Vol. 719 No. 3
10 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the ongoing independent accountants review regarding a specific account in the Irish Red Cross; when it is anticipated that the review will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38092/10]
36 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to claims made on a television programme (details supplied) on 26 August regarding the Irish Red Cross; his views on whether these claims require independent investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38089/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 36 together.
The Irish Red Cross Society is an independent statute based charitable organisation with full power to manage its own affairs. I have no function in the day–to–day administration of the Irish Red Cross Society and as such, I do not get involved in the day-to-day running of its affairs.
In fact the Geneva Convention places an obligation on national Governments to protect the independence of the Red Cross Organisation.
The issue of the bank account in question is being dealt with by the Society. It is my understanding that all funds have been properly accounted for and that there is no suggestion of any wrong doing in relation thereto. The Society has put in place new and revised procedures so that such circumstances do not recur.
11 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which Naval Service and Air Corps facilities are available for coastal surveillance, with particular reference to the need to detect drug and or people trafficking; if adequate air or sea-going crafts are readily available for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38065/10]
Responsibility for the prevention of drug trafficking rests primarily with the Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners.
Responsibility for the prevention of crime, including people trafficking, rests primarily with An Garda Siochána. However, the White Paper on Defence provides for a security role for the Naval Service and the Air Corps to assist and support the civil authorities in this important work. The Naval Service provides the maritime element of the Defence Forces and has a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. The Naval Service operates eight general purpose patrol ships. All eight ships are involved in coastal and offshore patrolling and surveillance for the State in that part of the seas where State jurisdiction applies.
The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. However, as the need arises, Naval Service vessels are deployed to other duties such as aid to the civil power, search and rescue or recovery, and drug interdiction operations.
The current Exclusive Fishery Limits extend to 200 miles offshore and cover an area of 132,000 nautical square miles. The Naval Service currently patrols the entire 200 mile limit and periodically patrols beyond these limits to protect specific fisheries. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary. The number of Patrol Vessels on patrol in Irish waters at any one time varies between three and eight. The Naval Service is committed to having at least three vessels on patrol within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone at any one time. All vessels are multi-tasked in the sense that they also undertake general surveillance, security and other duties while on patrol.
Naval Service patrols are complemented by assistance provided by the Air Corps. The Air Corps Maritime Squadron carries out aerial surveillance of our Exclusive Economic Zone using the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft.
Government measures to improve law enforcement in relation to drugs, including the establishment in 1993 of a Joint Task Force involving An Garda Síochána, the Customs Service and the Naval Service, have helped to maximise the effective use of Naval Service resources in combating drug trafficking. The Air Corps provides air support and, on occasion, carries the Customs National Drugs Team in an observational capacity for the purpose of monitoring vessels suspected of drug trafficking and other illegal activities. There is close co-operation between the civil authorities and the Naval Service and the Air Corps in discharging this important mission.
An Inter-Departmental Maritime Surveillance Working Group (MarSur WG), chaired by the Department of Transport, has been established under the auspices of the Maritime Co-ordination Group of Assistant Secretaries. The Working Group will work towards the creation of a common information-sharing environment to enhance safety and security within the Irish maritime domain. The Department of Defence and the Naval Service are represented on this Group along with other Government Departments and Agencies responsible for safety and security in the maritime environment.
Internationally, the establishment in 2007 of the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre — Narcotics (MAOC-N) has led to a greater focus on intelligence exchange amongst countries to tackle large drug shipments by sea. MAOC-N was set up by seven European countries and is designed as an international co-ordination force with access to national tasking agencies and requires participation and resources from all active members. An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service have full-time officers based at the Centre in Lisbon. Irish Naval Service personnel travel to the Centre when requested by the Joint Task Force.
I am satisfied that the Naval Service and the Air Corps have adequate facilities to effectively support the civil authorities in the areas of drug interdiction and people trafficking.
12 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence that, contrary to military authorities’ claims that alternative drugs were available for the treatment of malaria and that Lariam was not the only one, his views on whether the military authorities’ continue to issue Lariam because it is cheaper than other more effective anti-malaria drugs. [37996/10]
22 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence the number of EU member states who still prescribe the anti-malaria drug Lariam for their troops who are serving in areas where they will be exposed to the danger of malaria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38086/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 22 together.
At the outset, let me state categorically that cost is not the basis for determining the prescribing of Lariam to Defence Forces personnel.
I am advised by the military authorities that there are four main chemo prophylactic anti-malaria agents available to the Defence Forces. These are Lariam, Chloroquine, Malarone and Doxycycline. Lariam is considered an effective anti-malaria drugs for the type of malaria our troops were exposed to in Chad and Central African Republic. Troops being administered the drug are informed of its effects and its use is very closely monitored by the military medical authorities. In addition, there is intensive medical screening of troops before Lariam is prescribed along with in theatre monitoring and post mission assessment.
Lariam is an Irish Medicines Board approved drug with a weekly dosing regime. From a compliance viewpoint, it is easier to manage a weekly dosage than a daily medication. While the main recognised disadvantage of Lariam is its side effect profile, I understand that the Irish Medicines Board remains of the view that the benefit/risk profile for the product remains acceptable. The Irish Medicines Board continues to review the safety of this and all medicines on an ongoing basis and updates the product information as appropriate.
13 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the total number of personnel by rank currently serving overseas; the number, if any, requests for further deployments in hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38064/10]
23 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence if the initial informal inquiries made by him, his Department, the Government or other agencies at UN level and among like-minded nations is likely to result in an overseas mission for Defence Forces in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38075/10]
26 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces will undertake a mission in Liberia in 2011; if it is intended that members of the Reserve Defence Forces will serve with the Permanent Defence Force members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38093/10]
56 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence his plans, if any, for future Defence Forces overseas missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38083/10]
221 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding requests for deployment of Irish troops overseas for peacekeeping missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38397/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 23, 26, 56 and 221 together.
Ireland has offered, through the UN Standby Arrangements System (UNSAS), to provide up to 850 military personnel for overseas service at any one time. This figure equates to some 10% of Ireland's standing Army (excluding Reserves) and demonstrates Ireland's commitment to the cause of international peace. This is the maximum sustainable commitment that Ireland can make to overseas peacekeeping operations.
Ireland is currently contributing 148 Defence Forces personnel to 12 different missions throughout the world. Of the 148 personnel currently serving overseas, 90 are officers and 58 are drawn from other ranks. Full details of all personnel currently serving overseas are listed in the tabular statement below.
The main overseas missions, in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed, are the EU-led operation ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 43 personnel and the NATO-led International Security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo with 19 personnel. Other personnel are serving as monitors and observers with the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Staff are also deployed at the organisational headquarters of the EU, OSCE and NATO.
With regard to future deployments, Ireland receives requests, from time to time, in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis. When considering any particular request, the existence of realistic objectives and a clear mandate, which has the potential to contribute to a political solution, consideration of how the mission relates to the priorities of Irish foreign policy and the degree of risk involved are amongst the factors considered.
Following the unexpected withdrawal of the Defence Forces battalion from Chad earlier this year, we are currently examining a number of options for future deployment, and in this regard we have been in contact with the UN in relation to its requirements for missions. In these difficult economic circumstances due regard will have to taken of available resources when considering options for contributing to international peacekeeping operations in support of the United Nations. A number of options are being developed by Civil and Military management in the Department, including a possible deployment to UNIFIL, and subject to their advice, I would expect to be in a position to consider the proposals and bring forward recommendations to Government as appropriate in the near future.
Apart from a recent EU request to despatch members of the Permanent Defence Force for service with the EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) military mission to contribute to the training of Somali Security Forces (EUTM Somalia) being carried out in Uganda, no other deployments are planned or envisaged at this time. Five (5) Irish personnel took up duty with the mission at the end of April 2010. No requests have been received from the UN for deployment of personnel to other UN missions.
There are no plans to deploy members of the Reserve Defence Force on overseas peace support operations.
|
Number |
||
|
1 |
UN Missions |
|
|
(i) |
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ |
8 |
|
(ii) |
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) — Israel, Syria and Lebanon |
12 |
|
(iii) |
MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) |
3 |
|
(iv) |
MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo)* |
3 |
|
(v) |
UNOCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast) |
2 |
|
(vi) |
MINURCAT (United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad) — HQ |
11 |
|
TOTAL |
39 |
|
|
UN Mandated Missions |
||
|
(vii) |
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
43 |
|
(viii) |
EUTM Somalia (EU-led Training Mission in Uganda) |
5 |
|
(ix) |
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) —HQ |
13 |
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) No 1 IRCON |
6 |
|
|
(x) |
ISAF (International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan) |
7 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
113 |
|
|
2 |
Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) |
|
|
(i) |
OSCE Mission to Bosnia & Herzegovina |
2 |
|
(ii) |
OSCE Mission in Belgrade — Serbia |
1 |
|
(iii) |
Staff Officer, Higher Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING OSCE |
||
|
3 |
EU Military Staff |
|
|
Brussels |
7 |
|
|
4 |
Nordic Battlegroup HQ Staff — Sweden |
13 |
|
5 |
Military Representatives/Advisers/Staff |
|
|
(i) |
Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
1 |
|
(ii) |
Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
(iii) |
Staff Appointments, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
2 |
|
(iv) |
Military Representative to EU (Brussels) |
4 |
|
(v) |
Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels) |
2 |
|
(vi) |
Military Representative to NATO/PfP Co-ordination Cell/Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
148 |
*Formerly MONUC, renamed 1 July 2010.
14 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the plans the Minister has for the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38094/10]
32 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the progress made to date with the value for money review of the Reserve Defence Forces which began in February 2010; when he expects this review to be concluded; when he will receive the review report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38076/10]
58 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Defence regarding the value for money review of the Reserve Defence Forces the consultations with stakeholders the steering committee of the review have had to date; the groups or associations that have made contact with or been contacted by; if any interim reports have been compiled to date; when he expects the stakeholders consultations to be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38078/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 32 and 58 together.
The Reserve Defence Force was selected for review as part of the 2009-2011 phase of the Government's Value for Money and Policy Review initiative and this review commenced in February 2010. A Steering Committee comprising representatives from the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the Department of Finance is overseeing the Review. In accordance with revised guidelines for the conduct of Value for Money Reviews, an independent chair was appointed to the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee has met on six occasions since the review commenced, including a meeting that took place earlier this week. A Working Group has also been formed to assist the Steering Committee with the review, comprising of both civil and military personnel. The working group has undertaken an extensive programme of work under the direction of the Steering Committee over this period.
15 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the role of his Department and the Defence Forces in emergency planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38084/10]
My Department plays an important role in relation to emergency planning and response. The Office of Emergency Planning, which is a joint civil and military office within the Department, facilitates coordination of emergency planning across government departments and agencies. The Office supports the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning and the Interdepartmental Working Group on Emergency Planning. All government departments and those agencies with an emergency planning function are represented.
The Office supports me in my role as Chairman of the Government Task Force. It also assists in the preparation of my confidential Annual Report to Government on Emergency Planning. The Office also manages the National Emergency Coordination Centre, which was activated during last winter's severe weather events and during the volcanic ash emergency that occurred in April/May of this year.
As the Deputy will be aware, emergency planning in this country is developed on the ‘lead department' principle. This means that each department is responsible for planning for those emergencies that fall within its remit. The Framework for Major Emergency Management sets out the structure enabling the Principle Response Agencies (An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and Local Authorities) to prepare for, and make a coordinated response to, major emergencies and the Defence Forces respond within that Framework.
The Defence Forces' response arises from requests for assistance from An Garda Síochána (aid to the civil power) or from other agencies of the State (aid to the civil authority). While the provision of Defence Forces' support is dependent on operational commitments, every effort is made by the Department and the Defence Forces to respond to requests as swiftly and efficiently as prevailing circumstances permit. For example, during the flooding and severe weather events of 2009/2010 the Defence Forces provided support to An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and Local Authorities using a wide range of resources.
The negotiation of prior response arrangements through Memorandums of Understanding and Service Level agreements between the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the relevant Government Departments continues to facilitate a planned response to emergency situations. These agreements have been completed with a number of Departments and Agencies. Departments/Agencies are also encouraged to engage in joint training exercises with the Defence Forces.
16 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on his visit during September to Irish troops serving with the European Union Force operation in the Balkans. [38104/10]
During the period 26 to 28 September 2010, I visited troops serving with KFOR in Kosovo and EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This was my first visit to Defence Forces personnel deployed overseas.
On 27 September 2010, I had the honour of visiting Camp Ville in Kosovo where I met Irish personnel serving with KFOR's Multinational Battle Group (Centre) and attended a lunch hosted by the Irish contingent. Following the downsizing of Ireland's contribution to KFOR earlier this year, a total of nineteen (19) personnel currently serve with this mission.
I also paid a courtesy call on Major Gen Erhard Buhler (Germany), Commander of KFOR and met with the Minister for the Kosovo Security Force, Mr. Fehmi Mujota. During my meeting with Mr. Mujota, I took the opportunity to signal Ireland's continued strong support for Kosovo's independence, which the Irish government recognised in February 2008.
During my visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 28 September 2010, I travelled to EUFOR's Camp Butmir, where I paid a courtesy call on Major General Bernhard Bair (Austria), Commander of EUFOR. After a tour of the Camp, I had the privilege, along with the Chief of Staff, of presenting medals to Irish contingent personnel. The Irish contingent serving with EUFOR currently comprises 43 personnel.
I also met with Dr Valentin Inzko, High Representative and EU Special Representative (HR/EUSR) for Bosnia & Herzegovina. We discussed the situation in the country in advance of the Presidential and parliamentary elections, which took place on 3 October, and the prospects for progress on the necessary constitutional reform in the months ahead.
The visit to both Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina afforded me an opportunity to see, at first hand, the dedication and professionalism of military personnel and the tremendous work done overseas by the Irish Defence Forces. I conveyed to the troops, on behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland, our deep appreciation for the outstanding manner in which they continue to perform their duties on overseas service.
17 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence the discussions he has had with the new chairman of the Irish Red Cross; the advice and instructions he gave the new chairman; the way he perceives the chairman’s remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38088/10]
28 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the progress that has been made in implementing the recommendations of the working group to examine the issue of governance in the Irish Red Cross and if statutory changes will be necessary to deal with same. [37987/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 28 together.
In accordance with Article 9 of the Irish Red Cross Society Order, 1939 the Chairman of the Society must be a member of the Central Council. In nominating persons to Central Council, the Government considers that it is highly desirable that the Society should have on its governing body, people with a wide variety of knowledge and expertise, gained through work experience in both the public and private sector and/or volunteer experience with the Society. The Government, in recommending to the President a person to act as Chairman, had to nominate a person who it deemed would make a positive contribution to the affairs of the Society. Such a role assumes even greater importance now given the imminent changes to the Society's organisation. Taking the above into account, Mr David J O'Callaghan was recently appointed, by the President, as the new Chairman of the Irish Red Cross. Mr. O'Callaghan is a former career civil servant with vast experience of public administration at senior management level. He has experience of matters relating to the Irish Red Cross Society from his previous post as Secretary General of the Department of Defence, which he held from 1995 to 2004. Having met Mr. O'Callaghan, I am fully confident that he will discharge the duties assigned to that office under the Irish Red Cross Society Order 1939 and the Rules of the Society and help expedite the reform process underway in the Society.
As I have said on many occasions in the past, the Irish Red Cross Society is an independent statute based organisation with full power to manage its own affairs. I have no function in the administration of the Society and I do not get involved in the day-to-day running of its affairs.
