Vol. 713 No. 2
41 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with the aviation regulator regarding the Travellers’ Protection Fund; if additional funding has been requested for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26683/10]
The existing Travellers Protection Fund, managed by the Department of Finance, was built-up by means of a levy on tour operators between 1980 and 1983. The Commission for Aviation Regulation is responsible for the administration of the Travellers Protection Fund. The fund is used where the bonds provided by tour operators and travel agents fail to cover the full costs of repatriations, refunds to customers and administration costs of the Commission in the processing of claims.
At the end of 2009, the value of net assets contained in the draft Traveller Protection Fund accounts was €5.7m compared to €6.5m at the end of 2008. While this is a notable decrease in the level of the fund, the fund remains in a considerably healthy state. Officials from my Department, the Department of Finance and the Commission are engaged in discussions to explore what arrangements may be put in place to address the issue of insufficient funds being available in the Traveller Protection Fund should such an unlikely situation arise in the future.
42 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Transport the number of advisers in his Department; the number of high level appointees to committees annually since 2007; the amount each receives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26678/10]
There are currently eight advisors in my Department. Three advisors support myself and the Minister of State, namely a Special Adviser for the Minister, in receipt of a salary of €99,236; a Press Adviser, in receipt of €89,898 in salary and a Special Adviser for the Minister of State, in receipt of a salary of €96,295. I have employed a Press Advisor on a temporary basis whilst the current advisor is on maternity leave.
In addition, my Department employs 5 specialist advisers, two of whom transferred from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the transfer of the non-national roads function to my Department. These advisers are
A Financial Adviser on temporary secondment from PriceWaterhouseCoopers;
One Legal Advisery Counsel, on secondment from the Attorney General's office and employed on a pay scale from €71,359 to €90,988;
A Principal Engineering Adviser employed on a pay scale from €93,197 to €110,665;
A Senior Engineering Adviser on a pay scale from €82,964 to €103,472, and
A Sustainability Adviser on a pay scale from €65,185 to €80,678.
The pay scales I have outlined are as determined by the Department of Finance with the exception of the financial adviser, which is determined by PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
I have made two high level appointments to committees since 2007:
Ms Julie O'Neill was appointed as Chairperson to the High Level Steering Group on the proposed NRA/RPA Merger in May 2010 at a fee of €9,950 for 16 days work plus a further €622 per diem rate payable for a maximum of 3 further days; and
Mr. John Malone was appointed in December 2008 to chair an Implementation Team for an integrated single Transport Accident Investigation Office and is in receipt of an annual fee of €8,978.
In both cases, the payments were sanctioned by the Department of Finance.
43 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Transport if he has prepared a budgetary submission for the Department of Finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26668/10]
Preparation of the 2011 budget is at an early stage. In accordance with normal procedure I expect to make a comprehensive budgetary submission to the Minister for Finance later this year.
44 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on his decision to award a Galway to Dublin licence for 14 services a day to a company (details supplied) while the company’s alleged breaches of the 1932 Act were still sub judice; the reason such a licence was granted at this stage and not left to the incoming National Transport Authority, the new bus regulator under the 2009 Act; if he has been informed of plans by the company to outsource the recently licensed Galway to Dublin route to another local operator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26855/10]
Pending the commencement of the provisions of the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009 which deal with bus route licensing, my Department is bound by the existing statutory framework, as set out in the Road Transport Act 1932. I expect to be in a position to commence the relevant provisions Public Transport Regulation Act 2009 after the summer.
With regard to the application referred to by the Deputy, the processing of that application was completed without prejudice to any court proceedings, in accordance with legal advice received. The legal proceedings have since concluded. I can confirm that following the consideration of the application under the provisions of the Road Transport Act 1932, and in line with my Department's own guidelines relating to the grant of licences, a licence was granted to the bus company concerned on 21 April 2010 for the operation of a express service linking Galway to Dublin City and Dublin Airport. My Department is aware that the licence holder has sub-contracted service provision to another bus operator. This arrangement, which is a common one in the bus industry, was notified to my Department in accordance with the procedures set out in the current bus licensing guidelines.
45 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport his views on the impact of the recent refusal by An Bord Pleanála to the proposal by Dublin Port for a 21 hectare infill plan for the port and bay; when he will publish his review on the future of Dublin Port and his further views on the fact that a long-term sustainable master plan is now essential to ensure a dynamic Dublin Port Company as well as preserving the precious resource of Dublin Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26848/10]
The National Development Plan 2007-13 provided for a study of the future role of Dublin Port. The findings of this study were published in August 2009. It highlighted the strategic importance of Dublin Port to our national economy, with over 40% of national tonnage passing through the port. The study provides the most recent analysis of future traffic and capacity projections at our commercial seaports. It concluded that significant additional port capacity would be required by 2025-2030. An Bord Pleanála in its recent decision regarding Dublin Port, noted that the expansion of the port would not be contrary to a number of Government policies and studies, including the study referred to earlier, but refused permission on grounds related to the environmental impact of the proposal.
46 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with all State agencies and companies regarding integrating the use of public transport more efficiently; when he last met with these agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26693/10]
As outlined in my Department's Statement of Strategy, I have given a firm commitment to the integration of public transport services. The National Transport Authority was established in December 2009, under the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009. The National Transport Authority is tasked with the development of all public transport services and its specific objectives include the development of an integrated transport system which contributes to environmental sustainability and social cohesion and promotes economic progress.
I regularly meet the Chairpersons of all State companies and agencies under my responsibility and I have also taken the opportunity to meet the full Boards. In that regard I met the Board of CIÉ on 5 May last; I met with the Board of the Dublin Airport Authority on 14 May and I will be meeting with the Boards of Dublin Bus, Iarnród Éireann and the Railway Procurement Agency in the coming weeks.
47 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Transport if Transport 21 will meet its final completion dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26719/10]
69 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the projects identified for completion to date at the time of his announcement and launch of Transport 21; the extent to which these and similar projects are on target in terms of projection and cost; the extent to which the necessary funding is available under each heading and as required or otherwise; if it is anticipated that all the projects initially identified are proceeding in line with expectation, those that are not and the reason for same; when it is expected that all such projects will be back on course; if he intends to reprioritise any identifiable projects; the effect that this is likely to have on the programme and costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26913/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 69 together.
Very substantial progress has been made on Transport 21 since 2006:
The five major inter-urban motorways and the M50 upgrade will be completed this year.
The Irish Rail fleet has been renewed.
The Cork-Midleton line and the first phase of the Western Rail Corridor have opened and the first phase of the Navan line will open later this year.
The Kildare railway line has been upgraded and a number of new Dublin suburban stations have opened.
The Luas Docklands extension opened last December and Cherrywood and City West are well advanced.
Over 500 buses have been purchased.
The Transport 21 investment framework runs until 2015. However, because of the changed economic circumstances, it is now likely that not all of the projects originally identified in Transport 21 will be completed by 2015. Therefore transport investment priorities have been reviewed. These priorities, which are set out in the Renewed programme for Government, are as follows:
Future national road priorities
the progression of the Atlantic Road Corridor, and
the improvement of other key strategic routes.
Public transport priority
increased long term capacity, particularly through
the construction of Metro North
the construction of DART Underground and the implementation of the associated electrification, signalling and rolling stock investments.
It is also a priority to continue planning other projects for earliest possible delivery when the economic situation improves. No projects have been cancelled and Transport 21 continues to provide the strategic framework for capital spending on transport infrastructure into the future.
48 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has completed its investigation into the collapse of the Broadmeadow Bridge, County Dublin; if he will immediately publish this report; the actions he plans to take in view of the bridge collapse and if he is satisfied with the performance of the Railway Safety Commission; if he has received a report from the Railway Safety Commission on the Broadmeadow collapse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26834/10]
61 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Transport if an audit has been carried out on all railway bridges, track and other rail infrastructure to ensure that they conform to the high safety standards in view of the potential disaster with the collapse of the Broadmeadow Bridge, County Dublin; if any locations on the rail network have been identified as potentially dangerous and in need of urgent repair or upgrade; the current activities of the Railway Safety Commission in terms of monitoring and invigilating safety standard of track and rail infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26835/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 61 together.
With regard to the investigation and report of the Railway Accident Investigation Unit concerning the cause of the collapse of the Malahide Viaduct at Broadmeadows, I refer the Deputies to my answer to a parliamentary question on the matter taken on 24 March 2010. Until this statutory investigation by Railway Accident Investigation Unit is complete, it would not be appropriate for me to make any comment on the causes of the bridge collapse or the actions that are required as a result.
Concerning the safety of the railway infrastructure the prime duty of care in this regard is with Irish Rail as the infrastructure manager for the Irish railway network. I understand following the bridge collapse Irish Rail immediately undertook a detailed inspection of 105 structures over water. These surveys were completed in April 2010 and found no further potential for collapse or catastrophic failure of these assets. Follow-on programmes, such as, a detailed review of bridge foundations on the rail network, continue to be carried out.
With respect to the wider network, Irish Rail has developed a suite of key indicators for monitoring track and structural assets, as well as, safety critical activities for the maintenance and inspection of these assets. These performance indicators are monitored and reviewed on a weekly basis. In addition, I understand that the Railway Safety Commission has independently carried out a compliance audit of Irish Rail to identify any organizational issues, actions or foreseeable failures, which may have contributed to the event. A number of recommendations have been made and are being implemented by Irish Rail; the process is being monitored by the Railway Safety Commission.
49 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce legislation to outlaw the practice of tampering with a vehicle’s odometer; the estimates of the number of vehicles on Irish roads that may have been clocked and the number of imported cars that have been clocked; if he has reviewed and will implement the legislative proposals from a company (details supplied) on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26842/10]
As the issue of car clocking relates to commercial trading and the Consumer Protection Acts it is a matter for the National Consumer Agency. I understand that the Consumer Protection Act 2007 makes it an offence for a trader to engage in a misleading commercial practice, which would include the provision of false information in relation to a product's usage or prior history to the extent that the information would be likely to cause the average consumer to make a purchasing decision that he or she would not otherwise make. I understand that the National Consumer Agency enforces this legislation and provides advice for prospective buyers in its Guide to Buying a Car.
50 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which road, rail, air and sea transport is being co-ordinated or will be co-ordinated to ensure an efficient, reliable, cost effective and integrated transport system in line with best international practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26914/10]
Transport 21 is the Government's multi-billion investment programme, which provides for investment in our national roads and public transport network. The objectives of the programme include improved accessibility, sustainability, capacity and integration.
The multi-annual Strategy Statement of the Department of Transport is a comprehensive and forward looking document that sets out the key goals, objectives and related strategies of the Department at the national level for all three transport modes — land, sea and air. The current strategy was published in 2008 and covers the period 2008-2010. My Department will prepare a new statement of strategy by the end of the year. Additionally the vision for a sustainable transport future for Ireland by 2020 was set out in the Government's Smarter Travel policy document, published in February 2009. Progress reports on the Smarter Travel Policy document are available on www.smartertravel.ie.
51 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport the action he has taken to address the allegations of serious lapses in proper corporate governance procedures at the Shannon Foynes Port Company; if he has been briefed on further allegations of the alleged payment of €400,000 to a former SFPC executive between 2001 and 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26847/10]
I have outlined the action that has been taken in relation to corporate governance in Shannon Foynes Port Company on a number of occasions. The company carried out its own review of corporate governance in 2007 and has confirmed to me that all recommendations have been fully implemented. In September 2008, I also appointed a new chairperson and five other directors to the board of the company. State companies are required to show leadership by displaying best practice in corporate governance. My Department has introduced a number of initiatives to improve its own procedures for monitoring corporate governance in the bodies under its aegis. I understand the payment referred to in the Deputy's question was related to a legal action.
52 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Transport when the Commission on Taxi Regulation will be amalgamated into the National Transport Authority; if the staff at the taxi regulator will be transferred to the NTA; if the taxi regulator will report to the chief executive officer of the NTA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26831/10]
The Public Transport Regulation Act 2009 provides for the dissolution of the Commission for Taxi Regulation and the transfer of staff and functions of the Commission to the National Transport Authority. I propose to make an order under section 31 of the Act towards the end of this year to give effect to such transfer. Section 39 provides that ‘each person who, immediately before the dissolution day, was serving as a Commissioner for Taxi Regulation following his or her appointment under section 14 of the Act of 2003 and each person appointed under section 18 of the Act of 2003 to be a member of the staff of the Commission is, on that day, transferred to and becomes an employee of the Authority'.
53 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of the work of the high level group developing an implementation plan for the merger of the Railway Procurement Agency into the National Roads Authority; the annual saving that will be gained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26715/10]
The merger of the National Roads Authority and Railway Procurement Authority is being examined as part of the ongoing implementation of the July 2009 Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers (the McCarthy Report). My Department has been examining the recommendation contained in the report in relation to the merger of the Railway Procurement Agency and National Roads Authority into a single entity. I have established a Steering Group and this group has had its introductory meeting. Pending completion of this work it is premature to estimate the annual savings, which may accrue from the merger.
However, the Government's continuing examination of all opportunities for rationalizing the numbers of State Agencies also forms part of the wider Government Agenda deriving from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development report on the public service. As such it is not focused simply on cost savings arising from such mergers but on the broader synergies that can flow from such a process.
