of persons in her Department and office, including any Departments and Offices under her aegis, employed in the civil and public service who are in receipt of a State pension. [21161/10]
I presume that the Deputy is referring to occupational pensions paid to staff employed in the Department or in the agencies under the aegis of the Department.
The specific information requested is not available for all departmental staff as records of past employments of new recruits are not captured in such a way as to provide a dedicated basis for compiling the information requested by the Deputy.
However, I can confirm that none of my political staff or my special adviser are currently drawing down pension payments on foot of previous public sector employment.
Retired public servants are occasionally engaged by the Department for specific tasks or projects. Such engagements are normally remunerated on a fee basis where provision exists for the fees to be abated, where appropriate, by reference to pension payments.
Details in relation to staff employed by the agencies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the agencies themselves.
377 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the balance of the Dormant Accounts Fund; if the Dormant Accounts Fund will be wound up; if so, the way the remaining balance will be dispersed and the areas in which income from this source will be directed in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20096/10]
As the Deputy is aware, the Dormant Accounts Fund Acts provide for an annual transfer by credit institutions and insurance undertakings of monies in accounts determined to be dormant into the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF). Since its establishment in May 2003 to end-March 2010, the net transfers to the DAF have totalled some €326m.
The value of the DAF at end-March 2010, net of liabilities, was some €42m. This excludes the amount of some €46m currently maintained in a Reserve Account to meet reclaims and to cover expenses. The reserve is currently set at 15% of the total monies received by the Fund and not yet reclaimed.
There are no plans to wind up the DAF but the Deputy may wish to note that the Government plans to publish legislation in the coming months dissolving the Dormant Accounts Board.
Further details of the projects to which funding has been allocated to date and a summary of the status of the DAF are available on my Department's website
www.pobail.ie/en/DormantAccounts.
For the Deputy's convenience, I am arranging to have a copy of the summary table forwarded directly to her.
378 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of persons in Údarás na Gaeltachta, An Foras Teanga, Waterways Ireland, the Western Development Commission and any other agency under the remit of his Department in terms of whole-time equivalents employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target number at which point the moratorium will end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20039/10]
The following table sets out the details requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of persons employed in Údarás na Gaeltachta, An Foras Teanga, Waterways Ireland, the Western Development Commission and other agencies funded from my Department's Vote Group.
In relation to the Deputy's query regarding the target number at which point the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service will end, the precise ceilings in each area are subject to any future Government policy decisions and priorities in regard to public service provision. The Government will keep the application of the moratorium on recruitment and promotion under review and the matter will be revisited in each sector as the staffing levels in the Employment Control Frameworks for the sectors are achieved.
The Deputy also requested details in relation to An Foras Teanga and Waterways Ireland, both of which are North/South Implementation Bodies that come under the remit of my Department. Details in relation to numbers employed in those Bodies are also reflected in the following table. However, I must stress to the Deputy that these bodies are exempt from the requirements of the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service and other public service number reducing measures. It should also be noted that neither of the Bodies have yet met their approved staffing complement and are in the process of recruiting staff, in line with approvals from the Departments of Finance in both jurisdictions and the North/South Ministerial Council.
|
Agency Name |
Number employed prior to moratorium introduction End-March 2009 |
Number currently employed End-March 2010 |
Target number at end 2012 |
|
Family Support Agency |
42.1 |
39.10 |
37.1 |
|
Office of the Commissioners for Charitable Donations and Bequests |
7.4 |
5.80 |
5.8 |
|
Western Development Commission |
17.6 |
14.40 |
13.4 |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
110.0 |
100.00 |
95.0 |
|
An Coimisinéir Teanga |
7.0 |
6.00 |
6.0 |
|
North / South Bodies 1 |
|||
|
An Foras Teanga, comprising: |
|||
|
Ulster-Scots Agency |
14.5 |
18.80 |
19 |
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
49.0 |
49.00 |
71.0 |
|
Waterways Ireland |
352.8.0 |
352.42 |
381.0 |
1The moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service and other numbers reducing initiatives do not apply to North/South Implementation Bodies.
379 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress that has been made on the reopening of the Ulster Canal as already agreed from Belturbet to Clones; if he will indicate when same will go to contract or when he expects work to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20464/10]
I am advised by Waterways Ireland that the requisite physical survey has been completed and that work on the necessary environmental assessments is due for completion in autumn 2010. Following completion of these studies and final design estimates, it is anticipated that planning permission will be sought towards the end of the year. Following a successful outcome to the planning process, it is anticipated that the land acquisition process could then commence and the contract for construction could be awarded in 2011.
380 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an eol dó go bhfuil fógra iomarcaíochta tugtha ag Glór na nGael do sheachtar dá gcuid fosaithe de bharr na héiginnteachta atá ag baint le cúrsaí maoinithe agus an gcuirfidh sé na hacmhainní cuí ar fáil sa dóigh go dtig le Glór na nGael leanúint ar aghaidh lena gcuid oibre go héifeachtach. [20571/10]
Tá Glór na nGael ar cheann de 19 n-eagras deonach Gaeilge a bhí ag fáil bunmhaoiniú bliantúil ó Fhoras na Gaeilge trí sholáthar airgid a chuirtear ar fáil don Fhoras ó mo Roinn féin agus ón Roinn Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Fóillíochta ó thuaidh.
In Aibreán 2008 chuir an Foras tús le hathbhreithniú seachtrach ar na heagraíochtaí sin le cinntiú go mbeadh an luach airgid is fearr le fáil ón gcaiteachas poiblí ar earnáil na Gaeilge sa todhchaí. Cuireadh an t-athbhreithniú i gcrích le linn 2009 agus ba é tátal na tuarascála ná go raibh roinnt roghanna éagsúla ag Foras na Gaeilge i dtaobh bhainistiú straitéiseach na n-eagraíochtaí bunmhaoinithe d'fhonn sochair shuntasacha a bhaint amach i dtaca le luach ar airgead.
Ag glacadh thorthaí na tuarascála san áireamh agus an gá go ndéanfadh Bord Fhoras na Gaeilge tuilleadh breithnithe ar an tuarascáil, chomhaontaigh na hAirí ag cruinniú den Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh Theas ar 2 Nollaig 2009 go ndéanfaí athchumrú ar bhunmhaoiniú na hearnála deonaí Gaeilge ó Fhoras na Gaeilge ar an mbonn go leagfadh Foras amach tosaíochtaí straitéiseacha ard-leibhéil. Dá réir sin, bheadh iarratais mhaoinithe le lorg ag dá leibhéal sa todhchaí, eadhon:
(i) ón earnáil dheonach Ghaeilge, laistigh de na tosaíochtaí straitéiseacha, ó eagraíocht amháin (nó b'fhéidir líon teoranta eagraíochtaí), ag a mbeadh ról ionadaíochta, scaipeadh eolais, abhcóideachta agus soláthar acmhainní agus tacaíochta, don earnáil go hiomlán, agus
(ii) ag an leibhéal áitiúil, ó ghrúpaí a ghlacfadh cur chuige comhtháite i ndáil le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge, lena n-airítear obair i suímh éagsúla — pobal, teaghlach, oideachas agus an óige.
Déanfaidh an t-athchumrú seo cur chuige níos éifeachtaí, níos sruthlínithe agus níos costas-éifeachtaí a chinntiú i dtaobh mhaoiniú na hearnála.
De réir chinneadh na nAirí, caithfear na socruithe nua a a aontú faoi lár 2010. Ach é sin a bheith déanta, áfach, aithnítear go dtógfaidh sé tamall le haghaidh na moltaí a chuir i bhfeidhm agus, ar ndóigh, go mbeidh gá le maoiniú eatramhach do na heagraíochtaí. Tuigim ó Fhoras na Gaeilge gurb é an staid reatha ná go bhfuiltear ag cur bailchríoch le moltaí sonracha le cur os comhair chruinniú an Bhoird ar 21 Bealtaine 2010 ionas go bhféadfar cinneadh críochniúil a chur ar aghaidh chuig an dá Roinn urraíochta gan mhoill.
381 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of persons in his Department and office, including any Departments and Offices under his aegis, employed in the civil and public service who are in receipt of a State pension. [21154/10]
I understand the Deputy to refer to the employment of retired public servants as part of the staffing of my Department and Office, including offices under the aegis of my Department. Records of past employments of new recruits are not captured in such a way as to provide a dedicated basis for compiling the information requested by the Deputy. Accordingly, the specific information requested is not available.
Retired public servants are, however, engaged by my Department and offices under the aegis of my Department, from time to time for specific tasks or projects. Such engagements are normally remunerated on a fee basis (provision exists for fees to be abated, where appropriate, by reference to pension payments) but in some cases, indeed, retired public servants have provided their services without any additional remuneration.
382 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding entitlement to rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19924/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
383 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for an increased subsidy in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Cork. [20387/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
384 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the introduction of the proposed employer’s PRSI scheme; when same will come into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20753/10]
Full details of the Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme, including the application procedure, will be announced shortly. It will be administered by the Department of Social Protection.
The scheme will run for the calendar year 2010 only. However, any qualifying employment created in 2010 will be eligible for the scheme, which will be structured so that employment created prior to the launch can participate for 12 months forward from the time of launch and employment created later in the year will participate for 12 months to the corresponding date in 2011.
385 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 is entitled to supplementary welfare; if the person’s State pension will be affected by any private pension the person may have when the person turns 65 years in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19893/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy in relation to any entitlement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme for the person in question.
The State pension (transition) payable from age 65 is not a means-tested payment. In order to qualify for state pension, a claimant must satisfy a number of qualifying conditions including meeting the contribution conditions. As this pension is insurance based it would not be affected by any supplementary pension.
386 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19894/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
387 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection if the fuel allowance will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [19920/10]
A Deciding Officer has awarded a fuel allowance payment to the person concerned from the 7 January, 2010. All arrears due will issue to her shortly.
388 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount of money allocated to persons in Limerick city and county from the humanitarian assistance scheme for flood victims as announced last winter; the number of applications made for the fund; the number of successful applications; the amount of money allocated to a county basis; the number of applicants on a county basis; the number of successful applications on a county basis, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19959/10]
The HSE's Community Welfare Service has been providing support to households under the Humanitarian Aid Scheme since last November's flooding. Up to the 7th May 2010 they had made 2,976 payments to 1,276 individuals to the value of €1,270,547 throughout the country. The HSE has advised that only 6 applications were refused. The following tabular statement gives a county by county breakdown of expenditure and payments.
|
Expenditure by County |
County |
Number of Payments Made |
Individuals Assisted |
|
€ |
|||
|
323,667 |
Cork |
858 |
486 |
|
387,953 |
Galway |
821 |
335 |
|
243,201 |
Clare |
453 |
100 |
|
103,525 |
Westmeath |
413 |
86 |
|
74,789 |
Tipperary |
128 |
77 |
|
23,774 |
Roscommon |
65 |
28 |
|
5,171 |
Carlow |
32 |
28 |
|
16,115 |
Limerick |
33 |
23 |
|
17,681 |
Wicklow |
22 |
15 |
|
12,883 |
Kildare |
35 |
15 |
|
6,666 |
Waterford |
11 |
10 |
|
55,121 |
Other* |
105 |
73 |
|
1,270,547 |
Total |
2,976 |
1,276 |
*There were fewer than 10 individuals assisted in each of the other counties.
389 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will expedite an appeal against a decision not to award disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; if he will grant an early oral hearing; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19963/10]
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 determine if an oral hearing is warranted in this case.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister of Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
390 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social Protection the grounds on which an appeal of an application for carer’s allowance was turned down in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; if same will be re-opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19964/10]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having considered all the available evidence, disallowed the appeal on the grounds that the person concerned does not satisfy the statutory means conditions and she does not provide full-time care and attention as defined in legislation.
Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts. If there is any new evidence or new facts pertinent to this case that was not brought to the attention of the Appeals Officer during the determination of this appeal, they may be submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for further consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister of Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
391 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who are eligible for family income supplement but who are not availing of the scheme; the number of persons who have availed of the scheme in each year for the past five years; the measures he is taking to increase awareness and take up of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19970/10]
It was not possible to estimate the number of families who would be eligible but do not apply for family income supplement (FIS) entitlements.
The department completed a research project in 2008 to examine factors behind the level of take up for the scheme. This research project included a survey of over 3,000 families which appeared to satisfy conditions for receipt of FIS. From over 1,000 valid responses received the survey identified that 23% might be eligible for this scheme.
The research also found that overall awareness of family income supplement among potential recipients is high with nearly three in four claiming to have heard of the scheme. Despite high levels of awareness, there was a lack of awareness and understanding of the eligibility requirements with only one in three claiming to be aware of the qualifying criteria for FIS.
The report recommends that the department needs to ensure that information about the scheme is advertised in a focused way with the eligibility and qualification criteria communicated as clearly as possible. The department is addressing this by ensuring such information is highlighted as part of its ongoing information strategy.
Numbers in payment at the end of the last 5 years are as follows;
|
Year |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
Numbers |
17,448 |
21,800 |
22,823 |
27,798 |
25,963 |
In terms of new FIS claims being received by the Department,21,173 new FIS claims were received in 2009. This figure compares to 14,400 new FIS claims received in 2008 and 13,423 in 2007 — an increase of almost 58 % on 2007 and 47% on 2008. These figures demonstrate the increasing awareness of the scheme among the public.
392 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of new applications for family income supplement that are awaiting approval; the number of persons reapplying and awaiting approval; the average waiting time for applicants seeking approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19973/10]
There are currently some 5,427 new family income supplement (FIS) applications and some 3,410 renewal applications awaiting approval.
The average waiting time for both new and renewal FIS applications is currently approximately 10 weeks.
393 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a matter (details supplied). [19976/10]
418 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to raise the pension retirement age in 2014; his views on whether this provides enough lead-in time for persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20497/10]
421 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to confusion among persons in their early 60s on the way the proposed changes to pension age will affect them, the confusing way in which the proposal is set out in the National Pensions Framework document and the conflicting reports in the media about persons aged 61 years and 62 years of age; and the various cut-off points for pension age increases based on date of birth. [20749/10]
I propose to take Question Nos. 393, 418 and 421 together.
The challenges facing the Irish pension system are significant. In particular, the task of financing increasing pension spending will fall to a diminishing share of the population. There are currently six workers for every pensioner and this ratio is expected to decrease to less than two to one by 2050.
Increasing state pension age is one of the ways in which we can sustain the pensions system and also maintain the value of the State Pension at 35% of average earnings. People are living longer and healthier lives with average life expectancy set to rise even further in the future, up to 89 years for women and 83 for men. People will still, therefore, be spending at least the same amount of time in retirement as they are today, even with a later State pension age.
Therefore, as announced as part of the National Pensions Framework, the State pension age will be increased gradually to 68 years. This will begin in 2014 with the removal of the State pension (transition), thereby standardising State pension age at 66. This means that the last group of people to receive the State pension (transition) will be those who reach 65 years of age in 2013. State pension age will be increased to 67 years in 2021 and to 68 in 2028.
The details and timeframes for these changes are set out in the National Pensions Framework, which was published on 3 March 2010. The Government's plan for future pension reform in Ireland encompasses all aspects of pensions, from social welfare to private occupational pensions and public sector pension reform. The aim of the framework is to deliver security, equity, choice and clarity for the individual, the employer and the State. It also aims to increase pension coverage, particularly among low to middle income groups and to ensure that state support for pensions is equitable and sustainable.
Implementation group chaired by my Department has been established to develop the legislative, regulatory and administrative infrastructure required to put the necessary reforms into operation.
394 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a child dependant will be added to a farm assist payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [20060/10]
A Deciding Officer has awarded an increase in respect of a qualified child dependant for the person concerned. Arrears of €938.90 covering the period from 21 September 2009 to 11 May 2010 will issue to him shortly.
396 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will receive a response on their invalidity pension appeal. [20107/10]
Payment of invalidity pension, to the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. An appeal was opened and in the context of that appeal, her case was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in the light of this second medical opinion, that office decided to afford her an opportunity of setting out the complete and up to date grounds of her appeal. The person concerned has submitted additional medical evidence which has been forwarded to the Chief Medical Advisor for his opinion.
397 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) is not entitled to medical appliance benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20108/10]
The person concerned made a claim for medical appliance benefit under his own PPS Number. As he does not have sufficient reckonable PRSI contributions in his own right, his claim was rejected. Based on the PRSI qualifying conditions alone, he may still be eligible under the Dependent Spouse scheme. However, there are also other (i.e. non-PRSI) conditions which must be met before payment can issue. As it is not clear from his original application that these conditions are met, the Department will contact him for further information in order to establish his eligibility for payment.
398 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the assistance that is available to young persons who turn 18 years of age and who are still in full-time education but who have had the child benefit payment discontinued to them due to recent budget statements; and if he will outline the proposals he will make to assist such young persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20129/10]
Child Benefit assists parents in the cost associated with raising children and it contributes towards alleviating child poverty. Between 2000 and 2009, overall expenditure on Child Benefit grew from just €638 million to approximately €2.5 billion per year. However, with tax revenues having fallen dramatically, we cannot afford to maintain spending at this level.
It was decided in Budget 2009 to limit spending on Child Benefit by lowering the upper age limit that currently applies from 19 years to 18 years. The impact of this measure was phased in, with payment for existing children being halved from January 2009 and payment stopping from the 18th birthday from January 2010.
Budget 2009 provided for a compensatory payment of €15 to be made to people receiving a social welfare payment which included an increase in respect of an 18 year old child or a Family Income Supplement payment which includes payment in respect of that child.