The current governance proposals arise from a resolution passed in November 2007, by the Council of Delegates of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) which urged all National Societies, as requested by Action 3 of the Strategy for the Movement, to examine and update their Statutes — the rules of the National Societies — and related legal texts by 2010, in accordance with the "Guidance for National Society Statutes" and relevant International Conference resolutions. This task is being undertaken by many Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world. The current proposals have the support of the IFRC.
The formal report of the Working Group established by the Irish Red Cross Society to examine the issue of governance was received in the Department of Defence in January of this year. In order to implement the recommendations made there will be a requirement for significant amendments to the Irish Red Cross Society Order 1939. Representatives of the Society and Officials from the Department of Defence have had a number of meetings to discuss the specific changes required to the 1939 Order and work is ongoing in that regard.
18 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the estimated cost of the recent ten week visit to South America by the Naval Service vessel the LE Niamh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38106/10]
Each year, the Naval Service commits approximately 85-90 of its annual patrol days to foreign deployments. Locations are considered on the basis of the optimum yield that can be derived for Ireland. An Irish naval vessel is considered sovereign Irish territory regardless of its location, and therefore a ship affords rare promotional opportunities for state agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, An Bord Bia and the IDA to support Irish industry and services. In the current economic climate, promoting Ireland to business communities abroad has assumed added importance.
This year, L.E. Niamh undertook a voyage to South America, visiting Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Chile at a cost of approximately €740,000, excluding pay and allowances.
The deployment of the LE Niamh was in support of the strong cultural and heritage links between Ireland and South America and to mark the celebration on the bicentenaries of independence by Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Chile. The deployment was also aimed at promoting Ireland and Irish interests to the local business communities and strengthening links with the region. This visit to South America provided a unique opportunity to highlight the fact that Ireland is open for business.
During the course of the visit, in excess of 12,000 people visited the ship, including diplomats, politicians, business leaders and senior officials. The experience was also of enormous benefit to the Naval Service in terms of professional development and training.
19 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Defence his views on the comments made by a leading Swedish military commander (details supplied) during a visit to Ireland that an EU battle group should be used to help deal with the effects of natural disasters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38110/10]
EU action in response to humanitarian crises is framed in the context of an overall international approach that brings together the United Nations, the Red Cross movement, humanitarian NGOs and others in support of action by the national authorities of the country concerned. There is general agreement that humanitarian assistance should respect the principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence. Accordingly, humanitarian action should be civilian in character and in leadership. However, it is established UN and EU policy that, in certain circumstances, humanitarian aid may draw upon military assets, notably for logistical and infrastructure support. This would normally occur where the use of military assets can meet a critical humanitarian need. Operating procedures and coordination arrangements for military support to EU disaster response have been put in place, within the overall framework of humanitarian operations, retaining their civilian nature and character.
Battlegroups are an important component of the EU crisis response toolbox and the deployment of Battlegroups should be dealt with in this context. Within the Battlegroup concept one potential use is the delivery of humanitarian aid. That said, there is considerable divergence of views among partners on the use and potential effectiveness of Battlegroups in a humanitarian context. Depending on the nature of the humanitarian assistance required, a Battlegroup may not be in a position to provide the necessary capabilities and may not always be the most appropriate response.
Ireland's position on this matter is pragmatic and needs-driven. Under a civilian lead, military assets could be deployed where this is the most appropriate response. Such assets could be drawn from a stand-by EU Battlegroup or generated for that specific purpose from the Member States, whichever is the more appropriate and, more importantly, immediately available.
20 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Defence his plans to review the role of the Civil Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38081/10]
35 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Defence the strength and budget for the Civil Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38079/10]
59 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence the progress that has been made in the matter of increasing the membership of the Civil Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38102/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 35 and 59 together.
The Civil Defence Board was established in 2003 and is charged with the development and management of the organisation at national level. The Board is obliged to submit its Strategic Plan for approval every three years. I launched the 3rd Strategic Plan of the Civil Defence Board covering the period 2010-2013 in June 2010.
The strategies identified by the Board place a high priority on the organisation's involvement in developing training and recruitment programmes and in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, which identifies a wider role for Civil Defence in emergency response.
In 2010, the Civil Defence Board received a grant of €6.061m, of which almost €1m is allocated to the purchase of equipment. This funding has enabled the Board to equip volunteers to a very high standard.
The Board has re-equipped all of its casualty trained volunteers with up-to-date training manuals, DVD's and instructional material, bringing the organisation into line with the statutory requirements laid down by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC).
The Civil Defence College is also a recognised certifying body for the preparation and delivery of courses approved by statutory and other national bodies such as Further Education & Training Awards (FETAC) and Irish Heart Foundation (IHF). This accreditation combined with the diverse range of training available to Volunteers is also of great assistance to them in developing career opportunities outside of Civil Defence.
21 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by the general secretary of the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association that members of the Defence Forces were facing extreme hardship as a result of loss of income; the steps he intends to take to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38108/10]
I fully appreciate that many of our citizens are facing difficulties in the current environment not least those who have lost their jobs due to the economic downturn. The Government is making every effort, within available resources, to support all those who face hardship. In addition, there are various schemes in place through the Department of Social Protection, including Family Income Supplement, to support those on low incomes.
The circumstances surrounding an application for Family Income Supplement or indeed any other scheme operated by the Department of Social protection is a private matter between the applicant and the Department of Social and Family Affairs. I would not be aware, therefore, of the eligibility of individual members of the Permanent Defence Force to receive such allowances.
24 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Defence if officers were issued a different anti-malaria drug to soldiers of other ranks; if Naval Service or Air Corps personnel who served overseas in Africa were issued with Lariam or another anti-malaria drug and if so the reason for same. [37990/10]
25 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the US army stopped administering the anti-malaria drug Lariam in February 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38085/10]
37 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Defence if he is willing to meet former soldiers who can show that they have suffered adverse effects from taking the anti-malaria drug Lariam, including mood swings, depression, suicidal tendencies, damage to the central nervous system and suicide [37995/10]
40 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that upwards of 50 serving and non-serving soldiers are presenting with ongoing side-effects from their taking of the anti-malaria drug Lariam when on overseas duty in Africa with the Army; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37991/10]
43 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the number of soldiers since 2000 who have been administered the drug Lariam prior and during missions overseas; when the Army Medical Corps become aware of severe side-effects of the drug and the fact that other armies no longer issued it as a anti-malaria drug or that it is the drug of last choice for armies; and if soldiers should have been instructed before being issued with the drug to discontinue taking the drug if they experienced any of those side effects and report to sick bay and if they should have been warned of side-effects and precautions on the manufacturers instructions [37989/10]
46 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Defence if he will set up a panel of medical experts to inspect all the soldiers who have served in Africa in the last ten years to ensure they are not suffering the side-effects of the anti-malaria drug Lariam; and to recommend the medical action that needs to be taken to alleviate the effects among those who have been adversely affected by the drug [37993/10]
47 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Defence the reason it is only prior to departure on overseas missions that soldiers undergo full medical checks and if he see the logic of asking the military authorities to carry out a full medical check on return from such missions to ensure the soldiers are in full fitness and that any medical complications associated with overseas operations can be identified and addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37992/10]
52 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Defence the number of soldiers who have served overseas in Africa in the past ten years; the number of suicides in the Army each year for the past 20 years; the number of these for each year who had served overseas in Africa; the steps that have been taken to help those in the army with suicidal tendencies; and if he will instruct the military authorities to ensure that full toxicology tests are carried out on all serving and non-serving soldiers who may commit suicide in the future to establish the Lariam toxicity if any. [37994/10]
53 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence if members of the Defence Forces who are prescribed Lariam are made aware of the side effects of this drug; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38087/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 25, 37, 40, 43, 46, 47, 52 and 53 together.
I am advised by the Military authorities that a total of 5,885 deployments to Africa have taken place since 1 January 2000, involving 4,127 personnel. In the period since 1 January 2000 the anti-malarial prophylactic agent for those who have served in Central Africa was and is Lariam.
I am further advised by the Military authorities that since 1 January 1990, a total of 336 Permanent Defence Force personnel have died in service. Of these, 18 personnel had served in overseas missions in continental Africa. The specific cause of death of personnel is not recorded on individual personal files.
The Military authorities have further advised that the main anti-malaria agents available to it are Chloroquine, Malarone, Doxycycline and Lariam. The choice of drug is based on the mission and not on the rank of the individual.
The Defence Forces consider Larium to be the most effective anti-malaria drug for the type of malaria our troops were exposed to in Chad and Central African Republic.
Lariam is authorised for use by the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) which is the statutory regulatory body charged with regulating the use of medicines, to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines available in Ireland. Lariam was first authorised for use by the IMB in 1989. While certain risks associated with the use of the drug were highlighted in Drug Safety Newsletters in 1996 and 2003, it remained of the view that the benefit / risk factor profile for the product remained acceptable. The Board continues to review the safety of this and all medicines on an ongoing basis and updates the product information as appropriate.
In the case of each of the other three anti-malaria products I referred to earlier, there are specific reasons as to why they are not suitable for use by the Defence Forces in sub-Saharan Africa and I will now set these out:
Chloroquine is no longer of use because of the development of widespread resistance;
Doxycycline has to be taken in the absence of dairy products and it can produce sun-sensitivity skin rashes in some patients. This is particularly significant when used in very sunny climes. For this reason it is not recommended for first line use by the Defence Forces in sub-Saharan Africa;
Malarone is unsuitable for use as it is licensed for no more than 28 days continuous use in a malarious area by the IMB. In this context this prophylactic agent is only suitable for use where the overseas deployment does not exceed 28 days.
All personnel volunteering for service overseas are initially screened for medical suitability and fitness. Fitness to serve overseas is defined by Medical Classification Code. Personnel who do not achieve the specific Code are deemed to be ‘medically unfit' for overseas service. This automatically excludes personnel from overseas service with conditions such as depression, anxiety, pregnancy, neurodegenerative disorders etc which, as indicated by the IMB, are more likely to precipitate serious adverse reactions to Lariam.
In the case of overseas missions to malarious areas, the medical screening involves an assessment of the individual's suitability to be prescribed the selected anti-malarial agent in line with current Irish Medical Board guidelines. This typically involves review of the patient's previous experience, if any, with the medication. The patient's medical history is also screened for those conditions which have been identified as precipitating serious side effects in association with the medication. In addition, blood tests are carried out to ensure that the liver is healthy as liver disease is an accepted contraindication to the use of Lariam.
It is the policy of the Defence Forces Medical Corps that those patients who are found suitable for Lariam should commence their medication three — four weeks in advance of their travel. The purpose of this precaution is two-fold — while it allows a slow buildup of the medication in the bloodstream, it also permits assessment by the patient of their individual reaction to the medication while still in Ireland. During this ‘probationary' period the patient can consult with a Medical Officer (MO) over any adverse reaction, minor or major. Some minor reactions may be transient but if persistent, or troublesome, the patient will be deemed to have ‘sensitivity' to the medication and will be found not medically suitable for the mission.
All overseas missions provide a medical service for participants. In the case of large Irish units serving with the UN etc. the primary care may be provided by the Medical Corps. Where the Medical Corps provides the primary care service, and where the Medical Officer (MO) forms the opinion that the patient has developed a ‘sensitivity' to Lariam while overseas, the patient will be advised to cease taking the medication, substitute it with a ‘second-line' agent, and the patient will be monitored to ensure symptoms subside. Appropriate ‘anti-symptomatic' medication may be required in the interim and appropriate restrictions will be placed on duties.
Furthermore, all personnel, symptomatic or otherwise, are reviewed at their repatriation medical and advised on the further medical management of any medical problems which may have arisen while overseas.
The Defence Forces have advised me that as of August 2010, three members of the Defence Forces had been treated for serious symptomatology which may have been caused or contributed to by Lariam, although there is nothing conclusive in this regard. I am advised by the military authorities that all these personnel have made a full recovery, and that their cases have been reported to the Irish Medicines Board. In addition, the Defence Forces psychiatrist reports a further cohort of seven personnel with less dramatic symptomatology, and these remain under review. Again there is no conclusive evidence that the use of Lariam was a factor in any of these cases.
The Defence Forces take all necessary precautions in assessing the suitability of personnel before prescribing Larium in accordance with the prescribing instructions and information provided by the Irish Medicines Board. Personnel are screened both before and after deployments and all necessary actions are taken to ensure that those with contraindications to Larium use are deemed unsuitable for overseas service and are not prescribed the medication.
It is my understanding that the US Forces stopped using the Lariam due to concerns about inadvertent prescribing of the drug to soldiers who should not take it. In this regard, I am advised that the US authorities undertook mass administration of mefloquine (the generic name for Lariam) for soldiers serving in areas subject to malaria. The Defence Forces do not mass prescribe but rather follow all the instructions issued by the IMB in order to fully screen out personnel who may potentially have an adverse reaction to the medication.
Finally, I am assured by the military authorities that that they are fully satisfied with the arrangements currently in place in relation to all aspects of the administration of Lariam as an anti-malaria drug to Defence Forces personnel. Consequently, I have no plans to set up a panel of medical experts to inspect all the soldiers who have served in Africa in the last ten years. Equally, I have no plans to meet any individuals in this regard.
29 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Defence the progress made regarding facilitating recruitment among minority cultures and ethnic groups into the Permanent Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38101/10]
The question of the recruitment of foreign-nationals to the Defence Forces is not a new one. Defence Force Regulations have always allowed for the recruitment of foreign-nationals to the Defence Forces. People from diverse backgrounds have already been employed in the Defence Forces, but this has mainly been in certain specialised areas. This has worked well — albeit on a limited scale.
Entry to the Permanent Defence Force is either through the Cadetship Competition, Apprenticeship Competition, General Service Enlistment or Direct Entry Competitions which are held to fill vacancies in specialist appointments. All applicants for each of these entry streams are required to meet qualifying criteria.
The Defence Forces make every effort to reach out to all groups in society in order to ensure that the selection pool from which potential candidates is drawn will be reflective of the wider society.
They have established links with cultural community groups based in Ireland, in order to brief them on the Defence Forces and its current entry requirements.
In order to ensure best practice in respect of recruitment and retention of personnel from diverse groups the Defence Forces is a participant on the Irish Management Institutes Cultural Diversity Bizlab Group.
Furthermore they have a defined officer appointment holder in the area of equality and cultural diversity who ensures that the Organisation is fully compliant with all aspects of equality and diversity requirements in the DF personnel policies and practices. In November 2007, the Defence Forces issued their Equality, Diversity and Equal Status Policies. This document includes the Defence Forces:
Anti Racism Equality Policy,
Discrimination and Promotion Policy,
Equality of Opportunity in Recruitment and Advertising of Jobs,
Equal Opportunities in the Interview Process,
Equality of Opportunity in Job Orientation and Job Induction,
Equality of Opportunity in Overseas Service, Career Promotion and Progression.
A Dignity Charter has also been put in place, which clearly identifies the requirement for Defence Force personnel to uphold the values of tolerance, dignity and understanding and to respect the right of each individual to dignity in their work environment.
There are generally more applicants for positions in the Defence Forces than places available. The Department and the Defence Forces are fully committed to ensuring that all suitably qualified candidates who wish to do so are given the opportunity to join the Defence Forces. The primary focus in recruitment is to attract people with the core competencies required by the Defence Forces.
30 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself with the national capability in regard to withstand cyber warfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38098/10]
Cyber security, cyber crime and internet security represent challenges that are constantly evolving and require vigilance and appropriate responses. Cyber security is multi facetted. The nature of the threat and the potential impact also varies considerably depending on the approach and objective of those with malicious intent. In the first instance, each State agency, business and individual should take every precaution with regard to their security. Awareness of security, the risks and available safeguards, can be seen as the first line of defence for the security of information systems and networks. I am aware of considerable activity in this regard. My colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has undertaken a number of awareness campaigns aimed at individuals, SMEs , the education sector, the public sector and business.