54 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if he has sanctioned a request for additional funding to the National Roads Authority for road maintenance or any other road related expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26702/10]
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. As I explained to the Deputy in this House on 5th May last, I announced an allocation for maintenance and improvement of national roads of €1.15 billion on 1st February 2010. All funding for 2010 has now been allocated and there are no further funds available from which additional allocations could be made.
55 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the number of defective vehicles that have been identified and recalled on Irish roads in the past year; if he has taken action at EU level or if he has directly contacted the Irish vendors of car manufacturers regarding the ongoing problem of vehicles with car defects being sold on the Irish market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26844/10]
Manufacturers and distributors, who wish to recall vehicles due to defects which could endanger the safety of road users, seek assistance and relevant data from the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) of my Department in their efforts to contact registered owners. In the period from 1 June, 2009 to 31 May, 2010 the NVDF provided details on 163,495 vehicles covering 86 recall events.
Not all vehicles for which details are provided may be subjected to recall because the manufacturer may determine that they are not affected. There may also be some recall events, particularly in the case of newer vehicles, where NVDF data is not requested from my Department because manufacturers' own records have up to date ownership particulars. All recalled vehicles must have had EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval in order to have been registered in Ireland or in any EU Member States. The Type Approval system sets minimum standards and testing processes which vehicles must comply with in order to be sold in the EU. The tests cover minimum safety, environmental and construction standards.
In addition to the system of Whole Vehicle Type Approval, EU Directive 2001/95/EC relating to general product safety provides a high level of consumer protection, with robust systems provided for between Member States to allow monitoring of vehicle manufacturing, enforcement of standards and sharing of knowledge between Member States. These measures allow Member States to order or organise, immediately and efficiently, the withdrawal / recall of unsafe products already placed on the market. The National Consumer Agency informs the public of recalled products. Its website contains details of the products and the nature of the faults or defects.
56 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 313 of 18 May 2010, if he will report on the meeting between officials from his Department, the National Transport Authority and the Commission for Taxi Regulation in May 2010 regarding the scheme to incentivise the provision of wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26911/10]
79 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he has been briefed by the Commission on Taxi Regulation or the National Transport Authority on the proposed introduction of the nine year vehicle rule for taxis; if discussions are taking place between his Department, the NTA and the taxi regulator on the deferral or modified introduction of the nine year vehicle registration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26832/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 79 together.
Discussions between officials of my Department with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Commission for Taxi Regulation (CTR) are ongoing concerning a range of matters in view of the incorporation of the CTR with the NTA later this year. The future implementation of the CTR package of reform measures for the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, which includes the 9-year rule and wheelchair accessible taxis, is for consideration by the NTA within this context.
57 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the national cycling campaign federation (details supplied) in relation to the National Transport Authority’s cycle manual; if he is satisfied with the level of cycling expertise and competence at executive and board level in the NTA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26854/10]
The production of the cycle manual and comments in relation to a draft published for public consultation is a matter for the National Transport Authority.
58 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport if he has raised any concerns with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Department of Finance regarding the impact of reduced Garda budgets on the monitoring and invigilation of road safety measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26846/10]
Exchequer funding of the Garda Síochána is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice and Law Reform and the allocation of such funding a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I am aware from the statistics available that the Gardaí continue to carry out a high level of enforcement of road traffic legislation. In 2009 a total of 419,872 fixed charge notices were issued, the bulk of which were for speeding and mobile phone offences and over 529,000 preliminary breath tests were carried out at mandatory alcohol checkpoints.
59 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he has received representations from the Irish Travel Agents Association regarding the bonding arrangements currently in place for the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20648/10]
I have not received any recent representations from the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) regarding the bonding arrangements currently in place for the industry. I received representations previously in the context of the Commission for Aviation Regulation consultation on this matter.
60 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the steps that have been taken with the UK and the EU to address the recent volcanic ash crisis; if guidelines or new protocols have been established to alleviate the impact of any future volcanic eruptions on air passengers and airlines in Irish and European air space; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26830/10]
EU Transport Ministers have discussed the recent crisis in the industry caused by the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud at two extraordinary meetings of the Council and the issue will also be discussed tomorrow, 24th June, at a further meeting of the Council. At the first such meeting by video conference on 19th April, Ministers agreed measures that allowed for the progressive and co-ordinated opening of European airspace from 20th April centred on the designation of zones based on ash concentration levels. These measures were immediately implemented by the Irish Aviation Authority with regard to operations in Irish airspace. Data gathered from test and observation flights and airline operations since the volcanic eruption began and further discussions with airframe and engine manufacturers enabled the IAA and UK CAA to jointly implement a revised zonal system announced on 18th May which will considerably reduce the threat of further significant disruption.
The Commission will be making a detailed presentation to myself and my fellow EU Transport Ministers at tomorrow's Council meeting outlining the EU's response to the consequences of the volcanic ash cloud on air transport. I anticipate that the discussion at tomorrow's Council will be a wide ranging one and will include a report on various initiatives underway to better prepare for, and alleviate, the impact of any future volcanic eruptions. These initiatives include the accelerated implementation of the second phase of the Single European Sky initiative, an examination of the Regulation on air passenger rights to take account of experience during the crisis and a review of the ICAO Volcanic Ash Contingency Plan.
62 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm reports that the 25 km metro west project linking Tallaght to Dublin Airport via Clondalkin, Lucan, and Blanchardstown is in jeopardy and will not be operational until 2019 at the earliest, which is five years after its original 2014 opening date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26853/10]
Since 1st December 2009, this is a matter which comes under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA).
63 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport his policy in relation to the need for rest stops for fuel, refreshment or otherwise on the motorway from Dublin to Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26762/10]
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The implementation of individual national road projects, including service areas, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Section 54 of the Roads Act 1993 specifically provides for the NRA or a local authority to provide and/or operate service areas.
In 2005, the then Minister for Transport asked the NRA to review its policy of generally not providing service areas on national roads, particularly on the expanding network of access-controlled motorways and dual carriageways. Arising from this review, the NRA developed a programme for the provision of up to 12 service areas on the major interurban routes (MIUs) as well as the N6/N18 junction and the N11 route at intervals of approx 50-60 kms. Two documents relating to the NRA's policy on the provision of service areas are available on their website at www.nra.ie. The documents are "Policy for the Provision of Service Areas on Motorways and High Quality Dual Carriageways", published in October, 2007, and "Service Areas on National Roads: NRA Policy and Status Update", published in February, 2010.
Last year the NRA signed a contract under a PPP programme for the construction and maintenance of the first three service areas (two on the M1 and one on the M4). Work has commenced on these and they are due to open later this year. A further service area at Gorey on the M11 will be constructed as part of the N11 Rathnew/Arklow and N7 Newlands Cross Junction Improvement Schemes (a combined PPP Project). Work on this PPP is due to commence in late 2010/early 2011. The NRA proposals for other service areas across the network are progressing through the planning process. However, the construction of these service areas is heavily dependent on the availability of funds and the prioritisation of projects within a reduced capital budget. In the light of this, I have indicated to the NRA that they should consider other options to finance the provision of service areas which do not require Exchequer funding.
64 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with the Department of Finance on upcoming funding decisions for public expenditure on metro north; if his Department has prepared a funding plan for metro north for the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26823/10]
66 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with the Railway Procurement Agency in relation to the timeline for a decision to be made on the railway order application to An Bord Pleanála and the final decision between the two bidders (details supplied) to build metro north; when preparatory digging works will begin for metro north and when it will be operational; when the information campaign for residents and businesses for the big dig that Dublin will remain open for business during these infrastructural works will begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26822/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 66 together.
Since 1st December 2009, this is a matter which comes under the remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA).
65 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the recent international road safety conference on speeding facilitated by the Road Safety Authority at Dublin Castle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26839/10]
77 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the recent international road safety conference on speeding facilitated by the Road Safety Authority at Dublin Castle; if he will adapt or progress the proposal highlighted at the conference to advance the use of speed limiters in all vehicles sold in Irish and EU markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26840/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 77 together.
I recently attended the International Conference on Speeding hosted by the Road Safety Authority. Speeding has been recognised as the single most important cause of traffic death and injury across Europe. The conference was addressed by a range of experts, from home and abroad, who have particular experience and insights into speeding on our roads, its consequences and the use of safety cameras as a deterrent. There was a wide-ranging discussion about the sale of vehicles in the EU with the capability of driving at well above the maximum permitted speed limits. This is a matter to be addressed at EU level under the vehicle type approval system. As far as I am aware, there are no proposals to employ speed limiters, as used in Heavy Goods Vehicles and buses, in private cars.
Under Action 106 of the Road Safety Strategy 2007 — 2012, the Road Safety Authority monitors research on in-vehicle technology. One aspect of that research is on ISA (Intelligent Speed Adaptation). ISA uses information about the road on which the vehicle travels to make decisions about what the correct speed should be. I understand the Road Safety Authority's Policy Advisory Panel are currently reviewing the research available on all in-vehicle technology at the moment including ISA.
67 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport the oversight mechanisms in place in his Department to ensure value for money in respect of the Exchequer funding of more than €2.5 billion in 2010 to agencies and bodies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26761/10]
As part of the annual estimates process my Department critically examines the value for money aspect of all expenditure programmes. These programmes are subject to both internal and external audits. Given the scale of investment in Transport 21, monitoring arrangements supporting the framework are in place to ensure that the projects and programmes identified are proceeding as planned and are properly appraised and provide value for money. Structures are in place in my Department to provide these assurances.
Every project in Transport 21 is required to be evaluated in accordance with the Department of Finance capital Appraisal Guidelines and Value for Money criteria, and my Department's Common appraisal Framework. Most of the projects must also go through statutory approval processes, which usually means a public hearing before an independent inspector where the case for the project, including the overall business case, is set out. Only when statutory approval is given can the implementing agency award the relevant construction contracts.
A High Level Monitoring Group has been set up comprising representatives of the relevant Government departments and assisted by the Chief Executives of the State agencies with responsibility for implementing the projects in Transport 21. The main role of this Group is to monitor the implementation of projects and programmes provided for in Transport 21 and to review compliance with the Department of Finance's Guidelines. My Department has appointed independent auditors to carry out reviews of a representative selection of projects. These reviews look at capital appraisal and physical implementation of projects. As part of ensuring value for money five Value For Money Reviews have been carried out by my Department since 2007.
68 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport if he has received the Chambers Ireland recent submission, Transport 21, A Review; if he is considering any of the recommendations made in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26838/10]
Chambers Ireland Transport 21: A Review has not been formally submitted to my Department.
71 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport if he has been briefed by the Road Safety Authority on its proposal to fine the operators of the national car testing system (details supplied) if the current NCT difficulties and waiting lists continue; if he is satisfied with the current operation of the NCT system in view of the high level of consumer complaints, particularly in relation to the operation of the website and waiting times to access an NCT in certain parts of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26845/10]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) vehicle testing arrangements and the contract for same are matters for the Road Safety Authority. There is regular and ongoing contact between the RSA and my Department on matters pertaining to the National Car Testing Service (NCTS). My Department receives reports from the RSA from time to time regarding the number of tests booked and carried out and waiting periods.
The management of the contract for the operation of the NCT is a matter for the RSA. I understand from the RSA that the contract with the NCT operator requires that a number of specific performance standards be met in a wide range of operational areas. The contract sets out the penalties, which can be imposed in the event that the contractor fails to meet the performance requirements. I understand that the NCTS have employed additional vehicle inspectors, two new test centres have opened, and in addition certain test centres have increased opening hours. The NCTS also has further plans to increase capacity, which will improve customer service and ensure they are in a position to deal with demand on an ongoing basis.
72 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the integrated ticketing scheme in the greater Dublin area; the amount that has been spent on this project to date; the total estimated cost of the project; when integrated ticketing will become fully operational and the services and company that it will initially involve in the GDA; the name of the new Oyster card system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26852/10]
The integrated ticketing project is being introduced in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) on a phased basis, based on smart card technology. A progressive approach is being adopted to allow customers to familiarise themselves with using the new system and to permit transport operators to undertake the necessary testing with the integration of the technologies involved. The project is now firmly in the implementation phase and extensive testing of elements of the system is already underway.
Subject to successful completion of the testing that is currently in train, a number of Dublin Bus and Luas annual pass-holders will be invited to participate in a customer pilot from late Summer. This will be followed later in the year by similar testing for ePurse (pay-as-you-go) users of Dublin Bus and Luas services. The pay-as-you-go system will be fully launched when this testing proves that the entire system is sufficiently robust. When this system goes live, it will facilitate cashless travel on services of participating operators, Dublin Bus and Luas initially. The integrated smart card will subsequently be rolled out to cover services provided by private bus operators, Irish Rail (DART and commuter rail) and Bus Éireann following completion of the necessary development, testing and commissioning of their systems. Testing and roll-out for these service providers will commence in early 2011.
The overall capital budget for the integrated ticketing project is €55.4 million. This expenditure encompasses project management, design and development costs and operator contributions for the development of the single smart card. To date €31.8 million has been spent on the project. The name and branding of the integrated ticketing smart card is being developed by the Project Team in the Railway Procurement Agency and will be announced closer to the launch of the scheme.
73 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport if he has received and reviewed a copy of the recent North review of drink and drug driving (details supplied) for the British Government; if he is considering implementing any of the North recommendations here, in particular, the proposals on drug driving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26841/10]
A copy of Sir Peter North's report, which was published on 16 June 2010, is currently being examined by my officials. Following the completion of that process, I will consider any recommendations contained in the report, which would be beneficial in an Irish context.