In recognition of the need to target limited available resources at persons on low incomes with children in full-time education a number of provisions have been introduced including:
The extension of entitlement to Increase for Qualified Child, payable to social welfare recipients in respect of qualifying child dependants, to age 22 where the parent of a full-time student (including third level) is in receipt of either:
A long-term social welfare payment, or
A short-term social welfare payment for six months or more (short-term schemes include such payments as Jobseeker's Benefit and Assistance, Illness Benefit and Supplementary Welfare Allowance), and
The provision of a weekly payment to low paid employees with families, through the Family Income Supplement (FIS) scheme. Under this scheme, a qualified child is any child under the age of 18 or aged 18 to 22 in full-time education. This supplement is paid where a family's weekly income is below a specified amount for the family size, and is calculated at 60% of the difference between the net family income (i.e. gross pay less tax, PRSI, health contribution, superannuation) and the relevant income limit.
Low income families may also be entitled to a Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, which is administered by the Health Service Executive and operates from the beginning of June to the end of September each year.
399 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in awarding an application for optical benefit in respect of a person (details supplied); and when optical benefit will be granted. [20158/10]
This Department has not received an application for Optical Benefit from the person concerned. It is possible that she has made her application under the Medical Card scheme, in which case she should contact the HSE for further information.
If she wishes to make an application for Optical Benefit under the PRSI scheme to this Department, she should complete an application form (O2) at her opticians and forward it to the Department's offices in Letterkenny.
400 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 73 of 20 April 2010, the additional moneys and resources that will be put into employment and enabling services, that is, back to education and training schemes and child care provision prior to the proposed cuts to the lone parent scheme due to be made in 2011. [20159/10]
The Government is conscious that many lone parents will need access to education, training and enabling services such as childcare provision in order to acquire the skills they will need to gain employment. My Department has been working closely with other Departments and Agencies to ensure that the broader needs of lone parent families are met and that the changes to the One-Parent Family Payment due to be introduced in the forthcoming Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2010, will be progressed in that context.
My Department provides a wide range of education opportunities for disadvantaged and low-income groups such as lone parents to strengthen their qualifications and skills base and thus maximise their chances of meeting the requirements of the modern labour market and gaining employment. The Back-to-Education Allowance Scheme currently assists some 3,220 people who are in receipt of the One-Parent Family Payment (out of a total of some 20,800 participants). Expenditure on the Scheme amounted to €107.3 million in 2009 and a further €169.7 million has been allocated to it for this year.
With regard to training opportunities, at present, all lone parents who present to FÁS Employment Services are automatically provided with a one-to-one guidance interview with an Employment Services Officer who either advises them on suitable labour market opportunities such as current work vacancies and suitable training/employment programme places or refers them to other FÁS supports.
Furthermore, a new support approach, the Social Inclusion Model, to help people to overcome barriers and to increase their opportunities to access training, employment programmes and, ultimately the labour market, is currently being tested by FÁS with lone parents.
The Social Inclusion Model is an inter-agency approach (involving FÁS, my Department, the Irish Vocational Education Association and lone parent organisations) that includes outreach information and recruitment and a part-time "Paving Your Way to Work" programme concerned with the provision of information supports regarding welfare to work, budgeting, personal coaching and training education and work options. It also includes basic IT training. The programme is aimed at individuals who are parenting alone who want to get a job or improve their job prospects and who need to access a wide range of information and/or learn new skills through training and/or to return to education in order to achieve this.
An expanded range of opportunities is also available in the area of childcare provision. The Government has invested some €1 billion throughout the last decade in developing the national childcare infrastructure by creating an additional 65,000 childcare places under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP). This investment has facilitated the recent introduction of the free Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) year for pre-school children — which will be particularly helpful to those parenting alone.
In addition, the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) funds a nationwide network of almost 1,000 community childcare facilities to enable them to charge reduced childcare fees to disadvantaged and low-income families. A revised CCSS is being introduced in September 2010, with a supplementary focus on labour activation. The subvention rates for low-income working parents are being enhanced and the existing level of childcare supports that are specific to lone parents is being maintained. Lone parents can avail of affordable childcare under the CCSS in the form of full or part-time day-care services and sessionalplayschool services for younger children. Equally importantly for lone parents, after-school services and homework clubs are included in the services provided.
401 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a child benefit appeal will be resolved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; when the child benefit payment will be reinstated. [20168/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that Office. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister of Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
402 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when an oral hearing will be scheduled to finalise a carer’s allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [20169/10]
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 informed when arrangements have been made.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister of Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
403 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a jobseeker’s allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be finalised. [20170/10]
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 functions independently of the Minister of Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
404 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a carer’s allowance appeal will be reviewed and finalised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [20171/10]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, an Appeals Officer, having considered all the available evidence, including that adduced at an oral hearing, disallowed the carer's allowance appeal of the person concerned.
However, following the submission of additional medical evidence the Appeals Officer agreed to review the case. The Appeals Officer has forwarded the medical evidence to the Chief Medical Advisor for his opinion. Following the Chief Medical Advisor's determination the case will be referred back to an Appeals Officer for further consideration. The person concerned will be contacted when the appeal has been finalised.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister of Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
405 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a carer’s allowance appeal will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [20172/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that Office. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister of Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
406 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person who has been awarded jobseeker’s allowance for over two years can now opt to get their payment lodged to their bank account, rather than having to call each week to collect the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20173/10]
Since June 2008, jobseekers must collect their payment in person at a post office of their choice. If the payment is not collected by the customer within the week, it is cancelled and the person must then go to the Social Welfare Local Office to have it reissued. This arrangement is considered necessary to minimise the risk of abuse and overpayment of benefits.
I have no plans to alter the current payment arrangements for jobseekers.
407 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the entitlement to disability allowance or alternative in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20315/10]
The person concerned applied for Disability Allowance on 11 December 2009. His claim has been assessed by a Medical Assessor. In order to determine the person's weekly means his file was forwarded to a Social Welfare Inspector and I understand that the means assessment has now been completed. A decision on the person's entitlement will be made shortly and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
408 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if assistance will be offered to persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20317/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
409 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when rent support will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20318/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
410 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the length of time in respect of disability allowance or similar payment the appeals process will take in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20325/10]
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 number of appeals received in the Social Welfare Appeals office has increased substantially in recent years. To deal with the increased workload, two additional Appeals Officers were appointed during 2009. The possibility of assigning further additional resources on a temporary basis is currently under consideration.
In addition, changes have recently been made to processes in the Social Welfare Appeals Office with a view to achieving additional productivity. I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping the outcome of these changes under continuous review to ensure the optimum throughput of appeals with full regard to due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice.
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.
411 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason carer’s allowance was refused in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20326/10]
On 24 April 2010, the person concerned was refused Carer's Allowance on the grounds that he is working outside the home for more than 15 hours per week. He was notified of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of review or appeal to the Social Welfare Appeal's Office.
412 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when rent allowance will be reinstated in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20339/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
413 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when rent arrears will be paid in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20341/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
414 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal for an invalidity pension will be heard in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20345/10]
I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal for the person concerned has not 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 of Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
415 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to change the time from 12 months to six months waiting for persons who want to avail of the back-to-education allowance in view of the fact that there are 433,000 unemployed; his views on the fact that it is more realistic and for the long-term benefit of young persons to get their benefits through back to education allowance rather that through jobseeker’s benefit in view of the fact that it would be a transfer of funds from one section to another; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20468/10]
Under the Back to Education allowance (BETA) scheme, the qualifying period for jobseekers is now three months for participation in a second level course. A twelve month qualifying period applies to third level courses but this is reduced to nine months for those who are participating in the National Employment Action Plan process or engaging with the Department's facilitator programme. People who are awarded statutory redundancy may access the scheme immediately, provided an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment is established prior to commencing an approved course of study.
Conferring eligibility for access to the BTEA scheme on unemployed people is not simply a matter of a transfer of funds from Jobseeker schemes. It is a condition of Jobseeker's Benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance that a recipient must be available for employment and genuinely seeking work. Participants in BTEA are exempted from these requirements.
The maximum duration of Jobseeker's Benefit is 12 months whereas participation in BTEA is not limited to any specific period. A student who fulfils the qualifying conditions can avail of BTEA to progress through courses of education from second level to a third level postgraduate course. In some cases this could extend payment cumulatively to five years or more. In the case of Jobseeker's Allowance, payment can continue while a recipient is unemployed provided their means do not exceed the prescribed limit. For both Jobseeker's Allowance and Jobseeker's Benefit, any change in the income of a recipient's spouse or partner may affect the rate payable for a qualified adult. BTEA, however, is paid at a standard weekly rate equivalent to the maximum rate for the scheme from which the unemployed person transfers. It is not means-tested and changes in a participant's personal or family financial circumstances do not affect entitlement. In addition, an annual cost of education allowance of €500 is payable.
The potential for further changes in certain areas was identified by my predecessor to the Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs. These concerned duration, access to post-graduate courses, appropriateness of courses and progression. The final shape and scope of such changes are currently under consideration.
The Back to Education Allowance scheme has an important role to play in enhancing the employability skills of jobseekers. The nature and structure of the scheme will continue to be monitored in the context of the objectives of the scheme and changes in the economic climate.
416 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 104 of 6 May 2010, when will the required amendments to the Civil Registration Act 2004 come before the Houses of the Oireachtas which will allow for the registration in this country of deaths of Irish persons which occur outside this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20488/10]
417 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 104 of 6 May 2010, when will he have completed the review which he committed to in this reply; if he intends to publish an amendment Act or if it is his intention to deal with the issue with other legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20490/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 416 and 417 together.
The review of the provisions of the Civil Registration Act, 2004 is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The review will include the provisions relating to the registration of deaths. As the Deputy is aware, there is a number of steps to be taken before any legislation might come before the Oireachtas and it is not possible to be definite as to timescales at this juncture.
419 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [20519/10]
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 functions independently of the Minister of Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
420 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an application for illness benefit in respect of a person (details supplied). [20545/10]
Payment of Illness Benefit to the person concerned was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. An appeal was opened and in the context of that appeal, her case was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
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 functions independently of the Minister of Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
422 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding members of the Air Corps who may be considering retirement in 2010, 2011 or generally; their pension entitlements; their lump sum entitlements; the taxation position of both; his plans to change the position in view of his recent announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20121/10]
Retirement benefits in the public service are usually calculated by reference to the rates and scales of pay applicable at the time of retirement. However, in Budget 2010, the Minister for Finance announced that the pension entitlements of public servants — including members of the Permanent Defence Force — retiring in 2010 would not be affected by the cuts in public service pay implemented from 1 January 2010.
The pay cuts were provided for in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009. That legislation also provided that the pay cuts shall be disregarded when calculating the retirement benefits (pension and lump sum) of any person leaving the public service during 2010. This was to prevent a destabilising level of retirements in the public service. The legislation empowers the Minister to extend by order this arrangement to persons who retire later than 2010.
Under the Draft Public Service Agreement: 2010-2014, detailed transformation programmes in the form of sectorial agreements have been drawn up for each area, including the Permanent Defence Force (PDF). Paragraph 1.17 of the draft agreement provides that “There will be an extension of the period by a year within which the January 2010 pay reductions will be disregarded for the purposes of calculating public service pension entitlements”. This would extend the period of disregard to the end of 2011. Its actual implementation is dependent on the agreement being ratified.
As also announced by the Minister for Finance in Budget 2010, existing public service pensioners were not affected by the pay cuts. The recent clarification of the Draft Public Service Agreement indicated that, while the Minister for Finance is reviewing the arrangements around indexation of public service pensions and is considering linking public service pensions to increases in the cost of living, “no change in the current indexation arrangements for serving public servants and current public service pensioners will be implemented during the period of the agreement”.
As regards the taxation position, the Commission on Taxation recommended that pension lump sums below €200,000 should not be taxed. As indicated in the National Pensions Framework published recently, the Government has accepted this recommendation and decided that arrangements for the tax treatment of lump sums above this level would be considered and developed during the implementation of the Framework. Occupational pensions continue to be subject to income tax in the normal way.
423 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Defence if there will be a Defence Forces cadet class in 2010; if the public sector recruitment freeze will have any impact on a cadet class for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19951/10]
427 Deputy Seán Power asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the recruitment of cadets to the Defence Forces in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20064/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 423 and 427 together.
Within the available resources, the Government is committed to maintaining the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at a level of 10,000 all ranks, for which Government approval has been secured in the context of Budget 2010. This reflects the reductions in personnel recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes.
A range of promotions and acting up appointments, along with recruitment of enlisted personnel for the Naval Service and the 2009 cadet class have been approved since the moratorium was put in place. The question of a cadet class in 2010 will be considered in the context of the review of structures and posts required to meet the operational requirements of the Defence Forces and the Government decision to maintain a complement of 10,000 personnel.
I intend, with the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, to retain the capacity of the organisation to operate effectively across all roles while contributing to the necessary public service economies. I am advised that at this time the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government at home and overseas.
424 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Defence the way a person who is now 27 years of age can apply to be part of the Defence Forces cadet training in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19952/10]
The position is that applicants for a Cadetship in the Permanent Defence Force must be not less than 17 years of age and under 28 years of age, by a specified date, in the competition year. The upper age limit requirement, for the Cadetship Competition 2009, was under 28 years of age on 1 November 2009.
Within the available resources, the Government is committed to maintaining the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at a level of 10,000 all ranks, for which Government approval has been secured in the context of Budget 2010. This reflects the reductions in personnel recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes.
A range of promotions and acting up appointments, along with recruitment of enlisted personnel for the Naval Service and the 2009 cadet class have been approved since the moratorium was put in place. The question of a cadet class in 2010 will be considered in the context of the review of structures and posts required to meet the operational requirements of the Defence Forces and the Government decision to maintain a complement of 10,000 personnel.
425 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons in Coiste an Asgard and any other agency under the remit of his Department in terms of wholetime equivalents employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target number at which point the moratorium will end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20041/10]
The agencies under the aegis of the Department are the Civil Defence Board, the Army Pensions Board and the Board of Coiste an Asgard. The number of staff employed currently and prior to the moratorium is contained in the following table.
|
Name of Agency |
Civil Defence Board |
Coiste an Asgard |
Army Pensions Board |
|
Whole Time Equivalents employed prior to Moratorium |
24.6 |
2 |
2 |
|
Whole Time Equivalents currently employed |
24.6 |
2 |
2 |
The approved staff level for 2010 approved as part of the employment control framework has been attained. This includes the above agencies. No changes to the above staff numbers are anticipated during 2010.
426 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons within the Defence Forces in terms of wholetime equivalents employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target point at which point the moratorium will end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20057/10]
The Moratorium on Recruitment and Promotions in the Public Service was implemented by the Government on 27 March 2009 until the end of 2010. It is a matter for Government to decide whether or not to extend the Moratorium beyond 2010.
Strength returns for the Defence Forces are prepared on a monthly basis. The strength of the Permanent Defence Force as at 31 March 2009, when the moratorium was introduced, was 10,325 full time personnel, comprising 8,433 Army, 833 Air Corps and 1,059 Naval Service. The strength of the Reserve Defence Force was 7,513, comprising 7,218 Army and 295 Naval Service.
The strength of the Permanent Defence Force as at 30 April 2010, the latest date for which figures are available, was 9,856, comprising 8,036 Army, 797 Air Corps and 1,023 Naval Service. The strength of the Reserve Defence Force on the same date was 6,304, comprising 6,035 Army and 269 Naval Service.
I am acutely aware of the impact of the moratorium on the Permanent Defence Force, particularly in light of the very high turnover rate that is part of any military organisation. Within the available resources, the Government is committed to maintaining the strength of the Permanent Defence Force at a level of 10,000 all ranks, for which Government approval has been secured in the context of Budget 2010. This figure reflects the reductions in personnel recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes.
Targeted recruitment will be carried out in 2010 to maintain the operational capability of the Defence Forces. In this regard, advertisements were recently placed for recruitment to the Naval Service and some further recruitment to the Defence Forces is also under consideration in the same context. In addition, officials from the Department are continuing to engage with the Military Authorities in relation to the review of structures and posts required to meet the operational requirements of the Permanent Defence Force in light of the Government decision to maintain a complement of 10,000 serving personnel.
Within the Reserve Defence Force, limited recruitment to fill vacancies arising due to existing members resigning, or being discharged in the normal manner, is continuing, subject to the overall strength level that existed at 1 January 2009 (7,671) not being exceeded. This ongoing limited recruitment is being closely monitored and will be kept under review in the light of the future budgetary provision available to the Department of Defence.
I am advised by the military authorities that the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government, both at home and overseas.
428 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 319 of 5 May 2010, if he will confirm whether it was his Department or Dublin County Council that introduced the restricted zone around Baldonnel Aerodrome, County Dublin, in 1955; if he will outline the statutory mechanism through which the restricted area in question was designated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20155/10]
The Department of Defence introduced the restricted zone around Baldonnel in 1955. This zone was subsequently incorporated into the various development plans of the relevant local authority following the introduction of the Planning and Development Act. There was no statutory mechanism by which the zone was designated.
429 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence the method available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to seek to lease property from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20402/10]
The person concerned should make a written application to Property Management Branch, Department of Defence, Colaiste Caoimhin, St. Mobhi Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.
430 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a hen harrier scheme payment will be awarded in respect of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20013/10]
My Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service has no record of a Hen Harrier farm plan being submitted for the company concerned. No payment can be made without a plan firstly being submitted and approved.
431 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. [20164/10]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 309 of 27 April 2010. The position is unchanged.
432 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will seek to amend the conditions preventing former home owners from applying for an affordable house under the affordable scheme in view of the number of persons losing their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19901/10]
While first-time buyers are a particular target group for affordable housing, current legislation provides that previous ownership of a house does not render an applicant ineligible for an affordable home. It is a matter for the local authority concerned to consider the priority to be given to a person's application for affordable housing having regard to that person's housing need and to the availability of a suitable affordable home. Detailed eligibility criteria for purchase of an affordable home are determined by each local authority in their priority schemes, and include housing need, income and financial circumstances of applicants. A local authority must also take account of the ability of a prospective affordable purchaser to repay the relevant mortgage or local authority home loan.