In addition, Minister Ryan has commissioned a report on the development of a national cyber security strategy. The report will deal with the current state of readiness should a cyber attack occur. It will also contain a review of current international best practice on cyber security and the structures that should be developed to oversee the Government's response to cyber attacks. This report will address the following issues from a national perspective:
Detection of cyber attacks
Reaction to cyber attacks from Government, Government agencies and operators of critical IT infrastructure
Development of structure to oversee planning and response to cyber attacks
Development of structures to keep the public aware of threats and appropriate responses.
I am informed by Minister Ryan that the report has been drafted and is currently being discussed at interdepartmental level.
31 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence the progress made with regard to the commitment given in the Renewed Programme for Government to develop the role and contribution of the Medical Corps and expand its capacity to deliver a range of medical facilities on UN mandated missions. [38113/10]
The PA Report assessed the current arrangements for the provision of medical services and proposed a model for future delivery of those services. The Consultants recommended a programme of major change. As recommended by PA, Working Groups have been set up to progress the various projects identified. These continue to meet regularly and all have submitted reports. The Line officer, in the rank of Colonel, to command the new Centralised Medical Unit for the Medical Corps took up duty on the 14 June 2010. He has responsibilities for implementation of the Model for Future Medical Service. PA did not identify structures, numbers and processes within the Centralised Command Structure in detail. Work on this is being undertaken by the Organisation and Establishment Working Group which will bring forward recommendations on an overall structure to include staff appointments for the Future Medical Service. Following consideration by the Steering Group of their initial report, the Working Group is now conducting some further analysis and this is expected to be finalised in early November 2010. Final reports from two of the Working Groups, the Training & Education and the Financial Arrangements & Outsourcing Working Groups have now been completed. The final report of the Future Medical Information System Working Group will be completed shortly, and it, along with the aforementioned final reports, will be considered by the Steering Group, whose decisions are expected by mid November. The Clinical Review Working Group is not due to submit its final report until 30 November 2010. However, monthly reports are being submitted in the interim and action on items is being taken as decisions are made.
Following completion of this phase of work by the Working Groups and the finalisation and approval of their reports by the Steering Group, the full implementation of the PA recommendations can then be progressed. The process for implementation also requires that consultation with the Representative Associations must take place regarding any change within the scope of representation. The development of the Medical Corps forms part of the agreed programme for Government. This includes the expansion of the capacity of the Medical Corps to deliver a range of medical facilities on UN mandated missions. I am committed to providing a sustainable medical service to meet the needs of the Defence Forces both at home and abroad. The structure and systems recommended by PA have been designed to meet the demands and needs of the modern Defence Forces at home and overseas.
34 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence his views on the sums of money being spent on consultants and legal fees by the Irish Red Cross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38091/10]
48 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence his views on the reported salary of €160,000 a year for the acting general secretary of the Irish Red Cross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38090/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 48 together.
The Irish Red Cross Society is an autonomous charitable body with full powers to manage and administer its own affairs through its governing body, the Central Council. I have no function in the day-to-day administration of the Irish Red Cross and, as such, I do not get involved in the day-to-day running of its affairs.
The engagement of consultants and the setting of salary levels in the Irish Red Cross are entirely a matter for the Society itself.
38 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the anticipated timeframe for the acquisition of two new naval vessels, as announced by him on 15 July 2010; the estimated cost of the vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38105/10]
Following a two-stage tender competition a contract has recently been awarded to the preferred bidder, Babcock Marine, for the provision of two new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Naval Service. The contract value is of the order of €100m. Preparations for the construction of these new vessels have commenced and the first new vessel is scheduled for delivery in early 2014. The second vessel will follow one year later. The acquisition of these modern new vessels, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment and repair, will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a satisfactory level.
39 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Defence if he has received representations from a person (details supplied), expressing concern that the name of Pádraig Pearse is no longer carried by any unit within the Defence Forces; the way he intends to preserve the name of Pádraig Pearse in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38095/10]
A letter was received in my office from the Secretary of the Pearse Battalion Association on 10 August, 2010. In the letter it was suggested that 62 Reserve Battalion be renamed 62 (Pearse) Reserve Battalion to uphold the memory of Pádraig Pearse. When the Reserve Defence Force was reorganised in October, 2005 it was decided to adopt a numerical unit designation only. This method of naming enables the new Reserve Defence Force unit to be associated with their affiliated Permanent Defence Force unit.
Enquires were made again with the Military authorities regarding this matter. The recommendation made was that the current numerical designation be retained. The rational for this retention is that the dominant aspect of unit designation for all Reserve units continues to be underpinned by Reserve Defence Force and Permanent Defence Force unit affiliation.
The Deputy may wish to note that one of the seven barracks in the Defence Forces Training Centre in the Curragh Camp is named Pearse Barracks and this provides a fitting memorial to the name of Pádraig Pearse.
41 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the number and percentage of non-nationals enlisted and serving in the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38103/10]
The question of the recruitment of non-Irish nationals to the Defence Forces is not a new one. Defence Force Regulations have always allowed for the recruitment of non-Irish nationals to the Defence Forces. I am advised by the Military authorities that the strength of the Reserve Defence Force as at 31 August 2010, the latest date for which figures are available, was 6,063 comprising 5,805 Army Reserve and 258 Naval Reserve personnel.
I am further advised by the Military authorities that it is not Defence Forces policy to categorise personnel by nationality or place of birth and as such the data requested by the Deputy is not compiled centrally at Defence Forces HQ level or at Brigade level.
42 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the level of support available to the Defence Forces to deal with severe weather emergencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37985/10]
55 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence, in view of last winter’s severe weather, his plans to review the resources and equipment available to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37986/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 55 together.
The Framework for Major Emergency Management sets out a structure enabling the Principal Response Agencies (An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and Local Authorities) to prepare for, and make a coordinated response to, major emergencies resulting from events such as severe weather. The Defence Forces are not a principal response agency as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management.
Requests for Aid to the Civil Authorities are met within the normal Defence Forces means and capabilities, and the Department of Defence does not purchase specialised equipment for the Defence Forces with the sole purpose of rendering Aid to the Civil Authorities. However, certain vehicles and equipment held by the Defence Forces to meet their current operational requirements can also be used to provide assistance to the civil authorities, as was done during the severe weather of late 2009/early 2010. Some of the equipment used by the Defence Forces included 4x4 Patrol vehicles, 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 trucks, pumps, helicopters and boats.
44 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by the Permanent Defence Forces Other Ranks Representative Association that the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces was being undermined because the authorities were ignoring many of the Ombudsman’s findings; his response to the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38109/10]
The Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces was established under the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004. On 19 September 2005, Ms Paulyn Marrinan Quinn SC was appointed by the President, upon the recommendation of the Government, as the first Ombudsman for the Defence Forces. Her term of office was extended for a further three years from 19 September 2008. The function of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces is to act as the ultimate point of appeal for, and administrative investigation into, complaints made by members (and former members) of the Defence Forces against another member (or former member) of the Defence Forces, or against a civil servant of the Department of Defence. The Ombudsman for the Defence Forces may investigate a complaint in respect of an action or decision, which may have adversely affected the complainant personally. The action or decision complained of must have occurred no earlier than 1 December 2005.
To date, the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces has submitted one hundred and twenty one (121) Final Reports and of these a ministerial determination has been made in 108 cases. Of the cases on which a ministerial determination has been made, the recommendations of the Ombudsman were fully accepted in 83 cases and partially accepted in a further 11 cases. There were 14 cases where the recommendations of the Ombudsman were not accepted. A further 13 final reports are under consideration and my determination in these cases will issue at the earliest opportunity, once I have considered all of the factors relevant to each case.
The Ombudsman's recommendations in these reports cover issues specific to the case in question including proposals for redress where the Ombudsman has found that a person has been wronged. The reports may also include systemic matters that the Ombudsman has identified in her investigation of the case. In arriving at my determination on each case I take careful account of all of the Ombudsman's findings and recommendations. I also take into account the specific and unique requirements of the Defence Forces. I refer recommendations of a systemic nature to the appropriate Branches of the Department and to the Defence Forces for consideration in their ongoing development of best practice human resource management.
The input of the Ombudsman has assisted the Defence Forces in the revision of a number of HR procedures including the selection processes for career courses and overseas service. The recommendations in the Ombudsman's reports to me have also informed the revision of selection processes for promotion, a new version of which is currently being progressed with the representative associations through the conciliation and arbitration scheme.
In accordance with the terms of the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004, the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces is independent in the performance of her duties. She is required to cause a report on the performance of her functions under the act to be laid annually before each House of the Oireachtas. In her 2009 Report the Ombudsman referred to a number of recommendations about systemic matters made by her in Final Reports which were accepted by the Minister for Defence and the military authorities. She stated that the changes flowing from these recommendations will not only address the grievance in the individual case but will also ensure that other members of the Defence Forces will not encounter bad practices, or good practices poorly applied in the future.
45 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on his address to the recent annual conference of Permanent Defence Forces Other Ranks Representative Organisation; his proposals to keep defence spending under review [38107/10]
On Tuesday, 5 October 2010, I addressed the Annual Delegate Conference of the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA). I sought to make my address relevant, positive and informative. I commenced by paying tribute to former Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Dermot Earley. He was a man who displayed exceptional leadership qualities, an extraordinary devotion to duty and unwavering commitment and professionalism over his many years of service in the Defence Force.
I addressed such diverse issues as the Defence Force's continuing commitment to overseas service, investment in infrastructure and equipment and career opportunities. I also addressed the current economic climate and I stated that we are charting our way through the most challenging of economic circumstances, both globally and at home.
The main focus of Government is on the economic challenges facing the country and our citizens. In managing the current major contraction of the Irish economy the Government is required to take stringent measures, which impact on every citizen of this State. These decisions are imperative and necessary if we are to chart our way successfully to a more sustainable future.
The present financial situation precludes the Government from providing the level of resources that were available to the Defence Forces in previous years and this is in line with the broader public service. It is necessary to keep under review all aspects of our Defence expenditure while still maintaining the core capability of the Defence Forces. Comprehensive reform of the Defence Forces and an extensive investment programme over the last decade has ensured that the organisation is in a healthy state to maintain outputs within a reduced budgetary provision.
I commended the delegates for their continuing delivery of high quality public service in the face of very necessary restrictions in terms of personnel and resources. I continue to work with officials from the Department of Defence, the military authorities and my colleague the Minister for Finance to ensure that Defence spending provides the best possible value for money.
The Deputy's interest in my speech is appreciated and it can be accessed from the Department of Defence website www.defence.ie.
50 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence when the all party consultative group on the centenary of the 1916 Rising last met; when he expects the next meeting to be held; the progress made by the group to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38112/10]
The All Party Oireachtas Consultation Group on the Centenary of the 1916 Rising last met on Wednesday, 2nd December, 2009, for discussions and site visits to Glasnevin Cemetery and the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks to view projects relating to the 2016 Commemoration of the 1916 Rising. I hope to convene a meeting of the All Party Oireachtas Consultation Group on the Centenary of the Rising in the coming weeks.
The work of the Group to date has been addressed towards the re-instatement of the annual military commemorations in Dublin at Easter, the review of current conservation and development projects and a consideration of outline arrangements for a commemorative framework to be implemented in the anniversary period.
I look forward to working with the Group in the coming months with a view towards a comprehensive commemorative programme to be implemented across the anniversary period, centered on official initiatives but also including academic, community, diaspora and commercial initiatives.
Since entering office, I have reviewed several projects and proposals in relation to commemorative initiatives of the relevant period.
The most significant current project at my Department is the Military Service Pensions Archive project. This Archive is the largest remaining source of unpublished material relating to the events of the Independence years. I am glad to report that significant progress has been made towards having these records available to the public and to historians in good time for the Centenary of the Rising in 2016. Significant progress is being also made with projects in other Departments.
The restoration of the yacht Asgard with which Erskine Childers imported arms for the Volunteers is at an advanced stage at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks.
Renewal works were undertaken at Arbour Hill including restoration and extension of the existing church car park, repair and restoration of all existing cemetery graves, repair of cemetery pathways and the planting of new trees.
An examination by the Office of Public Works of the suggested relocation of the Abbey Theatre to the GPO complex is nearing completion.
I am also aware of a number of private and commercial initiatives relating to the struggle for Independence.
With the support of TG4 and the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, an independent production of biographies of the seven signatories of the proclamation was prepared and features in current broadcast schedules.
The Moore Institute, under the guidance of the National University of Ireland, Galway are planning a series of symposia in 2010 to commemorate 1916, in conjunction with Queens University Belfast and Trinity College Dublin.
Complementing the continuing programme of refurbishment works at Glasnevin Cemetery, a joint initiative between the Glasnevin Trust and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is erecting headstones on the graves of former personnel of the British armed services who died from injuries received during the World Wars. Most of the 43 headstones to be installed this year relate to those who died in the conflict of 1914-18.
I have been impressed by the widespread interest reflected in the planning and activities in anticipation of the Centenary anniversaries. I am looking forward to meeting Deputies shortly with a view to development of a comprehensive commemorative framework for the period.
51 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the present strength of the Defence Forces, broken down by Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; the anticipated figure for twelve months from now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38096/10]
226 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence his plans to maintain and develop the strength of the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38402/10]
227 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence his plans to maintain and increase the strength of naval service over the next four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38403/10]
228 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence his priorities for the development of the Defence Forces over the next four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38404/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 51, 226, 227 and 228 together.
I am advised by the Military authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as at 30 September, 2010, the latest date for which figures are currently available, was 9,625 comprising 7,845 Army, 776 Air Corps and 1,004 Naval Service personnel. Within the context of consolidating the public finances, the Government is focused firmly on maintaining the operational efficiency of the Permanent Defence Force. Government approval was secured in the context of Budget 2010 for a level of 10,000 all ranks. This reflects the reductions in personnel recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes.
While agreement had been reached with the Department of Finance on the Employment Control Framework (ECF) for the Defence Forces the official confirmation and details of it were only received this week. The ECF is based on a figure of 10,000 all ranks Permanent Defence Force personnel, appropriately configured across the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps to enable them to meet the roles assigned by Government.
Targeted recruitment is being carried out in 2010 in order to maintain the operational capability of the Defence Forces. In this regard I have approved the recruitment of 40 recruits to the Naval Service. The recruitment process is nearing completion and it is intended that the successful candidates will be inducted into the Naval Service in December 2010.
In addition, the Military authorities are currently in the process of recruiting to the Army. A platoon will be enlisted to the Eastern Brigade and to the Southern Brigade by the end of the year. The recruitment process to enlist a platoon to the Western Brigade and to the Defence Forces Training Centre, The Curragh, is scheduled to follow on early in 2011.
I also secured Government approval for a Cadetship Competition in 2010. This recruitment process is also nearing completion. A total of 30 Cadets will be enlisted to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps on 1 December 2010.
While it is not possible to anticipate strength figures for 2011 and beyond, I can confirm that with the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, I intend to retain the capacity of the organisation to operate effectively across all roles while contributing to the necessary public service economies.
I am advised that, at this time, the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.
54 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the nature of the investigation being carried out regarding serving members of the Defence Forces (details supplied); if the investigation is of a criminal nature; when and the reason the investigation commenced; if it has concluded , if not, when it is likely to conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38114/10]
215 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on allegations that Irish Army officers were selling weapons on the black market to the Seychelles [38311/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 215 together.
I am advised by the Military authorities that a Military Police investigation into the matters referred to commenced following receipt of information from Mr Joe Higgins, M.E.P. on 24 March last. I expect to receive a full report on this investigation shortly.