74 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport if he is concerned for national road safety in view of the fact that a recent AA survey found that more than 22% of drivers had experienced enough damage to their car after hitting a pothole that they had to go to a garage to have their car repaired; if he will prioritise the essential repair and maintenance of local and regional roads that were extensively damaged during the big freeze; if he has considered the proposal in Chambers Ireland recent policy document Transport 21, A Review to release motor tax receipts on a once-off basis to fully repair the extensive damage to regional and local roads caused by the big freeze; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26837/10]
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. A total of €1.15 billion is being provided to the NRA in 2010 for maintenance and improvement of national roads. All funding for 2010 has now been allocated and there are no further funds available from which additional allocations could be made.
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 these roads are funded from local authorities own resources and the grants provided by my Department are intended only to supplement those funds. Grants totalling €411.409 million are being provided to local authorities this year in this regard. As is the case with national roads, all regional and local road grants have now been fully allocated and there are no further funds available from which additional allocations could be made. I have not yet had sight of the Chambers Ireland policy document referred to by the Deputy.
75 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the information he has received from the Government appointed directors to the board of Aer Lingus on any proposed reactivation of routes to the UK and proposed cancellation of key Shannon US routes; the action he will take to address concerns about aviation connectivity at Shannon and our other national and regional airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26827/10]
I understand that Aer Lingus recently launched four new routes from Shannon to the UK, under its Aer Lingus Regional franchise with Aer Arann. I also understand that extra capacity will be deployed at Shannon for winter 2010 with a larger A321 aircraft to service the Shannon Heathrow route. The Government regrets the decision of Aer Lingus to suspend transatlantic services from Shannon for 11 weeks in winter 2010/11. However, I am satisfied from a meeting I had with the Aer Lingus CEO on 15 June that the airline is maintaining employment at the airport and I welcome the fact that Aer Lingus has reiterated its commitment to the Shannon market.
With regard to aviation connectivity generally, the Deputy will be aware that the market for air services in the European Union was fully liberalised in 1992. All European carriers are free to compete and operate on an equal basis within the European market. Decisions on the operation of commercial air services from any particular State Airport or Regional Airport are entirely a matter for air carriers, in conjunction with the relevant airport authority.
Within the European Union, Ireland has consistently supported market liberalisation measures and has also sought to influence the wider international framework for aviation to ensure that it continues to promote competition and innovation in the market-place. In this context, the development of our bilateral aviation relations with emerging economic powers, such as China and India, is one of my Department's key long-term goals. The development of airport infrastructure and US preclearance facilities at Shannon and Dublin, which are unique in Europe, complement this strategy.
76 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that support for regional airports, including Galway Airport, through the public service obligation programme will continue after 2011; if he has met with the managing director (details supplied) of Galway Airport and in the context of their recent meeting with the European Commission on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26828/10]
The current Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts for services linking Dublin Airport with the regional airports at Derry, Donegal, Sligo, Ireland West Airport Knock, Galway and Kerry Airports commenced on 22 July 2008 and are due to expire on 20 July 2011. Under updated EU legislation governing these services, more stringent conditions will apply to future PSO arrangements, having regard, for example, to the availability of other transport connections and especially rail services with a travelling time of three hours or less.
I have recently received a Value for Money review of Exchequer Expenditure on the Regional Airports Programme which I am considering at present. This Review was carried out to assist me in evaluating the appropriate scale of a regional airports programme in subsequent years bearing in mind my aviation policy objectives, the updated EU legislation, the improved surface transport links under the NDP and Transport 21 and the need to address the difficulties with our public finances. I understand that all the regional airports, including Galway Airport, were fully consulted and were invited to make submissions in connection with the Value for Money Review. I have recently received a request for a meeting from Galway Airport's Chairman and Managing Director which I am considering at present.
78 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport the reason EU Directive 95/21/EC on enhancing maritime safety including pollution prevention and shipboard living and working conditions on ships using Irish ports has not been fully implemented; the steps he will take to fully implement this directive as well as strengthening the system for monitoring and enforcing the basic rights and conditions for all maritime workers in ships in Irish ports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26849/10]
Ireland implements an effective port state control regime and the Port State Control Officers from my Department each year inspect approximately 400 foreign flagged ships. They detain any of these ships which have serious safety or environment related deficiencies. The inspections include enforcement of the provisions for living and working conditions.
Following recent assessment visits by the European Maritime Safety Agency, EMSA, the Commission found that Ireland needs to improve in some areas including the reporting of ship calls and inspections out-of-hours. The steps which I am taking to improve our system include enhancing Ireland's maritime single window web portal "SafeSeasIreland." This will facilitate the reporting of ship calls and the targeting of sub-standard ships. Considerable effort has gone into developing this system and informing the industry of the requirements, including industry seminars and individual workshops provided by the Marine Survey Office. In addition, as it may be necessary to carry out inspections at weekends, negotiations have started with the unions to provide for such cover. Moreover, as there is an obligation on the shipping industry to report ship movements, my Department has issued Marine Notice No. 13 of 2010 in this regard.
From the 1st of January 2011 a new port state control regime will be introduced called the New Inspection Regime. This will be supported by a new information system THETIS that will be integrated with SafeSeasIreland. This new regime will strengthen port state control and it will focus on sub-standard ships and the companies operating them. It will include the provisions of the appropriate International Labour Organization Conventions.
80 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he will oppose the proposal by Commissioner Kallas in the European Commission to remove self-employed drivers of trucks and buses over 3.5 tonnes from the working time directive for the transport sector in view of the impact of such a proposals on national road safety, the health and safety of transport workers and on the livelihoods of small Irish hauliers and operators; the actions he has taken to oppose this proposal at European Commission level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26820/10]
Directive 2002/15 — the Working Time Directive for Mobile Workers — applies to self-employed drivers, among other mobile workers. Following a detailed study and impact analysis of various options in relation to the implementation of the Directive, and in line with that study's recommendations, the European Commission made proposals to amend the Directive, including a proposal to exclude genuine self employed bus and truck operators from the scope of that Directive. On that basis Ireland supported the Commission's proposals, as did the majority of other Member States.
I understand that following the recent rejection by the European Parliament of the Commission's proposals in relation to self-employed drivers, the Commission is now reviewing the position. The outcome of the Commission's review is awaited and when their position is known, I will assess the situation at that time.
81 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the options open to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to resolve their case; if there is existing or promised legislation which may be of assistance to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26929/10]
The Insolvency Payments Scheme, operated under the Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) Act, 1984, and administered by my Department, provides for the payment of certain wage-related entitlements where an employee's employment is terminated as a result of the employer's insolvency. However, claims under the Scheme can only be processed if a company is legally insolvent within the definition of the Act and a "relevant officer" — normally a receiver or liquidator — has been appointed and certifies the claims.
I understand from correspondence from the person to whom the Deputy refers, that he has pursued the debt owing to him through the civil courts. An order granted by the court was referred to the Sheriff. However, the Sheriff was unable to execute the order as the employer had ceased trading and had insufficient funds to meet the debts due.
A key issue raised in this case relates to company law. As outlined in Minister O'Keeffe's reply to previous correspondence in this case, there is no provision under company legislation which automatically prevents directors of a dissolved company from being or seeking to be directors of another company. If, however, the correspondent believes that there has been a breach of companies' legislation, it is open to him to refer the matter to the Office of the Director Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) who may be contacted at
Postal Address: Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, 16 Parnell Square, Dublin 1;
Telephone: +353 (0) 1 858 5800;
Fax: 353 (0) 1 858 5801;
Email: info@odce.ie;
LoCall: 1890 315 015;
Dx Number: DX145003, Parnell House.
82 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when a decision will issue on an appeal for a work permit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27078/10]
My Department processes applications in respect of the different types of employment permits that exist (Green Cards Permits, Work Permits, Spousal/Dependant Permits and Intra-company Transfer Permits). All applications are processed in line with the Employment Permits Act 2006.
Due to the tightening of Employment Permit rules in June 2009, the number of Appeals in relation to work permits has increased substantially from seventy-three in August 2009 to a current level of one hundred and six. The Appeals Officer is currently dealing with appeals received in the second week of March 2010. A decision is expected to be made on the appeal referred to by the Deputy within about 4 weeks. I wish to advise the Deputy that there is currently only one Appeals Officer in the Employment Permits Section of my Department, whereas formerly, three Officers were available to process Appeals.
Due to the prioritisation of the business needs of my Department, it was necessary to redeploy a significant number of staff in the Employment Permits Section to the Redundancy Payments area in early 2009 where there is a strong need for additional resources to process payments to those who have lost their jobs. This has resulted in currently higher processing times for some of the permit types and appeals. In the priority high skills area of Green Cards and Intra Company Transfers, applications are still being processed within 15 working days. In relation to Work Permits, Spousal applications and appeals, steps are being taken, including allocation of scarce overtime resources, to reduce the current backlog to more acceptable processing times.
83 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny is entitled to redundancy payment. [27082/10]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation. I can confirm that my Department received a statutory redundancy lump sum claim on 15 February, 2010 in respect of the above individual. This claim awaits processing. In respect of redundancy lump sum payments paid directly to employees, such as in this instance, the Section is, in general, processing claims dating from November 2009.
In relation to Redundancy claims, the scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims in 2009 amounted to 77,001 which represents a threefold increase over the level of claims lodged in 2007 and earlier years. In 2007, claims received were of the order of 25,000. Efforts continue to be made by my Department to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for Redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken in the Department in 2009 to alleviate the pressures on the Payments area include:
Almost doubling the number of staff through reassignment to a current level of 52 full time equivalents;
Prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;
Establishment of a special call handling facility in NERA to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses concerned about their payments.
Better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website;
Engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against existing outstanding tax liabilities which those employers owe to the Revenue Commissioners.
The backlog and waiting times remain at unacceptable levels. However, improvements are evident. I should point out that my Department has, in 2009, processed 50,664 claims, up 70% on 2008. In the period 1 January 2010 to 31 May 2010 new claims amounted to 28,587 — a fall off of almost 20% on the corresponding 5 month period in 2009 when 35,559 new claims were lodged. The reduction in incoming claims is most welcome. Inroads are being made in the backlog of claims reducing from 42,591 in December 2009 to a current level of 34,881 at end May 2010. In the first five months 34,036 claims were processed, up 130% on the same period last year.
Responsibility for the payment functions arising under the Redundancy and Insolvency payment schemes is due to be transferred to the Department of Social Protection with effect from 1 January 2011. In transferring the functions between Departments, it is the intention that this will operate seamlessly and without any adverse impact on the service levels being experienced by individuals or the business community awaiting payment of redundancy claims.
84 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is entitled to a tax refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27059/10]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the person concerned is entitled to a refund for 2009. A PAYE Balancing Statement (P21) for the year and a refund of the amount overpaid will issue shortly to the person.
86 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 45 and 46 of 9 June 2010, if he will oppose any alterations to the Council’s test on Article 35 of the alternative investment fund managers directive; if he will declare his opposition to the European Parliament’s amendment proposals in respect of Article 5 of the AIFM directive; if he will declare his opposition to any amendment to the IFM directive which will force non-EU funds operating in the EU market to have their headquarters in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27053/10]
As I have mentioned in replies to several previous PQs from the Deputy and others, the third country provisions of the proposed Directive were the most contentious issues of the negotiations. I have also stated that the agreement on a general approach which was reached recently at Ecofin, represented a balanced, workable approach. I still believe that the Council's text on Article 35 represents the best solution on this difficult issue. However, as negotiations with the European Parliament are continuing under the co-decision process, I can not rule out the possibility of any further alterations to Article 35. My preference would be to maintain the text agreed in the Council general approach.
The Deputy once again refers to Article 5 of the proposed Directive. In my reply on 9 June I had assumed that he was referring to Article 35. Article 5 is a technical provision which sets down the procedure for granting authorisation to all EU managers of alternative funds. As I noted in my earlier reply, this Article does not refer to non-EU managers. In substance there is not much difference between the approaches being adopted by the Council and the European Parliament on this issue.
The proposed Directive deals with the managers of alternative funds, rather than, as the Deputy suggests, the funds themselves. The extent to which agreement can be reached between the institutions on the treatment of non-EU managers will be crucial in determining the success of the new regime. There are indications that agreement on an appropriate approach will probably be the most difficult issue in the negotiations with the European Parliament and will only be possible in the context of an overall global compromise.
87 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff employed by the public service by ministerial Vote group for each year 2002 to 2009; his estimate of the number that will be employed in 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27087/10]
88 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff employed by grade for each year 2002 to 2009 in the Civil Service, State agencies, and in local government; his estimate of the numbers that will be employed by grade in 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27088/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 88 together.
In 2009, my Department introduced a new system for the monitoring of Public Service Numbers. This system builds on existing systems where possible, including the Civil Service Staff Information Portal (CSSIP). The Public Service Numbers System uses December 2008 as its base and it records information on a quarterly basis.
In the context of Budget 2010, the Government also decided to move to a new, more rigorous approach to controlling public service numbers, centring upon the establishment of agreed annual numbers ceilings, to be managed in accordance with Employment Control Frameworks for each Ministerial Vote Group. The relevant numbers information is set out in Table 1 together with the end-2008 figures. The Ministerial Vote Group ceilings for 2010 and 2011 are subject to technical amendments and further Government consideration in certain cases and are, as always, subject to any future Government policy decisions and priorities in regard to public service provision.