433 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the quantity, in miles, of condemned piping that was bought in Britain and laid in County Donegal; if this piping contains an asbestos compound; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19902/10]
Donegal County Council, as the contracting party in the provision of water services in the county, has not notified my Department of any instance where piping for water or wastewater schemes did not meet the standards set out in contract specifications.
Water conservation is a key element of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012. The primary objective of water conservation is to reduce water loss in the distribution networks to an economic level and to address unacceptably high levels of unaccounted for water. Local authorities are required to give top priority to water conservation works as an alternative to new infrastructure provision. Pipeline rehabilitation is an integral part of water conservation strategies, whereby water distribution pipelines are relined or replaced. Details of funding for water conservation contracts underway or due to proceed are set out in the Water Services Investment Programme, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library.
434 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when letters of approval will be issued to voluntary housing associations following an announcement (details supplied) on 4 February 2010 of €157 million in respect of 75 housing projects for persons with specific categories of need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19945/10]
My Department's involvement with the voluntary and co-operative housing schemes relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The detailed administration of the schemes, and the certification that projects comply with the terms and conditions of the funding schemes, are the responsibility of the local authority.
On 4 February I announced funding of €157 million, under my Department's capital funding schemes, for some 75 voluntary and co-operative housing projects which will be progressed through the appraisal, planning/design and construction stages over 2010 and 2011. These projects are currently at various stages of development, ranging from preliminary appraisal to tender stage.
Local authorities were advised of the projects which have been approved to progress under the funding schemes and to advance these in accordance with the relevant procedures. Funding approval has issued in respect of a number of projects and in other instances my Department has requested the local authority to submit further information or supporting documentation, with a view to progressing the scheme to the next stage in the project life cycle.
435 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when approval will be given for a new water scheme (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20024/10]
The Mallow / Ballyviniter Regional Water Supply Phase 1 (Box Cross) Scheme is included as a scheme to start construction during the period of the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library. My Department is currently examining Cork County Council's tender submission for the work proposed and a decision in relation to this will be conveyed to the Council shortly.
436 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons employed in Private Residential Tenancies Board, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, An Bord Pleanála, the Rent Tribunal, the Heritage Council and any other agency under the remit of his Department; the number of persons in terms of whole time equivalents employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target number at which point the moratorium will end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20037/10]
The information requested in relation to the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department is set out in the following table, at end March 2009 prior to the introduction of the moratorium and at end December 2009.
|
End March 2009 |
End Dec 2009 |
|||
|
Agency |
Staff |
WTE* |
Staff |
WTE* |
|
Affordable Homes Partnership |
24 |
23.00 |
16 |
16.00 |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
185 |
177.90 |
177 |
168.90 |
|
Dublin Docklands Authority |
53 |
51.00 |
37 |
36.00 |
|
Environmental Protection Agency |
370 |
362.70 |
351 |
343.50 |
|
Heritage Council |
19 |
18.00 |
16 |
15.50 |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
14 |
12.00 |
12 |
10.60 |
|
Irish Water Safety Association |
6 |
6.00 |
6 |
6.00 |
|
Limerick Northside Regeneration Agency |
6 |
6.00 |
6 |
6.00 |
|
Limerick Southside Regeneration Agency |
10 |
10.00 |
9 |
9.00 |
|
Local Government Computer Services Board |
99 |
94.30 |
90 |
86.90 |
|
Local Government Management Services Board |
34 |
32.60 |
33 |
31.10 |
|
National Building Agency |
63 |
50.89 |
57 |
49.27 |
|
Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB)** |
41 |
40.30 |
42 |
41.40*** |
|
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland |
52 |
47.80 |
50 |
46.80 |
|
Total |
976 |
932.49 |
902 |
866.97 |
*Whole time equivalent (WTE).
**The administrative functions of the Rent Tribunal were transferred to the PRTB with effect from 1 October 2009.
***There are an additional 30 agency staff employed on temporary contracts through Employment Agencies at December 2009.
With regard to target numbers for employment in Agencies, the Government will keep the application of the moratorium on recruitment and promotion under review with a view to ensuring that the staffing levels in the Employment Control Frameworks (ECF) for the sectors are achieved. My Department expects shortly to finalise the Environment Vote Group ECF which will include an employment ceiling for the Agencies under the Department's aegis.
437 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff employed by local authorities in terms of whole time equivalents employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target point at which point the moratorium will end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20059/10]
The number of permanent and temporary staff employed by local authorities at 31 March 2009 expressed as whole time equivalents is 34,178. The corresponding figure for 31 December 2009 is 32,250.
With regard to target numbers for employment in local government, the Government will keep the application of the moratorium on recruitment and promotion under review with a view to ensuring that the staffing levels in the Employment Control Frameworks (ECF) for the sectors are achieved. My Department expects shortly to finalise the Environment Vote Group ECF which will include an employment ceiling for the local government sector.
438 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the support he will provide to Cork County Council to proceed with the lower harbour sewerage scheme in County Cork; the funding available for this project; if the project is a priority; the estimated cost of this project to his Department and Cork County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20068/10]
The Cork Lower Harbour Sewerage Scheme is amongst the schemes included in the recently published Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, for progression through planning in the period covered by the programme. A copy of the Programme is available in the Oireachtas Library. The most recent estimated cost of the scheme is over €70 million. However, its precise scope, phasing and cost will be determined during the planning phase and this cost will be apportioned, in accordance with Water Pricing Policy arrangements, between my Department and Cork County Council.
439 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to develop a standard scheme of letting priorities across each local authority; the timescale for same; if he will allow local authorities to amend the scheme as they see fit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20082/10]
Proposals to reform allocation policy, including schemes of letting priorities, are provided for under section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009. The detailed arrangements, and required regulations, are currently being developed in my Department in consultation with the City and County Managers Association. It is intended that section 22 will be commenced in summer 2010 and thereafter local authorities will have one year to put in place an appropriate allocation scheme. The making of a scheme and the amending of that scheme is a reserved function of the housing authority.
440 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the person with whom legal responsibility rests for re-housing tenants under the social housing leasing initiative at the expiration of the lease period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20103/10]
The responsibility for the provision of social housing support for those eligible for, and in need of, housing lies with the housing authority.
441 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the guidelines or statutory requirements in place in relation to the recruitment, training and remuneration of polling and count staff for elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20106/10]
The primary role of my Department in electoral matters is to provide an appropriate policy and legislative framework for a modern and efficient electoral system. Within that framework, local returning officers are responsible for all matters in connection with the actual conduct of elections and referenda, including the selection, appointment and training of polling station and count staff in accordance with the relevant provisions of electoral law. Section 31 of the Electoral Act 1992 sets out the general duty of returning officers including ascertaining and declaring the results of an election while section 95 of the Act contains the legislative provisions relating to the appointment of presiding officers and poll clerks. Returning officers are independent in the performance of their duties.
To assist returning officers, my Department issues guidance to them in advance of each election and referendum. The guidance emphasises that the smooth conduct of polls is dependant on maintaining a cadre of sufficiently skilled and experienced people. Having regard to that overall objective, returning officers are advised to employ competent and efficient persons as polling staff and asked to give consideration, where possible, to employing suitable persons who are unemployed. In addition, my Department issues guidance to presiding officers in advance of each election and referendum outlining the duties and functions presiding officers are expected to perform on polling day in accordance with the relevant provisions of electoral law.
442 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to bring forward legislation obliging the manufacturers of drinking cans, disposable bottles and plastic bottles to accept the return of these items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20113/10]
Drinking cans, disposable bottles and plastic bottles are covered by the scope of Directive 94/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on packaging and packaging waste (the Packaging Directive). This Directive is based on the concept of producer responsibility, which effectively requires producers to contribute to the waste management costs of products which they have placed on the market.
Under the Directive, Ireland was required to achieve a 25% recovery rate of packaging waste by 1 July 2001, increasing to a 50% recovery rate by 31 December 2005. Directive 2004/12/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, amending the Packaging Directive, introduces a new increased packaging waste recovery target of 60% (with 55% by way of recycling).
The National Waste Report 2008 states that packaging waste recovery increased to 65% in that year, indicating that Ireland has met and exceeded the target recovery rate of 60% set by the Packaging Directive for 2011.
At present, the arrangements for recovering packaging waste from consumers and householders consist principally of segregated collections for dry recyclables and an extensive network of bring banks and civic amenity sites. Practical implementation of the Directive in Ireland is organised mainly through a collective industry-based compliance scheme operated by Repak Limited, which is operating successfully.
I am conscious that despite progress on recycling we need to continue to improve our performance. The 2007 Programme for Government contained a commitment to carry out an international review of waste management plans, practices and procedures and act on its conclusions, and in November 2009 consultants delivered a major international report on waste management policy. I am utilising the report's recommendations, with a key focus on waste prevention, reuse and recycling, in developing a new policy statement on waste management, which I will bring to Government and publish for public consultation shortly.
443 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is a timeframe in legislation within which planning conditions attached to granted retention planning permissions must be fulfilled, from the grant date; if not, his views on introducing such legislation as part of the forthcoming Planning Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20118/10]
Development which is not carried out in compliance with the terms of the planning permission for the development is unauthorised development which is an offence under the Planning and Development Act 2000. The Act provides that enforcement action may not be taken in respect of a development for which permission has been granted after seven years beginning on the expiration of the duration of the permission. I am considering what further amendments of these provisions may be required, in relation to quarrying, in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009. The Planning and Development Act also provides that proceedings may be commenced at any time in respect of any condition concerning the use of land to which the permission is subject.
444 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to provide additional funding to Westmeath County Council to enable it to commence two small new group water schemes (details supplied) which are ready to start, with tenders in place in view of the fact that no moneys were provided in the recent allocation to allow new group water schemes to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20130/10]
I notified County Councils of their block grant allocations under the Rural Water Programme last month, and €0.820 million was allocated to Westmeath County Council. These block grant allocations cover both funding for group water schemes and small public water and sewerage schemes. The major part of the funding for the group water sector is directed at investment required under the Rural Water Action Plan developed in response to an adverse ruling against Ireland by the European Court of Justice.
Responsibility for the administration of the Rural Water Programme has been devolved to local authorities since 1997. The selection and approval of individual group water schemes for advancement under the programme, within the overall priorities set by my Department and subject to the block grant funding provided, is therefore a matter for the local authorities. I have no proposals at present to increase these block grant allocations. However, the position will be kept under review during the course of the year.
445 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress he has made to date on a housing strategy for persons with mental health issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20138/10]
The Government's Housing Policy Statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, reflects the commitment in Towards 2016 to develop a national housing strategy for people with a disability which will have particular regard to the housing needs of people with a mental health disability. The strategy, on which work is advanced, is being developed in conjunction with a National Advisory Group, chaired by my Department and involving the Department of Health and Children, the HSE, social partners and other relevant stakeholders, including the National Disability Authority. It is expected that the work of the National Advisory Group will be completed shortly.
446 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to legislate for or regulate the construction industry with respect to the structural engineering design of building structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20145/10]
The national Building Regulations, which are operative since 1992, set out the legal requirements for the construction of new buildings and the extension of, material alteration to, and certain changes of, use of existing buildings. The comprehensive set of related Technical Guidance Documents (TGDs) provide detailed information on how to comply with the Regulations. The Regulations are subject to review and improvement in the light of ongoing technical progress and developments within the construction industry, in consultation with the Building Regulations Advisory Body (BRAB). BRAB was established under the Building Control Act 1990 to advise me on matters relating to building regulations.
Part A of the Building Regulations sets out the legal requirements for the structural performance of buildings. It covers issues such as loadings on buildings, ground movements and disproportionate collapse. TGD-A provides guidance on how to comply with Part A and calls up structural design standards, for example the Eurocodes (which includes EN 1990). Designs carried out to these Standards and their accompanying National Annexes will, prima facie, indicate compliance with Part A.
A Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) is currently required before construction work commences on new non-domestic buildings and apartment blocks and extensions to or material alterations/changes of use of existing buildings. The FSC is issued by the Building Control Authority and certifies that the building, if constructed in accordance with the plans and documentation submitted, will comply with the requirements of Part B of the Building Regulations.
Section 5 of the 2007 Act contains a new provision for the submission of a 7 Day Notice to a Building Control Authority, before grant of the relevant Fire Safety Certificate (FSC), where a person intends to commence work on the construction of a building, or an extension of, or a material alteration to, a building. It must be accompanied by a valid application for an FSC and by a Statutory Declaration stating that the application for the relevant FSC has been completed in all respects and complies with the requirements of the Building Regulations; that any works commenced before the FSC is granted will comply with the Regulations; and that the person will carry out any modifications which may be required by the FSC, when granted, within such period as may be specified by the Building Control Authority.
There is also a new provision for a Revised Fire Safety Certificate where an application for an FSC is made before the grant of planning permission, for any works required by the permission ultimately granted, or where significant revision has been made to the design or works of a building for which an FSC has been granted.
In addition, there is provision for a Regularisation Certificate where a building has been commenced or completed without an application for an FSC, where such Certificate is required. An application for a Regularisation Certificate must include a Statutory Declaration from the applicant that the works carried out are in compliance with the requirements of the Building Regulations. The Building Control Authority may issue the Certificate having considered the application and carried out an inspection of the building. The Authority is empowered to specify that the Regularisation Certificate will not have effect unless any conditions/additional works required by the Authority are carried out within a period of 4 months after it is granted.
Section 5 of the Act also provides for a prohibition on the opening, occupation or use of a building which has not been granted the necessary certificates by the Building Control Authority, as required, including the certificates referred to above.
Responsibility for compliance with the Building Regulations is a matter for the owner or builder of a building. Enforcement of the Building Regulations is the responsibility of individual Building Control Authorities which are empowered to carry out inspections and initiate enforcement proceedings, where considered necessary. The careful selection of competent building professionals and contractors should help to ensure that buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with the Regulations. Where the construction of a building is the subject of a contract between the client and the builder compliance is also a contractual obligation.
Compliance with the Building Regulations is kept under constant review by my Department. I understand that BRAB has completed a report on enforcement of the regulations and that this report is to be submitted to me shortly. I expect this to be an important input to my Department's ongoing consideration of the building regulations regime.
447 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be made available for the reconstruction of the old people’s dwellings (details supplied) at Cloughvalley, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan; his views on whether it is unfair that some of the original residents of this housing area have been moved to completely different areas in Carrickmacross, some even in rented accommodation and all away from their own home surroundings; his further views on whether the empty houses in Cloughvalley are a health hazard and an accident waiting to happen for young people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20151/10]
My Department received a further submission in relation to this scheme from Monaghan County Council on 30 April 2010. This is being examined at present and my Department will respond to the Council's proposals as soon as possible with a view to progressing the scheme.
448 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding Adare sewerage scheme, Adare, County Limerick. [20357/10]
451 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the Askeaton sewerage scheme, Askeaton, County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20439/10]
454 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 434 of 23 February 2010, the position regarding the Kilmallock sewerage scheme, Kilmallock, County Limerick. [20470/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 448, 451 and 454 together.
A comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure has been approved for County Limerick in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010 -2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library. The total value of contracts underway and those proposed for commencement during the period of the Programme in County Limerick is €23.186 million. The Programme provides for the commencement of contracts relating to the Askeaton and Kilmallock Sewerage Schemes whereas the Adare Sewerage Scheme is not included in the new Programme.
My Department is currently examining Limerick County Council's Design Build Operate contract documents for the wastewater treatment plant for the Kilmallock Sewerage scheme and a decision will be conveyed to the Council as soon as possible. The Department is also examining a Preliminary Report for a bundle of five sewerage schemes, including Askeaton. The other schemes included in the bundle, the Athea, Foynes, Glin and Shanagolden Sewerage Schemes, are not included among the contracts and schemes in County Limerick to be progressed under the new Programme. A decision on the Preliminary Report will be conveyed to the Council as soon as possible.
The new Programme aims to prioritise projects that target environmental compliance issues and support economic and employment growth as envisaged in the Government's policy document Building Ireland's Smart Economy — A Framework for Sustainable Economic Revival.
A key input to the development of the Programme was the assessment of needs prepared by local authorities, including Limerick County Council, in response to my Department's request to the authorities in 2009 to review and prioritise their proposals for new capital works in their areas. These were subsequently appraised in the Department in the context of the funds available and key criteria that complemented those used by the authorities. Inevitably, through this process, certain projects that had been proposed had to give way to others that are more strategically important at this time.
449 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to lift the 20 year clawback for affordable housing homeowners who are in negative equity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20398/10]
Houses sold to first time buyers under the various affordable housing schemes at a significant discount from market value contain a clawback provision, in order to prevent short-term profit taking on the resale of the house to the detriment of the objectives of the schemes. There are no plans to abolish the clawback arrangements under the existing affordable housing schemes.
However, where a person is selling an affordable home and the clawback amount payable would reduce the proceeds of resale below the initial price actually paid, the legislation provides for the amount of the clawback payable to be reduced to the extent necessary to avoid that result.
450 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding being spent on renting offices from the private sector in Navan, County Meath, for local authorities under his Department; the reason high quality new offices in the ownership of Meath County Council and funded by his Department lie idle in Ashbourne, County Meath while the local authority under his Department continue to rent office space from the private sector in Navan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20400/10]
The information requested in regard to the expenditure by local authorities on renting offices from the private sector on the lines set out in the Question, is not available in my Department. Local authority office accommodation is a matter in the first instance for local authorities themselves. However, they are expected to provide such accommodation in the most cost effective manner possible having regard to their needs and resources. In that context, future plans for the Council office in Ashbourne are a matter for Meath Co Council.