In order to afford due process and fair procedures to any persons who may be the subject of this investigation, and to ensure that the outcome of the investigation or any follow up action that may arise as a result of it are not prejudiced in any way, it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further at this point.
57 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Defence the recruitment that has taken place within the Defence Forces during 2010 and the further recruitment that will take place in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38097/10]
Within the context of consolidating the public finances, the Government is focused firmly on maintaining the operational efficiency of the Permanent Defence Force. Government approval was secured in the context of Budget 2010 for a level of 10,000 all ranks. This reflects the reductions in personnel recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. Targeted recruitment is being carried out in 2010 in order to maintain the operational capability of the Defence Forces. To this end I approved the recruitment of 40 recruits to the Naval Service, limited recruitment to the Army and the intake of 30 Cadets from the Cadetship Competition 2010.
The planned date for the 30 successful cadet candidates to commence their cadet training is 1 December 2010. In addition the Naval Service recruitment process is nearing completion and it is intended that the successful candidates will be enlisted in December 2010. The competition for recruitment to the Army was advertised on 26th August 2010 with the closing date for receipt of applications being 20th September 2010. The selection process for enlistment to both the Eastern and Southern Brigades has commenced. The enlistment selection process to the Western Brigade and the Defence Forces Training Centre is scheduled to follow on when this enlistment has taken place.
I intend, with the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, to retain the capacity of the organisation to operate effectively across all roles while contributing to the necessary public service economies.
60 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of tenders that have been awarded under the labour market activation fund in 2010; the amount of the €20 million committed to the fund that has been drawn down; the number of the targeted 3,500 persons that have been assisted by the fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38432/10]
Following an open tender competition in which 370 tenders were received, I announced in June details of the first call of the Labour Market Activation Fund to support 26 different organisations across the private, not-for-profit and public sectors. On 5th August, I announced the allocation of an additional €12 million to the Fund, raising it to €32 million in all. This has enabled my Department to offer funding to 33 additional projects from a range of private and public training and education providers. This will bring to almost 60 the number of projects throughout the country being supported by the Labour Market Activation Fund. To-date approximately €8.4m has been drawn down by successful tenderers.
The target of 3,500 participants relates to the first tranche of funding provided to successful tenderers. While virtually all of these projects are now up and running, reports on progress including participant numbers are not yet available. I do however, anticipate that this target will be attained. A number of programmes from the second tranche of funding are still in the process of recruiting participants. Until all programmes are up and running it is extremely difficult to assess accurately the exact number of participants that have benefited from the fund.
61 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills to provide details of the arrangements for the payment of the per pupil capitation funding to primary schools, including the timing of the payment and if it is based on the pupil numbers for the previous school year. [38218/10]
Capitation grants to primary schools are paid in two instalments. The first instalment is based on 70% of the grant due from enrolment figures for the previous school year (30 September 2009) and this payment will be made in January 2011. The second instalment is the balance due to the schools based on enrolment in the current school year (30 September 2010) and will be made in June 2011.
62 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will respond to correspondence from an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38228/10]
As the Deputy will be aware I announced in July this year the setting up of a new framework in relation to the establishment of new second-level schools and their patronage. This will involve an expert Group to be known as the Second-Level Patronage Advisory Group that will consider applications for new schools and advise me in relation to those applications. The Group will undertake survey work of parental views and use the criteria to be set down.
In relation to the new second level school to be established in Gorey, Co. Wexford, I have advanced a process where it is anticipated that a decision on patronage will be made by the end of October or early November 2010.
There have been two expressions of interest from prospective patron bodies who want to manage the new school, namely County Wexford VEC and Educate Together. The process currently underway involves a survey of the views of parents of primary and pre-primary children in the Gorey area and an assessment of the applications from the prospective patrons against the criteria set out for the establishment of new post-primary schools. I will consider the outcome of the survey, while having regard to the general criteria set out as part of my recent announcement on the new framework, in making my decision on the patronage of the new school.
63 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the funding available for training for persons on jobseekers allowance; if funding is available for courses that are not accredited under the national qualifications framework; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38242/10]
FÁS provides a range of training initiatives for the unemployed including those in receipt of jobseekers allowance. The budget for 2010 for these programmes is €296 million.
In addition to this the Labour Market Activation Fund, launched earlier this year and administered by my Department, provides training and education programmes delivered by a range of providers for those who are unemployed and wish to improve their education and skills and move closer to the labour market. The 2010 Budget for this fund amounts to €31.7 million.
Finally, the 2010 Training Networks Programme (TNP) administered by Skillnets Limited, the body charged with the promotion and facilitation of enterprise-led training of persons in employment, has been expanded to include an element of training of unemployed persons. In September of this year, Skillnets Limited issued a call for proposals for a pilot programme of training networks to be comprised solely of unemployed persons. A budget of up to €2.5m has been provided within the TNP allocation for the training of unemployed persons.
In regard to the qualifications awarded, funding is made available for programmes that are accredited up to and including FETAC level 6 or its equivalent within the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The majority of courses provided are accredited, however where the need arises funding is made available for courses that are not accredited.
64 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills her plans to place a cap on student registration fees; if budget 2011 will observe the existing grant and income thresholds for the purposes of higher or third level education supports; her plans to change the terms of the student assistance fund in budget 2011; her plans to develop a national graduate internship programme in order to retain Irish graduates in this country; her plans to retain graduates in this country in view of the ongoing difficulties that graduates face when trying to get work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38251/10]
The Deputy will appreciate that the preparation of the Estimates is carried out on a strictly confidential basis and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on specific issues or proposals including the student registration fees, the maintenance grant, the income thresholds or the student assistant fund at this stage. However, all proposals made in relation to education expenditure will be considered in the context of the Budget.
With regard to the other issues raised by the Deputy, as a measure to support unemployed graduates and in order to keep them close to the labour market, the Government introduced the Work Placement Programme (WPP) in 2009.
The WPP is operated by the Department of Education and Skills, through FÁS and provides up to 9 months work experience to unemployed individuals. The WPP is open to all sectors of the economy, including the private and public sectors, as well as the community and voluntary sectors. Participants on the programme may retain their existing social welfare entitlements for the duration of their placements subject to the rules of the Department of Social Protection.
At the start of October 2010, some 2,022 individuals had commenced their placements under the WPP. Of these, 996 individuals have commenced on the graduate stream.
FAS recently attended the Graduate Fair in the RDS and the WPP received significant interest from graduates and was viewed as an opportunity to gain valuable work experience that would be beneficial to them and to their employment prospects.
The Government through the Cabinet Committee on Economic Renewal are currently considering proposals to assist the unemployed, including graduates in advance of Budget 2011.
65 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 148 and 149 of 12 October 2010, to provide details on the designated catchment area by electoral division for each office of the FÁS employment service and each office of the local employment service. [38263/10]
FÁS have requested more time in order to provide the details requested by the Deputy as it is necessary for the agency to contact each of the relevant Local Employment Service (LES) Manager to establish their relevant boundaries. I will provide this information to the Deputy in writing as soon as possible when it becomes available. In the interim the Deputy will wish to note that clients can and do register at any FÁS or LES Office, and are not restricted from doing so based on any geographic criteria (location/address or electoral division).
66 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the provision of a new permanent school building (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38290/10]
My Department is currently in negotiations regarding the acquisition of a suitable site for the school in question. The progression of a project for the school from site acquisition and initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of a project for the school at this time.
67 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the progress that has been made on the provision of a new secondary school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38291/10]
The Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of analysing all areas in the country in order to determine the level of additional provision which will be required at both primary and post primary level up to 2017. Overall post-primary requirements in the area referred to by the Deputy, including the case for the provision of a new Irish language post-primary school, will be considered in this context.
In addition to this I have recently announced the setting up of a new framework in relation to the establishment of new second-level schools and their patronage. This will involve an expert Group to be known as the Second-Level Patronage Advisory Group that will consider applications for new schools and advise me in relation to those applications, having undertaken survey work of parental views and using the criteria to be set down.
The progression of all large scale building projects arising from Forward Planning Section's analysis will be considered in the context of my Department's School Building and Modernisation Programme.
68 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an appeal in respect of reduced special needs assistant hours for a child (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the criteria used to make the decision to reduce the hours; when the appeal will be dealt with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38294/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.
The NCSE is committed to exercising its role in relation to the allocation of teaching hours and Special Needs Assistants to schools to support the education of children with special educational needs in a way that is fair, consistent and transparent. The NCSE has introduced an appeals procedure which can now be viewed in full on its website —www.ncse.ie.
I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
69 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will give details of the number of teachers who have received in-service teaching training in Meath in primary and post primary schools in the past five years; how often teachers receive this training on an annual basis; the schools built in Meath east in the past ten years; the annual breakdown of the figures; the schools that have had extensions in Meath in the past ten years; the annual breakdown of the figures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38310/10]
National in-service programmes are made freely available to all teachers nationwide and all teachers can also avail of elective courses delivered through the local education centre. Teachers are also able to attend courses in other locations in the national network of education centres.
In relation to national in-service programmes, seminars and workshops are generally offered to all teachers in the relevant sector or who are involved in teaching the subject/programme in question. Such seminars are often related to curricular change but they can also be associated with other system priorities, some recent examples of which include child protection guidelines and English as an additional language.
There is no set number of annual training days. The amount of training offered to teachers in any given year will depend on the programmes of professional development that are in place at that time, and the target cohort of teachers. For example, when current Primary School Curriculum was introduced some 10 years ago, all primary teachers were offered 6/7 days of in-service training per year as the curriculum was implemented. In the current school term at post-primary level, for example, teachers are being invited to professional development workshops with the Project Maths Development Team and the Second Level Support Service for Irish.
The number of days training a teacher receives on an annual basis depends on an individual teacher availing of the professional development opportunities that are relevant to his/her post or area of expertise.
Apart from the national roll-out of programmes associated with curricular change as outlined above, support services also aim to enable schools to become more self-sufficient in their own improvement and development, by responding to schools' and teachers' self-identified development needs. This may involve support advisors visiting a school, or small cluster of schools, and facilitating development sessions on a whole-school or smaller group basis. The quantity of such support availed of by a particular school will depend on whether the school has requested support, the nature of the support and on the capacity of the support service to respond to the need in question.
In County Meath, Navan Education Centre — one of 21 such full-time Centres throughout the country — provides support for teachers, schools, principals, Boards of Management and allied school personnel in counties Meath and Louth. The region has over 210 schools, both primary and post primary. Navan also gives professional ICT support to the schools and teachers of Co Cavan. In total the centre supports in the region of 4,000 teachers and allied school personnel. The Centre is the main venue for the majority of national in-service seminars for teachers from Meath, and it also provides a wide range of elective events for teachers, parents and boards of management in the Meath area. The Centre devises its own programme of elective courses, which is informed by the policies and priorities of the Department of Education and Skills, as well ongoing communication with schools in its catchment area.
The following table outlines the number of local professional development events that have been organised by Navan Education Centre from 2004 to 2009. Participants in these events include primary and post primary teachers and other school personnel. In relation to school building, a further table set out below outlines details of major capital works on new school buildings, extensions and refurbishments completed since 2002, as well as the capital projects currently underway or at tendering stage, in County Meath. The Department does not collate this data on a constituency basis.
|
County |
School |
Date of Completion |
|
Meath |
St. Mary’s Convent NS |
2002 |
|
Meath |
Yellow Furze |
2004 |
|
Meath |
Flowerfield N.S. Trim Road, Navan |
2005 |
|
Meath |
SN Colmcille, Scirn, Tara |
2005 |
|
Meath |
Kilbride N.S., Clonee |
2006 |
|
Meath |
SN Seachnaill Naofa, Dunshaughlin |
2006 |
|
Meath |
St Marys Convent NS Trim |
2010 |
|
Meath |
SN Mhuire Naofa, Rathfeigh |
2010 |
|
County |
School |
Date of Completion |
|
Meath |
Gaelscoil Eanna, Navan |
2002 |
|
Meath |
Ratoath Mixed NS |
2005 |
|
Meath |
SN Naomh Padraig, Stamullen |
2008 |
|
Meath |
Scoil Naise na Dearmhai, Longwood |
2009 |
|
Meath |
S N Columbain, Ballivor |
2009 |
|
Meath |
Scoil Oilibheir Naofa, Laytown |
2010 |
|
County |
School |
Date of Completion |
|
Meath |
St. Joseph’s Sec Sch Navan |
2002 |
|
Meath |
Navan Education Centre |
2002 |
|
Meath |
St Peter’s, Dunboyne |
2005 |
|
Meath |
Dunshaughlin CC |
2005 |
|
Meath |
Loreto Secondary School, Navan |
2007 |
|
Meath |
St Peters College, Dunboyne |
2009 |
|
County |
School |
Date of Completion |
|
Meath |
Ratoath Community College, Ratoath |
2007 |
|
County |
School |
Project Brief |
|
Meath |
Ratoath Jnr NS, Ratoath |
Extension/Refurb |
|
Meath |
Ratoath Snr NS, Ratoath |
Extension/Refurb |
|
Meath |
Scoil Eoin National School, Navan |
New School |
|
Meath |
Scoil Naomh Barra, Wilkinstown |
Extension/Refurb |
|
County |
School |
Project Brief |
|
Meath |
SN Mhuire, Ma Nealta, Ceannanus Mór |
New School |
|
Meath |
St. Paul’s NS, Ratoath |
New School |
|
Meath |
Drogheda Grammar School |
Extension/Refurb |
|
Meath |
Colaiste Na hInse, Laytown |
New School |
|
Year |
Participant Numbers |
Course Hours |
Participant Hours |
|
2005 |
1,640 |
500 |
11,141 |
|
2006 |
2,124 |
518 |
12,390 |
|
2007 |
1,483 |
545 |
14,035 |
|
2008 |
1,828 |
750 |
17,575 |
|
2009 |
1,195 |
503 |
14,767 |
70 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of public servants who have left under the incentivised early retirement scheme with details of grades; the number of public servants who left for other reasons with details of grades; the number of new staff recruited with details of grades; the number of promotions with details of grades; and the net savings arising from the staff leaving over and above those recruited and promoted; and to provide a breakdown of each of these figures for years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010 [38323/10]
Information requested by the Deputy in respect of the number of staff from my Department who have left under the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement (ISER), those who left for other reasons, new recruits and number of promotions is in Table 1. I have not included staff who left the Department as a result of decentralisation through the Central Applications Facility (CAF) or under the Dublin Arrangements as these were, for the most part, replaced.
It is not possible to accurately calculate net savings arising from staff leaving over and above those recruited and promoted as there are many other factors which affect the payroll outturn including the timing of departures and replacement, timing of recruitment and/or promotions, staff being replaced by others on different starting salary points, staff returning/going on career breaks, changes to work sharing arrangements etc. In addition, when staff of this Department leave under the levy to the Department of Social Protection, their salary transfers with them. There was also a salary adjustment made to my Department's administrative budget when 31 staff transferred to this Department as a result of certain responsibilities transferring here from Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, including responsibility for Skills and Training policy and for FÁS. The corresponding staff/sections transferred to this Department with effect from 1st May, 2010. I have however included the salary outturn for this Department for 2008, 2009 and the estimated outturn for 2010 in Table 2.
In terms of the wider Education sector, details in relation to staff who availed of the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement (ISER) from Third Level institutions and from the Vocational Education Committees (VEC) is in Table 3.
Third Level institutions report on their overall staffing numbers to my Department on a quarterly basis in the context of my Department's overall control of public sector numbers. Aggregate figures that are provided by the institutions show that, since the introduction of the Employment Control Framework (ECF), the total number of whole time equivalent staff employed in the sector has decreased from 21,149 at 31 December, 2008 to 19,819 at 30 June, 2010: a reduction of 1,330 or 6.29% in whole-time equivalents. Matters in relation to staff departures, recruitment and promotions are a matter for each institution. Each institution is subject to the ECF which has been developed to provide for the application of the moratorium arrangements on recruitment and promotion to higher education institutions.