For the period 2002 to 2009, aggregate information is available on a Departmental basis for non-industrial civil servants and on a functional classification basis in respect of the defence sector, the education sector, the health sector, the justice sector, local authorities and non-commercial semi-State bodies (NCSSBs), which fall within the aegis of the various other sectors. Table 2 sets out the public service numbers by functional classification for the period 2002-2009 and again includes the 2010 and 2011 ECF ceilings. Table 3 sets out the Departmental breakdown of non-industrial civil servants for the period 2002 to 2009. The figures for end March 2010 are also included.
Table 4 sets out the non-industrial civil servants by grade for the period 2002 to 2009. The figures for end March 2010 are also included. A grade breakdown is not available for other sectors on a similar basis, given the heterogeneity of grading of grading and responsibilities involved, and the fact that responsibility for managing staffing issues in these areas lies with other Departments (e.g. staffing of Local Authorities is primarily a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government). Under the new Public Service Numbers Policy adopted by the Government in the context of Budget 2010, the distribution of staff by grade is a matter for each Vote Group to manage in line with their needs and priorities, subject to overall staff ceilings and other constraints set out in ECFs.
|
End 2008 — Actual |
End 2009 — Actual |
End 2010 — ECF Ceiling |
End 2011 — ECF Ceiling |
End 2012 — ECF Ceiling |
|
|
Finance Group |
10,143 |
9,291 |
9,355 |
9,324 |
9,295 |
|
Taoiseach's Group |
1,695 |
1,599 |
1,597 |
1,666 |
1,493 |
|
Justice Group |
25,608 |
24,901 |
24,586 |
24,446 |
24,306 |
|
Environment Group |
37,230 |
34,093 |
34,273 |
34,218 |
34,168 |
|
Education Group |
96,813 |
95,051 |
95,847 |
95,923 |
97,102 |
|
CRGA Group |
810 |
797 |
834 |
828 |
824 |
|
Foreign Affairs Group |
1,544 |
1,524 |
1,486 |
1,464 |
1,442 |
|
CENR Group |
1,069 |
1,043 |
1,016 |
993 |
970 |
|
Agriculture Group |
6,402 |
5,780 |
5,681 |
5,423 |
5,316 |
|
Transport Group |
1,139 |
1,092 |
1,046 |
1,021 |
1,006 |
|
Health Group |
112,632 |
111,377 |
110,760 |
109,200 |
107,640 |
|
Enterprise Group |
5,551 |
5,094 |
5,072 |
4,872 |
4,815 |
|
AST Group |
1,480 |
1,393 |
1,397 |
1,322 |
1,307 |
|
Defence Group |
11,667 |
11,111 |
11,164 |
11,124 |
11,094 |
|
SFA Group |
4,816 |
5,091 |
5,206 |
5,204 |
5,202 |
|
Oireachtas Commission |
496 |
471 |
484 |
475 |
466 |
|
319,095 |
309,708 |
309,804 |
307,503 |
306,446 |
Note: There may be minor discrepancies between tables due to rounding
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
|
Actual |
Actual |
Actual |
Actual |
Actual |
Actual |
Actual |
Actual |
ECF Ceiling |
ECF Ceiling |
|
|
Civil Service |
37,796 |
37,276 |
36,867 |
36,533 |
37,156 |
38,200 |
39,313 |
37,316 |
37,381 |
37,104 |
|
Defence Sector |
11,650 |
11,559 |
11,455 |
11,320 |
11,330 |
11,263 |
11,265 |
10,736 |
10,776 |
10,736 |
|
Education Sector |
75,720 |
76,989 |
79,881 |
83,435 |
89,263 |
90,456 |
94,663 |
92,984 |
93,706 |
93,806 |
|
Health Sector |
95,679 |
95,800 |
98,723 |
101,978 |
106,273 |
110,600 |
111,025 |
109,753 |
109,100 |
107,580 |
|
Justice Sector |
12,642 |
12,773 |
13,373 |
13,392 |
14,109 |
14,827 |
15,385 |
15,117 |
14,808 |
14,777 |
|
Local Authorities |
34,175 |
33,845 |
33,394 |
34,067 |
34,681 |
34,987 |
35,008 |
32,044 |
32,200 |
32,175 |
|
NCSSB |
11,612 |
11,367 |
11,094 |
11,404 |
11,700 |
11,798 |
12,433 |
11,760 |
11,834 |
11,325 |
|
Total |
279,274 |
279,609 |
284,787 |
292,129 |
304,512 |
312,131 |
319,092 |
309,710 |
309,804 |
307,503 |
Note: There may be minor discrepancies between tables due to rounding
|
Department/Office — Serving Non Industrial Civil Servants by WTE |
Dec 2002 |
Dec 2003 |
Dec 2004 |
Dec 2005 |
Dec 2006 |
Dec 2007 |
Dec 2008 |
Dec 2009 |
March 2010 |
|
Agriculture, Fisheries & Food |
4,523 |
4,490 |
4,540 |
4,499 |
4,163 |
4,294 |
4,204 |
3,841 |
3,734 |
|
Attorney General |
114 |
112 |
116 |
114 |
115 |
129 |
128 |
124 |
122 |
|
Central Statistics Office |
743 |
688 |
679 |
749 |
888 |
825 |
847 |
793 |
747 |
|
Chief State Solicitor |
203 |
223 |
221 |
226 |
233 |
237 |
245 |
230 |
230 |
|
Public Appointments Service |
172 |
150 |
147 |
125 |
148 |
151 |
146 |
112 |
108 |
|
Commission For Public Service Appointments |
6 |
8 |
8 |
9 |
12 |
9 |
8 |
||
|
Communications, Energy & Nat. Resources |
696 |
686 |
597 |
426 |
471 |
320 |
288 |
273 |
270 |
|
Community, Equality & Gaeltacht Affairs |
222 |
244 |
255 |
252 |
270 |
274 |
273 |
256 |
253 |
|
Comptroller & Auditor General |
152 |
160 |
157 |
157 |
161 |
140 |
154 |
151 |
152 |
|
Courts Service |
1,034 |
1,058 |
1,041 |
1,022 |
1,089 |
1,113 |
1,098 |
1,027 |
1,024 |
|
Defence |
415 |
410 |
408 |
425 |
385 |
399 |
402 |
373 |
360 |
|
Director Of Public Prosecutions |
163 |
167 |
170 |
173 |
175 |
192 |
197 |
195 |
196 |
|
Education & Skills |
1,288 |
1,327 |
1,472 |
1,346 |
1,559 |
1,601 |
1,661 |
1,571 |
1,553 |
|
Enterprise, Trade & Innovation |
1,072 |
1,082 |
986 |
973 |
995 |
1,046 |
1,103 |
1,010 |
1,010 |
|
Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
1,345 |
1,361 |
1,258 |
1,252 |
1,249 |
1,276 |
1,204 |
1,082 |
1,089 |
|
Finance |
623 |
601 |
582 |
591 |
657 |
658 |
631 |
567 |
558 |
|
Foreign Affairs |
1,360 |
1,483 |
1,393 |
1,495 |
1,452 |
1,559 |
1,544 |
1,565 |
1,563 |
|
Health & Children |
645 |
649 |
626 |
604 |
614 |
604 |
514 |
485 |
472 |
|
Justice, Equality & Law Reform |
3,306 |
3,513 |
3,540 |
3,412 |
4,058 |
4,690 |
5,289 |
5,010 |
4,977 |
|
National Gallery |
31 |
30 |
25 |
31 |
33 |
55 |
59 |
56 |
56 |
|
Office Of Public Works |
563 |
560 |
622 |
625 |
681 |
701 |
722 |
671 |
667 |
|
Oireachtas |
321 |
332 |
324 |
377 |
458 |
465 |
441 |
415 |
416 |
|
Ombudsman |
76 |
74 |
75 |
74 |
76 |
85 |
94 |
88 |
88 |
|
Presidents Establishment |
21 |
23 |
22 |
16 |
21 |
22 |
21 |
21 |
22 |
|
Prisons |
3,435 |
3,356 |
3,309 |
3,203 |
3,305 |
3,501 |
3,641 |
3,577 |
3,545 |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
6,442 |
6,426 |
6,520 |
6,461 |
6,670 |
6,661 |
6,659 |
6,117 |
6,083 |
|
Social Protection |
4,420 |
4,311 |
4,386 |
4,439 |
4,473 |
4,487 |
4,611 |
4,911 |
4,967 |
|
State Laboratory |
89 |
93 |
92 |
87 |
91 |
89 |
91 |
91 |
96 |
|
Department/Office — Serving Non Industrial Civil Servants by WTE |
Dec 2002 |
Dec 2003 |
Dec 2004 |
Dec 2005 |
Dec 2006 |
Dec 2007 |
Dec 2008 |
Dec 2009 |
March 2010 |
|
Taoiseach |
218 |
210 |
230 |
202 |
250 |
243 |
233 |
210 |
206 |
|
Tourism, Culture And Sport |
429 |
437 |
408 |
161 |
160 |
171 |
174 |
152 |
153 |
|
Transport |
500 |
501 |
491 |
668 |
715 |
468 |
579 |
534 |
528 |
|
Valuation Office |
132 |
133 |
151 |
150 |
149 |
157 |
158 |
152 |
150 |
|
Total |
34,750 |
34,889 |
34,847 |
34,345 |
35,770 |
36,620 |
37,422 |
35,670 |
35,401 |
Note: Figures provided on the basis of the current line up of Department/Offices
|
Non Industrial Civil Servants Main General Service Grades serving numbers on a WTE basis |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grade Title |
Dec-02 |
Dec-03 |
Dec-04 |
Dec-05 |
Dec-06 |
Dec-07 |
Dec-08 |
Dec-09 |
Mar-10 |
|
Secretary General |
17 |
17 |
17 |
17 |
17 |
17 |
17 |
17 |
17 |
|
Deputy Secretary |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
132 |
137 |
137 |
137 |
144 |
147 |
156 |
147 |
149 |
|
Principal |
532 |
605 |
635 |
649 |
711 |
761 |
798 |
710 |
695 |
|
Assistant Principal |
1,584 |
1,785 |
1,797 |
1,849 |
1,996 |
2,061 |
2,159 |
1,993 |
1,970 |
|
Administrative Officer |
246 |
241 |
219 |
201 |
217 |
226 |
239 |
230 |
233 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
2,794 |
3,007 |
3,023 |
3,050 |
3,175 |
3,262 |
3,421 |
3,279 |
3,249 |
|
Executive Officer |
4,019 |
4,340 |
4,582 |
4,596 |
4,775 |
4,996 |
5,197 |
5,043 |
5,022 |
|
Staff Officer |
1,291 |
1,364 |
1,475 |
1,466 |
1,468 |
1,494 |
1,525 |
1,494 |
1,500 |
|
Clerical Officer |
10,442 |
10,196 |
10,092 |
10,123 |
10,565 |
10,889 |
11,097 |
10,620 |
10,548 |
|
Service Officer |
629 |
635 |
619 |
604 |
610 |
612 |
610 |
589 |
589 |
|
Service Attendent |
111 |
101 |
98 |
57 |
86 |
92 |
104 |
95 |
96 |
|
Total |
21,800 |
22,431 |
22,697 |
22,752 |
23,767 |
24,557 |
25,325 |
24,220 |
24,071 |
|
Professional, Technical and Departmental Grades |
12,950 |
12,458 |
12,150 |
11,593 |
12,003 |
12,063 |
12,097 |
11,449 |
11,330 |
|
Total Non Industrial Civil Servants |
34,750 |
34,889 |
34,847 |
34,345 |
35,770 |
36,620 |
37,422 |
35,670 |
35,401 |
89 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the action he has taken to reduce the numbers employed in the public service since 2008; the further management measures he will introduce in this respect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27089/10]
I introduced a number of measures in the course of 2009 that have secured significant reductions in public service numbers since the end of 2008. The first was the introduction of the moratorium on recruitment and promotion at the end of March 2009. This measure has succeeded in ensuring that most of the natural turnover in staff has resulted in reductions in staff numbers, and has underpinned the focus upon greater efficiencies and restructuring of operations across the public service.
In addition to this measure, I introduced two further measures to allow for targeted reductions in staff numbers. The Incentive Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) and the Special Incentive Career Break Scheme were launched at the end of April 2009 with initial deadlines of 1 September 2009 and 1 July 2009 respectively. The deadline for the ISER was subsequently extended until 16 October 2009. Both Schemes incorporated a strict non-replacement rule.