452 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if amended plans have been submitted regarding the northside and southside regeneration of Limerick; if not, when they will be considered; the funding that has been set aside in 2010 for Limerick Regeneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20444/10]
In December 2009, the Government re-affirmed its commitment to the regeneration programme for Limerick and endorsed the programme's overall vision for a ten-year transformation of the Limerick Regeneration areas. The Government also requested that the Limerick Regeneration Agencies prepare a detailed plan for the first phase of the implementation process. A proposed Phase One Implementation Plan was completed and adopted by the Agencies' Boards in April. This has since been provided to my Department, and will be submitted to Government shortly.
The Phase 1 plan provides a road map for, in particular, the physical, as well as the social and economic, regeneration of these communities for the period to December 2014, with a total estimated cost of public projects amounting to some €337 million. It proposes strategic infrastructure projects of benefit to the wider Limerick region, and other key community facilities for the regeneration areas. The Plan identifies a range of new housing projects for each of the areas, as well as refurbishment and infill projects to retain certain areas of existing good quality housing. The plan also notes the importance of delivering mixed tenure housing, and the clustering of projects in the various phases to deliver new communities, within the wider strategic planning context.
In terms of enterprise development, the plan identifies an opportunity for the regeneration to act as a catalyst for economic development in the region. It specifically proposes a focus on developing "green industries" in the areas. The Agencies have identified a range of funding and investment considerations and the Inter-Departmental Group, established to review options for the incentivisation of the essential private investment required to underpin the overall success of the regeneration programme, will work to advance a package of measures to deliver such investment.
With investment of over €50 million in Limerick regeneration to date, I am providing a further €25 million from my Department's 2010 Vote for a programme of enabling works, including relocation, acquisitions, demolition and site clearances, community stabilisation, and social inclusion activities. Work is progressing on the detailed planning and design of two "new build" housing projects which will provide up to 100 new homes, primarily for older people living in the Moyross and Ballinacurra Weston areas, with a view to advancing these projects to tender in 2010. Design work is also underway on two similar projects for Southill and St. Mary's Park.
My Department's funding is supplemented by significant additional investment from other Departments and State Agencies, in terms of both Garda resources and other State interventions in the areas of education, youth, sport, health, training, childcare and community facilities. This whole of Government approach, essential for delivery of successful regeneration, will continue to be at the centre of our work on the implementation plan for the Limerick regeneration programme.
453 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of money so far expended on promoting and advertising the home choice loan scheme; and the planned expenditure for 2010. [20456/10]
The table sets out the amounts spent on advertising and promoting Home Choice Loan since the announcement of the scheme in October 2008. These costs, as with all other costs incurred to date in the roll-out of the scheme, have been met from within the existing resources of the Affordable Homes Partnership.
|
Year |
Amount Spent |
|
€ |
|
|
2008 |
11,000 |
|
2009 |
25,200 |
|
2010 |
20,000 (projected) |
455 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will assist Limerick City Council in addressing serious water pressure problems in a housing estate (details supplied) which has been causing hardship to residents, many of them elderly and ill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20492/10]
The operation, maintenance and management of water supply in the St Mary's Park area is a matter for Limerick City Council. There are no proposals with my Department relating to improvements in the water infrastructure in this area. However, St. Mary's Park Estate is included under the Limerick Regeneration Programme and all future development and refurbishments in the area, including associated service upgrades, will be considered in that context.
456 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a proposed new cap of €5 million on Dúchas farm plans will mean that there will be no new applicants accepted into this scheme; when existing plans will expire at farm level, will a farmer be eligible to apply to continue in the scheme; if farmers are prohibited from being involved in the scheme, will the restrictions that apply to their land then be lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20511/10]
The further expansion of my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service farm plan scheme has been restricted as a result of budgetary constraints.
In future my Department will accept new applicants to the scheme based on available funding. Calls for submissions will be announced annually. Applications to join the scheme will be screened on the basis of conservation priorities, biodiversity added value and overall cost. This screening will be undertaken by a steering group within my Department and successful applicants will be allowed to proceed to plan completion stage. Existing plans can continue for their contracted period. No farmers, including farmers completing existing farm plans, will be prohibited from applying to enter the scheme. Farmers will also have the alternative option of applying for the Agri-Environment Options Scheme implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, which has significantly more funding resources available to it than are available to my Department's scheme.
There will be no removal or relaxation of necessary restrictions arising from the designation of lands as Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protected Areas or Natural Heritage Areas.
457 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding an application for a foreshore licence (details supplied) in County Cork. [20532/10]
Cork County Council submitted a revised application for a foreshore licence at the location referred to in the Question in November 2009. The relevant State bodies have been consulted on the application and my Department will shortly advise the local authority on arrangements for public consultation.
458 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons, countrywide and in County Meath, who are paying car tax every three months, six months and annually in 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20542/10]
The information requested is set out in the table below.
|
Licence Type |
2008 National |
2008 Meath |
2009 National |
2009 Meath |
|
Annual |
1,630,459 |
39,789 |
1,528,384 |
32,739 |
|
Half-yearly |
803,338 |
20,761 |
778,361 |
17,532 |
|
Quarterly |
1,964,038 |
49,655 |
2,204,004 |
46,752 |
|
Total |
4,397,835 |
110,205 |
4,510,749 |
97,023 |
459 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in the context of the Planning and Development Bill 2009, it is proposed to extend the periods of planning permissions which have been granted, and where the particular development works have not commenced by the end of the expiry period for the said permissions due to the non availability of finance or the ill health of the applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, published in June 2009, provides an amendment to section 42 of the Planning and Development Acts, which currently provides that the duration of a planning permission must be extended, subject to certain conditions, where substantial works have been carried out before the expiration of the original permission.
The proposed amendment provides for the extension of permission (for a period of up to 5 years) in circumstances where substantial works have not been carried out, but there are commercial, economic or technical considerations, beyond the control of the applicant, which substantially militated against either the commencement of development or the carrying out of substantial works.
460 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his response to a request from a local authority seeking an easing of restrictions which are preventing the introduction of work placement and training programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20567/10]
With effect from 24 March 2009 until the end of 2010, no public service post, however arising, may be filled by recruitment, promotion, nor payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade. This general moratorium also applies to temporary appointments on a fixed-term basis and to the renewal of such contracts.
My Department received a delegated sanction from the Department of Finance in August 2009 for implementation of this general moratorium on the filling of public sector posts across all local authorities. This is on condition that the overall staffing levels in the sector are reduced significantly by the end of 2010 in adherence with the Government's Policy on Staffing and Numbers in the Public Sector.
Local Authorities are expected, where vacancies arise, to consider options for reorganisation and reallocation of work to meet requirements. Staffing sanctions are granted by my Department in exceptional circumstances including where posts are of a statutory nature or for posts associated with front line service delivery.
In this context, in dealing with overall management of organisation and personnel, local authorities are expected to give priority to assuring compliance with statutory obligations and the delivery of front line services.
Requests for staffing sanction of specific posts for work placement and training programmes operated by the Minister for Social Protection, received from South Dublin County Council and other local authorities, will be assessed on an individual basis by my Department.
461 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to rectify an anomaly arising under the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 in relation to one off housing, whereby the owner is restricted for seven years regarding those to whom the property can be sold, whereas, if the owner defaults as a result of job loss and so on the financial institution which repossesses the house is unrestricted and may profit at the owner’s expense; if he will consider a relaxation of this rule on a case by case basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20569/10]
Section 39 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides that a condition may be attached to a grant of planning permission for a house, specifying that the house must be occupied by persons of a particular class or description, with provision to that effect to be incorporated in an agreement under section 47 of the Act.
My Department's 2005 Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing state that such conditions are only appropriate in order to control development in rural areas close to cities and towns which are under considerable pressure for development and in areas which are under pressure for holiday home or second home development. The Guidelines recommend that applicants demonstrate roots or links to such areas within the local need criteria set out in the development plan in order to facilitate a positive approach to applications from such persons in areas where an application might have to be ordinarily refused.
The Guidelines recommend a seven-year occupancy condition period for a dwelling. Nonetheless, within this period, it is open to the dwelling owner, with the consent of the planning authority, to sell the house to another person who would satisfy the local need criteria for the area.
The Guidelines further recommend that lending institutions should not be bound by occupancy conditions if they foreclose on a mortgage and wish to sell the property. As it would be questionable whether a lending institution would advance funding if in any way restricted in the event of foreclosure, exempting lending institutions from occupancy conditions is intended not to put obstacles in the way of persons who wish to source funding to build a house because of a separate legal agreement they may have with the planning authority.
While the enforcement of such planning conditions is a matter for each planning authority, having regard to national policy, I understand that planning authorities consider requests for non-enforcement of occupancy conditions on a case-by-case basis from dwelling owners who are in compelling situations for the sale of their dwelling.
462 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding allocated to Waterford City Council for social housing in each of the past five years to 2009; the amount allocated for 2010; the number of social houses provided in Waterford city in each of those years; the number of social houses planned for Waterford city in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20581/10]
470 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding provided to Waterford City Council under the local authority extensions scheme in each of the past five years to 2009; the amount allocated for 2010; the number of houses in Waterford city extended under this scheme in each of those years; the number of extensions under this scheme planned for Waterford City in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20589/10]
471 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding provided to Waterford City Council under the central heating scheme in each of the past five years to 2009; the amount allocated for 2010; the number of households in Waterford city that benefited under this scheme in each of those years; the number of households in Waterford city planned to benefit under this scheme in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20590/10]
472 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding provided to Waterford City Council under the low cost sites scheme in each of the past five years to 2009; the amount allocated for 2010; the number of sites provided in Waterford city under this scheme in each of those years; the number of sites in Waterford city being provided under this scheme in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20591/10]
473 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding provided to Waterford City Council under the remedial works scheme in each of the past five years to 2009; the amount allocated for 2010; the number of households in Waterford city that benefited under this scheme in each of those years; the number of households in Waterford city planned to benefit under this scheme in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20592/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 462 and 471 to 473, inclusive, together.
Under Section 58 of the Housing Act, 1966, the management and maintenance of the local authority housing stock is a matter for individual authorities. In general this is to be financed from their own resources. My Department, in order to assist local authorities in the implementation of their housing programmes, provides certain funding for certain works to be carried out.
The information sought is set out in tabular format.
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
|
Social Housing Allocation |
€15,000,000 |
€22,000,000 |
€22,000,000 |
€21,000,000 |
€15,000,000 |
€6,455,000 |
|
Completions, Acquisitions & Part Vs |
89 |
94 |
172 |
235 |
111 |
1032 |
|
Extensions Allocation |
(a) |
(a) |
(b) |
(b) |
(b) |
€250,000 |
|
No. of houses extended |
— |
— |
Not available |
Not available |
Not available |
52 |
|
Low Cost Sites Allocation |
(a) |
(a) |
(b) |
(b) |
(b) |
(b) |
|
No. of Sites provided |
— |
— |
Not available |
Not available |
Not available |
|
|
Central Heating Allocation |
€503,000 |
€891,000 |
€610,000 |
€196,325 |
(c) |
(c) |
|
No. of Units |
122 |
249 |
85 |
49 |
||
|
Remedial Works Scheme Allocation |
€6,000,000 |
€8,000,000 |
€4,000,000 |
€4,000,000 |
€4,000,000 |
€3,500,000 |
|
Completions |
100 |
175 |
224 |
258 |
258 |
1,302 |
(a) Included in above Allocation.
(b) Funded under Internal Capital Receipts.
(c) Central Heating Programme ended in 2008.
1Denotes January-June 2009.
2Anticipated in 2010.
463 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of families that have been housed in Waterford city under the rental accommodation scheme in each the past five years to 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20582/10]
464 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding provided to Waterford City Council under the rental accommodation scheme in each of the past five years to 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20583/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 463 and 464 together
Since the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) became operational in September 2005 to the end of Quarter One of 2010, some 697 households in Waterford City have been transferred from rent supplement. Of these, 434 are housed directly in RAS accommodation and a further 263 are accommodated under other social housing options.
A breakdown by year of these transfers is set out in the table:
|
Year |
RAS Transfers |
Other Social Housing Options |
Total |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2006 |
183 |
43 |
226 |
|
2007 |
57 |
83 |
140 |
|
2008 |
38 |
80 |
118 |
|
2009 |
136 |
45 |
181 |
|
2010 (Qtr. 1) |
20 |
12 |
32 |
Over the same time period, €3,749,017 in RAS funding was recouped to Waterford City Council and a year-by-year breakdown is set out in the table.
|
Year |
Amount Paid |
|
€ |
|
|
2005 |
0 |
|
2006 |
263,532 |
|
2007 |
672,239 |
|
2008 |
929,869 |
|
2009 |
1,367,877 |
|
2010 (Qtr. 1) |
515,500 |
465 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of homes in Waterford City that have been made available for social housing under the long-term leasing scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20584/10]
To date, no units have been provided by Waterford City under the long-term leasing initiative.
466 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding provided to Waterford City Council under the affordable housing scheme in each of the past five years to 2009; the amount allocated for 2010; the number of houses in Waterford city provided under this scheme in each of those years; the number that will be provided under the scheme in Waterford city in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20585/10]
Under the 1999 affordable housing scheme houses are acquired by a local authority by means of borrowing through the Housing Finance Agency (HFA). In the five year period 2005 to 2009 €1,507,000 was drawn down by Waterford City Council from the HFA in respect of the provision of affordable housing.
Exchequer funding in respect of the affordable housing scheme is confined to:
the payment of mortgage subsidy to local authorities to reduce the monthly outgoings of purchasers with household income below €28,000 in the previous tax year; and,
the payment of a site subsidy to local authorities which enables them to provide housing under the 1999 scheme at an affordable price and at a discount from the market value of similar houses in their areas. Site subsidy is demand led and depends particularly on the price paid by a local authority for land and on those authorities applying for subsidy in the first place. In the years 2005-2009 no site subsidy was paid to Waterford City Council.
The table sets out the amount of mortgage subsidy paid to Waterford City Council from 2005 to 2009.
|
Year |
Mortgage Subsidy |
|
€ |
|
|
2005 |
Nil |
|
2006 |
10,950 |
|
2007 |
Nil |
|
2008 |
75,246.63 |
|
2009 |
50,614.53 |
Information on annual affordable housing activity in each local authority is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. Information is also published in my Department's Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library.
467 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding provided to Waterford City Council under the housing adaptation grant for people with a disability scheme in each of the past five years to 2009; the amount allocated for 2010; the number of houses in Waterford city adapted under this scheme in each of those years; the number that will be adapted under the scheme in Waterford city in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20586/10]
468 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding provided to Waterford City Council under the mobility aids housing grant scheme in each of the past five years to 2009; the amount allocated for 2010; the number of houses in Waterford city adapted under this scheme in each of those years; the number that will be adapted under the scheme in Waterford city in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20587/10]
469 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding provided to Waterford City Council under the housing aid for older people grant scheme in each of the past five years to 2009; the amount allocated for 2010; the number of houses in Waterford city benefiting under this scheme in each of those years; the number that will benefit under the scheme in Waterford city in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20588/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 467 to 469, inclusive, together
My Department's involvement with the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability relates primarily to the recoupment of a proportion of local authority expenditure on the payment of individual grants. The grant schemes, introduced in November 2007, are funded by 80% recoupment available from my Department together with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. The new suite of grants replaced the discontinued Disabled Persons Grant Scheme, the Essential Repairs Grant Scheme and the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme, administered by the Health Service Executive.
It is a matter for each local authority to decide on the specific level of funding to be directed to each of the various grant measures from within the allocations notified to them by my Department and to manage the operation of the schemes in their areas from within their allocation.
Details of the annual Exchequer allocations to Waterford City Council and the number of grants paid under each scheme for the period 2005 to 2009 are set out in the table below. Data for 2005 and 2006 relate to the discontinued Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grant Schemes. Data for 2007 onwards include the new Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme for People with a Disability, the Housing Aid for Older People and the Mobility Aids Grant Schemes.
|
Year |
Allocation |
Housing Adaptation GrantNo. paid |
Housing Aid for Older PeopleNo. paid |
Mobility Aids GrantNo. paid |
Disabled Persons Grant No. paid |
Essential Repairs Grant No. paid |
|
€ |
||||||
|
2005 |
254,221 |
— |
— |
— |
42 |
4 |
|
2006 |
304,866 |
— |
— |
— |
41 |
4 |
|
2007 |
293,958 |
— |
— |
— |
34 |
13 |
|
2008 |
481,126 |
— |
48 |
— |
25 |
1 |
|
2009 |
580,000 |
8 |
117 |
24 |
10 |
— |
On 5 March 2010 my Department notified Waterford City Council of an Exchequer allocation of €680,000 for the grant schemes this year.
474 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide the names and addresses of the 20 drift net and draft net licence holders who have not been paid compensation to give up their licences in the Shannon Estuary area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20372/10]
475 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a small number of salmon fishermen (details supplied) who refused compensation from his Department for the drift net and draft net licences will be allowed to return to salmon fishing or if he will offer them an improved compensation package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20373/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 474 and 475 together.
The Government created a salmon hardship fund for those affected by the cessation of mixed stock fishing in 2006. The Salmon Hardship Scheme, which was administered by BIM, provided a measure of relief to individuals in line with the level of hardship likely to be experienced. The scheme, participation in which was voluntary, is closed since the end of April 2007. The Department is not the issuing authority for licences and does not have the details sought by the Deputy of those who did not participate in the scheme.
The harvest of salmon by any means is permitted only in those rivers that are meeting their conservation limits and have an identified surplus following appropriate assessment. The Standing Scientific Committee has advised that stocks of salmon in the River Shannon are below conservation limits.
It is not possible to relax the conservation measures other than where river stocks recover and it is established from the results of the scientific analysis that significant numbers of fish destined for other rivers are not intercepted. It should be possible, in those circumstances, to exploit the identified surplus in rivers, bays and estuaries, within the constraints permitted by the Habitats Directive.