VEC's report on their overall staffing numbers to my Department in the context of control of public sector numbers, however matters in relation to staff departures, recruitment and promotions are a matter for each VEC subject to the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the Public Service.
The Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement (ISER) for public servants over 50 years of age, did not apply to certain school staff including teachers and special needs assistants. Primary and post-primary teachers are not subject to the moratorium on recruitment which applies to most other parts of the public service and so retiring teachers are, in most cases, replaced. The ISER was aimed at civil and public servants who retired before the age of 60 and whose superannuation options were limited to receiving their entitlements at preserved pension age or, for people aged over 50, immediate payment of pension benefits subject to an actuarial reduction. Under the 55/35 year rule a teacher, other than a new entrant appointed after 1 April 2004, who has reached the age of 55 years and has at least 35 years of actual pensionable service, may retire voluntarily. There is no actuarial reduction in benefits and credit for certain pre-service training is given in order to assist teachers to reach the 35-year threshold for retirement. The other information requested by the Deputy, in respect of teachers, is not readily available and would take an inordinate amount of time to compile.
Information in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department is currently being compiled by my Department and I will forward it to you in due course.
|
2010 |
Left ISER |
Other Reasons* |
Promoted to |
New Staff |
|
Secretary General |
||||
|
Assistant Secretary General |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Director |
||||
|
Principal Officer |
2 |
|||
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
3 |
|||
|
Higher Executive Officer |
4 |
1 |
||
|
Executive Officer |
6 |
|||
|
Staff Officer |
2 |
1 |
||
|
Clerical |
6 |
2 |
||
|
Psychologist |
2 |
7 |
||
|
Divisional Inspector |
1 |
|||
|
Senior Psychologist |
2 |
|||
|
District Inspector |
1 |
|||
|
Cleaner |
1 |
|||
|
Services Officer |
1 |
|||
|
Chief Inspector |
1 |
|||
|
Deputy Chief Inspector |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Director of NEPS |
1 |
|||
|
Total |
13 |
23 |
4 |
9 |
|
Subhead |
A.1.2 Dept. Admin Salaries (incl. Inspectorate Costs) |
B.21.1 NEPS Pay NEPS |
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
2008 Outturn |
64,025,160.85 |
14,643,049.81 |
|
2009 Outturn |
64,399,703.14 |
16,118,346.24 |
|
2010 REV ALLOC |
61,792,000.00 |
18,024,000.00 |
|
Department/Office |
Grade |
Work Pattern |
Year of Retirement |
|
U.L. |
Executive Administrator |
50% |
2009 |
|
UCC |
Associate Professor |
100% |
2010 |
|
UCC |
Admin III |
100% |
2009 |
|
UCC |
Senior Technician |
100% |
2009 |
|
Mary Immaculate College |
Cleaning Supervisor |
100% |
2009 |
|
Institute of Technology Tralee |
Administration |
100% |
2009 |
|
Institute of Technology Tralee |
Lecturer |
100% |
2009 |
|
Royal Irish Academy |
College Lecturer |
100% |
2009 |
|
Limerick Institute of Technology |
Lecturer grade |
100% |
2009 |
|
NCAD Fashion and Textiles |
EPL (Lecturer) |
50% |
2009 |
|
Dublin Institute of Technology |
Assistant Principal Officer |
100% |
2009 |
|
Dublin Institute of Technology |
Night Watchman |
100% |
2009 |
|
Dublin Institute of Technology |
Lecturer II |
100% |
2009 |
|
Dublin Institute of Technology |
Lecturer |
100% |
2010 |
|
Dublin Institute of Technology |
Lecturer |
100% |
2010 |
|
Dublin Institute of Technology |
Lecturer I |
100% |
2009 |
|
Dublin Institute of Technology |
Lecturer |
100% |
2009 |
|
Waterford Institute of Technology |
Lecturer |
100% |
2009 |
|
Cork Institute of Technology |
Lecturer |
100% |
2009 |
|
Cork Institute of Technology |
Lecturer 2 (Structured) |
100% |
2009 |
|
Cork Institute of Technology |
Lecturer |
100% |
2009 |
|
Cork Institute of Technology |
Lecturer |
100% |
2009 |
|
Cork Institute of Technology |
Lecturer |
100% |
2009 |
|
Cork Institute of Technology |
Lecturer |
100% |
2009 |
|
Cork Institute of Technology |
Lecturer |
100% |
2009 |
|
Cork Institute of Technology |
Technical Officer |
100% |
2009 |
|
Mayo VEC |
VI |
100% |
2009 |
|
Mayo VEC |
V |
100% |
2010 |
|
Co. Louth VEC |
Education Officer |
100% |
2009 |
|
City of Dublin VEC |
VI (Senior Staff Officer) |
100% |
2009 |
|
City of Dublin VEC |
IV (Assistant Staff Officer) |
100% |
2009 |
|
Co. Wicklow VEC |
IV (Assistant Staff Officer) |
100% |
2010 |
|
Co. Wicklow VEC |
VI |
80% |
2010 |
|
Sligo Institute of Technology |
lecturer |
100% |
2010 |
|
University College Dublin |
Senior Technical Officer |
100% |
2010 |
|
University College Dublin |
Senior Technical Officer |
100% |
2009 |
|
University College Dublin |
Senior Technical Officer |
50% |
2009 |
|
University College Dublin |
Senior Technical Officer |
100% |
2010 |
|
University College Dublin |
Associate Professor |
100% |
2009 |
|
University College Dublin |
Chief Technical Officer |
100% |
2009 |
|
University College Dublin |
Senior Technician |
100% |
2009 |
|
University College Dublin |
College Lecturer |
100% |
2010 |
|
University College Dublin |
Deputy Fees and Grants Manager |
100% |
2009 |
|
University College Dublin |
Senior Executive Assistant |
100% |
2009 |
|
University College Dublin |
Technical Officer |
100% |
2010 |
|
University College Dublin |
Senior Administrative IV |
100% |
2010 |
|
University College Dublin |
Associate Professor |
100% |
2009 |
|
University College Dublin |
Maintenance Superintendent |
100% |
2009 |
|
University College Dublin |
Senior Library Assistant |
100% |
2010 |
|
University College Dublin |
College Lecturer |
100% |
2010 |
|
DKIT Electronics |
Lecturer |
100% |
2009 |
|
TCD |
Senior Technical Officer |
100% |
2009 |
|
TCD |
Senior Technical Officer |
100% |
2009 |
|
TCD |
Senior Administrative Officer 3 |
100% |
2009 |
|
TCD |
Higher Library Assistant Executive 1 |
100% |
2009 |
|
TCD |
Senior Technical Officer |
61.30% |
2009 |
|
TCD |
Higher Library Assistant Executive 2 |
100% |
2009 |
|
TCD |
Craftsperson |
100% |
2009 |
|
TCD |
Senior Administrative Officer 3 |
50% |
2010 |
|
TCD |
Administrative Officer 1 |
100% |
2010 |
|
TCD |
Administrative Officer 1 |
100% |
2009 |
|
TCD |
Senior Lecturer |
100% |
2010 |
|
TCD |
Senior Technical Officer |
100% |
2010 |
|
TCD |
Attendant |
100% |
2009 |
|
TCD |
Buildings Office Supervisor Exec 2 |
100% |
2009 |
|
TCD |
Administrative Officer 1 |
100% |
2010 |
|
TCD |
Administrative Officer 2 |
100% |
2009 |
|
TCD |
Senior Administrative Officer 2 |
100% |
2009 |
|
TCD |
Administrative Officer 1 |
50% |
2010 |
|
TCD |
Administrative Officer 2 |
72.46% |
2010 |
|
TCD |
Senior Technical Officer |
100% |
2009 |
|
TCD |
Professor |
100% |
2010 |
|
TCD |
Housekeeping Asst |
25.64% |
2009 |
|
Institute of Technology Carlow |
Lecturer |
100% |
2009 |
|
GMIT |
Lecturer II |
100% |
2010 |
|
Dun Laoghaire VEC |
VII |
100% |
2010 |
|
Co. Wexford V.E.C. |
VI |
100% |
2009 |
71 Deputy Seán Power asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if transportation will be provided at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38338/10]
Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport schemes on behalf of my Department, has been requested to provide transport for the eligible pupils referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied.
72 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills his plans to move to a centralised grant system; the amount of money this would save the universities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38340/10]
The Deputy will be aware that, in line with the Transforming Public Services agenda, it is intended that the student grants administration process will be streamlined to create one consolidated student grant scheme to be administered by a single grant awarding authority. The main objective of this reform of the administrative arrangements is to bring about greater simplicity and efficiency to the system. The new administrative arrangements will be fully customer focused to ensure the efficient and timely delivery of grants to those students who demonstrate an entitlement.
The Student Support Bill, due to progress to Committee Stage shortly, will provide an enabling legislative framework for the provision of all student grants, facilitating the creation of the single consolidated grants scheme and underpinning the reform and streamlining of administration procedures for the management of the grant awarding process.
This reform programme has the potential to deliver a significant service enhancement benefit to student grant applicants through streamlined processes, greater consistency in dealing with applications, faster processing due to economies of scale and full implementation of the on-line applications system introduced in September 2010.
It is anticipated that it will also deliver substantial administrative cost savings beyond the initial transitional phase in both the assessment/award function at grant awarding authority level and in administrative inputs at college level. The extent of savings in each area will depend on the implementation mechanisms to be agreed following selection of the single grant awarding authority.
73 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills when the High Court decision relating to payments of higher education grants to students attending private colleges will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38343/10]
The statutory framework for the Higher Education Grants Scheme, as set out in the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts 1969 to 1992, provides for means-tested higher education grants to assist students to attend full-time third level education in approved institutions. The institutions approved under the scheme are, generally speaking, publicly-funded third level colleges offering full-time courses at undergraduate and post-graduate level. Each year, the Higher Education Grants Scheme specifies a list of institutions approved for the purposes of the scheme.
My Department provides very significant funding to publicly-funded third level institutions in the State. This funding is used to provide a very broad range of courses to meet both economic and societal needs. Private commercial colleges, in general, operate on a "for profit" basis and the State has no say in directing their operations.
I have no plans to extend the scope of the student grant schemes to private colleges operated on a "for profit" basis at this time and I am not aware of any relevant High Court ruling in this regard.
74 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if a grant for an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Carlow will be increased in view of the cost of the project. [38412/10]
The school referred to by the Deputy was allocated a grant in June 2009 to replace temporary accommodation. The school management authorities were advised that they could utilise this grant to purchase replacement temporary accommodation or to build a permanent structure. I understand that the school authorities have decided to provide a permanent structure.
Additional funding has recently been approved for the school in question to provide ancillary accommodation and universal access toilet.
75 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the steps she is taking to ensure that all course participants who undertook courses with an organisation (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be able to complete their courses and obtain certification now that the company has closed; if he will investigate the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38415/10]
FETAC-registered providers, delivering programmes of 3 months duration or more on a commercial and profit making basis, are required to have policy and procedures for the Protection for Learners, aimed at ensuring that there are adequate arrangements in place in the event of a provider ceasing operations. Such arrangements can include having an agreement in place with at least 2 other providers, to enable learners to transfer to continue their programmes should the provider cease operation.
FETAC is examining the protection for learners arrangements in place for the organisation referred to by the Deputy and will facilitate the transfer of learners as soon as learner enrolment information becomes available. FETAC is also in the process of identifying a range of providers to assist in assessing and certifying learners' work that has already been completed.
FETAC also intends to establish the number of learners enrolled on short programmes (i.e. programmes less than three months in duration) with a view to putting in place arrangements to enable those learners to complete their programmes wherever possible.
76 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if an application for a higher education grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, which was refused by Kilkenny County Council and is now under appeal will be expedited in view of the changed financial circumstances of the household. [38416/10]
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant grant awarding authority i.e. the applicant's local authority or VEC.
Where a grant application is refused, the reason for the refusal is given by the grant awarding authority. An applicant may appeal the decision to the relevant local authority or VEC.
Where the grant awarding authority decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department by submitting an appeal form outlining clearly the grounds for the appeal.
No appeal has been received by my Department to date from the candidate referred to by the Deputy.
77 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the schooling options available to a person (details supplied) in County Louth; if she will list the options in and out of the catchment area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38422/10]
The selection and enrolment of pupils in schools is the responsibility of the authorities of the individual school. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in an area. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. As schools may not have a place for every applicant, a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.
Under section 15(2)(d) of the Education Act 1998, each school is legally obliged to disclose its enrolment policy and to ensure that as regards that policy that principles of equality and the right of parents to send their children to a school of the parents choice are respected.
Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 provides for an appeal by a parent or guardian to the Secretary General of my Department, or in the case of a Vocational Educational Committee (VEC) school to the VEC in the first instance, where a Board of Management of a school, or a person acting on behalf of the Board, refuses to enrol a student in a school. My Department has no authority to compel a school to admit a pupil, except in the case of an appeal under Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 being upheld. The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB will be able to offer assistance and advice on securing a school placement within the pupil's area. I understand the NEWB have been in contact with the parents of the student in question on the matter.
The Deputy will be aware that the home tuition scheme provides funding to parents to provide education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for children awaiting a suitable educational placement and also to provide early educational intervention for pre-school children with autism.
I can confirm that home tuition has been sanctioned to the pupil in question with effect from 23rd September 2010 up to 23rd December 2010 on the basis that the pupil does not have a school placement.
78 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of school prefab rental contracts awarded to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38433/10]
My Department has approved rental contracts for the provision of 62 prefab units in 33 schools to date in 2010. In line with Department policy, all new rentals approved are for a period of between 6 months and 3 years. It should be noted that prefabs units may consist of one or more classrooms and/or ancillary accommodation.
79 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the processing times for each category of student grants by each awarding authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38439/10]
The average waiting time for the processing of grant applications varies between the 66 awarding bodies depending on a number of variables including the volume of applications received, staffing resources and whether or not properly completed application forms have been received. The process of assessing applications for the current academic year is on-going in the grant awarding authorities with a view to completing it as soon as possible.
80 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the income tax payments in respect of a person (details supplied) from the years 2002 to 2006, inclusive, with a view to completing its reconciliation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38296/10]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer in question is a chargeable person and accordingly is obliged to submit a Return of Income each year under the self-assessment system. The Returns of Income for 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 were only submitted to Revenue in November 2009, which is past the dates on which these Returns should have been made. As a result of the late submission of these returns, statutory surcharges were applied in accordance with the relevant legislation, which is contained in Section 1084, Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. No refunds are due for the years 2003, 2004 and 2005. This taxpayer did make an overpayment of tax for 2002. However, no refund can be made for 2002 because a statutory based 4-year time limit applies to all such repayment claims.
This taxpayer submitted his Return of Income for 2006 to Revenue in March 2010. This 2006 return should have been made on the 31st October 2007, and again, since this return was made late a surcharge was applied in accordance with the relevant legislation
The information supplied on the Returns of Income formed the basis for the Notices of Assessment issued to him by Revenue.
81 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance when he intends to introduce legislation to deal with the issue of subordinated debt in Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society. [38308/10]
As the Deputy will recall in my 30th September statement on Banking I addressed the issue of burden sharing by holders of subordinated debt in Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society.
I indicated that my Department in conjunction with the Attorney General is working on the reorganisation and resolution legislation to address the issue of burden-sharing with Anglo and INBS subordinated bondholders. The legislation will be consistent with the requirements for the measures to be recognised as a re-organisation under the relevant EU Directive in other EU Member States.