The overall effect of these measures has been a significant reduction in staff numbers in the civil and public service. Based on the information supplied to my Department, staff numbers have been reduced by around 10,000 between the end of 2008, when the numbers stood at 319,092, and the end of March this year, at 309,106. These estimates, which are on a whole-time equivalent (WTE) basis, are subject to revision. In the context of Budget 2010, the Government also decided to move to a new, more rigorous approach to controlling public service numbers, centring upon the establishment of agreed annual numbers ceilings, to be managed in accordance with Employment Control Frameworks for each Ministerial Vote Group. Employment Control Frameworks work by setting ceilings on the level of staff, on a WTE basis, that each Vote Group can have at the end of 2010, 2011 and 2012. These ceilings are set out in the table below.
|
End 2010 — ECF Ceiling |
End 2011 — ECF Ceiling |
End 2012 — ECF Ceiling |
|
|
Finance Group |
9,355 |
9,324 |
9,295 |
|
Taoiseach's Group |
1,597 |
1,666 |
1,493 |
|
Justice Group |
24,586 |
24,446 |
24,306 |
|
Environment Group |
34,273 |
34,218 |
34,168 |
|
Education Group |
95,847 |
95,923 |
97,102 |
|
CRGA Group |
834 |
828 |
824 |
|
Foreign Affairs Group |
1,486 |
1,464 |
1,442 |
|
CENR Group |
1,016 |
993 |
970 |
|
Agriculture Group |
5,681 |
5,423 |
5,316 |
|
Transport Group |
1,046 |
1,021 |
1,006 |
|
Health Group |
110,760 |
109,200 |
107,640 |
|
Enterprise Group |
5,072 |
4,872 |
4,815 |
|
AST Group |
1,397 |
1,322 |
1,307 |
|
Defence Group |
11,164 |
11,124 |
11,094 |
|
SFA Group |
5,206 |
5,204 |
5,202 |
|
Oireachtas Commission |
484 |
475 |
466 |
|
309,804 |
307,503 |
306,446 |
The precise ceilings in each area are subject to technical amendments and further Government consideration in certain cases and are, as always, subject to any future Government policy decisions and priorities in regard to public service provision.
90 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if he accepts the recommendations of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes in respect of supply chain management in the public service; if he has acted on these recommendations; the savings that have been achieved as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27090/10]
I am aware of the Group's recommendation in this regard and, like the rest of the Group's recommendations, where not acted upon yet, these are subject to ongoing consideration at Government in the context of the annual preparations for the Budget. The Government has already acted to set up the National Procurement Service and has achieved some important savings in this respect. The Group's Report will serve to guide us on the next steps to take in securing further value for the State.
91 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if he accepts the recommendations of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes in respect of the sharing of information and communications technology services in the public service; if he has acted on these recommendations; the savings that have been achieved as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27091/10]
My Department worked with the Special Group on the development of its recommendations for shared ICT services. These recommendations are far-reaching and ambitious. The Special Group recognised that greater sharing would have to be commensurate with improvements in the skills and knowledge of ICT staff. Consequently, the recommendations will take considerable time and effort to implement and generate savings. Accordingly, the Cabinet Committee on Transforming the Public Service has instructed all Departments and Offices to examine how they can enhance internal ICT capabilities and to develop ICT staffing plans in accordance with the Special Group's recommendations in this regard. This work is underway.
It's worth noting that a good number of shared ICT approaches and services are already underway. Examples include the nationwide Government Networks, the shared integrated digital radio solution for the emergency and security services of the State, the Civil Service's HR Management System, the Local Authority Payroll and HR Management System, the Death Event Publication Service, a central ePayments solution (in the Local Government Computer Services Board), digital certificate authentication services (in Revenue), and framework procurements for a range of ICT commodities and telecommunications services, etc.
In addition, a number of the largest data centre operators (such as Revenue, Agriculture and the Local Government Computer Services Board) have made their data centre facilities available to other public bodies in accordance with the Special Group's recommendations in this regard. For example, the Revenue Commissioners have already taken systems from 6 other public bodies into its data centre and is in the process of evaluating systems from 7 more.
Late last year, my Department embarked on an extensive research programme with a number of multinational hardware and software vendors to work out the best architectural and value for money approaches for Government use of cloud computing. This next generation of computing models, which has sharing and multi-tenancy at its core, has the potential to consolidate hardware and software usage through "Infrastructure as a Service" and "Software as a Service" delivery. If this research can identify approaches that are appropriate to the public service and are sustainable over time, it will fundamentally change the nature of ICT services delivery in the public service in the coming years and will facilitate the delivery of the additional shared ICT services detailed in the Special Group's recommendations.
92 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the rationalisation of State agencies that has taken place since 1 January 2009, either arising from the recommendations of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes, or otherwise; the savings that have been achieved as a result; the further rationalisations that have been decided on; the savings expected from these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27092/10]
In Budget 2009, I announced 30 agency rationalisation measures involving a reduction of 41 bodies and the streamlining of certain other functions. To date, 16 agency rationalisations have been completed and information on these proposals, including estimated savings in terms of expenditure and staff reductions, is set out in Appendix 1 below.
Information on a range of other agency rationalisations is set out in Appendix 2. In summary, 7 measures have target completion dates in 2010, while two measures have target completion dates in 2011; and progress is also being pursued in respect of five other measures. The Deputy will note that some of the measures marked down for completion in 2010 and 2011 have already been partially implemented. As regards projected savings, the experience to date is that it is often difficult to make definitive savings projections when the functions of agencies and bodies are being transferred or consolidated. Such matters only tend to become clear at, or shortly after, the commencement of the implementation phase.
In addition to the general round of agency rationalisation referred to above, there have also been a number of other developments. These include:
(a) the rationalisation of functions of the Affordable Homes Partnership, National Building Agency and the Centre for Housing Research, together with certain functions of the Homeless Agency;
(b) the absorption by the National Economic and Social Council of the National Economic and Social Forum and the National Centre for Partnership and Productivity; and
(c) (i) the transfer of functions and resources of the Advisory Council for English Language Schools in Ireland (ACELS) to the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI);
(ii) the transfer of the functions and resources of the International Education Board Ireland (IEBI) to Enterprise Ireland and the Higher Education Authority (HEA); and
(iii) the decision by the Government that the National University of Ireland (NUI) would be dissolved and that the legislation amalgamating the NQAI, HETAC and FETAC will contain the provisions required to dissolve NUI.
Finally, the question of further agency rationalisation, which would take the recommendations of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes into account, is under active consideration in the context of preparations for the 2011 Estimates.
|
Completed Rationalisations — No. refers to the number of the proposal in the Budget measures. |
Savings 2009 (estimated figures in advance of outturns) |
Savings 2010 |
Long-term Savings on an annual basis — after bedding down |
Max. Staff Nos (2006-09) WTE |
Current Staff delivering services (end-09) WTE |
Staff Reduction WTE |
|
|
1 |
2. Abolition of the National Crime Council. The 2009 allocation was €0.5m. It was serviced by Departmental staff resources that are now available for other work. |
€0.392 |
€0.394m |
€0.394m |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
2 |
3. Amalgamation of the Censorship of Publications Board & its Appeals Board with the Office for Film Classification — no saving included as this was an efficiency/effectiveness measure to ensure the ongoing existence of the function for when/if it is required in the future. The Irish Film Classification Office has a 2009 allocation of €1.3m, down from €1.4m in 2008. |
— |
— |
— |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
3 |
4. Cease funding of the National Consultative Committee on Racism & Interculturalism. 2008 outturn was €0.5m. |
€0.628m |
€0.628m |
€0.628m |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
4 |
6. Merger of the Rent Tribunal and the Private Residential Tenancies Board completed on an administrative basis. The Rent Tribunal received €42,000 in 2008 and had an allocation of €37,000 in 2009. The PRTB will be self-financing from 2010 on. It received €3.8m in 2008 and had an allocation of €1.0m in 2009. The savings refer to the internal running costs of the merged agency which will not receive any Exchequer support in 2010. |
0 |
€0.07m |
€0.1m |
41.43 |
40 |
1.43 |
|
5 |
8. Abolition of the Education Disadvantage Committee — the EDC received €0.1m in 2008 |
€0.1m |
€0.1m |
€0.1m (comparator — 2008 allocation) |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
6 |
9. Formal disbandment of the National Adult Learning Council — it received €50,000 in 2008 |
€0.05m |
€0.05m |
€0.05m (comparator — 2008 allocation) |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Completed Rationalisations — No. refers to the number of the proposal in the Budget measures. |
Savings 2009 (estimated figures in advance of outturns) |
Savings 2010 |
Long-term Savings on an annual basis — after bedding down |
Max. Staff Nos (2006-09) WTE |
Current Staff delivering services (end-09) WTE |
Staff Reduction WTE |
|
|
7 |
10. Closure of the Centre for Early Childhood Development & Education — the 2008 allocation was €1.2m. Following its closure in November 2008, DES continued to provide €0.4m towards early childhood |
€0.83m |
€0.83m |
€0.83m |
7 |
1 |
6 |
|
8 |
12. Merge COFORD into D/AF&F. COFORD had a 2008 outturn of €4.3m and a 2009 outturn of €4.3m. |
— |
€0.182m |
€0.182m |
6 |
4 |
2 |
|
9 |
13. Transfer of Bord Iascaigh Mhara marketing functions to An Bord Bia (2009 allocation of €17.2m current). This involved the transfer of 8 posts. 6 staff have transferred, a bereavement and the ISER have reduced this to 4. Savings to the running costs were a secondary consideration to the aim of creating a better integrated food marketing function, which has been delivered. |
— |
€0.12m |
€0.12m |
8 |
7 |
1 |
|
10 |
16. The National Council on Ageing & Older People has been subsumed into the Office for Older People in the Department of Health & Children — when the merger is fully bedded down, D/H&C will be delivering this function within existing resources. 2007 outturn was €1.56m and original 2008 REV allocation was €1.82m |
€0.4m |
€0.4m |
€1.26m (comparator — original 2008 REV allocation) |
17 |
7 |
10 |
|
11 |
18. The Women’s Health Council has been subsumed into the Department of Health & Children — when the merger is fully bedded down, D/H&C will be delivering this function within existing resources. 2008 outturn was €0.66m and original 2009 REV allocation was €0.64m |
€0.013m |
€0.126m |
€0.155m (comparator — 2008 REV allocation) |
7 |
5 |
2 |
|
Completed Rationalisations — No. refers to the number of the proposal in the Budget measures. |
Savings 2009 (estimated figures in advance of outturns) |
Savings 2010 |
Long-term Savings on an annual basis — after bedding down |
Max. Staff Nos (2006-09) WTE |
Current Staff delivering services (end-09) WTE |
Staff Reduction WTE |
|
|
12 |
21. The Postgraduate Medical & Dental Board has been merged into the Dental Council. The Medical Council & the HSE. 2008 outturn was €10.36m, most its budget was transferred to the HSE. |
— |
€0.455m |
€0.455m |
5 |
2 |
3 |
|
13 |
27. Culture Ireland was not established as a statutory body and remains a division of the Department. The original plans contained a projection of 12 posts versus the 6 now in place in the Department. The estimated saving is based on average employee costs in the public service, no saving has been included for the additional costs of a stand alone entity (premises, IT, etc) |
€0.3m |
€0.3m |
€0.3m |
12 |
6 |
6 |
|
14 |
28. Closure & transfer of 4 military barracks has been completed. Although the closure of St. Bricins Hospital has not yet happened, this is included in the list of completion because the bulk of the proposal has been implemented. Information on the running costs of the relevant barracks would have to be sought from the Dept. of Defence. |
€0.833m (D/Def. projects €2.5m savings between 2009-2011. One third allocated to 2009) |
€0.833m (see note in column for 2009) |
€2.5m (from 2012 on) |
20 (civilian workers) |
8 (relocated to other barracks) |
12 |
|
15 |
29. Integration of the Combat Poverty Agency and the Office of Social Inclusion in the Department of Social & Family Affairs. 2008 outturn was €4.1m and the 2009 allocation was €4.09m. |
€0.4m |
€2.4m |
€2.7m |
25.4 |
14 |
11.4 |
|
16 |
30. Assign MABS to the Citizens Information Board (CIB). The merger was pursued in the interests of efficiency, effectiveness and service delivery. MABS received €17.9m in 2009. The CIB, which has about 88 staff, has an Exchequer allocation of €28.1m in 2009. |
0 |
0 |
0 |
n/a as the staff of MABs were not public servants |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Total Savings |
€3.946m |
€6.888m |
€9.774m |
148.83 |
94 |
54.83 |
|
Department of: |
Agencies/Bodies |
Date of Completion |
Status of Legislation |
|
EH&LG |
1. Local Government Management Services Board |
2010 |
Heads of Bill to Government in 2010 |
|
2. Local Government Computer Services Board |
|||
|
CE&NR |
1. Central Fisheries Board |
2010 — 1 July is the establishment day for the Inland Fisheries Authority |
Legislation passed & enacted |
|
2. Regional Fisheries Boards |
|||
|
Transport |
1. Air Accident Investigation Unit (in Department of Transport) |
2010 |
Preparatory work on enabling legislation commenced within the Department |
|
2. Railway Accident Investigation Unit (in Railway Safety Commission) |
|||
|
3. Marine Casualty Investigation Board |
|||
|
Transport |
1. Dublin Transport Authority |
2009 — renamed National Transport Authority |
Public Transport Regulation Act 2009 (No.37 of 2009) |
|
2. Dublin Transport Office |
2009 |
||
|
3. Commission for Taxi Regulation |
2010 |
||
|
Transport |
4. Public Transport Licensing function of Department of Transport |
2010 — Bus route licensing function |
|
|
H&C |
Children Acts Advisory Board |
2010 |
Bill completed Report Stage in Seanad Éireann on 6th May 2010. |
|
H&C |
1. National Social Work Qualifications Board |
2010 |
Health & Social Care Professionals Act 2005 |
|
2. Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council |
2010 |
Requires separate Bill — expected to have legislation by 4th quarter 2010. |
|
|
3. Opticians Board |
|||
|
H&C |
National Council for the Development of Nursing & Midwifery |
2010 |
The Nurses & Midwives Bill was published on 22nd April 2010. |
|
E&S |
1. National Qualifications Authority of Ireland |
2011 |
Bill with Parliamentary Draftsman; hope to publish before summer recess |
|
2. Higher Education & Training Awards Council |
|||
|
3. Further Education & Training Awards Council |
|
Department of: |
Agencies/Bodies |
Date of Completion |
Status of Legislation |
|
H&C |
1. National Cancer Screening Service |
Completed — 2010 |
Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 |
|
2. National Cancer Registry Board |
2011 |
Expected that Health Information Bill will be published in Autumn 2010 |
|
|
3. Crisis Pregnancy Agency |
Completed — 2010 |
Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 |
|
|
4. Drug Treatment Centre |
2011 |
Legal issues have arisen in respect of the part ownership by a charitable trust of the Trinity Court premises and their explicit role in the day-to-day management of the Centre. |
|
|
JE&LR |
1. Equality Authority |
JE&LR report that it is implementing the recommendations in the context of securing economies by greater co-operation between the Department and its agencies generally; not solely by focusing on bilateral arrangements between the two NCSSBs |
None |
|
2. Human Rights Commission |
|||
|
ET&E |
1. National Consumer Agency |
No target date |
Department expects to submit Heads of Bill to Government in 2010 |
|
2. Competition Authority |
|||
|
TCS |
1. National Archives |
No target date |
Draft Bill circulated to the bodies concerned for their observations |
|
2. Irish Manuscripts Commission |
|||
|
TCS |
1. Irish Museum of Modern Art |
The issue of leaving IMMA as an independent body is under active consideration. |
|
|
2. Crawford Art Gallery |
|||
|
3. National Gallery of Ireland |
|||
|
1. Food Safety Authority of Ireland |
The Minister for Finance has agreed to the retention of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the Irish Medicines Board as standalone agencies.The Office of the Tobacco Control will be merged into the HSE — legislation will be required and it is intended to complete as soon as possible. |
||
|
2. Irish Medicines Board |
|||
|
3. Office of Tobacco Control |
93 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [26930/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
94 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for funding will be approved in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in County Carlow. [26931/10]
I regret that due to industrial action by members of the Civil and Public Services Union (CPSU) I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
95 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite an appeal for a full medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; [26932/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
96 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card application will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [26933/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
97 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an early appointment for an operation at Waterford Regional Hospital will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [26934/10]
98 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an operation will be arranged at St. Luke’s Hospital, County Kilkenny in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [26935/10]
108 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an operation will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if same will be expedited. [26945/10]
111 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a procedure will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny at Waterford Regional Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26948/10]
116 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the parent of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow has been informed that their child must wait two years for an operation at the ENT department of Waterford Regional Hospital; if same will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26953/10]
134 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the 18 month waiting list at Waterford Regional Hospital’s urology department; if she will investigate this delay relative to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow with a view to arranging an early appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27120/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 97, 98, 108, 111, 116 and 134 together.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
99 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an appeal on an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be expedited and approved. [26936/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
100 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny with a view to granting them a full medical card. [26937/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
101 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a full medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if the application will be expedited. [26938/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
102 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a full medical card application will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [26939/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
103 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [26940/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
104 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [26941/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
105 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [26942/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
106 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for a medical card will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will expedite a response. [26943/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
107 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an appeal for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26944/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
109 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a full medical card will be issued in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [26946/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
110 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a full medical card will be issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [26947/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
112 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a full medical card will be issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if same will be expedited. [26949/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
113 Deputy Jimmy Devins asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 221 of 1 June 2010, when a reply will issue. [26950/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
114 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding granted to an organisation (details supplied) in County Carlow under section 39 over the past four years; the amount granted in 2010 and when it will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26951/10]
I regret that due to industrial action by members of the Civil and Public Services Union (CPSU) 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.