Those salmon licence holders who did not avail of the Salmon Hardship Scheme will be able to apply for a licence to fish in the future, while those who did receive a payment under the scheme gave an undertaking not to apply for a licence in the future.
476 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will consider providing grant aid towards solar energy for first time buyers or young persons building their own homes; his views on the fact that current arrangements are unfair to such groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20466/10]
The Greener Homes Scheme supports the installation by householders of renewable energy heating technologies including wood-pellet and chip stoves and boilers, gasification boilers, solar panels and geothermal heat pumps. The grant is a fixed amount, based upon the particular technology selected, towards the cost of purchase and installation of the chosen scheme. Products and installers must be selected from published Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) registered lists. The net number of applications from 2006 to date under the Scheme is 29,000. Nearly 25,000 installations have been completed under the Scheme. Exchequer funding to date has amounted to just under €62m.
The Greener Homes Scheme has created a stable market in domestic renewable energy technologies and has supported the development of the renewable heating industry.
The current phase of the scheme was launched in July 2008. New homes ceased to be eligible with the introduction of the new building regulations under which it is now compulsory to include a component of renewable energy in new housing developments.
The scheme is supporting a range of objectives, including more competitive offerings for the consumer, enhanced product standards, quality assurance and improved training standards and certainty for the renewable heating industry.
The third phase of the Greener Homes Scheme is limited to existing houses defined as residences that are over one year. This was introduced to align the scheme with the mandatory changes to Part L of the Building Regulations in 2008.
477 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the areas, by county, that will be covered when digital terrestrial television is introduced; if he will provide an update on the introduction of DTT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19953/10]
My priority, in accordance with national policy, is to provide for the closure, in 2012, of the analogue "free-to-view" broadcasting service.
In this regard I have recently signed an Order, Statutory Instrument 85 of 2010, under section 129 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009. This Order requires 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.
The exact areas to be covered in each county, is dependent on a number of factors including transmitter location, signal strength and topography. I have however, been informed by RTÉ that the list of sites shown in appendix I, are the transmitter sites that will provide coverage on 31st October 2010 and that construction of two sites remain to be completed. This will be dependent on weather conditions.
RTÉ and RTÉNL have informed me that they have comprehensive communications plans in preparation for the autumn and these will be published in due course. The information communications plan for DTT will be timely and appropriate, and will be made available to the Irish public through a variety of methods.
|
Appendix I |
||
|
1 |
Mullaghanish |
Co. Cork |
|
2 |
Truskmore |
Co. Sligo |
|
3 |
Clermont Carn |
Co. Louth |
|
4 |
Three Rock |
Co. Dublin |
|
5 |
Mount Leinster |
Co. Carlow |
|
6 |
Cairn Hill |
Co. Longford |
|
7 |
Kippure |
Co. Wicklow |
|
8 |
Maghera |
Co. Clare |
|
9 |
Woodcock Hill |
Co. Limerick |
|
10 |
Spur Hill |
Co. Cork |
|
11 |
Dungarvan |
Co. Waterford |
|
12 |
Holywell Hill |
Co. Donegal |
|
13 |
Greystones |
Co. Wicklow |
|
14 |
Castlebar |
Co. Mayo |
|
15 |
Forth Mountain |
Co. Wexford |
|
16 |
Arklow |
Co. Wicklow |
|
17 |
Gorey |
Co. Wexford |
|
18 |
Suir Valley |
Co. Waterford |
|
19 |
Waterford |
|
|
20 |
Tonabrocky |
Co. Galway |
|
21 |
Collins Barracks |
Cork City |
|
22 |
Crosshaven |
Co. Cork |
|
23 |
Mitchelstown |
Co. Cork |
|
24 |
Knockmoyle |
Co. Kerry |
|
25 |
Drogheda |
Co. Louth |
478 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will consider the introduction of the EU recommended hotline number for missing persons 116000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20071/10]
483 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the EU hotline number for missing children will be made available in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20517/10]
I propose to take Question Nos. 478 and 483 together.
The European Commission published a Commission Decision dated the 15th February 2007 entitled "Reserving the national numbering range beginning with "116" for harmonised numbers for harmonised services of social value".
The allocation of specific numbers in the 116 number range in Ireland is managed by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), which published (July 2007) and advertised (November 2007) the existence of the number range and invited suitable applicants to apply for the setting up of services.
I am advised by ComReg that Childline commenced a service using the telephone number 116111 in April 2009 and that the number 116123 has been allocated to the Samaritans.
It is open to other organisations to apply to ComReg for the allocation of additional numbers from this numbering range. I am informed by ComReg that no organisation has yet applied for the missing children hotline number 116000.
479 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding renewable energy feed in tariff price; if he and or his Department have received correspondence from interested groups in relation to same; his plans to deal with his matter in the short to medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20338/10]
480 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 324 and 325 of the 11 May 2010, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff price announcement was due in January 2010; when he expects to make a decision regarding same in view of the fact that the continued delay in announcing the REFIT price is putting the industry here in jeopardy with the potential loss of jobs; his views on whether miscanthus is an important growth industry; if the government will reach its target for biomass of 30% by 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20382/10]
481 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of biomass plants in operation here; the amount of energy they supply; if he is satisfied that sufficient support is available to encourage such operations in view of the situation in Germany and in other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20463/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 479 to 481, inclusive, together.
The Government has set the targets for the contribution from renewable energy sources to electricity at 40% by 2020. The 40% electricity target is consistent with the new EU target addressed to Ireland in the Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC, which requires Ireland to increase the contribution from renewable sources to 16% of all energy consumed (encompassing electricity, transport and heating) by 2020.
Reflecting the need to support the development of biomass, I announced in February 2008 a Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff (REFIT) for biomass of 12 cent per kilowatt hour.
I have received representations on behalf of stakeholders in relation to the REFIT price for biomass. Under the auspices of the Renewable Energy Development Group, which is chaired by my Department, the Bioenergy Working Group is currently finalising a Bioenergy Road Map to 2020, which will underpin the contribution of bioenergy, including biomass to Ireland's Renewable Energy target for 2020. The Working Group is reviewing the current REFIT for the various categories of biomass Combined Heat and Power plants, having regard to the particular challenges for the sector and I expect that work to be finalised within the next few weeks.
The provisional Energy Balance for 2009 indicates that biomass provided 165 ktoe to final energy consumption in 2009. This includes the panel board mills, sawmills, and end users in the domestic and commercial sectors.
Under the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) ReHeat Deployment Programme, 164 biomass boilers have been supported, with a total installed capacity of 72 MW, or an average size of about 400 kW per boiler. Based on an average annual operation of 3500 hours these boilers provide about 22 ktoe of final energy.
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, Fisheries and Food to ensure that its 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.
The Miscanthus Pilot Demonstration Programme is a newly launched programme funded under the Renewable Energy Research Development and Demonstration Programme, which provides assistance for the deployment of renewable heating systems fuelled by miscanthus in commercial, industrial, services and public sectors and also community organisations and Energy Supply Companies (ESCOs), in Ireland. The programme, which was launched on 30th April 2010, is administered by SEAI.
The use of miscanthus as a fuel to date is very limited in Ireland, due to a number of issues including limited experience with its use as a boiler fuel. The Miscanthus Pilot Demonstration Programme is intended to support the establishment of a number of exemplar boiler sites, between five and 15 depending on the mix of size ranges and costs submitted. These exemplar sites will serve to provide important information on the supply chain logistics and suitability of miscanthus as a boiler fuel in an Irish context, as well as providing a solid basis for creating market confidence.
482 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the unsatisfactory national broadband service in an area (details supplied) in County Donegal; if he will investigate the matter with a view to improving the provision of this service. [20504/10]
My Department entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) in late December 2008. Since then, 3 has progressed its network rollout and NBS broadband services are now available in more than 60% of the 1,028 designated Electoral Divisions (ED) to be covered under the Scheme.
The general area of Magheraroarty/Gortahork, County Donegal, will be covered by the NBS. While it is not possible to predict at this stage when precisely broadband services under this Scheme will become available in this area, under the NBS contract, all EDs in the NBS Coverage Area are required to have broadband connectivity by the end of September 2010. The current status of each area to be covered by the NBS is available at www.three.ie/nbs.
484 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the tonnage of meat that has been imported in each of the past four years on a category basis that is beef, chicken and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20469/10]
The Statistics are provided by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) . In certain cases the record of import may include the re-import of Irish products that were originally the subject of an export from this country. Where every effort is made to ensure accuracy, these returns may stand to be adjusted marginally as data is rechecked by the CSO
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
|
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
Tonnes |
|
|
Beef |
29,132 |
30,434 |
33,769 |
34,148 |
|
Lamb |
2,610 |
2,618 |
3,282 |
4,860 |
|
Pork |
64,864 |
67,851 |
65,110 |
61,921 |
|
Poultry |
73,251 |
74,837 |
76,595 |
74,895 |
|
Other |
23,587 |
23,358 |
24,251 |
25,164 |
|
Grand Total |
193,444 |
199,098 |
203,007 |
200,988 |
Source: CSO.
EU rules stipulate that food products of animal origin traded from an EU source must be from approved food business establishments and be accompanied to destination by a commercial document or a health certificate signed by an official veterinarian of the competent authority of the Member State of origin. Imports from Third countries must be sourced from countries the EU regards as operating controls on production and processing that give equivalent guarantees to those in the EU. Such imports must be accompanied by the appropriate EU model health certification provided by the competent authorities of the country of origin. Following prior notification to the Border Inspection Post (BIP) of import, all consignments must be presented for veterinary examination which will include documentary, identity and physical checks in accordance with EU requirements. The EU Food & Veterinary Office (FVO) monitors and inspects each Member State's controls on Food Safety including the operation of BIPs to ensure the conditions for import and placing of animal products on to the market, as provided under the harmonized legislation, are being correctly applied.
Any imports failing to comply with these veterinary control checks may be detained for further examination. Where non-compliance is established they may be returned to the exporting country or destroyed at the importers cost.
485 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be allocated single payment scheme entitlements from the national reserve. [19895/10]
The person named does not currently hold any Single Payment entitlements. He submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 National Reserve under category B.
Category B of the 2005 National Reserve catered for farmers, who made an investment between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003, in production capacity in a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 — 2002. Investments included the purchase or long-term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments such as buildings.
The application was in respect of the purchase of land and other investments. The person named did not submit sufficient information to enable the processing of his application despite a number of requests for the required information. His application was therefore rejected and he was notified of this decision on 20 April 2006.
486 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of persons employed in Teagsc, An Bord Bia, Marine Institute, An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and any other agency within under the remit of his Department; the number of persons in terms of whole time equivalents employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target number at which point the moratorium will end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20035/10]
The numbers of staff employed in the State bodies that come within the remit of my Department and the number currently employed are listed as follows.
In relation to the Deputy's query regarding the target number at which point the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service will end, the precise ceilings in each area are subject to any future Government policy decisions and priorities in regard to public service provision. The Government will keep the application of the moratorium on recruitment and promotion under review and the matter will be revisited in each sector as the staffing levels in the Employment Control Frameworks for the sectors are achieved.
The moratorium did not apply to commercial state bodies. Accordingly the figures given in respect of those bodies are the staff currently employed.
Details of staff employed by the subsidiaries of Horse Racing Ireland will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
|
Name of Body |
No. of whole time equivalent staff employed prior to Moratorium i.e. 27 March 2009 |
No. of whole time equivalent staff currently employed |
|
Teagasc |
1,524.0 |
1,345.0 |
|
Bord Bia |
97.0 |
97.0 |
|
National Milk Agency |
6.0 |
6.0 |
|
Veterinary Council of Ireland |
3.0 |
3.0 |
|
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) |
143.3 |
128.1 |
|
Marine Institute |
143.0 permanent |
142.0 permanent |
|
68.0 temporary |
45.0 temporary |
|
|
Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) |
102.5 |
98.5 |
|
Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board (ALAB) |
2.0 |
1.0 |
|
Coillte Teoranta (figures relate to Group) |
1,022.0 |
|
|
The Irish National Stud Company Ltd. |
70.0 |
|
|
Bord na gCon |
272.0 |
|
|
Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) |
64.0 HRI employees |
487 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be awarded a payment; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20355/10]
This file is currently being examined and my officials have written to the person named.
488 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the decision to relocate his Department offices at Dockgate Street, Galway City to Mellows Agriculture College campus, Athenry, County Galway; if problems have arisen regarding the conditions of the rental agreement between the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the owner occupiers of the Dockgate Street building; when the relocation is to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20359/10]
My Department is completing the current phase of the reorganisation of its network of local offices. When this phase has been completed, arrangements for the final phase, to include Galway, will be finalised.
In the meantime my Department has asked the Office of Public Works to report on the cost of refurbishing the offices in Mellows College, Athenry. When this report is to hand the position in regard to the relocation will be finalised.
In relation to the Department's accommodation in Dockgate the Office of Public Works deal with rental arrangements for my Department.
489 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their suckler cow welfare scheme payment for 2009. [20477/10]
The person named has 15 animals for consideration under the 2009 Suckler Welfare Scheme. One of the conditions of the Scheme, as is set out in the Terms and Conditions, is that the calves must be introduced to concentrate (meal) feeding a minimum of 4 weeks before weaning. According to the information supplied to my Department by the applicant none of the animals were fed meal for the required four weeks before weaning. Consequently, as the required condition was not adhered to, no payment can issue. A letter has issued to the applicant advising her of the Department's decision on her application.
490 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the problem of uncontrolled horses in urban areas, particularly parts of Dublin; the steps he will take to reduce the supply of such horses (details supplied) in view of the fact that the current situation places a burden on local authorities as well as leading to widespread horse neglect. [20491/10]
It is clear from on-going liaison between officials of my Department and representatives of relevant stakeholders including Local Authorities, Animal Welfare Organisations and the Horse Industry that horse welfare problems continue to be reported including a risk of abandonment of horses.
My Department provides annual funding in the region of €2m to Local Authorities to assist in their work in implementing the Control of Horses Act. Through the auspices of the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council, my officials are continuing to work with the ISPCA in an effort to intervene in potential horse welfare situations before they become critical. Mindful of the valuable work being done by the welfare organisations and as a contribution towards the cost of their activities, I provided funding of €1.185 million in December 2009 towards their work in 2010. Some €100,000 was provided to Dublin SPCA to assist its work in 2010 including the valuable work it undertakes at the horse fair referred to by the Deputy. In providing funding to welfare bodies I also urged those welfare organisations that have the capacity to deal with larger animals to consider placing greater resources in promoting horse welfare.
As regards reducing the supply of horses at the horse fair referred to by the Deputy, this is an issue that is outside of my control. The problems associated with the holding of this fair are only partly related to animal welfare, with public safety issues also featuring. I have no legislative power in this matter.
491 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of REP scheme 4 applications received to date; the number accepted; the number not accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20499/10]
Before REPS was closed to new applications in July 2009, 31,264 applications had been received including some 1,800 which are eligible to begin their contracts this year. The acceptance of REPS 4 applications is governed by EU Regulations which require exhaustive administrative checks and on-the-spot inspections. In a significant number of the applications received, the administrative checks raised issues and queries which required further detailed examination. My Department's staff have been working to resolve these as quickly as possible. Many of these cases required the applicants' planners to amend the farm plans that were submitted originally. The applicants concerned were made aware of the position and the applications are being further processed without delay on receipt of amended plans. So far, 23,640 applicants have received full payment for 2009 and work is continuing to process the remainder as quickly as possible.
My officials have also been in contact with the 119 applicants whose plans had been rejected, to inform them of their right to appeal the decision. Alternatively, unless the application had been found to be fundamentally ineligible, applicants were given the opportunity to submit a new REPS 4 plan and application form on or before 17 May 2010. The latter cases will be dealt with as a priority.
492 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive payment under REP scheme and the suckler cow scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20503/10]
The person named applied for 24 animals in 2009. Payment issued on 26 January 2010 in respect of 9 calves. There are a number of outstanding queries on the profile and an official from the Department has been in direct contact with the herd owner regarding the resolution of these queries. The REPS payment application belonging to the person named is at an advanced stage of processing and the person named will be notified of the outcome shortly.
493 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Galway, currently entering the new agri-environment options scheme, will be eligible for an extra grant on land they have committed to forestry and for which they were getting grant aid in addition to payment under REP scheme 3, which they exited on 31 September 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20513/10]
I understand that the person in question was in receipt of payments under the Forest Environment Protection Scheme (FEPS) while he was a participant in REPS. As he is no longer in REPS, payments under FEPS will cease although he will continue to receive annual premiums under the Afforestation Scheme. There are no proposals to link the FEPS scheme to the new Agri Environment Options Scheme (AEOS).
494 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not received payment under the REP scheme or single farm payment for some years; if, in view of documented ill health which adversely impacted on their continued participation in REPS, he will arrange for payment of all outstanding monies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20740/10]
The person named joined REPS 1 on 1 January 1997 and received three years payment. He did not lodge an application for payment for his fourth year. Under the terms and conditions of REPS 1, this led to the termination of his contract and the recoupment of all the payments he had received.
My officials have been in contact with the person named and have considered documentation which he submitted relating to his health. However as the health issues he put forward had already existed when he joined the scheme, my officials concluded that there were no grounds to allow him to terminate his contract without recoupment. His Single Payment Scheme applications in respect of each year were processed for full payment, but payments were held against the REPS debt.
It is open to the person named to seek a further review of his case. If he wishes to do so, he should communicate directly with my Department's REPS Debt Recovery Section at Johnstown Castle Estate, Co Wexford.