The process to provide the necessary legislation is being actively pursued.
For the information of the Deputy Anglo Irish Bank have taken steps to pursue a voluntary burden sharing arrangement with its subordinated bondholders. The bank has announced a liability management exercise to exchange and redeem subordinated bonds at a sharp discount. This exercise is a necessary step for Anglo in light of their EU-required restructuring and ensures that Anglo's subordinated bondholders have an immediate share in Anglo's losses. This is entirely consistent with the Government's intention that subordinated bondholders shall make a significant contribution to the costs of Anglo Irish.
82 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the equal standing, in Irish and EU law between senior debt and deposits in Irish financial institutions. [38309/10]
As the Deputy is aware I indicated in my statement of 30th September 2010 that the position is that senior debt obligations of financial institutions rank equally with deposits and other creditors under Irish law. I indicated that I have no plans to change this position. I confirmed this position in a statement on 7th October 2010 a week later. In the absence of a subordination agreement, where a financial institution is being wound up the principle that applies is pari passu, meaning all unsecured creditors have equal ranking to be repaid by the financial institution. So, where there is a shortfall in assets all unsecured creditors are entitled to an equal dividend of X cent in the euro. This is subject to the contractual terms of the senior debt, not providing otherwise i.e. subordinating their liability to depositors. The principle of creditor equality is also enshrined in the Credit Institutions Winding Up Directive 2001/17/EC.
In the context of a company that is continuing in business as a going concern the principle of pari passu does not apply although the effect is similar. Where a company has debts, it is liable to pay those debts and each debtor has an equal right to be repaid whether that person's debt arises on foot of a bond or a deposit. In either case the terms of the repayment will obviously be determined by the instrument creating or evidencing the debt — repayable on demand or at a certain future time. I would add that the principle of equal entitlement to be repaid their debts as among unsecured creditors is subject to the absence of one of them being obliged by contract to be postponed in favour of another.
It must also be remembered that depositors who suffer a loss in the event of a financial institution being wound up insolvent are entitled to compensation up to a certain amount under the Deposit Guarantee Scheme and/or the Eligible Liability Scheme.
83 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the number of public servants who have left under the incentivised early retirement scheme with details of grades; the number of public servants who left for other reasons with details of grades; the number of new staff recruited with details of grades; the number of promotions with details of grades; the net savings arising from the staff leaving over and above those recruited and promoted and to provide a breakdown of each of these figures for years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010. [38326/10]
Under the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement (ISER) announced in the Budget Statement of 7 April 2009, the following is the position:
760 public servants availed of the ISER in 2009 and 220 to date in 2010 (details will be provided separately to the Deputy).
The total number of public servants (including those who availed of the ISER) who retired in 2008 was 823 with 2,163 retiring in 2009 and 802 retired to end September 2010 (details will be provided separately to the Deputy).
The number of staff recruited for 2008 was 2989 with 911 staff being recruited in 2009 and 596 in 2010 (details will be provided separately to the Deputy).
Due to the various assumptions that would have to be made with regard to the costings and savings of salaries and pensions and retirement lump sums, it would not be feasible to accurately determine the net savings arising.
In my Department the following is the position: The number of Staff members who have availed themselves of the ISER are as follows:
|
Retirement (ISER) |
2009 |
2010 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
|
|
Principal Officer |
4.60 |
|
|
Assistant Principal |
11.75 |
1 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
4.70 |
1 |
|
Staff Officer |
2.00 |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
1 |
The number of Staff members who have left for other reasons are as follows:
|
Retirement for other Reasons |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
Secretary General |
1.0 |
1 |
|
|
Assistant Secretary |
1.0 |
||
|
Principal |
3.3 |
6.8 |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal |
5.5 |
2.0 |
2 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
1.0 |
1 |
|
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
||
|
Staff Officer |
1.6 |
||
|
Clerical Officer |
0.8 |
0.5 |
1 |
The number of Staff Members recruited from 2008 is as follows:
|
Recruited |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
Administrative Officer |
1 |
||
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
||
|
Banking Analyst |
1 |
||
|
Legal Advisor |
1 |
||
|
Solicitor |
1 |
||
|
Economist |
1 |
The number of promotions since 2008 is as follows:
|
Promotions |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Second Secretary |
1 |
||
|
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Principal |
3 |
3 |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer |
2 |
3 |
|
|
Administrative Officer |
1 |
||
|
Executive Officer |
7 |
||
|
Staff Officer |
4 |
1 |
|
|
Teacher |
1 |
Please note that the above staff figures are in Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) terms.
In the time allowed it was not possible to gather all the details required by the Deputy. Once assembled, all additional information will be forwarded to the Deputy.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the following is the information sought in respect of their Office.
Tables 1 to 3 below provide details of staff who retired under the incentivised early retirement scheme; the number of public servants who left for other reasons; the number of new staff recruited; the number of promotions in each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 (to date). Please note that the staff figures provided are given as Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs).
|
Grade |
Incentivised Retirement 2008 |
Other Departures 2008 |
Promotions 2008 |
New Recruits 2008 |
|
FTE |
FTE |
FTE |
FTE |
|
|
Chairman |
1.0 |
1.0 |
||
|
Commissioner |
0.0 |
1.0 |
||
|
Assistant Secretary |
3.0 |
3.0 |
||
|
Principal |
7.8 |
1.5 |
9.0 |
|
|
AP |
29.0 |
21.3 |
18.5 |
|
|
HEO |
57.2 |
73.9 |
33.8 |
|
|
AO |
4.0 |
15.0 |
||
|
EO |
79.5 |
65.8 |
95.5 |
|
|
SO |
7.1 |
22.5 |
7.0 |
|
|
CO |
186.8 |
218.0 |
||
|
Other |
7.8 |
7.0 |
||
|
Services |
13.0 |
2.0 |
9.0 |
|
|
Cleaners |
1.0 |
|||
|
Total |
0 |
397.2 |
192.0 |
412.8 |
|
Grade |
Incentivised Retirement 2009 |
Other Departures 2009 |
Promotions 2009 |
New Recruits 2009 |
|
FTE |
FTE |
FTE |
FTE |
|
|
Chairman |
||||
|
Commissioner |
||||
|
Assistant Secretary |
||||
|
Principal |
9.0 |
18.8 |
||
|
AP |
42.3 |
29.8 |
1.0 |
|
|
HEO |
83.5 |
67.1 |
17.0 |
5.0 |
|
AO |
1.0 |
4.0 |
||
|
EO |
58.3 |
85.5 |
34.4 |
26.6 |
|
SO |
7.5 |
7.6 |
2.0 |
|
|
CO |
19.6 |
126.4 |
18.4 |
|
|
Other |
1.0 |
2.0 |
2.0 |
|
|
Services |
1.0 |
9.8 |
3.0 |
|
|
Cleaners |
1.0 |
2.0 |
||
|
Total |
223.2 |
350.0 |
51.4 |
62.0 |
|
Grade |
Incentivised Retirement 2010 |
Other Departures 2010 |
Promotions 2010 |
New Recruits 2010 |
|
FTE |
FTE |
FTE |
FTE |
|
|
Chairman |
||||
|
Commissioner |
||||
|
Assistant Secretary |
2.0 |
|||
|
Principal |
9.0 |
7.0 |
10.0 |
5.0 |
|
AP |
28.0 |
9.8 |
21.1 |
23.0 |
|
HEO |
17.4 |
13.8 |
6.8 |
8.0 |
|
AO |
1.0 |
23.6 |
||
|
EO |
7.3 |
32.2 |
1.0 |
14.5 |
|
SO |
3.8 |
2.5 |
||
|
CO |
48.6 |
2.0 |
65.2 |
|
|
Other |
0.5 |
2.8 |
3.0 |
|
|
Services |
9.4 |
1.0 |
3 |
|
|
Cleaners |
1.0 |
|||
|
Total |
64.2 |
129.4 |
41.9 |
147.8 |
Table 4 below provides details of the serving staff by grade in each of the years sought together with details of the reduction in numbers since the start of 2008.
|
Grade |
Serving 01/01/2008 |
Serving 01/01/2009 |
Serving 01/01/2010 |
Serving 30/09/2010 |
Serving 01/01/2008 less 30/09/2010 |
|
FTE |
FTE |
FTE |
FTE |
FTE |
|
|
Chairman |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
0.00 |
|
Commissioner |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
0.00 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
16.00 |
15.00 |
15.00 |
14.00 |
2.00 |
|
Principal |
144.40 |
139.80 |
115.00 |
117.00 |
27.40 |
|
AP |
477.06 |
489.18 |
420.51 |
422.21 |
54.85 |
|
HEO |
1036.58 |
1072.34 |
938.97 |
930.04 |
106.54 |
|
AO |
39.00 |
48.00 |
51.00 |
70.80 |
-31.80 |
|
EO |
1834.85 |
1846.11 |
1762.66 |
1750.27 |
84.58 |
|
SO |
272.90 |
262.00 |
236.44 |
227.19 |
45.71 |
|
CO |
2559.91 |
2502.99 |
2380.12 |
2379.12 |
180.79 |
|
Other |
34.90 |
36.10 |
35.10 |
32.80 |
2.10 |
|
Services |
146.00 |
144.40 |
134.40 |
128.00 |
18.00 |
|
Cleaners |
16.85 |
15.85 |
12.85 |
11.85 |
5 |
|
Total |
6581.45 |
6574.77 |
6105.05 |
6086.28 |
495.17 |
It is not possible to identify the savings accruing exclusively from the net staffing changes as requested by the Deputy. Details of average annual staffing and salary levels and associated annual salary costs are shown in Table 5. Changes in the average annual salary level reflect the impact of pay increases, pay decreases and changes in the relative proportions of staff at each grade.
|
2008 Outturn |
2009 Outturn |
2010 Estimate |
|
|
Total Salary Cost |
€331,805,000 |
€329,746,000 |
€293,200,000 |
|
Average Staffing Level |
6,592 |
6,430 |
6,083 |
|
Average Salary Cost |
€49,647 |
€50,984 |
€47,977 |
I am advised by the State Laboratory that the following is the position:
|
Type of Retirement |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
Incentivised Scheme |
Nil |
2 Senior Laboratory Analysts |
1 Senior Chemist |
|
1 Senior Laboratory Analyst |
|||
|
Other Retirements/ transfers |
1 Senior Chemist |
1 Senior Chemist |
1 Clerical Officer |
|
1 HEO |
1 Laboratory Analyst |
1 Staff Officer |
|
|
4 Clerical Officers |
1 HEO |
||
|
Incentivised Career Breaks |
Nil |
1 Clerical Officer |
Nil |
|
1 Chemist |
|||
|
Recruitments |
5 Laboratory Analysts |
3 Chemists |
Nil |
|
1 HEO |
1 HEO |
||
|
1 Clerical Officer |
1 Clerical Officer |
||
|
Promotions |
2 Senior Laboratory Analysts |
Nil |
Nil |
|
2 Chemist Grade 11 |
|||
|
Net Savings of Staff leaving over staff recruited/promoted |
Nil |
Nil |
€80,000 |
84 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the steps he will take to ensure that small and medium business are given an opportunity to participate in public procurement competitions; if he will consider if the proposed designation of one supplier for specific goods or services will exclude small and medium sized businesses, who might not meet pretender conditions of such large orders and will not have the capacity to deliver; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38333/10]
The small and medium enterprise sector is very important to the economy and I am very aware that public procurement can be an important source of business for SMEs. In this regard, my Department recently issued new guidelines addressed to public bodies and aimed at facilitating small and medium-sized enterprises in competing for public procurement opportunities. The guidance sets out positive measures that contracting authorities are required to take to promote SME involvement in a manner that is consistent with the principles and rules of the existing public procurement regulatory regime. The guidance also highlights practices that are to be avoided because they can unjustifiably hinder small businesses in competing for public contracts. Some of the key features of the guidance include:
Contracts for supplies and general services with an estimated value of EUR25,000 or more are now to be advertised on the www.etenders.gov.ie website.
Limitation on the use of ‘restrictive procedure' tendering and increased use of ‘open procedure' tendering;
Much of the documentary evidence of a tenderer's capacity to undertake a project should no longer be sought until the tenderer is shortlisted or being considered for the award of a contract; and
Contracting authorities are required to ensure that the levels they set for suitability criteria must be justifiable and proportionate to the needs of the contract.
Measures such as these will increase the opportunities for SMEs to compete for public contracts and will reduce the up-front administration burden for them.
In regard to large orders, the guidance promotes sub-dividing requirements into lots as this clearly facilitates access by SMEs. This approach is to be considered by contracting authorities where it would be appropriate and practical and can be done without compromising efficiency and value for money.
The guidance also provides that in establishing framework agreements, contracting authorities are to consider how proposed arrangements will impact on SMEs. They are required to ensure that the terms of the framework facilitate the inclusion of smaller enterprises if these can meet requirements or compete for particular lots. Also smaller companies can combine with others to make a joint bid for a contract that they might not be in a position to perform on their own.
There will be instances where SMEs flexibility and ability to respond speedily to requirements could place such enterprises in a particularly favourable position to participate and compete effectively.
85 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the reason the college registration fee is not tax deductible; the cost to the Exchequer of making the college registration fee tax deductible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38341/10]
Section 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides, subject to certain conditions, for tax relief at the standard rate of income tax (20%) as regards qualifying fees paid by an individual in respect of a third level education course including a postgraduate course. Qualifying fees means tuition fees in respect of an approved course at an approved college. The maximum limit on such qualifying fees for the current academic year is €5,000 @ 20% (i.e the standard rate of income tax).
The tax relief is confined to tuition fees only and does not extend to items such as registration fees, administration fees, accommodation, etc. Tuition fees that are, or will be, met directly or indirectly by grants, scholarships, employer contribution or by other means are to be deducted in arriving at the net fees qualifying for tax relief.
As the Deputy will be aware, the State provides for free tuition fees for the majority of undergraduate courses. Therefore the State already commits large scale Exchequer resources towards the availability of third-level education.
Based on figures provided by the Department of Education and Skills on the amount of college registration fees paid in 2009, net of higher education grants, the estimated full year cost to the Exchequer of providing tax relief in respect of such fees at the standard rate of income tax (20%) would be of the order of €24 million.
86 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if he sanctioned a legal agreement with a business organisation (details supplied) that involved writing off more than half of a sum of €626,000 owing to the State on one particular programme and if so, the reason for same; if he will provide details of all other publicly funded programmes initiated here or by the European Union from which the organisation benefited since the year 2000, of any other write offs or contested payment claims that attached to it and the nature and outcome of any and all aspects of legal recourse and or advice that have arisen in relation to it. [38355/10]
Government Departments are required to seek the sanction of the Department of Finance for write offs of monies in certain instances as outlined in the Public Financial Procedures. All write-offs above €10,000 should be noted in the relevant Appropriation Account and are matters for the relevant Accounting Officer. The then Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, complying with the requirements outlined in the Public Financial Procedures in relation to submitting their write off request to this Department, sought to write-off €319,802.61 out of a total of €626,540.61 due to them from Chambers Ireland in relation to the Dawn Equal programme. The then Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment informed this Department of its legal advice and that a repayment schedule for the outstanding amounts in relation to the Dawn Equal Programme was agreed by the then Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Chambers Ireland.
Following consideration of these issues sanction was issued by the Department of Finance in September 2009 for the write-off subject to no further payments being made by the then Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment or its agencies to Chambers Ireland without the prior sanction of the Department of Finance.
In relation to publicly funded or European Union funded programmes generally these are matters, in the first instance, for the relevant Ministers.