115 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a surgical procedure will be arranged as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny at Waterford Regional Hospital through the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26952/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. As the Deputy may be aware, subject to the resources available to it, the National Treatment Purchase Fund arranges treatment for patients who have been on a surgical waiting list for more than three months. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.
117 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will deal with the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [27027/10]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
118 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of long-term stay beds and respite care beds in use at Maynooth community care unit, the Harbour, Maynooth, County Kildare; the reason there is not full occupancy and if she will ensure that the beds currently not in use are brought into service. [27028/10]
I regret that due to industrial action by members of the Civil and Public Services Union (CPSU) I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
119 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason an application was refused in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27029/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
120 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 284 of 15 June 2010, if she will provide the names and addresses of all nursing homes that have closed since this system of registration and inspection commenced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27046/10]
Under the Health Act, 2007 statutory responsibility is given to the Chief Inspector of Social Services, part of the Health Information and Quality Authority for inspecting and registering categories of designated centres, including nursing homes for older people. Since 1 July 2009, when regulation of designated centres for older people commenced, the Authority has cancelled the registration of one designated centre. Glenbervie Nursing Home had its registration cancelled by the District Court on the application of the Chief Inspector.
Under Section 66 of the Act the registered provider must notify the Chief Inspector before closing a designated centre. The Authority has informed me of five centres which have closed. They are: Villa Maria Del Mar Nursing Home, Truskey West, Barna, Co Galway; Olde School Nursing Home, Olde School, Church Cross, Skibereen, Co. Cork; Carraig Tuir, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford; St Louis, Monaghan, Louisville, Monaghan Town, Co. Monaghan; Riverview Nursing Home, Dublin Road, Trim, Co. Meath.
121 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the draft guidelines for Article 9 and 10 of the framework convention for tobacco control; if she supports the draft guidelines for Article 9 and 10 of the framework convention for tobacco control; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27048/10]
Draft guidelines for the implementation of Articles 9 and 10 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control are to be presented to the 4th Conference of the Parties in November. EU comments are being co-ordinated by the Council Health Working Party, to which my Department has submitted observations.
122 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she can arrange to have the medical records of a person (details supplied) released from St. James’s Hospital, James’s Street, Dublin 8. [27055/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
123 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the BCG vaccination for newborn children is currently unavailable in the Dublin 24 area; the reasons for same; the steps the Health Service Executive is taking to rectify this problem; if persons can access the vaccination elsewhere; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27063/10]
As the Deputy's question refers to a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for a direct reply.
124 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason Huntington’s disease is not on the list of illnesses that qualifies people for a long-term illness card; her plans to change this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27067/10]
There are currently no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme. Under the Drugs Payment Scheme no individual or family pays more than €120 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme is easy to use and significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines. In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations.
125 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 508 of 15 June 2010, the efforts being made to deal with the delay in processing assessments for children for entry to a facility (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27070/10]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
126 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount spent on the National Treatment Purchase Fund since its establishment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27080/10]
127 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the proportion of the patients of private for profit hospitals who are National Treatment Purchase Fund patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27081/10]
130 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of inpatient, day case and outpatient department appointments the National Treatment Purchase Fund intends to deal with in 2010. [27110/10]
131 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of adult and child cases the National Treatment Purchase Fund expects to deal with in 2010. [27111/10]
132 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the quota of patients each hospital can refer to the National Treatment Purchase Fund, and the way in which each quota is arrived at. [27112/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 126, 127 and 130 to 132, inclusive, together.
Since the establishment of the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) in 2002, it has received funding totalling €597.782m for the treatment, to date, of over 170,000 patients. A table setting out the NTPF's annual allocation since its establishment is attached. In each year to date, 95% to 96% of NTPF funding has been spent directly on patient care. The balance covers the administration of the organisation, 2% to 2.5% of this being for salaries of staff. The Comptroller and Auditor General's Report for 2008 examined the NTPF's arrangements for the procurement of treatment. The Report concluded "The examination suggests that, relative to the casemix benchmark, procedures purchased from private hospitals by the NTPF generally cost less than those carried out in the publicly funded hospital system".
The NTPF's service plan for 2010 provides for 20,000 inpatient treatments (consisting of both inpatient and day case procedures) and 8,000 first-time outpatient appointments. Where clinically appropriate, treatments are increasingly carried out on a day basis. The ratio as between adult and child cases is dependent upon how many paediatric cases are referred to or apply to the NTPF in any given year. The Fund estimates that paediatric cases will account for 10% to 15% of activity in 2010.
The number of referrals from individual hospitals each year is determined by the NTPF, having regard to a range of factors. These include the resources available to the Fund, the numbers and locations of persons waiting longest for treatment, the volumes of patient self-referrals and GP referrals received, overall casemix and the incidence of cases where high costs are incurred. The approach is refined throughout the year to ensure that the maximum number of people gain access to faster treatment within available resources. If any hospital or region does not use all available treatment slots, these are re-allocated.
My Department has no role in relation to the operation of private hospitals and does not collect activity data for this sector. Therefore I am not in a position to provide information on the proportion of private hospitals' activity accounted for by NTPF patients.
|
Year |
€m |
|
2002 |
5.000 |
|
2003 |
30.000 |
|
2004 |
44.000 |
|
2005 |
64.000 |
|
2006 |
78.000 |
|
2007 |
91.750 |
|
2008 |
104.640 |
|
2009 |
90.300 |
|
2010 |
90.092 |
|
Total |
597.782 |
128 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied). [27085/10]
I regret that due to industrial action by members of the Civil and Public Services Union (CPSU) I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
129 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason five boxes of medical card appeals have been allowed to languish in the Health Service Executive appeals office in Walkinstown, Dublin 12, since 2009; the reason these appeal forms were never transferred to the Kells office in County Meath; if she will ensure that these appeals are now dealt with in a swift manner in view of the delay already shown to applicants. [27099/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
133 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an appeal against the decision of the Health Service Executive not to grant a medical card will be expedited in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [27119/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
135 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if medication will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27121/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
136 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to initiate a redress board for victims of wrongful incarceration under the 1945 Mental Health Act. [27130/10]
I have no plans to establish such a Board.
137 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children if progress has been made in the provision of a school dentist for the Loughrea-Portumna district of County Galway which has been without service for the past two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27135/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
138 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if commuter rail passenger numbers currently reflect the projections referred to when he launched Transport 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26982/10]
I refer the Deputy to PQ No. 213 answered on the 5th May 2010. The position remains the same.
139 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his air transport plans and policy over the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26983/10]
The Government's plans for air transport are to facilitate the growth of competitive air links, in order to promote the development of Irish business and tourism; to ensure the sustainable development of the State and regional airports; to ensure that Irish aviation safety and security policies and practices meet the highest international standards and to provide for effective air navigation services.
My Department's immediate objective is to assist airports and airlines to respond to the downturn in the sector, while maintaining the highest possible levels of connectivity between Ireland and key markets. In a global market, which is fully liberalised within the EU, the scope for measures to provide direct support to airports and carriers is very limited. The focus must therefore be on managing through a severe downturn and being well positioned for an upturn when economic circumstances improve.
Looking to the future, the challenge will be to ensure that Irish aviation is well positioned to take advantage of the economic recovery when it comes. To that end, the Government will continue to support the development of an innovative-friendly, pro-competition regulatory framework for aviation. The continued roll-out of DAA's investment programme, most notably the opening of T2 later this year, and introduction of US preclearance facilities will greatly enhance the experience of customers using Irish airports and will provide airlines with opportunities to develop and grow new services. My Department is currently engaged in measures to enhance our bilateral aviation relations with emerging markets such as India and China in support of the Government's Asia strategy.
140 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the full extent of car parking spaces currently available at each rail station throughout County Kildare; the extent to which this is sufficient to meet requirements in each case; the proposals in hand to provide for extra parking facilities in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26984/10]
This is an operational matter for the relevant transport providers and not one in which I have any role.
141 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the various projects identified by his Department in the context of the national development plan are on time and within cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26985/10]
Substantial progress has been made to date on the transport projects contained in the National Development Plan. The major inter urban roads programme, linking Dublin with Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford and the Border with Northern Ireland, is on target for full completion in 2010. The upgrade of the M50 motorway is also on target for completion in 2010.
On public transport, new railway stations have opened on the Kildare line and Irish Rail has completely modernised its intercity rolling stock under Transport 21. The Cork commuter rail line from Glounthaune to Midleton and the Luas line extension to the Docklands opened in 2009. Both Phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor and the Kildare Rail Project opened early this year. Construction continues on other projects such as the Luas lines to Cherrywood and Citywest, and the first phase of the Navan rail line between Clonsilla and Pace.
The start and completion dates for National Development Plan projects that have not yet commenced will be subject to the relevant statutory and procurement and contract award processes and will also be determined by the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate, having regard to the priorities for transport investment set out in the Renewed Programme for Government. The vast majority of National Development Plan projects completed to date have come in on or under budget. A small number of projects ran over budget largely due to changes in the scope of those projects.
142 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the criterion under which funding directly or indirectly is provided by his Department to any bodies or groups under his aegis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26986/10]
Funding is provided by my Department to a range of bodies and groups which are instrumental in carrying out the functions and achieving the objectives set out in my Department's Statement of Strategy. As part of the annual estimates process my Department critically examines the value for money aspect of all expenditure programmes. These programmes are subject to both internal and external audits.
Given the scale of investment in Transport 21, monitoring arrangements supporting the framework are in place to ensure that the projects and programmes identified are proceeding as planned and are properly appraised and provide value for money. Structures are in place in my Department to provide these assurances. Every project in Transport 21 is required to be evaluated in accordance with the Department of Finance capital Appraisal Guidelines and Value for Money criteria, and my Department's Common appraisal Framework. Most of the projects must also go through statutory approval processes, which usually means a public hearing before an independent inspector where the case for the project, including the overall business case, is set out. Only when statutory approval is given can the implementing agency award the relevant construction contracts.