495 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to reintroduce grants for investment in dairy facilities; if so, the funding available for these works in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20743/10]
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 Dairy Equipment 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. A sum of €1 million has been made available in the 2010 Estimates for the new targeted on-farm investment schemes.
496 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the operation of the farm waste management scheme and the level of grant aid approved, he has given consideration to reviewing the level of entitlement on foot of an increase in construction costs, particularly steel costs which in many instances meant that farmers did not receive the percentage level of grant aid approved for them when final costs were calculated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20747/10]
I have no plans to review the system of grant calculation which was applicable under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. As the Deputy will be aware, the Nitrates version of that Scheme was introduced by my Department in March 2006 and all the investment works concerned had to be completed by farmers by the closing date of 31 December 2008. I do not propose, therefore, to revise either the levels of grant or my Department's Standard Costings which were applicable under the Scheme at this stage.
497 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of persons in his Department and office, including any agencies and offices under his aegis, employed in the civil and public service who are in receipt of a State pension. [21153/10]
No civil servant employed in my Department is in receipt of a civil service pension. My Department, however, does not have information on the number of staff who may be in receipt of a State pension. The corresponding information requested by the Deputy in respect of the agencies under my remit is a matter for the agencies themselves as part of their day-to-day activities.
498 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when the full redundancy payments, as recommended by the Rights Commissioner, will be awarded to two former employees of a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19916/10]
In line with the requirements of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation and Department of Finance, FÁS discontinued funding for the Carrick-on-Suir Jobs Club on 21st November 2008 because it was unable to achieve the nationally agreed targets set up for these programmes.
The two staff members were consequently entitled to a redundancy payment. The amount for both staff members was calculated and available to them. I understand that one staff member has accepted the redundancy payment. In regard to the other staff member FÁS has advised that the payment remains available should he decide to accept same.
499 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if in view of the response (details supplied) to Parliamentary Question No. 234 of 27 April 2010 she will amend the FETAC qualification to include either English or Irish in order that qualified candidates are not excluded from various public sector posts that require leaving certificate standards. [20132/10]
The National Craft Certificate is an award at Level 6 of the national framework of qualifications. It is designed to prepare apprentices for employment in a range of trades such as aircraft mechanic, plumber, electrician, joiner etc. It usually consists of seven phases over a four year period incorporating placement with industry, training with FÁS, and study in the Institutes of Technology. It was not designed to equip students for employment as Prison Officer, and there are no plans to include Irish or English as specific subjects within it.
It is open to any person to apply to the State Examinations Commission to sit Irish or English or any other subject or subjects in the Leaving Certificate as an external candidate should they wish to do so. Learners may also seek to sit major, minor or special purpose awards in a wide range of disciplines which are certified by the Further Education and Training Awards Council. The Leaving Certificate is placed at Levels 4 and 5 of the national framework of qualifications. While the National Craft Certificate is at a higher level of the framework, it is specialised in nature and is not comparable in terms of content or breadth with the Leaving Certificate.
500 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if a psychological review will be undertaken in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20323/10]
535 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if a psychological review will be undertaken in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20324/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 500 and 535 together.
The Deputy will be aware that all primary and post primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA), full details of which are on the Department's website. Where there is no psychologist available through NEPS, a school may access psychological assessments through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). Under the SCPA, such schools can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly.
It should also be noted that in common with many other psychological services, NEPS encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts, will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment.
Your question does not state which school the child, concerned in this question, currently attends so I am unable to advise on whether the school is covered directly by NEPS. However it is the responsibility of the school Principal in the first instance to identify and prioritise pupils for assessment under the process described above. I would suggest that the parents of the child in question should discuss the matter with the school Principal who will advise them as to the appropriateness of a referral in this instance and the process for accessing same. Should school authorities have specific difficulties with regard any of the foregoing I would suggest that they should contact the relevant local NEPS Regional Director, for whom contact details are available on my Department's website.
501 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if an unemployed person who participates in a FÁS placement programme but who is not in receipt of any social welfare payments is entitled to any allowance; if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20370/10]
FÁS training courses are open to all unemployed persons. However, if a participant is not entitled to a benefit from the Department of Social Protection at the commencement of the course then he/she would not receive a FÁS training allowance. FÁS liaises closely with the Department of Social Protection in relation to entitlements and conditions with regard to social welfare supports and a system is in place, since changes were introduced by Government in the most recent Budget, whereby participants confirm their entitlement with the Department of Social Protection prior to commencing a FÁS course.
502 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications in Waterford city that have been received under the work placement programme; the number that have been approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20706/10]
The Work Placement Programme provides up to 9 months work experience for up to 2,000 unemployed individuals, including graduates. To date 136 clients have applied for vacancies advertised under the Work Placement Programme in Waterford City. Out of the 136 applicants, 21 have started positions with companies under the programme. Currently, there are 16 vacancies available to be filled under the Work Placement Programme in Waterford City. To date, 34 employers have advertised vacancies with FÁS under the programme for Waterford City.
503 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of job losses in Waterford city in the past four years and to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20712/10]
Unemployment is measured by the Quarterly National Household Survey or QNHS and published by the Central Statistics Office. It does not provide data on particular counties but only on Regions. Employment in the South East Region, which includes Waterford, has decreased by 9,600 while unemployment has also increased by 24,900 in the period Quarter 4 2006 to Quarter 4 2009 (September-November).
|
QNHS Quarter 4 |
Unemployment |
Year on Year Change Unemployment |
Employment |
Year on Year Change Employment |
|
2006 |
10,300 |
-1,000 |
217,600 |
+14,000 |
|
2007 |
12,000 |
+1,700 |
226,300 |
+8,700 |
|
2008 |
21,200 |
+9,200 |
219,900 |
-6,400 |
|
2009 |
36,200 |
+15,000 |
194,000 |
-25,900 |
|
Total |
+24,900 |
-9,600 |
In relation to the numbers of jobs lost, there is no exact measure, however, the Department of Enterprise Trade and Innovation records the number of redundancies notified to them on a monthly basis. The table below sets out the number of redundancy notifications received for County Waterford for the years 2006 to date.
|
Year |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
Jan-April 2010 |
Total |
|
Numbers |
675 |
631 |
1,572 |
2,457 |
552 |
5,887 |
504 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons in Waterford city who have received an offer of training from FÁS each month in 2009 and to date in 2010 under the National Employment Action Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20713/10]
505 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons in Waterford city who have been given job placements by FÁS each month in 2009 and to date in 2010 under the National Employment Action Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20714/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 504 and 505 together.
I am advised by FÁS that 755 National Employment Action Plan clients in Waterford City received an offer of training during 2009.To date in 2010, 399 National Employment Action Plan clients in Waterford City have received an offer of training.
I am advised by FÁS that 158 National Employment Action Plan clients in Waterford City were given job placements during 2009. To date in 2010, 66 National Employment Action Plan clients in Waterford City have been given job placements.
A breakdown of this material is contained in tables 1 and 2.
|
Month |
2009 |
2010 |
Total |
|
January |
30 |
69 |
99 |
|
February |
111 |
90 |
201 |
|
March |
15 |
81 |
96 |
|
April |
67 |
109 |
176 |
|
May |
41 |
50 |
91 |
|
June |
37 |
37 |
|
|
July |
41 |
41 |
|
|
August |
58 |
58 |
|
|
September |
153 |
153 |
|
|
October |
90 |
90 |
|
|
November |
85 |
85 |
|
|
December |
27 |
27 |
|
|
Overall Total |
755 |
399 |
1,154 |
|
Month |
2009 |
2010 |
Total |
|
January |
9 |
7 |
16 |
|
February |
12 |
17 |
29 |
|
March |
6 |
16 |
22 |
|
April |
10 |
19 |
29 |
|
May |
10 |
7 |
17 |
|
June |
15 |
15 |
|
|
July |
16 |
16 |
|
|
August |
8 |
8 |
|
|
September |
21 |
21 |
|
|
October |
23 |
23 |
|
|
November |
16 |
16 |
|
|
December |
12 |
12 |
|
|
Overall Total |
158 |
66 |
224 |
506 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will accept the recommendations of the Labour Court regarding pensions for community employment scheme supervisors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19903/10]
Further to the answer given by my colleague the Minister for Labour Affairs and Public Service Transformation to the Deputy on 27 April 2010, I can confirm that my Department is considering with FÁS the implications of the Labour Court recommendation.
507 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons participating in community employment schemes; the number of same who are in receipt of other social welfare payments including one parent family, disability allowance, disability benefit and deserted wives benefit; her plans to review the practice of paying double payments in this way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19904/10]
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 work routine and to assist them enhance/develop both their technical and personal skills. The reviewing of allowances is a budgetary matter. The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table.
|
Description |
No. |
|
Those in receipt of FÁS-funded CE allowances only |
11,720 |
|
Blind Pension |
19 |
|
Disability Allowance |
2,272 |
|
Illness Benefit |
900 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
1,706 |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
4,808 |
|
Deserted Wife’s Benefit |
186 |
|
Participants Total |
21,611 |
|
Supervisors |
1,425 |
|
Overall Total |
23,036 |
508 Deputy James Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if there has been a change in policy whereby the guideline that children should be performing at or below the second percentile in order to access a specific learning disability Unit is now being strictly adhered to; her views on whether boards of management should be able to evaluate each individual case on its own merits in order that vulnerable children are not written off by the system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19919/10]
I wish to confirm for the Deputy that the qualifying criteria for pupil enrolment in specific learning disability (SLD) special classes has not changed. The enrolment of a child in such classes is a matter in the first instance for the parents of the child and the Board of Management of the school concerned. Schools are required to observe Department policy in enrolling children in these classes. This includes having a professional assessment confirming that the child's attainment levels meets the Department's criteria and a recommendation for special class placement. Schools are eligible for resources for SLD classes when the pupils enrolled meet the Department's criteria. These classes operate at a reduced pupil teacher ratio and pupils attending the classes attract a special increased rate of capitation grant. Schools are also required to liaise with the local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) in the context of any proposed placements in such classes.
The Deputy is aware that a key focus and priority of my Department is to provide for resources in schools to support pupils with special educational needs, including those with a SLD. I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department implemented a General Allocation System of learning support/resource teachers to mainstream primary schools in September 2005. This model ensures that mainstream primary schools have the additional teaching resources already in place to enable them cater for children with high-incidence special educational needs, including pupils with SLD. A comprehensive circular, SP ED 02/05, was issued to schools to provide guidelines and advice on the manner in which they should use the resources that have been allocated to them to best effect.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local SENOs, is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs support. The NCSE operates within the Department's criteria in allocating such support. The responsibility also includes identifying appropriate educational placements for children with special educational needs. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
509 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will be made on an application for a devolved grant by a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19946/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school to which she refers was recently approved for funding for the provision of additional accommodation for two Mainstream Classrooms.
510 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will grant a full-time learning support and resource teacher to a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19947/10]
The general allocation model was introduced in primary schools in September 2005 to ensure that each school has learning support/resource teaching support available to meet the needs of children with high incidence special educational needs. The allocation system under the general allocation model was linked to the school's enrolment in 2005 and it was decided not to review this aspect until the model had been in operation for three years. The allocation to schools is however enhanced in the case of schools experiencing large increases in enrolment and which satisfy the conditions under my Department's Developing School Criteria. The review of the General Allocation is at an advanced stage and is being considered within my Department. Schools decide themselves how best to use this allocation based on the needs of the pupils and how to adjust their support in line with the changing needs of pupils as they mature. The Department provided a circular SP ED 02/05 to schools to assist them in deploying the General Allocation Model resources.
You will be aware that the Department's policy is to support the inclusive education of students with special educational needs across the schools system. In this context, a range of supports are provided to schools to enable them to cater for pupils with special educational needs. The supports available include additional teaching support, special needs assistant support, school transport and grants for the purchase of teaching materials and specialised equipment.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
511 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills his views to allowing participants on the work placement programme who lose their jobseeker’s benefit while in the programme and fail the means test for jobseeker’s allowance to continue to receive some payment while they are still participating on this programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20017/10]
The Work Placement Programme provides up to 9 months work experience for 2,000 unemployed individuals. The fact that a person is participating in the Programme does not in itself affect their social welfare entitlements.
512 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons in the State Examinations Commission, the Higher Education Authority, the National Education Welfare Board and any other agency under the remit of his Department in terms of whole-time equivalents employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target number at which point the moratorium will end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20038/10]
The details requested by the Deputy are set out in the following table. The issue of the duration of the staffing moratorium with regard to those agencies under the aegis of my Department is being addressed in the context of the employment control frameworks being put in place across the public service.
|
Agency Name |
WTE No’s End 2008 |
WTE No’s Qtr 1 2010 |
Comment |
|
Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse |
18.00 |
3.00 |
|
|
Residential Institutions Redress Board |
29.00 |
27.00 |
|
|
Residential Institutions Review Committee |
1.00 |
1.00 |
On Contract (Not public Sector employee) |
|
An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG) |
4.00 |
3.00 |
|
|
EFB (Education Finance Board) |
3.00 |
4.00 |
Two temps (on contract) & two secondments from VECs |
|
FÁS (Foras Áiseanna Saothair) |
2,272.14 |
2,027.25 |
2,075.25 is total number current staff in FÁS |
|
FETAC (Further Education and Training Awards Council) |
47.00 |
41.00 |
|
|
GDA (Grangegorman Development Agency) |
6.00 |
4.00 |
|
|
HEA (Higher Education Authority) |
63.00 |
56.00 |
|
|
HETAC (Higher Education and Training Awards Council) |
32.00 |
32.00 |
|
|
IRCHSS (Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences) |
7.00 |
5.00 |
|
|
IRCSET (Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology)) |
6.00 |
5.00 |
|
|
Leargas — The Exchange Bureau |
41.10 |
38.70 |
Excluding the NCGE |
|
NCCA (National Council for Curriculum and Assessment) |
37.00 |
30.00 |
|
|
NCGE (National Centre for Guidance in Education) |
8.00 |
7.00 |
The NCGE operates under the aegis of Léargas |
|
NCSE (National Council for Special Education) |
105.00 |
105.00 |
|
|
NCTE (National Centre for Technology in Education) |
25.00 |
19.00 |
|
|
NEWB (National Educational Welfare Board) |
100.00 |
102.00 |
|
|
NQAI (National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) |
25.00 |
27.00 |
|
|
SEC (State Examinations Commission) |
170.00 |
162.00 |
|
|
The Teaching Council |
28.50 |
28.50 |
The Teaching Council has been self-financing since March 2008 |
Note 1: These figures are primarily based on quarterly returns provided by the agencies to my Department's Finance Unit.
Note 2: FÁS under aegis of my Department from May 2nd 2010.
513 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary school teachers in terms of whole-time equivalents employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target point at which point the moratorium will end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20045/10]
514 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of secondary school teachers in terms of whole-time equivalents employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target point at which point the moratorium will end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20046/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 514 and 513 together.
Public service pay is a huge element of public expenditure and the total bill is determined by the number of public servants and the pay rates payable to them. The moratorium which was introduced in March 2009 is a key control measure aimed at reducing the number of public servants. The duration of the moratorium will be a matter for Government to decide in the context of budgetary savings to be achieved. In contrast to what is happening in other areas of the public service, the Government has already tapered application of the moratorium to schools by providing for a growth in teacher numbers and allowing from the outset the automatic filling of principal and deputy principal posts of responsibility.
The public sector numbers for 31 March 2009 for primary teachers was 31,134 and for post-primary teachers was 28,262. The public sector numbers for 31 March 2010 for primary teachers was 31,860 and for post-primary teachers was 27,860. The introduction in September 2009 of the part-time payroll for primary teachers facilitated the inclusion of those part-time teachers in public sector numbers from that date onwards.
515 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons in terms of whole-time equivalents employed in third level institutions prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target point at which point the moratorium will end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20047/10]
516 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of third level lecturers in terms of whole time equivalents employed prior to the introduction of the moratorium; the estimated number currently employed; the target point at which point the moratorium will end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20048/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 515 and 516 together.
The total number of whole time equivalent staff employed in third level institutions at 31 December, 2008 was 21,149. It is estimated that at 31 March, 2010 the number employed was 20084 whole time equivalents. Disaggregated data on the number of lecturers that are included in these figures are not available in my Department. However the information has been sought and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available. The purpose of the Government decision to implement a recruitment and promotion moratorium in the public sector is to facilitate a permanent, structural reduction in the numbers of staff serving in the public sector and is intended to contribute significant and ongoing savings to the Exchequer. In applying this moratorium generally, teaching and research activities in the education sector have been afforded significant exemptions relative to other areas of public expenditure. Nonetheless, the Deputy will appreciate that the sector has to contribute towards overall public sector numbers reductions.
In the area of higher education, the Government agreed that an employment control framework be developed to provide for the application of the moratorium arrangements to higher education institutions, subject to the continued oversight and review by the HEA and both my Department and the Department of Finance. The Government is anxious to work with the publicly funded higher education institutions in achieving necessary reductions in public expenditure within the sector as an essential part of overall budgetary strategy. The employment control framework aims to enable this while providing a greater flexibility around recruitment in the filling of posts, on the basis of achieving a minimum 6% reduction in the number of overall core staff by end of 2010 as compared with the numbers in place at 31 December 2008. It is a matter for the individual higher education institutions to manage their staffing resources in the context of implementing the framework.
517 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20073/10]
Officials in my Department have had a series of meetings with the Trustees of the school to which the Deputy refers. The Trustees expressed some concern about the future of the school and it is my understanding that they are considering a number of options in this regard. The Department understands that the Trustees have met with the Board of Management, staff and representatives of parents from the school to inform them of their concerns on its viability. When the Trustees have formally notified the Department of their intentions in relation to the future of the school, the matter will be considered further.