87 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the saving to the Exchequer if relief on pension contributions was capped at €5,000 per person, at €10,000 per person and so on at intervals of €5,000 to a €50,000 cap. [38429/10]
I assume that the Deputy has in mind that the caps on pension contributions for tax relief purposes indicated in the question should replace the existing restrictions which operate on the basis of an annual earnings cap of €150,000 and various age-related percentage limits.
On this basis the full year yields to the Exchequer arising from these changes are estimated as follows:
|
Proposed Maximum Relief |
Estimated Exchequer Yield |
|
€m |
|
|
5,000 |
215 |
|
10,000 |
151 |
|
15,000 |
110 |
|
20,000 |
80 |
|
25,000 |
57 |
|
30,000 |
39 |
|
35,000 |
25 |
|
40,000 |
15 |
|
45,000 |
8 |
|
50,000 |
4 |
It should be noted that, for the purpose of this costing, the caps apply to employee and personal contributions and not to employer contributions. No breakdown is available of employer contributions which would allow for such contributions to be associated with employee/personal contributions on a case-by-case basis.
Furthermore, a breakdown of the figures by reference to income levels is available only in respect of the tax relief for contributions to Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) to the extent that these contributions are included in the personal tax returns of taxpayers.
With regard to occupational pensions (that is, schemes set up by the employer) the figures in respect of employee contributions are available only in aggregate form. Information on such contributions is not captured in such a way as to make it possible to associate contributions with individual income levels. For that reason the estimated yields to the Exchequer provided in respect of these contributions are extremely tentative.
88 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to reports that in the late 1990s a bank (details supplied) engaged in the practice of overstating the DIBOR base rate to some corporate customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38436/10]
The Deputy will be aware that this matter was highlighted in Anglo Irish Bank's interim accounts for the six months ending 30 June 2010 published on 31 August 2010. I am informed that Anglo has initiated a detailed review which has thus far indicated that, prior to July 2004, a significant number of instances of this issue occurred where the interest rates applying to certain loans were not in accordance with the customer loan documentation. The review has determined that this practice ceased in 2004.
As outlined in the Interim accounts it is not possible for the bank to be definitive on the number of instances or the amount at issue because the review will take up to 12 months to complete given the extensive volume of documentation which needs to be examined.
The bank has informed me that an internal Steering Group has been established to investigate the issue in detail. The Steering Group reports to the CEO and Board Risk Committee. Its work will be independently reviewed and verified by external accountants. In addition to determining with detailed accuracy the amounts relating to affected corporate borrowers, the Steering Group is investigating what happened, how this happened and where responsibility lies.
Both my Department and the Central Bank were notified as soon as this issue came to light. The Central Bank is being briefed on the review as it progresses.
As the review progresses, the Bank will communicate with all customers impacted and will ensure that redress, where appropriate, takes place. The bank has informed me that customers can contact their relationship manager for information.
89 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on his intention to appoint a chief information officer; the reasons for the delay in appointing this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37786/10]
Since the Government's announcement of its decision to appoint a Chief Information Officer, work has been under way on the arrangements necessary to support the appointment, a draft job specification has been prepared and the relevant Departments have been consulted. Once the job specification has been completed and agreed by Government, it is intended to commence the process of recruiting to the post.
90 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the arrangements in place for access to birth records by persons who have been adopted; his plans to change the laws in order to facilitate greater access; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38315/10]
Under Section 22 of the Adoption Act 1952, an tArd Chláraitheoir (Registrar General) is required to maintain a register of domestic adoptions (i.e. adoptions effected in Ireland, regardless of where the adopted person was born). The register is called the Adopted Children Register. An index to the register is maintained and can be searched by any person. Any person may obtain a copy of any entry in the register. The legislation also provides for an index linking the birth entry in the register of births (in the case of an Irish-born adopted person) with the entry in the Adopted Children Register. Information from this index may not be given to any person except by order of a court or the Adoption Board. It is a matter for the Adoption Board, which is an independent quasi judicial body, to treat each application it receives in this regard on its individual merits. I understand that the Adoption Board does release original birth certificates to adopted people and that while in certain cases, an application may be refused by the Board due to the specific circumstances of the case, in the majority of cases the application for the release of the birth certificate is successful.
The National Adoption Contact Register was established in 2005 to assist adopted people and their natural families to make contact with each other, exchange information or state their contact preferences. They decide, through a range of information and contact options, how they wish to proceed.
The Adoption Board, together with the adoption societies, the HSE and the support groups, developed the "Standardised Framework for the Provision of a National Information and Tracing Service". This framework was published in November 2007. It sets standards and provides guidance and advice for information and tracing services providers nationally. The standardised Framework is currently being piloted nationally. In relation to Information and Tracing for persons adopted from abroad, the Adoption Board is undertaking a process, with Romanian authorities initially, to determine how best to address the needs of those adopted from abroad.
The Information and Tracing Unit in the Adoption Board also provides an advice and referral service for those seeking to trace or to obtain medical or personal information. This unit provides services directly to adopted people, natural mothers and birth families. It works closely with the registered adoption societies and the HSE nationwide information and tracing services.
The drafting of legislation with regard to Information and Tracing is a priority of mine and work has commenced in relation to the preparation of the Bill, in consultation with the Adoption Board.
91 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to introduce legislation for the labelling of food; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38206/10]
Food labelling is currently governed by Council Directive 2000/13/EC, transposed in 2002, with several amendments since. This applies to the labelling of pre-packaged foodstuffs for sale to the ultimate consumer or for supply to mass caterers. The principle underlying this Directive is that the purchaser must not be misled and it has helped to ensure that the consumer is provided with the information required to make healthy consumption choices. In January 2008, the European Commission presented its proposals on updating and harmonising this legislation. The proposal is still under discussion. This proposal envisages the consolidation of existing legislation in the area of food labelling and the introduction of new provisions for Country of Origin Labelling, a mandatory nutrition declaration and allergen labelling, amongst others.
In November 2008, Ireland submitted its position paper on the proposal. This paper was informed by submissions made to the FSAI by many of the key stakeholders. Ireland's position was further informed by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland 2009 labelling survey.
In its position paper, Ireland
supports mandatory Country of Origin Labelling,
shares the concerns of a significant number of other member states with regard to National Schemes,
welcomes the proposal for mandatory allergen labelling and supports the highlighting of allergens on labels,
supports the equal treatment of all alcohol products,
asks that consideration should be given to bringing alcohol products into the scope of the legislation,
supports the retention of the Commission's proposal with regard to the use of "per portion" expression alone in certain cases, and
does not support the proposal for a minimum font size of 3mm for display of mandatory particulars and suggests that other aids to legibility, such as contrasting background, be explored. Since January 2008 a number of meetings have taken place at European Union Working Group level, attended by officials from Department of Health and Children and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and are still ongoing. Parliament conducted its first reading of the document in June 2010. It is now expected that the proposal will be finalised during 2011. This will then be transposed into Irish Law.
92 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff members in the Department that are working in regulation, inspection, transposition of directives, policy enforcement, health and safety and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38209/10]
My Department's structure does not classify staff responsibilities in the way referred to in the Deputy's Question. The Department is organised on a divisional basis, each headed by a member of the Management Advisory Committee (MAC). The following table summarises the principal functions of the Department's divisions and the staff members allocated to them.
|
Division (MAC Area) |
Numbers Employed (WTE) |
Description |
|
Acute Hospitals, Cancer & Associated Services |
22.70 |
This Division develops policy for, and evaluates the provision of acute hospital services, cancer services and services relating to blood and human tissue. The overall policy goal is to ensure that treatment is provided in a safe, accessible manner in appropriate locations and that targets for levels of service are achieved |
|
Chief Medical Officer’s Office |
28.63 |
The Chief Medical Officer’s Division provides expert medical and policy advice and assistance to the Minister, Ministers of State and Department and also has responsibility for patient safety & quality, health protection & promotion and social inclusion. |
|
Food, Primary Care & Eligibility |
42.10 |
This Division’s role is to promote the development of primary care services, to secure enhanced value for money in the GMS, community drug schemes, dental and optical schemes, and to ensure implementation of legislation and policies in relation to food safety, tobacco control, medicine and cosmetics safety, pharmacy services, medical devices, control of illegal drugs, environmental health and eligibility. |
|
Health Insurance |
11.10 |
The role of this Division is to lead on the strategic development of policies relating Health Insurance. |
|
Finance, Performance Evaluation, Information & Research |
56.60 |
The role of this Division includes planning, negotiating and evaluating the annual Health Estimates including direct responsibility for the day to day management of the Votes of the Department and the OMCYA. |
|
National HR & Workforce Planning |
36.50 |
This Division of the Department deals with HR policy in the public health service including: workforce planning; monitoring numbers; pension policy; rationalisation of health agencies and providing advice and support on industrial relations matters to agencies under the remit of the Department. |
|
Office for Disability & Mental Health |
26.60 |
The Office for Disability & Mental Health was established to bring about a more coherent and integrated approach to policy and service delivery for people with disabilities and mental health difficulties. Its work includes developing mechanisms for increased co-operation, co-ordination and collaboration across Government Departments and State agencies, with a particular focus on the interaction between the health system and education, employment and housing services pertaining to the client group. |
|
Office for Older People |
26.93 |
The Office for Older People was established to support the Minister for Older People in exercising her responsibilities within the Departments of Health & Children, Social Protection, and Environment, Heritage & Local Government. Its remit is to facilitate the development of operational plans by Government Departments clearly setting out objectives relating to older people. |
|
Office of the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs (OMCYA) |
61.20 |
The OMCYA has merged functions from the Department of Health & Children with the Early Years policy function of the Department of Education & Skills and the Youth Justice policy function of the Department of Justice & Law Reform to provide a joined-up Government approach to the development of policy and the delivery of services for children and young people. |
|
Parliamentary & Corporate Affairs |
72.73 |
This Division manages the delivery of the Department’s parliamentary affairs, human resources, staff training and development, corporate services, FoI, records management, communications and legal advice functions and also includes a legislation unit. |
93 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount paid to the scheme administrator since the enactment of the health repayment scheme in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38234/10]
94 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the legal practitioners involved in the administration of the health repayment scheme; the amount that has been spent on their services to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38236/10]
97 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications to date that have been refused under the health repayment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38244/10]
108 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount the health repayment scheme has cost to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38337/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 93, 94, 97 and 108 together.
Under the provisions of the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006, the Health Service Executive appointed an external service provider to act as Scheme Administrator for the Health Repayment Scheme. The service provider is a consortium comprising of KPMG Accountants and McCann Fitzgerald Solicitors.
As per the contract agreement with the Scheme Administrator the HSE make payments to the consortium on foot of invoices received from KPMG Accountants and payments are payable to KPMG Accountants on behalf of the consortium.
A total of €15.2m (inc VAT) has been paid to the Scheme Administrator since the commencement of the scheme in August 2006 and this amount is within the contract price agreed at the commencement of the scheme.
35,405 application forms have been received under the Health Repayment Scheme. Of the applications received under the scheme, it is estimated that the number of valid claims will be approximately 21,400.
To date 35,390 or 99% of applications have been concluded. 21,375 claimants have received an offer of repayment and the value of these offers is €440m. A further 14,015 applications have been rejected under the scheme.
The main reasons for the rejection of claims are as follows:
Person resided in a long stay facility that falls outside the ambit of the scheme.
Person did not pay recoverable health charges as per the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006.
Duplicate claims received by the Scheme Administrator.
Person died before the 9th December 1998.
Claim withdrawn.
The cost of the Health Repayment Scheme to date is €462.4m.
95 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting time for a decision on an appeal made under the health repayment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38237/10]
The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office is an independent office established to provide an appeals service to those who wish to appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006. The current average time between the receipt of a completed Appeal Form and the making of an Appeals Officer's decision is 174 working days. However the time taken in any individual case depends on the complexity of that case. It is anticipated that the majority of appeals will be determined by early 2011.
96 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the person who sets the course criteria for a course (details supplied); the options available to persons who have not passed their leaving certificate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38243/10]
The Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council is the national body with responsibility for standards, education and training in pre-hospital emergency care in Ireland. The Council sets education standards and conducts examinations leading to the National Qualification in Emergency Medical Technology (NQEMT).
The current Council guidelines are contained in the Education and Training Standards 2007. The Guidelines set out the following minimum entry criteria:
For the emergency medical technician course, candidates must be aged eighteen or over.
For the paramedic course, candidates must be eighteen or over and educated to leaving certificate or equivalent standard.
For the advanced paramedic course, candidates must have been registered paramedics for at least three years.
Recognised training institutions may have their own criteria in addition to the above requirements.
98 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 149 of 12 May 2010 if she will request the Health Service Executive to amend the funding in this project; the steps she will take to ensure that the four nurseries in an area (details supplied) are placed on a reliable and adequate funding footing to ensure they can continue with the critical child-care service which they provide. [38253/10]
I understand that the four child care services referred to by the Deputy have been in receipt of support funding from the Health Service Executive (HSE) for a number of years, to assist them to provide affordable child care and early intervention services to disadvantaged parents and their children including catering for a significant number of child referrals from the HSE and community welfare officers. In 2010, I understand that this will exceed €1 million.
In recent years, a number of major child care investment programmes which fund preschool services, in particular community services such as the four referred to, have been implemented by my Office. These include the free Preschool Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which was introduced in January 2010 and the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme which was first introduced in January 2008 and amended and improved in September 2010.
In most cases, these schemes now provide the principal source of support funding for preschool services including community child care services catering for disadvantaged and low income parents. However, my understanding is that services which meet particular social needs, such as those referred to by the Deputy, will continue to be considered for additional annual funding from the HSE. An official from my Office recently attended a meeting arranged by the HSE with representatives of the services to discuss their future funding and to clarify the position.
Only one of the services referred to is currently participating in the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) scheme but I believe all four are expected to participate in the scheme from January 2011. With regard to the service participating in the CCS, as it has not yet made a service return to my Office for September 2010/August 2011, I am unable to confirm the amount of CCS funding it will receive. However, I understand it received a payment of €26,563 for the period January to August 2010. All four of the services applied for and entered the ECCE scheme with effect from January 2010. For the September 2010 to August 2011 preschool year they have received preliminary ECCE payments totalling €82,488 and balancing payments for the first term will issue shortly.
99 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children when speech therapy services will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38271/10]
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.
100 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will reconsider her plans to close an organisation (details supplied) due to the severe impact that this will have on families who use this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38272/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
101 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the roll-out of the national diabetes programme in east Meath; the number of persons who have been treated in Meath for preventable diabetic foot complications in the past five years; the amount of money spent on treating preventable diabetic foot disease in Meath in the past five years; the current levels of spending on podiatry services in Meath; her plans for screening diabetics in Meath; if a diabetic foot disease screening programme will be implemented nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38274/10]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
102 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a new children’s hospital facility at the Mater hospital site; the developments on the matter over the past week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38285/10]
I remain committed to providing the best standard of complex hospital care for children in Ireland and I am confident that this objective will be met.
The National Paediatric Development Board has commenced the planning process for the new hospital directly with An Bord Pleanála on 11 October 2010 and the completion date for construction of the hospital is the last quarter of 2014.
I have every confidence in the National Paediatric Board and its new Chairman who has experience and expertise in the areas of project delivery and also philanthropic funding and that the Board will press ahead with work on the development. The new children's hospital will play a central role in an integrated network of paediatric services across Ireland. This development will fundamentally change and improve the provision of paediatric health care in Ireland because merging the three existing hospitals (at Crumlin, Temple Street and Tallaght) into a single hospital structure will ensure a critical mass of specialised skills to provide highly complex treatment and care to sick children. The decision to provide ambulatory and emergency care services at Tallaght is based on recommendations made in the reports of McKinsey and Co (2006) and international health service consultants, RKW (2007).