A High Level Monitoring Group has been set up comprising representatives of the relevant Government departments and assisted by the Chief Executives of the State agencies with responsibility for implementing the projects in Transport 21. The main role of this Group is to monitor the implementation of projects and programmes provided for in Transport 21 and to review compliance with the Department of Finance's Guidelines. My Department has appointed independent auditors to carry out reviews of a representative selection of projects. These reviews look at capital appraisal and physical implementation of projects. As part of ensuring value for money five Value For Money Reviews have been carried out by this Department since 2007.
143 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which Transport 21 represents an integrated air/sea/rail and road transport system; the extent if any, to which he has examined any weaknesses in the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26989/10]
Transport 21 is the Government's multi-billion investment programme, which provides for investment in our national roads and public transport network. Transport 21 is made up of two investment programmes — a national programme and a programme for the Greater Dublin area. The main objectives of the programmes are—
to create a high quality, efficient national road and rail network consistent with the objectives of the National Spatial Strategy;
to provide for a significant increase in public transport use in Dublin and provincial cities;
to strengthen national, regional and local public transport services;
to enhance safety and security facilities at the regional airports.
Due to the changed economic climate Transport 21 investment priorities have been reviewed. The priorities for future investment, which are set out in the Renewed programme for Government, are as follows:
National road priorities
the progression of the Atlantic Road Corridor, and
the improvement of other key strategic routes.
Public transport priority
increased long term capacity, particularly through
the construction of Metro North
the construction of DART Underground and the implementation of the associated electrification, signalling and rolling stock investments.
It is also a priority to continue planning other projects for earliest possible delivery when the economic situation improves. Transport 21 continues to provide the strategic framework for capital spending on transport infrastructure into the future.
144 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which the operational costs at each airport here compare with similar airports throughout the rest of Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26990/10]
As the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop the three state airports, operational costs at these airports are a matter for the DAA and I have no function in the matter. As the six regional airports are owned and operated independently, operational costs at these airports are similarly a matter for each airport.
In relation to comparative charges at other Airports in Europe, I have been informed by the DAA that a number of benchmarking studies have been conducted or referenced by the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) concerning operating costs at Dublin Airport. The most recent report, conducted by Indecon-Jacobs during the 2009 regulatory determination process, which is available on the CAR website at www.aviation.reg.ie, demonstrated that operating costs per passenger at Dublin Airport were the second lowest of the sample of comparator airports in Europe in 2008.
145 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the development of the western rail corridor, including passenger and freight facilities; his proposal in this regard over the next two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26991/10]
The first phase of the Western Rail Corridor was opened on 29th March 2010. Issues relating to the scheduling of passenger services and freight facilities are entirely day to day operational matters for Iarnród Éireann. The next step will be for Iarnród Eireann to undertake a detailed evaluation of Phases 2 and 3 with a view to arriving at precise costs to undertake the works.
As I have indicated previously, the current funding environment is very difficult and it will not be possible to progress all the projects in Transport 21 in accordance with the ambitious timescale envisioned at its launch. Despite this, I am seeking to progress planning of the Western Rail Corridor Phases 2 and 3, to ensure that Iarnród Eireann would be in a position to move speedily to construction at the earliest possible date. In relation to the final section of the line, it is currently being preserved under the Clár Programme and Iarnród Eireann will look again at its reopening when Phases 2 and 3 are completed.
146 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects that the Property Services (Regulation) Bill 2009 will be fully enacted. [27129/10]
The Property Services (Regulation) Bill 2009 has completed all stages in the Seanad. Second Stage commenced in the House on 10 June 2010. The scheduling of the Bill in the House with a view to its enactment is a matter for agreement between the whips.
147 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 331 of 15 June 2010, the number of head shops that the Garda are aware of that shut down after 11 May 2010; the numbers of these head shops that the Garda now know have reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27050/10]
I am advised by An Garda Síochána that up to 26 April 2010, there were 102 Head shops operating in the State. Between 26th and 30th April, 2010, as part of Operation ‘Kingfisher', these premises were visited by members of An Garda Síochána and 16 were found to have closed or ceased trading, with a remaining 86 outlets operating nationwide.
On 11th May 2010 regulation of certain psychotropic substances was introduced and a number of these premises subsequently closed down. As of 14th June, 2010, records at the Garda National Drugs Unit show a total of 44 headshops operating nationwide, with 42 having closed since 26th April, 2010. The situation is being closely monitored by the Commissioner, his senior management team and the D/Chief Superintendent, of the Garda National Drugs Unit.
As the Deputy is aware the Minister for Justice & Law Reform has published the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Bill 2010 which he hopes to have enacted within weeks. Under the Bill, the sale or supply of substances which are not specifically proscribed under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, but which have psychoactive effects, for human consumption will be a criminal offence. The Bill will give appropriate powers to An Garda Síochána and the courts to intervene quickly to prevent outlets from selling these products by way of appropriate prohibition orders. The Scheme will also contain full search and seizure powers for the Gardaí and Revenue's Customs Service.
The Bill is part of the Governments multi-pronged approach targeting the activities of head shops. On foot of the Government Order of 11 May, the Minister for Health and Children made the necessary statutory instruments to make the sale of substances commonly sold in head shops subject to criminal sanctions under the Misuse of Drugs Acts.
148 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the options available to a person who has permission to remain here on a stamp 3, with his spouse on a stamp 1, to take up employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27066/10]
I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that if a person is a dependant of a holder of a work permit in the State and they wish to enter employment, it is open to that person to apply for a spousal dependent work permit. The details of this particular work permit are available from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation.
149 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for Garda vetting in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27109/10]
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that a vetting application in respect of the person referred to has been received by the Garda Central Vetting Unit. The application is being processed at present and a response will issue in due course.
150 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application to remain in the State on humanitarian grounds will be approved in respect of a person in County Kilkenny. [27117/10]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 11 March 2009. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), he was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 30 April 2010, 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.
151 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27123/10]
Valid applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in August 2007 & April 2009. A certificate of naturalisation issued to the first named person referred to in the Deputy's Question via registered post on 11 February, 2009. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that further processing of the second named person's application is ongoing and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course. 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.
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.
152 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action being taken to clear the backlog of the Passport Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27407/10]
153 Deputy John O’Donoghue asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he intends to take to clear the backlog of applications for passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27031/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.
On 21 June 2010, there were 65,202 applications in the system. Passport Service staff continue to work overtime to assist in keeping the number of applications in the system to a minimum. In the last week, additional staff have commenced work in the Passport Service and will be working to clear this backlog. While this will take some time, every effort is being made to minimise the inconvenience to the travelling public.
The Passport Service has announced that it is now in a position to re-introduce a guaranteed turnaround time for passport applications. Applications submitted via the Passport Express service (Swiftpost in the Republic and NIPX in the North), available through local post offices, are now guaranteed to be processed within 22 working days. This 22 working day guarantee will be kept under review and it is intended that this will reduce over the coming weeks. The new guarantee turnaround time will help re-establish trust in the operation of the Passport Service.
A new service to prioritise applications for those with immediate travel plans has also been introduced. Applications with proof of travel are now guaranteed to be processed within three working days. Applicants should make contact with the Passport Service & provide this proof where applicable. An additional fee may apply in respect of such new applications. This is the fastest turnaround time for all applications except for those whose travel is required for urgent humanitarian reasons.
154 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [27095/10]
The application in question was received through the Passport Express Service on 31 May, 2010. Applications submitted through this service are now guaranteed to be processed within 22 working days. If the applicant is required to travel urgently he should contact the passport office and provide details of his travel itinerary so that his application can be expedited.
155 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that he has taken to ensure the safety and release of a person (details supplied); if diplomatic representations have been made on this person’s behalf; if his representatives will monitor this case and attend the court cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27133/10]
156 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a case for the inclusion of the protection of human rights in the Kimberly Process certification scheme during the meeting in Tel Aviv on 21 to 23 June 2010; if he will support the further suspension of Zimbabwean rough diamonds exports under the process, particularly after the arrest of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27134/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 156 together.
The Kimberley Process (KP) is a cooperative effort between governments, civil society and industry groups to stem the flow of "conflict diamonds." Conflict diamonds are defined as rough diamonds used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments. The Kimberley Process involves the control of diamond production and trade through a certification process and is implemented through a peer review mechanism. There are 49 members of the Kimberley Process, with the EU and its member states counting as an individual member. Its membership includes all the major diamond producing, trading and processing countries.
Since its launch in 2002, there has been growing discontent among civil society regarding the credibility of the KP. A major criticism is that the definition of conflict diamonds does not acknowledge the central role that human rights have and should play in the Kimberley Process nor does it recognize that governments, in whole or in part, could engage in acts of terror or criminality. In light of this, the civil society coalition in the KP has sought to amend the founding documents of the Kimberley Process to include references to human rights. This proposal was supported by the EU at the November 2009 KP Plenary; however, it was ultimately unsuccessful following resistance by other members, notably China and India. A number of non-governmental organisations have subsequently made an alternative proposal to include human rights references in an operational document and the EU will support this proposal. However, it is by no means clear that the new proposal will succeed.
Zimbabwe's compliance with the Kimberley Process became the focus of international attention in 2009 on foot of widespread illegal mining and smuggling in the Marange diamond fields as well as reports of violence and human rights violations caused by Zimbabwe's military trying to regain control of the fields. In November 2009, the KP plenary meeting in Swakopmund, Namibia, agreed with Zimbabwe on a Joint Work Plan to bring diamond mining in Marange into compliance with the minimum requirements of the KP. Under the plan, exports of Marange diamonds are subject to prior verification by an independent KP Monitor.
Following two fact finding missions, the KP Monitor for Zimbabwe, Mr Abbey Chikane, issued a report at the end of May which concluded that, under the terms of reference of his missions, Zimbabwe had satisfied KP minimum requirements. At the same time, a number of reports issued by civil society called for the suspension of Zimbabwe from the KP on the basis of a number of concerns, including the continued lack of transparency of diamond mining in Zimbabwe as well as ongoing human rights abuses. The EU, while taking note of the KP Monitor's conclusion, believes that, in light of the concerns expressed regarding transparency and abuse of human rights, further discussion is needed before any conclusion of the Joint Work Plan may be possible.
In that connection, the arrest and detention of Mr Faria Maguwu on 3 June raises serious concerns regarding the protection of the role of civil society in the Kimberley Process. Mr Maguwu is executive director of the Centre for Research and Development, the leading civil society group in Zimbabwe that monitors smuggling and human rights abuses in Zimbabwe's diamond fields. I understand that the arrest follows a meeting on 27 May with the KP Monitor, Mr Chikane, during which Mr Maguwu was alleged to have handed over a restricted document to Mr Chikane. Mr Maguwu has since been charged with communicating false statements prejudicial to the State and his case is scheduled to be heard today. I am also concerned by reports of Mr Maguwu's treatment while in custody, which have raised fears for his health, as well the reported conduct of the Zimbabwean police and security forces before and after his arrest.
The EU is seeking through the Kimberly Process to clarify the circumstances of Mr Maguwu's case and to highlight its implications for the role of civil society. The EU delegation will also raise Mr Maguwu's case at the KP inter-sessional meeting in Tel Aviv this week. Our Embassy in Pretoria has also communicated Ireland's concerns to the Government of Zimbabwe. While we are unable to attend Mr Maguwu's hearings, we will continue to monitor the case closely.
157 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views regarding a submission (details supplied); his plans to address the issues expressed; if he plans to meet with this group as an individual group or as part of the overall voluntary sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27026/10]
The organisation referred to by the Deputy is funded under my Department's Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector. It has been allocated funding of €80,352 in 2010. Contracts with the various organisations which are being funded under this Scheme are due to expire on 31 December 2010. Officials in my Department are currently carrying out a review of the Scheme and I hope that this process will be completed by the autumn. On the basis of the findings of the review, I will consider the options available to me.
All organisations involved in the Scheme, including the one referred to by the Deputy, are being consulted as part of the review process. It should be noted that I am planning to meet this week with representatives of ‘Voices that Matter', a grouping of national networks and organisations. The organisation referred to by the Deputy is a member of this grouping.
158 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made on the review of the scheme to support national organisations in the community and voluntary sector and the plans for the future funding of national organisations who are responding to the needs of groups experiencing poverty, social exclusion and inequality reflecting the key priorities of the newly realigned Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27039/10]
Funding contracts under the scheme referred to by the Deputy are due to expire on 31 December 2010. Officials in my Department are currently carrying out a review of the scheme and I hope that this process will be completed by the autumn. On the basis of the findings of the review, I will consider the options available to me. All organisations involved in the scheme are being consulted as part of the review process. It should be noted that I am planning to meet this week with representatives of ‘Voices that Matter', a grouping of national networks and organisations in the sector.
159 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if community development projects seeking to provide plans to deal with their individual cases have received an overall Department plan that would fit all situations or if he will accept a national alternative for similar groups as opposed to a local arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27138/10]
As the Deputy is aware, the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme and the Community Development Programme were my Department's two main social inclusion/community development programmes. These came to an end on 31 December last and have been superseded by a new integrated programme, the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP). A key difference between the new LCDP and its predecessor programmes is the fact that, when fully implemented, it will be delivered nationally on an integrated basis by a reduced number of companies.