518 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason 19 fee-paying schools will receive €1 million from her Department’s summer works scheme; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that these schools have substantial private income which is paid for better facilities; if she will restore a level of equity and fairness into the education system by restricting fee-paying schools access to the summer works scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20074/10]
All schools with permanent recognition from my Department and in non-rented accommodation were eligible to apply to my Department for funding under the Summer Works Scheme for 2010. In my announcement of 19 April last, 1490 successful applicants under the scheme were announced. This included 19 fee-charging schools. This represents less than 1.3% of the total number of successful applicants. The Circular governing the operation of the scheme sets out in order of priority the nature of the works which are eligible for grant assistance under the scheme in order to ensure that works of most urgent need receive priority in the awarding of funding under the scheme.
519 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that have applied for funding for water conservation measures under her Department’s summer works scheme; the number of these schools that will receive funding for water conservation measures; the number that were rejected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20075/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, schools were invited to apply for funding for water conservation measures as part of the Summer Works Scheme for 2010. Some 2,300 applications, in total, were received under the Scheme. I announced details of the 1,490 successful applicants under the mainstream Summer Works Scheme on 19 April last. It is intended that the applications for water conservation measures aspect of the Scheme will be processed separately and I hope to announce details of the successful applicants for those measures later this year.
520 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the delay in issuing a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 with an income levy certificate; if she will ensure that this documentation will be forwarded. [20080/10]
My officials are currently making arrangements for the issue of more than 100,000 income levy certificates to teaching and non-teaching staff — both serving and retired who are paid through my Department's centralised payroll system. I understand that the certificates are issuing on a phased basis over the next week.
521 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will clarify the position in which students who had applied for a higher education maintenance grant who already have a primary degree and higher diploma in education and want to progress to further studies by undertaking a careers guidance diploma and have been informed by their local authority that they are not eligible for a grant in view of the fact that these two courses are classified at the same level while the National Qualifications Authority’s opinion differs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20124/10]
Financial assistance is available to students under the maintenance grant schemes, which are administered by the local authorities and Vocational Education Committees on behalf of my Department. Students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. Under the terms of the Higher Education Grant Scheme a student is not eligible for grant assistance in respect of a second period of study at the same level, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously. However, financial assistance is available to eligible candidates who already hold a postgraduate qualification and who wish to enter a further postgraduate course, at a higher level, which represents progression from the level at which the first qualification was attained. The progression route at postgraduate level, for grant purposes, is as follows: Higher Diploma/Postgraduate Diploma/Masters/PhD/Doctorate. Candidates who hold a diploma qualification and are pursuing a second diploma qualification cannot be considered for funding.
522 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Tánaiste agus Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cad é ainm agus seoladh gach meánscoile sa tír a bhfuil níos mó ná deich ndalta inti ag fáil díolúine ó staidéar na Gaeilge d’ardteist na bliana seo de bharr go bhfuil fadhb fhoghlama acu, agus an líon i ngach scoil a fuair díolúine. [20141/10]
523 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Tánaiste agus Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cá mhéad dalta a bhfuil díolúine ó staidéar na Gaeilge acu d’ardteist na bliana seo de bharr fadhb fhoghlama a bheith acu agus a fuair teastas ó shíceolaí príobháideach le cuidiú lena ndíolúine. [20142/10]
524 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Tánaiste agus Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cá mhéad dalta sa tír a bhfuil fáil acu ar dhíolúine ó staidéar na Gaeilge d’ardteist na bliana seo de bharr faidhbe foghlama agus atá ag tabhairt faoi theanga eile Eorpach san ardteist agus cá mhéad acu seo a fuair teastas ó shíceolaí príobháideach le cuidiú lena ndíolúine. [20143/10]
Tá fúm ceisteanna 522, 523 and 524 a thógáil le chéile.
Deonaítear díolúintí ó staidéar na Gaeilge mar ábhar de réir forálacha Chiorclán M10/94, do mhic léinn mar seo a leanas:
mic léinn a fuair a gcuid bunoideachais i dTuaisceart Éireann nó lasmuigh d'Éirinn suas go dtí aois a 11 bhliain
mic léinn a bhí ar an rolla cheana mar mhic léinn aitheanta agus atáá gcur ar ais ar an rolla tar éis tréimhse a chaitheamh thar lear, ar chuntar go bhfuil 3 bliana ar a laghad caite ó bhí siad ar an rolla cheana sa Stát agus go bhfuil siad 11 bhliain d'aois ar a laghad ar athrollú dóibh, agus
catagóiríáirithe mac léinn a bhfuil míchumas foghlama orthu.
Déabhlóideann an scéim an chinnteoireacht ar údaráis scoile agus éilítear orthusan oibriú go docht laistigh de na critéir.
I bhfianaise líon na scoileanna sa chás, ní féidir a chur ar fáil don Teachta, mar a thuigfidh sé gan dabht, liosta scoileanna aonair ina bhfuil deichniúr nó os a chionn sin de mhic léinn Ardteistiméireachta a bhfuil díolúine ón nGaeilge acu ar fhoras míchumais foghlama, mar go bhféadfadh sonraí dá leithéid daoine aonair a shainaithint, nó bheith ina gcúis le comparáidí staitistiúla idir na scoileanna seo gan coigeartú a bheith déanta do shaintréithe ábhartha eile na mac léinn atá ar an rolla insna scoileanna seo nó dá dtorthaí foghlama. Bailítear na sonraí faoi dhíolúintí ón nGaeilge atá coimeádta ag mo Roinnse trí thuairiscí Bhunachar Sonraí na nIarbhunscoileanna a dhéanann na scoileanna gach Deireadh Fómhair.
I gcás mic léinn dár dheonaigh an scoil díolúine ón nGaeilge de bharr míchumais foghlama ní chuimsíonn na tuairiscí a dhéanann na scoileanna chuig mo Roinnse sonraí faoi aon siceolaí a fruilíodh chun tacú le hiarratas an mhic léinn. Dá bhrí sin ní féidir a shainaithint ó na sonraí atá ar fáil do mo Roinnse cé hiad na hiarratasóirí a fuair teastas ó shiceolaí príobháideach chun tacú lena n-iarratais ar dhíolúine. Agus na sonraí seo á mbailiú, is iad na teangacha dá dtagraítear mar theangacha nua-aimseartha ná an Fhraincis, an Spáinnis, an Ghearmáinis agus an Iodáilis. Is ceart a nótáil go dtaifeadann na sonraí an líon mac léinn atá ag staidéar gach aon teanga nua-aimseartha ar leith ach nach dtaifeadann siad líon na mac léinn a bhfuil teanga nua-aimseartha amháin ar a laghad á staidéar acu. Baineann na sonraí seo a leanas le mic léinn a rollaíodh i mbliain deiridh na hArdteistiméireachta Bunaithe, na hArdteistiméireachta Feidhmeach agus Ghairmchlár na hArdteistiméireachta don scoilbhliain 2009/10. Tá 39 n-iarbhunscoil ann ina bhfuil deichniúr nó os a chionn sin de mhic léinn rollaithe ar na cláir Ardteistiméireachta a bhfuil díolúine ón nGaeilge acu ar fhoras míchumais foghlama.
Insna 39 n-iarbhunscoil seo tá iomlán de 543 mhac léinn rollaithe ar na cláir Ardteistiméireachta a bhfuil díolúine ón nGaeilge acu ar fhoras míchumais foghlama. Insna hiarbhunscoileanna ar fad tá 1,326 mhac léinn atá rollaithe ar na cláir Ardteistiméireachta, a bhfuil díolúine ón nGaeilge acu ar fhoras míchumais foghlama, agus atá rollaithe chomh maith do theanga nua-aimseartha Eorpach.
525 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide a new post leaving certificate college in Drogheda, County Louth as recommended by County Louth Vocational Education Committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20147/10]
My Department has recently received correspondence from County Louth VEC in relation to the provision of a new post-leaving certificate college building in Drogheda. This proposal is currently under consideration in my Department as part of the overall approach to the provision of education infrastructure in Drogheda.
526 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the final outcome of the National Council for Special Education review of special needs assistant positions in primary and secondary schools; if she will provide an update of figures released by the NCSE on 31 March 2010 relating to the withdrawal of SNA positions in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20175/10]
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has published its report on the Review of Special Needs Assistant (SNA) Allocation to Schools April 2009 — March 2010 on its website www.ncse.ie. A small number of schools remain to be reviewed and the NCSE has indicated that these will be reviewed by the end of the current academic year. A final breakdown of the outcome of the review will be made available when all schools have been reviewed.
I wish to confirm for the Deputy that my Department is very supportive of the SNA scheme. It has been a key factor in both ensuring the successful integration of children with special educational needs into mainstream education and providing support to pupils enrolled in special schools and special classes. The SNA scheme will continue to be supported and 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.
527 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of appeals received by the National Council for Special Education to date regarding the withdrawal of special needs assistant positions from schools; the number of appeals processed to date; if any appeals have been upheld; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20176/10]
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 Deputy will also 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. The NCSE administers this appeals process without recourse to my Department. The information requested by the Deputy is therefore not available within my Department. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
528 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of children in classes of thirty or more on a county basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20177/10]
The Statistics section of my Department's website contains class size data at individual school level for the 2008/2009 school year. The information includes the number of pupils in each class size range in each primary school. The details for the current school year (2009/2010) are currently being compiled by my Department and the final outcome will be available later in the year.
529 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the budgetary impact on her Department arising from the recent transfer of functions between Departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20178/10]
The budgetary details to be incorporated into the 2010 Amended Revised Estimates are being finalised at present with a view to them being placed before the house shortly.
530 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the amount spent by her Department on buying out existing prefab rental contracts to date; the duration of each contract involved; when the contracts were originally agreed and the projected cost of buying out further rental contracts in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20179/10]
To date my Department has spent €2.5m on buying out rental contracts for prefabs. The oldest rental contract purchased to date is 1995 with the most recent being 2008.
As the Deputy is aware, the review of policies and procedures for the provision of temporary classroom accommodation is well underway.
The review incorporates the development of standard specifications for temporary accommodation, the development of new contractual terms to incorporate buy-out and relocation options to cater for individual local circumstances and appropriately protect the interests of the Department and school authorities. Another strand of the review is negotiations with prefab suppliers to buy out existing rental contracts or reductions in annual rent, as appropriate. An initial group of 46 schools with rented prefabricated accommodation has been identified for priority negotiations with suppliers to buy out existing rental contracts.
The focus of this review is the development and adoption of practical measures and policies to achieve best value for money in the area of temporary accommodation in schools. The selection criteria for buy-out options have identified schools where lengthy rental contracts exist. However value for money is not achieved with this approach alone. Schools have been identified for buy-out of prefabs where newer rental contracts exist in circumstances where the least value for money is evident. Negotiations are on-going with a number of prefab suppliers and as soon as these negotiations are completed additional rental contracts will be bought out during 2010.
531 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that have received updated child protection guidelines from her Department to date; if updated internal guidelines have been circulated to Departmental staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20180/10]
My Department has issued child protection guidelines and procedures to all schools. The guidelines are based on Children First — the Department of Health & Children's national guidelines for the protection and welfare of children. The Children First guidelines make very clear the reporting and investigation mechanisms to be followed in cases of suspected child abuse wherever they occur, and the lead role of the HSE.
The guidelines for schools require each board of management to designate a senior member of staff, normally the principal, as the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) for the school. The DLP acts as a liaison person with the health authorities and other agencies on child protection issues and as a resource person to any staff member who has concerns in this regard.
In anticipation of the review and recent updating of Children First, my Department wrote to all the education partners last Autumn inviting submissions from them on potential changes that might be desirable to the Department's existing child protection guidelines to schools. The education partners were also invited to participate in a working party to review the guidelines and the working party commenced its work last December. A series of meetings with the partners have since taken place and good progress has been made.
In February 2007, the Department issued revised internal guidelines and procedures which have been circulated to all persons employed by the Department. The guidelines were based on Children First. The purpose of these procedures is to provide direction and guidance to staff in dealing with any allegations or complaints of abuse which are made to the Department. These guidelines will also be updated later this year, taking account of both the revised Children First and the child protection guidelines for schools.
532 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of the 2,500 undergraduate and post-graduate part-time places offered to unemployed people from September 2009 that were filled; the number of applications in total that were received for these places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20181/10]
Some 2,500 places were made available for unemployed people on part-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses from September 2009 on courses that support the goals of the ‘Smart Economy' and particularly those relating to the specific skills needs of exporting sectors identified by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs.
It is estimated that in excess of 3,000 applications were received for places under the scheme, almost 2,100 offers were made and more than 1,750 places were filled. A preliminary analysis by the HEA of information received to date from participating institutions shows that the majority of students are male and aged between 26 and 40 with previous qualifications at NQF 6 or above. Some 50% of participants were previously employed in the engineering, manufacturing or construction sectors. Over 70% were between 6-12 months on the live register and 55% indicated that their motivation for undertaking the programme was to enhance their career prospects.
533 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the full extent of support services available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20320/10]
534 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if a special needs assistant will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20322/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 533 and 534 together.
The Deputy will be aware of the Government's commitment to ensuring that all children with special educational needs, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network and a school placement is available for the child in question.
Such placements facilitate access to individualised education programmes which may draw from a range of appropriate educational interventions, fully qualified professional teachers, special needs assistants and the appropriate school curriculum.
My Department has put in place a training programme for teachers in autism-specific interventions including Treatment and Education of Autistic Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH), Picture Exchange Communications System (PECS) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) through the Special Education Support Service (SESS). The SESS facilitates a partnership approach involving support teams of practising teachers, Education Centres, the Inspectorate, the National Educational Psychological Service, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the National Council for Special Education, Third Level Colleges, Health Board Personnel, Teacher Unions and other relevant bodies and services.
The Deputy will also be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENO) for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support students with autism. The SENO will also consider applications from schools to establish special classes for students with autism.
Another function of the NCSE is to disseminate to schools and parents, and such other persons as the NCSE considers appropriate, information relating to best practice concerning the education of children with special educational needs. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie
The establishment of a network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country to cater for children with autism has been a key educational priority in recent years. In excess of 380 classes have now been approved around the country, including over 40 at post-primary level.
536 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the high pupil/teacher ratio at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if additional funding will be made for the provision of extra classrooms, permanent accommodation and facilities; her plans to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20346/10]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers has applied to my Department for additional accommodation to meet their anticipated need in September 2010.
The application is currently being assessed in my Department. A decision will issue to the school in question once the assessment of its application has been completed. In relation to staffing the primary staffing schedule is currently structured to ensure that, on average, 1 teacher is allocated to primary schools for every 28 pupils — every 27 pupils in the case of medium to larger schools. While the staffing schedule allocates on the basis of an average number of pupils each individual school decides on how to arrange its classes.
In relation to the pupil teacher ratio the overall position is that my Department publishes extensive statistical information on it's website including figures in respect of pupil teacher ratios. The most recently published figures relate to the 2008/2009 school year and show that the pupil teacher ratio at national level was an average of 1 teacher for every 15.9 pupils at primary level.
The corresponding figures for the 2004-2005 school year was a PTR of 17.1 for primary level and 13.4 for post primary level. Work is well advanced on the statistics for the current school year and it is planned to publish the results in September. The preliminary indications are that the pupil teacher ratio in the current school year will be broadly in line with previous years.
537 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the common application and entry scheme to post primary schools in Limerick city; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the present system discriminates against some children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20374/10]
The question of enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. The Deputy will be aware that a Common Application System (CAS) was agreed between the principals of the post-primary schools in Limerick City. This system has been facilitated through the Limerick Education Centre (LEC) with support from my Department. Whilst this administrative system ensures that a co-ordinated approach can be taken to enrolments in the area, each school authority, in accordance with the Education Act, 1998, retains autonomy in relation to its own enrolment policy.
A Board of Management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. The criteria to be applied by schools in such circumstances are a matter for the schools themselves. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.
Any review of the CAS would require consultation with the relevant stakeholders involved. My Department, at local level, also maintains contact with the relevant stakeholders, including, where necessary, discussing any issues that arise in relation to its operation.
538 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if he has received an appeal in respect of the summer works scheme from a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20401/10]
I can confirm that my Department has received an appeal from the school to which the Deputy refers in respect of their Summer Works Scheme application.
The appeal is currently under consideration and a decision will issue in due course to the school authority.
539 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the accommodation situation at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare with no places for a substantial number of pupils next September; and if she will sanction funding for the provision of four new permanent classrooms at the school. [20424/10]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers has applied to my Department for additional accommodation to meet their anticipated need in September 2010.
The application is currently being assessed in my Department. A decision will issue to the school in question once the assessment of its application has been completed.
540 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 396 of 11 May 2010, the number of the seven meetings referred to that were attended by her and the number attended by a Junior Minister; the dates of all ten meetings; the name of the Minister or Junior Minister in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20445/10]
The dates of all 10 EU Education Council meetings held in the past three years are as follows:
11th May 2010;
15th February 2010;
26th November 2009;
12th May 2009;
16th February 2009;
21st November 2008;
22nd May 2008;
14th February 2008;
15th November 2007;
25th May 2007.
Five of the seven meetings involving ministerial attendance were attended by the Minister for Education and Science and two by the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science. The Minister or Minister of State who attended in the case of each of these seven meetings was as follows:
26th November 2009: Minister for Education & Science, Batt O'Keeffe, T.D.;
12th May 2009: Minister for Education & Science, Batt O'Keeffe, T.D.;
16th February 2009: Minister for Education & Science, Batt O'Keeffe T.D.;
21st November 2008: Minister of State at the Department of Education & Science, Séan Haughey T.D.;
22nd May 2008: Minister for Education & Science, Batt O'Keeffe T.D.;
14th February 2008: Minister of State at the Department of Education & Science, Séan Haughey T.D.;
15th November 2007: Minister for Education & Science, Mary Hanafin T.D.