My Department has set out a national model involving full integration of CDPs with local development companies (LDCs), but has made it clear that other options can be considered and that it is not a question of ‘one size fits all'. The only option not acceptable is one that seeks to preserve the status quo: some models proposed by CDPs and other parties in the period since the launch of the LCDP have had to be rejected on that basis. However, my Department has been able to respond positively to a number of other alternative models put forward by both LDCs and CDPs. While agreement has not yet been fully finalised in these cases, I am satisfied that the real possibility for agreement exists. Additional proposals from other CDPs and LDCs are also being considered positively but are less developed at this stage. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to respond positively to all constructive proposals that it receives and that my officials will continue to be available to meet with the boards of projects.
I am aware that some CDPs have a range of concerns about assets, the impact on local service delivery, local buy-in and accountability. However, I am confident that those issues can be addressed in the implementation process previously outlined by my Department and now under way. In this regard, an information session for stakeholders was held by Pobal, on my Department's behalf, on 10 June last.
160 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to persons who have had their houses repossessed in terms of their qualification for rent supplement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27126/10]
All persons who have a housing need can apply for an assessment of eligibility for social housing support by the local housing authority. When the person has been assessed as being eligible for and in need of social housing support, the person can be considered for rent supplement.
161 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if rent allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26955/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the Department, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
162 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if rent supplement back dated to the date of suspension has been issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in accordance with the decision of the appeals officer. [26965/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the Department, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
163 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will expedite a decision regarding a claim for supplementary welfare allowance and jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [26977/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the Department, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
164 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of job facilitators and their location in each social welfare office at year end 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27032/10]
Facilitators work with social welfare recipients to identify appropriate training or development programmes which will enhance the skills that the individual has and ultimately improve their employment chances, as well as help them to continue to develop personally. They work in close co-operation with other agencies and service providers including FÁS, VEC, other education and training providers and the local and community and voluntary sector. In addition they provide advice and support to customers who wish to access the back to education scheme, the back to work scheme, and the short term enterprise allowance scheme of the department.
The facilitator service is available locally to all social welfare recipients via the local network. Facilitators are assigned to cover a geographical area. They hold open clinics and meet with people who have been referred either by the social welfare local office, the employment support section or by other agencies. The service was enhanced under the National Development Plan (NDP) Social and Economic Participation Programme. Additional facilitators have been appointed during 2009 and 2010. It is envisaged that there will be 70 facilitator posts provided for under the Plan. There are currently 63 serving facilitators covering 61.4 facilitator posts. The following table details the locations for each facilitator.
|
Location |
Serving in 2007 |
Serving in 2008 |
Serving in 2009 |
Serving in June 2010 |
|
Apollo House |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Arklow |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Athlone |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Ballina |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Ballyfermot |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
Ballymun |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Bishops Sq |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Blanchardstown |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Bray |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Buncrana |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Carlow |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Castlebar |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Cavan |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Clondalkin |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Clonmel |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Coolock |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Cork |
5 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
|
Donegal |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Dundalk |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
|
Dungloe |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Dunlaoghaire |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Ennis |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
Enniscorthy |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Finglas |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Galway |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Kilbarrack |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Killarney |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Letterkenny |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Limerick |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Longford |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Loughrea |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Mallow |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Mullingar |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Navan |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Navan Rd |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Newbridge |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Newbridge/Naas |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Newcastlewest |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Kings Inn |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
Nutgrove |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Portlaoise |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Swords/Balbriggan |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Tallaght |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Thomas St |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Thurles |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Tralee |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Tralee/Listowel |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Tuam |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Tullamore |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Waterford |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Wexford |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Total |
40 |
40 |
62 |
63 |
|
Posts |
40 |
40 |
61.5 |
61.4 |
165 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal against the decision to refuse their application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27047/10]
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 has been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
166 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27100/10]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the decision. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
167 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27137/10]
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 for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
168 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will consider allowing the purchase of local authority houses by those tenants qualified to do so but who are unable to raise a loan by way of direct weekly or monthly payments paid to local authorities as was the case with the old purchase scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26928/10]
The practice whereby tenant purchasers paid the purchase price for their dwellings to housing authorities by instalments was replaced in 1993 by the current practice of purchasers paying the full amount of the purchase price at the point of sale, supported as required by mortgage finance. I have no proposals to revert to the old system as a person who cannot obtain a mortgage in respect of the purchase price from either a commercial lender or a housing authority is unlikely to have sufficient means to meet the full costs of home ownership, including maintaining and insuring the property, by any other method.
169 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding, if any, available for rainwater collection and recycling systems in schools; his plans to introduce such grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27056/10]
The funding and grant-aiding of school capital works and running costs are matters for the Minister for Education and Skills. I understand that large-scale rainwater harvesting systems have already been installed in some schools. The Department of Education and Skills has indicated that it will continue to address water conservation issues in the context of the design and construction of new schools or where major renovations are being carried out to existing schools under the schools modernisation programme. The introduction of a grants scheme for any purpose must be managed within current budgetary constraints and, insofar as the funds administered by my Department are concerned, there are no plans to introduce a scheme for the installation of Rainwater Harvesting systems.
170 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the range of options available to local authorities regarding applicants for housing; if consideration will be given to persons who have had their houses repossessed in terms of their qualification for the rental accommodation scheme or a local authority house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27126/10]
Local authorities operate a range of housing supports for households with varying degrees of need, from the most vulnerable, disadvantaged households such as homeless people and people with disabilities, to middle income households whose needs may be more modest. The various supports available are detailed on my Department's website, www.environ.ie.
In terms of the options available for households who have had their home repossessed, it is open to such households to apply to their local authority to have their needs assessed. In certain circumstances, householders who have had their homes repossessed may be eligible for social housing support. The assessment of housing need and the setting of allocations policies are matters for individual local authorities.
171 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. [27051/10]
The REPS payment application belonging to the person named cannot be further progressed until a reply is received to the letter dated 17 May 2010 sent to him by my officials.
172 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be included in the disadvantaged area scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27062/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment and other Area Based Schemes was received from the person named on 11 May 2010. While there are three parcels listed on this application, none of the three are situated in a Less Favoured Area (known as Disadvantaged Areas in Ireland), as designated under the provisions of the governing EU Directives and Regulations.
The Commission is currently conducting a review of Less Favoured Areas across the EU, having been mandated by the Council of Ministers to conduct that review. The object of the exercise is to establish an EU-wide system, which will allow comparisons between regions; the proposal represents a move away from designation based on socio-economic factors, (declining rural population, low productivity and low farm incomes), to a methodology favouring physical characteristics, (soil type, poor climate, slope and altitude of land). While the Commission review is ongoing, it is envisaged that any changes to the Scheme will not be introduced before 2014.
173 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the details regarding the agreement reached with the religious orders for the transfer of assets and cash in compensation in respect of persons (details supplied); the way in which she intends to distribute same to those known victims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27113/10]
At the meeting on 15th April last, the Taoiseach advised the religious congregations of the Government's view that it would be a fair and reasonable outcome in all the circumstances for the State and those responsible for the residential institutions, to meet the final costs of responding to residential institutional abuse, which are estimated to reach some €1.36bn, on a 50:50 basis.
As the Deputy is aware the Congregations are offering significant additional contributions, which they have valued at €348.51m. While more detailed work and discussion is necessary with the Congregations in relation to the detail of their property offers, assuming these contributions are fully realised, the Congregations' collective contributions to date, when account is taken of the original €128m contribution under the 2002 Indemnity Agreement, amount to €476.51m. This leaves a target of over €200m to reach the 50% share of the overall projected costs, of some €680m. The Government requested that additional contributions be provided to the greatest degree possible in cash as a contribution to the planned National Children's Hospital. Officials are engaging with each of the Congregations in relation to their current offers and how the objective of a 50:50 sharing of the overall costs will be achieved.
The Government announced its proposal to utilise the cash element of the Congregations' current offers of contributions, which will amount to some €110m over the next few years, to establish a Statutory Fund, in keeping with the all party Motion passed by Dáil Éireann, supporting the proposal for a Trust for the support of victims and to other education and welfare purposes. Following consultation with the Congregations and the former residents as to the exact nature of the fund, how it will operate and the uses to which it will be put, the arrangements for the Statutory Fund will be considered by the Government. This Fund, which will be to support the needs of survivors is separate and distinct from the compensation scheme operated by the independent Residential Institutions Redress Board, which provides fair and reasonable awards to victims of institutional childhood abuse.
174 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her views on the funding of Church of Ireland schools; if she will accept the need to review the level of funding being granted to such schools in view of the difficulties being experienced by some of them following the cuts specific to this sector; if she will meet representatives (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to hear a submission which will outline the difficulties and provide a greater understanding of the problems being faced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26927/10]
Officials from my Department have held discussions with a number of representatives from the Church of Ireland, and wider Protestant community, concerning issues relating to their fee-charging schools. These discussions are continuing. My officials are willing to meet with representatives of the college to which the Deputy refers, if requested.
I wish to assure the Deputy that I am committed to supporting Protestant education, while at the same time ensuring that funding arrangements for schools under Protestant management are in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. I am committed to continuing this engagement with members of the Protestant community, as I believe that these issues are best resolved collaboratively.
175 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she provides any policy direction to primary schools, in the case in which multi-grade classes are necessary by virtue of the pupil-teacher numbers, on the way in which multi-grade classes should be configured in the context of the overall enrolment of the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27054/10]
The staffing schedule is structured to ensure that, on average, one mainstream classroom teacher is allocated to schools for every 28 pupils. Improvements to the staffing schedule arising from the additional posts in the renewed Programme for Government mean that one mainstream classroom teacher is allocated, on average, for every 27 pupils in medium to larger schools as these schools are typically under greatest pressure in relation to class sizes.
Posts allocated on the basis of the staffing schedule are specifically for mainstream classes and should be deployed accordingly. School authorities are requested to ensure that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible, taking all relevant contextual factors into account (e.g. classroom accommodation, fluctuating enrolment etc.). In particular, school authorities should ensure, as far as possible, that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and smallest classes is kept to a minimum.
176 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if capital funding is available for schools to enable them to install rainwater collection and recycling systems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27057/10]
Rainwater harvesting systems were first introduced for major school building projects in 2008. Since then all major school building projects, where site conditions and circumstances allow and where economically viable to do so, can incorporate a rainwater harvesting system into their brief. While fitting the systems in new schools during construction is relatively straightforward, retrofitting them in existing schools is much more difficult and expensive because of the various dedicated pipe work systems both within the building and externally underground and the amount of making good work that is required in each instance.
For existing buildings it is more cost effective to minimise the demand for water firstly through push type spray taps, low flushing toilets, urinal controls, repairing leaks, etc. In that context, 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. I announced details of the successful applicants under the mainstream Summer Works Scheme on 19 April last. The applications for water conservation measures as part of the Scheme are to be processed separately. However, work on processing these applications has not yet begun due to industrial action on the part of some staff in the Department.
177 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the factors that led to the ongoing delay in providing a building capable of accommodating 1,000 pupils for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; the date on which the building will actually be constructed and open to cater for the demographic demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27058/10]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 1 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, is now available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time. In order to meet the immediate accommodation needs, the school authority was sanctioned an all-in grant in December 2009 to build 4 mainstream classrooms. In addition, the school authority received approval earlier this month for funding to alter existing rooms to form an Art /Technical Graphics Room.
178 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, further to Parliamentary Question No. 172 of 3 June 2010, if she will direct the National Council for Special Education to issue a reply to this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27077/10]
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is an independent agency with responsibility for determining the appropriate staffing levels in relation to the support of pupils with special educational needs in mainstream and special schools. The NCSE operates within my Department's policy in allocating this support. I understand from the NCSE that a response will be issued directly to the Deputy by them in the coming days.
179 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will ensure that the funding for the special needs assistants at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5 will be maintained in order that the children in this special needs unit have access to the supports that they require; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27098/10]
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 to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
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. I wish to assure the Deputy that SNA support will continue to be made available to schools which have enrolled pupils who qualify for such support.
180 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if an appeal lodged by the board of management of a school (details supplied) against the decision of her Department, relative to the three special needs assistants attached to the school, will be expedited; if the evidence of the educational and care needs of the children attending the school will be examined; if a positive decision in respect of the school will be arrived at; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27124/10]
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is an independent agency with responsibility for determining the appropriate staffing levels in relation to the support of pupils with special educational needs in all mainstream and special schools. This includes determining the level of SNA support in schools. The NCSE operates within my Department's policy in allocating this support. Neither I, nor the Department of Education and Skills, interfere with the allocation decisions taken by the NCSE in schools — whether such decisions result in an increased or reduced allocation to the schools.
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. I understand that the school concerned has contacted the SENO regarding this matter and that considerations are ongoing regarding appropriate staffing levels for special needs assistants at the school.
181 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will approve an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, in view of the changed financial circumstances of the family, who was refused a higher education grant. [27127/10]
182 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason her Department refused an appeal relating to a higher education grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if this matter will be reconsidered and a positive response issued in view of the changed financial circumstances outlined in the appeal documents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27128/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 182 together.
Officials of my Department has contacted the assessing authority in this case who confirmed that the candidate referred to by the Deputy is in receipt of the maximum rate of maintenance grant for the 2009/2010 academic year.