541 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 390 of 11 May 2010, if Dublin South Central and Dublin South East are among the more than 40 locations identified as being in greatest demographical need of additional primary provision; the outcome of their consideration as part of the detailed study referred to; and if a new multi denomination school for the area will be delivered for 2011. [20446/10]
542 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 390 of 11 May 2010, if she will direct the forward planning section of her Department to consider not only demographic change but also parental preferences regarding the type of schooling required, such as multi denominational and gaelscoileanna. [20447/10]
543 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 390 of 11 May 2010, if she will name the more than 40 identified locations to which she referred. [20448/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 541 to 543, inclusive, together.
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. School accommodation requirements within the area referred have been considered as part of this detailed study of the identified areas. The progression of all large scale building projects arising from Forward Planning Section's analysis of accommodation needs will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
As the Deputy will be aware, a review of the procedures for the establishment of new primary schools is currently being undertaken by the Commission on School Accommodation. A Technical Working Group, under the direction of the Chairman of the Commission, was established for this purpose. This group has almost completed its work and it is expected that it will make recommendations to me shortly. Among the many issues being considered by the Technical Working Group is the issue of how best to measure or gauge the views of parents in relation to diversity of school provision in a locality.
I attach for the Deputy a list of the initial areas identified for detailed analysis.
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Location |
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Carlow |
Carlow |
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Cavan |
Cavan |
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Clare |
Ennis |
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Cork |
Carrigaline |
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Cork City |
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Fermoy |
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Mallow |
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Midleton/ Carrigtwohill |
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Donegal |
Letterkenny |
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Dublin |
Areas within Dublin 7 region |
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Areas within Dublin 15 region |
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Areas within Dublin 24 region |
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Balbriggan |
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Ballinteer |
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Clondalkin |
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Areas within Finglas/Ballymun region |
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Lucan |
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Areas within Marino/Clontarf region (Parts of Dublin 1, 3, 5) |
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Mulhuddart region |
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Newcastle/Rathcoole |
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Rush & Lusk |
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Sandymount/ Ringsend |
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Swords |
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Galway |
Athenry |
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Galway City |
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Kildare |
Celbridge |
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Naas |
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Newbridge |
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Prosperous/Clane |
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Kilkenny |
Kilkenny |
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Laois |
Portarlington |
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Portlaoise |
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Limerick |
Limerick City |
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Louth |
Drogheda |
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Dundalk |
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Meath |
Ashbourne |
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Navan |
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Trim |
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Westmeath |
Athlone |
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Mullingar |
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Wexford |
Enniscorthy |
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Wicklow |
Wicklow |
544 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reasons a college of further education (details supplied) in Dublin 18 is not recognised as being accredited to deliver courses to Higher Certificate Level Six and Honours Degree Level Eight, even though the awards currently granted by the college are from Edexcel in the UK; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the college has already met the quality assurance requirements of Higher Education and Training Awards Council, Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin City University and Dundee University, Scotland and that the college is recognised as delivering innovative courses which have contributed to the recent success in the Oscars; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20458/10]
The College referred to by the Deputy is operated by City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee (CDVEC) and funded by my Department under the Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) Scheme as an approved PLC centre. Under the terms and conditions of the PLC Scheme, courses provided by approved PLC centres must be at FETAC Level 5 or 6 or equivalent.
In respect of this approved PLC centre, my Department has facilitated the running of a course which is accredited by Dundee University as the equivalent of a Level 8 award on the National Framework of Qualifications (Honours Bachelor Degree/Higher Diploma) for the last number of years and continues to do so as an exceptional measure.
It is open to this PLC centre to offer courses certified by other awarding bodies but these courses will not be funded by my Department unless they fulfil the terms and conditions of the PLC scheme.
545 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the number of concessionary hours awarded to a school (details supplied) in County Dublin to ensure that it will have enough hours to provide physical education, art and French classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20543/10]
Teacher allocations to all second-level schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. In accordance with these rules each school is required to organise its subject options within the limit of its approved teacher allocation. The deployment of teaching staff, the range of subjects offered and ultimately the quality of teaching and learning are in the first instance a matter for the Board of Management of the school.
In accordance with existing arrangements, where a school management authority is unable to meet its curricular commitments within its approved allocation, my Department considers applications for additional short term support i.e. curricular concessions. This concession is available as a short term support to enable essential curricular provision to continue. An application for curricular concessions was received from the school in question and an additional allocation of 1.27 wholetime equivalent teacher posts was granted.
The allocation processes also include appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against their allocation of teachers. The school in question has availed of this appeals mechanism and will be notified of the outcome shortly. The Appeals Board operates independently of my Department.
546 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Trevor Sargent den Tánaiste agus Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna an ndéanfaidh sí soiléiriú ar na critéir a úsáideadh sa chinneadh faoi Ghaelscoileanna nua do 2010, an ndéanfaidh sí athbhreithniú ar an gcinneadh gan aon Ghaelscoil nua a oscailt in 2010 agus an dtabharfaidh sí soiléiriú ar staid reatha na 7 n-iarratas ó choistí bunaithe a bhí le hoscailt in 2010 agus an t-iarratas ó choiste bunaithe Ghaelcholáiste Ghlór na Mara i mBaile Brigín i gContae Bhaile Átha Cliath a bhfuil beagnach 400 dalta ag iarraidh áite inti cheana féin. [20551/10]
Ó 2008 i leith, tá sé ina pholasaí gan scoileanna nua a bhunú ach áit a n-éilíonn an déimeagrafach go mbunófaí scoileanna breise, go dtí go gcríochnófar obair bhreise áirithe atá idir lámha ag an gCoimisiún um Chóiríocht Scoile.
Tá an Coimisiún um Chóiríocht Scoileanna chun tuairisc a chur faoi mo bhráid go gairid maidir leis an athbhreithniú ar na nósanna imeachta do bhunscoileanna a bhunú. I measc na gceisteanna atá faoi chaibidil mar chuid den athbhreithniú tá tábhacht na Gaeilge, ceist na héagsúlachta agus an chaoi ina bhfuil an Ghaeilge ina bealach chun éagsúlacht a chur ar fáil. Tar éis don tuairisc a bheith ullmhaithe beidh orm ceisteanna polasaí agus socruithe riachtanacha a bhreithniú agus a chinneadh céard iad na nósanna imeachta úra a bheidh le cur ar bun. Breithneofar sa chomhthéacs seo caomhnú agus cur chun cinn na Gaeilge trí Ghaelscoileanna a bhunú. Is féidir liom a dheimhniú don Teachta go bhfuil ról maighdeogach le himirt ag an mbunscolaíocht i gcaomhnú agus i leathnú na céad teanga oifigiúla. Bhí cur chun cinn na Gaeilge ina haidhm mhór ariamh ag Rialtais na hÉireann i ndiaidh a chéile agus cosnaíodh i gcónaí a hionad sa chóras oideachais. Comhartha air seo an chaoi inar aithníodh líon suntasach Gaelscoileanna nua le blianta beaga anuas — 17 ar fad ó 2005 i leith.
Tá staidéar ar an dtír déanta ag Rannóg Pleanála Chun Cinn mo Roinnse chun a fháil amach céard iad na ceantair ina bhféadfadh gá a bheith le cuid mhaith cóiríocht breise de bharr athruithe deimeagrafacha insna blianta amach romhainn. I ndiaidh na mionanailíse seo ba léir gur den chríonnacht é pleanáil chun scoileanna nua a bhunú a thosnódh ag obair i Meán Fómhair 2010 chun freastal ar an éileamh méadaitheach i gceantair shainaitheanta áirithe. Rinneadh pléanna mionsonraithe i rith 2009 leis na pátrúin go léir maidir leis na ceantair a bhí faoi chaibidil. Maidir leis an gcuid is mó de na ceantair seo ba é tuairim ghluaiseacht na nGaelscoileanna nár leor an t-éileamh breise ar sholáthar trí Ghaeilge chun bunú Gaelscoile nua a bharántú.
Rinneadh iarratas sainiúil ar Ghaelscoil nua a bhunú i Ráth Tó, Co na Mí. Ach tar éis anailíse mionsonraithe ar an méadú ar líon na ndaltaí i Meán Fómhair i mbliana agus ar chumas na scoileanna atá ann cheana, ba léir nár ghá scoil nua a bhunú chun riar ar an bhfás déimeagrafach. Bhí mo Roinnse deimhin de gur féidir leis na scoileanna atá ann riar ar an méadú réamh-mheasta déimeagrafach i Meán Fómhair 2010. Athbhreithneofar an cás seo roimh Mheán Fómhair 2011 i bhfianaise na riachtanas agus na bpléanna leis na comhlachtaí pátrúnachta.
Leanfaidh an Rannóg Pleanála Chun Cinn uirthi leis an obair ag ullmhú tuairiscí mar bheart tosaíochta don chuid eile den tír. Mar chuid den phróiseas seo, déanfar anailís ar na riachtanais oideachasúla insna seacht gceantar a bhfuil iarratais faighte ar Ghaelscoileanna a bhunú iontu. Machnófar ina leith seo chomh maith na riachtanais fhoriomlána le cóiríocht scoile i gContae Áth Cliath Thuaidh, san áireamh an cás i bhfabhar iarbhunscoile nua lán-Ghaelach a sholáthar i mBaile Brigín.
547 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will facilitate the inclusion of dance as part of the junior and leaving certificate syllabuses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20555/10]
551 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will facilitate the inclusion of dance as part of the junior and leaving certificate syllabuses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20563/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 547 and 551 together.
At primary level, Physical Education is one of seven curriculum areas within the revised Primary School Curriculum which was introduced in 1999. A minimum of one hour of physical education per week is recommended for all primary school pupils. The curriculum has been structured so as to allow individual schools a high degree of flexibility and choice in the planning of a broad and balanced Physical Education programme for pupils, and includes six broad strands featuring Athletics, Dance, Gymnastics, Games, Outdoor and adventure activities and Aquatics.
In accordance with the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools, all second level schools should provide Physical Education as part of the curriculum. The programme that each school plans and delivers should be based on my Department's approved syllabuses and the teaching hours should be registered on the school timetable.
A revised Physical Education programme in Physical Education as a non examination subject was introduced on a phased basis in 2003. The programme includes adventure activities, aquatics, athletics, dance, invasion games, net and fielding games, gymnastics and health related activity. In senior cycle, the physical education programme includes dance among the options which can be taken. It should also be noted that some 50% of the student cohort now takes the Transition Year Programme where planning and performing in a school musical, many of which include dance, is a popular option offered in schools.
In addition, students may choose Dance as one of the courses available within the Arts component of the Leaving Certificate Applied programme (LCA). The LCA is taken by some 7% of the student cohort and a maximum of 4 credits from a total of 200 credits in the assessment of the LCA is available for the Dance component. The LCA does not provide for direct entry into higher education, but students may progress to Post Leaving Certificate courses and from there to higher education.
My Department is faced with an extensive range of competing needs for investment in education, ranging from addressing educational disadvantage, inclusion of pupils with special needs and newcomer students, meeting the demands of a growing population, strengthening the mathematical, science, and technology aspects of provision, enhancing the professional development of teachers, investing in research and development and promoting second chance learning. Within that context, investment in mainstreaming of dance education as an option within Art in the established Leaving Certificate is not a priority at the current time.
548 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a primary school building for a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20556/10]
552 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a primary school building for a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20564/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 548 and 552 together.
On 16 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 he refers 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.
549 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a primary school extension for a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20557/10]
553 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a primary school extension for a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20565/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 549 and 553 together.
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension and refurbishment project. The application has been assessed in accordance with published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects and assigned a band 2 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, are now available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression the project at this time.
However, an application for additional school accommodation was received in the Department in February 2010 and I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school was approved for a grant to build an additional mainstream classroom.
550 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a new primary school building for a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20558/10]
554 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a new primary school building for a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20566/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 550 and 554 together.
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding for a new school. The application has been assessed in accordance with published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects and assigned a band 2 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, are now available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme. However, in view of the level of demand on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression the project at this time.
555 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her plans to decide on the application to upgrade Waterford Institute of Technology to university status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20572/10]
The position is that applications have been received from three higher education institutions for designation as Universities; Waterford Institute of Technology, Dublin Institute of Technology and Cork Institute of Technology.
The issue of university designation does not just affect the institutions and the regions from which applications have been received; it also impacts on the future structure of the higher education system throughout the country. The Government wants to build on our strengths and to provide an environment where all our higher education institutions can develop in a way that best serves the country as a whole as well as the regions where they are based.
A High Level Group is currently developing a new national strategy for higher education. That Group is critically examining the roles and relationships of higher education institutions so that the system can deliver the levels of efficiency, performance, innovation and growth that will optimise Ireland's ‘smart' economic recovery and social development. The Strategy Group are expected to finalise their report before the summer and there are no plans to advance any of the current applications for university status before the Group completes its work.
556 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the funding provided to schools in Waterford City under the schools building programme in each of the past five years to 2009; the funding allocated under this programme in 2010 to schools in Waterford City; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20573/10]
The information requested by the Deputy on funding provided for major school building projects in Waterford City over the past 5 years is contained in the following tabular statement.
Expenditure in 2010 on schools in Waterford City will depend on progress on projects and the submission of the necessary certification to my Department in order to enable payment.
Currently a major project to provide two new schools and community facilities in Waterford City is at tender stage.
|
€ |
|
|
2009 Expenditure |
1,946,876 |
|
2008 Expenditure |
4,121,559 |
|
2007 Expenditure |
5,681,377 |
|
2006 Expenditure |
5,125,373 |
|
2005 Expenditure |
219,416 |
557 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the funding provided to students from Waterford city under the higher education grants scheme in each of the past five years to 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20574/10]
558 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the funding provided to students from Waterford city under the third level maintenance grant scheme for trainees in each of the past five years to 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20575/10]
559 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the funding provided to students from Waterford city under the vocational education committees’ scholarship scheme in each of the past five years to 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20576/10]
560 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the funding provided to students from Waterford city under the maintenance grant scheme for students attending post leaving certificate courses in each of the past five years to 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20577/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 557 to 560, inclusive, together.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the higher education grants scheme, the vocational education committees' scholarship scheme and the maintenance grant scheme for students attending post leaving certificate courses is outlined in the following table.
The position in relation to the third level maintenance grant scheme for trainees is not available in the format requested by the Deputy as the Department makes payment to the Institutes of Technology directly and would not have information in relation to the number of students under this scheme from the Waterford City area.
|
Year |
PLC Scheme |
VEC Scheme |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
2005 |
719,002.51 |
418,668.43 |
|
2006 |
724,498.63 |
642,469.71 |
|
2007 |
938,454.30 |
1,051,541.60 |
|
2008 |
1,022,995.47 |
1,050,802.76 |
|
2009 |
994,383.93 |
1,277,248.02 |
|
Year |
HEG Scheme |
|
€ |
|
|
2005 |
789,610.34 |
|
2006 |
724,674.44 |
|
2007 |
1,380,950.31 |
|
2008 |
608,813.83 |
|
2009 |
1,351,974.41 |
561 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of special needs assistants employed in primary, special and post primary schools in Waterford City in each of the past five years to 2009; the number employed in primary, special and post primary schools in Waterford City; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20578/10]
The information requested by the Deputy on the number of special needs assistants employed in schools in Waterford city is not readily available in the requested format.
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENO) for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
The allocation for any school and any adjustments to that allocation depends on a number of factors such as the number of pupils with care/medical needs leaving, the number of new pupils, the changing needs of the pupils and any surplus identified. Furthermore, schools can make applications at any time with the result that the individual situation of any school can change and allocations are not static. The Deputy may wish to liaise directly with the NCSE in the context of his enquiry.
I want to take this opportunity to emphasise that children with special educational needs will continue to receive an education appropriate to their needs. The NCSE will continue to support schools, parents, children and teachers and resources will continue to be allocated to schools to meet children's needs in line with my Department's policy.
562 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the funding provided to primary and post-primary schools in Waterford city for maintenance and minor capital works in each of the past five years to 2009; the amount allocated for such work to schools in Waterford city in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20579/10]
The funding provided by my Department to primary and post-primary schools in Waterford city for maintenance and minor capital works since 2005 is detailed below:
|
Year |
€m |
|
2005 |
2.6 |
|
2006 |
2.8 |
|
2007 |
3.7 |
|
2008 |
2.1 |
|
2009 |
3.2 |
|
2010 |
0.3 |
In addition to the €0.3m already paid out in 2010, an additional €2.3m has been allocated to date in 2010 to schools in Waterford City for maintenance and minor capital works projects.
563 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will take immediate steps to have a detailed psychological assessment carried out in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20750/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, all primary and post-primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved and paid for by NEPS.
In common with many other psychological services and best international practice, NEPS encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts, will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually. It also ensures that children are not referred unnecessarily for psychological intervention.
I have made enquiries with my Department's National Educational Psychological Service in relation to the pupil referred to in the Deputy's question and can confirm that while the NEPS psychologist assigned to the relevant school is aware of the case, no approach has been made by school authorities in relation to the current assessment or review of the child. The NEPS service is available to provide any relevant assistance requested by school authorities in this instance and I would suggest that the child's parents raise the matter with the school principal.
564 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons in her Department and offices under her aegis employed in the civil and public service who are in receipt of a State pension. [21155/10]
At the recruitment stage, once the Department becomes aware that an officer is in receipt of a public service pension, arrangements are put in place in order that the pension is abated for the duration of their employment with this Department. Officers who join the Department with previous public service can opt to preserve their benefits until pension age or if they so wish, they can opt to transfer their service, if appropriate for inclusion in the civil service pension schemes.
At present my Department has an educational psychologist who is a former retired school teacher. On his appointment to the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) the payment of his teacher's pension ceased.
In relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department the information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. I have requested officials at my Department to compile the information and forward it to the Deputy when it is to hand.