The Ambulatory and Urgent Care Centre at Tallaght will provide emergency and elective ambulatory health care services to the local population. It will also provide day care services (both medical and surgical) through 28 day care beds, 3 operating theatres and 2 procedure rooms. Outpatient services will be provided through 26 consulting examination rooms. The Urgent Care Centre will also provide emergency care services for the local population of children. It is expected that the centre will be completed before the end of 2013.
103 Deputy Joe Behan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ask the Health Service Executive to defer its decision to close Wicklow hospital until a full study is completed on the potential health impact on elderly patients who will be forced to move to new accommodation over the next four weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38292/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
104 Deputy Joe Behan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will confirm the status of St.Colman’s Hospital, Rathdrum, County Wicklow, and Baltinglass District Hospital, County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38293/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
105 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [38298/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
106 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made in the care of patients with Alzheimer’s disease; the role that she envisages for voluntary support groups in helping to equip families to deal with the challenges that are presented. [38314/10]
Dementia is a most distressing condition both for those suffering from it and their families, and presents a significant and growing challenge to health and social services. Alzheimer's disease represents about 70% of the cases of dementia.
Research and published work on dementia has outlined the complexity and range of issues involved in the effective management of dementia. This work also emphasises the need for co-ordinated, multi-layered and well-resourced services, which are responsive to the individual needs of people with dementia and of those who care for them.
Over the past number of years there has been continued development of community-based services for older persons. This is reflected in the unprecedented levels of investment in this sector — over €200 million additional funding has been provided for new service developments in recent years. These developments include community nursing, paramedical services, home help services and support to family carers.
As I have indicated previously, my Department has started the process of developing a policy on dementia that will support the delivery of long-term care services having regard to future demographic trends and the consequential increase in demand for long-term care. This policy will be developed on the basis of the best evidence available from national and international sources. Officials in the Department have consulted with relevant stakeholder groups on the first stage of the process. This will be a research phase to include relevant information on current prevalence and future trends in dementia, as well as international strategies and developments, including their outcomes and evaluations.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) is currently exploring the potential for changes in care pathways for people with dementia, and will make recommendations for the future provision of dementia care across all health and social services. An audit is underway within the HSE of the current specialist dementia care services available both in residential/hospital and community services. This audit will inform future planning and development of services for people with dementia. The educational needs of staff will also be identified to inform any future staff requirements for working in the area of dementia care. This work will also feed into the overall Dementia Policy formulation.
The Deputy's question also relates to service matters which is a matter for the HSE. Accordingly this has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.
107 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of public servants who have left under the incentivised early retirement scheme with details of grades; the number of public servants who left for other reasons with details of grades; the number of new staff recruited with details of grades; the number of promotions with details of grades; the net savings arising from the staff leaving over and above those recruited and promoted and to provide a breakdown of each of these figures for 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010. [38328/10]
Due to the manner in which records are maintained in my Department it is not possible to provide all of the information requested to the Deputy at this time. The full set of information, including detailed financial calculations, is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
I can confirm that there has been a net reduction of 52 staff employed at my Department since the end of 2008. This includes 26 individuals (23.23 whole-time equivalents) who availed of the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement.
|
Year |
Grade Breakdown |
Wholetime Equivalent |
|
2009 |
Principal Officer |
6.50 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
8.50 |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer |
2.50 |
|
|
Executive Officer |
2.00 |
|
|
Staff Officer |
0.50 |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
2.23 |
|
|
2010 |
Principal Officer |
1.00 |
|
Total |
23.23 |
However, during the same period 11.50 whole-time equivalents transferred into my Department as a result of the dissolution of the National Council on Aging and Older People and the Women's Health Council. An additional 9.00 whole-time equivalents were seconded into my Department pending the dissolution of the Children's Act Advisory Board. Following approval from the Department of Finance (exemption to the moratorium) a new Director General at Deputy Secretary level was recruited for the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in May 2010.
The figures quoted below relate to whole-time equivalents employed in the core Department, the Adoption Board, the Office of the Ombudsman for Children, the Office of the Disability Appeals Officer and the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office.
|
Year |
No. of Staff Employed (WTE) Rounded |
|
End December 2008 |
529 |
|
End December 2009 |
487 |
|
End September 2010 |
477 |
The Health Service Executive has advised that at 30 August 2010 it has approved 260 applications under the ISER scheme. The Health Service Executive has been requested to prepare the remaining information requested by the Deputy for direct reply. The information relating to other agencies that come under the aegis of my Department is currently being collected and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
109 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the regulation of the quality of the physical standard of general practitioners’ surgeries and associated waiting areas. [38342/10]
The Form of Agreement with General Practitioners (GPs) for the provision of services under the General Medical Services (GMS) contract outlines the minimum standards required in terms of practice facilities. This includes:
(a) A waiting room with a reasonable standard of comfort and hygiene, sufficient in size to accommodate the normal demands of the practice with adequate seating accommodation.
(b) A surgery sufficient in size for the requirements of normal general practice, with appropriate facilities.
While the contract sets a minimum standard to be observed by contractors, the standard of practice premises in general has improved considerably since the contract was introduced, through investment in practice infrastructure. There is also a requirement for GP surgeries to comply with statutory obligations in the area of planning permission and fire certification in respect of the defined usage. The surgeries are also obliged to comply with Building Regulations governing a wide range of construction and operational matters. Compliance with the Disability Act in the context of access and functional operation of premises is also required.
There has also been significant investment in enhancing treatment facilities for GP out-of-hours services over the past number of years. The commitment to continuously improve the quality of primary care facilities is also very much in evidence in the new primary care centres, which are being developed throughout the country as part of the development and roll out of primary care teams.
110 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons transferred to her Department when the National Council on Aging and Older People and the Women’s Health Council were subsumed into the Department in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38344/10]
111 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Children Acts Advisory Board will be subsumed into her Department; the number of staff that will be subsumed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38345/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 111 together.
The National Council on Ageing & Older People and the Women's Health Council were subsumed into my Department under the Government's rationalisation of agencies programme during 2009. In total, 13 individuals (11.5 whole-time equivalents) transferred to my Department as a result of this rationalisation.
The Children's Act Advisory Board is also being rationalised under this programme. Provisions to dissolve the Board are contained in the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009, which completed Second Stage in Dáil Eireann on 7 October 2010. I expect that this Bill will pass all stages by the end of 2010. In the meantime, staff of the Board were seconded across different areas of the public service to areas where their particular skill sets are most appropriate. Nine were seconded into my own Department, four were seconded to the HSE, and one each to Office of the Revenue Commissioners and Garda Civilian HR.
|
Agency |
Number of Persons Transferred/Transferring into Department (WTE) |
|
National Council on Ageing and Older People |
7.0 |
|
Women’s Health Council |
4.5 |
|
Children’s Act Advisory Board |
9.0 |
|
Total |
20.5 |
112 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the status and duration of the incentivised scheme of early retirement; the date on which it was announced; the number of applications received for the incentivised scheme for early retirement; the number of applications approved for the ISER; the terms and conditions of this scheme; the categories of staff exempt from the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38346/10]
The Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement (ISER) was announced by the Minister for Finance in his Budget Statement of the 7th April 2009. The terms and conditions of the scheme are governed by Department of Finance Circular 12/2009. The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate the permanent, structural reduction in the numbers of staff serving in the civil service, local authorities, health sector and non-commercial state bodies, with associated restructuring of organisation and operations, in as timely a manner as possible.
Employees, 50 years of age and over by 1 September 2009 who had already accrued entitlement to preserved superannuation benefits under a public service scheme and who had not yet reached normal preserved pension age were eligible to apply for retirement under the scheme. The scheme was open to applications from 1 May 2009 until 23 October 2009. No categories of staff employed at my Department were excluded from applying under the scheme. In my Department, twenty eight members of staff applied and were approved under the scheme. Two of these subsequently withdrew their applications, resulting in twenty six retirements under the scheme (23.23 WTE).
In relation to the Health Service Executive, the terms and conditions of the ISER scheme were set out in Circular 8/2009 issued by my Department on 15 May 2009. This scheme did not apply to grades exempted from the moratorium on recruitment and promotions under the 2009 Employment Control Framework for the Public Health Sector in order to meet relevant requirements of integrated health care delivery and, in particular to address needs in the community in respect of care of the elderly and people with disabilities. Members of all other grades who met the eligibility criteria had access to this scheme provided the grades/staff groups concerned co-operated with the requirements in relation to redeployment, mobility, skill mix and flexibility. Because staff who availed of this scheme were not to be replaced (save in very exceptional cases), employers paid particular attention, when considering applications, to the scope that existed within the organisation for reorganising and restructuring work in order to minimise the impact on essential service delivery. Staff cooperation and flexibility in that regard was essential. The closing date for applications was 23 October 2009.
My Department was informed that the health service trade unions had issued a directive instructing their members not to co-operate with redeployment and reassignment requests from management. This instruction from the unions severely restricted the ability of management to organise/restructure work practice and contravened the qualification criteria for these schemes. As a result, the HSE suspended the ISER scheme on 18 June 2009.
In February 2010 sanction was received from the Department of Finance for the implementation of the ISER in the public health sector for those applicants (employed in both the HSE and in voluntary service providers funded by it) who applied before the final closing date (23 October 2009) under the scheme and who were or would be approved under its terms. The HSE has advised that at the end of August there have been 633 applications and 260 of these have been approved. My Department has recently informed the HSE that a review of eligible applications which were refused/refused on appeal for stated business reasons may now take place. Reviews must be completed and all decisions communicated no later than 31 December 2010 and applicants approved under this process must retire no later than 31 January 2011. In relation to the non-commercial state agencies that come within the remit of my Department, one application was received and approved under the Incentivised Early Retirement Scheme.
113 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the status and duration of the special incentive career break scheme; the date on which it was announced; the terms and condition of the scheme; the number of persons who have availed of this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38347/10]
The Special Civil Service Incentive Career Break Scheme was announced on the 30th April 2009 and was available for civil servants during 2009 only. The terms and conditions of the Scheme are governed by Department of Finance Circular 13/2009. To avail of this scheme, a career break of special leave without pay had to be taken for three years. The scheme provides for the payment of one third of gross pay to a maximum of €12,500 per annum to successful applicants. These amounts are reduced pro rata for any person on reduced working hours under worksharing arrangements and the amount payable is subject to tax and other statutory deductions. To-date, 10.5 wholetime equivalents (13 individuals) from my Department have availed of the Special Civil Service Incentive Career Break Scheme.
In relation to the Health Service Executive, the terms and conditions of the Special Incentive Career Break Scheme were set out in Circular 13/2009 issued by my Department on 15 May 2009. This scheme, along with the Incentivised Early Retirement Scheme and the Shorter Working Year Scheme did not apply to grades exempted from the moratorium on recruitment and promotions under the 2009 Employment Control Framework for the Public Health Sector.
Members of all other grades who met the eligibility criteria had access to these schemes provided the grades/staff groups concerned co-operated with relevant requirements in relation to redeployment, mobility, skill mix and flexibility. Because staff who availed of these schemes were not be replaced (save in very exceptional cases), employers paid particular attention, when considering applications, to the scope that existed within the organisation for reorganising and restructuring work in order to minimise the impact on essential service delivery. Staff co-operation and flexibility in that regard was essential. The closing date for applications was 30 July 2009.
My Department was informed that the health service trade unions had issued a directive instructing their members not to cooperate with redeployment and reassignment requests from management. This instruction from the unions severely restricted the ability of management to organise/restructure work practices and contravened the qualification criteria for these schemes. As a result, the HSE suspended all three schemes on 18 June 2009. Following acceptance by the health sector unions of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014, approval was given to the HSE by my Department in June 2010 to proceed with the lifting of the suspension of the scheme. Applicants, employed both in the HSE and in the voluntary service providers funded by it, who had applied before the original closing date of 1st July 2009 and were, or would have been approved prior to the scheme's suspension, could now be fully processed.
My Department has recently informed the HSE that a review of eligible applications which were refused/refused on appeal may now take place. Reviews must be completed and all decisions communicated no later than 31 December 2010 and applicants approved under this process must retire no later than 31 January 2011. The HSE has advised that at the end of August there have been 141 applications approved. In relation to the non-commercial state agencies that come within the remit of my Department, one employee availed of the Special Incentivised Career Break Scheme.
114 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the status and duration of the shorter working year scheme; the date on which it was announced; the terms and condition of the scheme; the number of persons who have availed of this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38348/10]
The Shorter Working Year Scheme was announced on the 30th April 2009 and commenced operation in my Department with effect from 1 January 2010. The purpose of the scheme is to permit civil servants to balance their working arrangements with outside commitments by taking periods of unpaid leave. The specific terms and conditions of the Scheme are governed by Department of Finance Circular 14/2009 and it provides for the taking of unpaid leave as a period of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 13 weeks (a maximum of 13 weeks applies per person). Any staff member, who is not on probation on the date where it is proposed to avail of the scheme, may apply. Forty-five staff members from my Department have applied to-date under the scheme and all bar one request was approved resulting in payroll savings of approximately €280,000 during 2010.
In relation to the Health Service Executive, the terms and conditions of the scheme are set out in Circular 10/2009 issued by my Department on 15 May 2009. This scheme, along with the Incentivised Early Retirement Scheme and the Incentivised Career Break Scheme did not apply to grades exempted from the moratorium on recruitment and promotions under the 2009 Employment Control Framework for the Public Health Sector. Members of all other grades who met the eligibility criteria had access to these schemes provided the grades/staff groups concerned cooperated with the relevant requirements in relation to redeployment, mobility, skill mix and flexibility. Because staff who availed of these schemes were not be replaced (save in very exceptional cases), employers paid particular attention, when considering applications, to the scope that existed within the organisation for reorganising and restructuring work in order to minimise the impact on essential service delivery. Staff cooperation and flexibility in that regard was essential.
My Department was informed that the health service trade unions had issued a directive instructing their members not to cooperate with redeployment and reassignment requests from management. This instruction from the unions severely restricted the ability of management to organise/restructure work practices and contravened the qualification criteria for these schemes. As a result, the HSE suspended all three schemes on 18 June 2009. Following acceptance by the health sector unions of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014, approval was given to the HSE by my Department in June 2010 to proceed with the lifting of the suspension of the scheme. My Department has recently informed the HSE that a review of eligible applications which were refused/refused on appeal may now take place. Reviews must be completed and all decisions communicated no later than 31 December 2010. The HSE has advised that at the end of August there have been 12 applications approved. In relation to the non-commercial state agencies that come within the remit of my Department, to date ten staff have availed of the shorter working year scheme.
115 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38362/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
116 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children is she will confirm that medical card applications for those over 70 years will now be processed within 15 days of application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38406/10]
In January 2009, the Health Service Executive's (HSE) Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) took over the processing of all medical card applications for persons aged 70 or over. In September 2009, the processing of all medical card applications from two Local Health Offices in Dublin transferred to the PCRS. The HSE has informed me that the PCRS has processed 211,801 medical card applications over the last 18 months and currently meets the 15 working day turnaround target in respect of all complete applications.
117 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for a medical card will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [38413/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
118 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide details of all payments both direct and indirect made by her Department into the SIPTU national health and local authority levy fund for each year over the past 15 years; the purpose of these payments; the reason each of these payments was made and the manner in which they were sanctioned in each case. [38428/10]
The Secretary General of my Department provided evidence to the Committee of Public Accounts on 7 October last about, inter alia, funding approvals issued by the Department in relation to the SKILL Programme, the Frontline Supervisors Programme and other management/union partnership activities from 2000 onwards. The Secretary General has since been asked by the Committee to provide documentation about payments to SIPTU and a formal report on the background to the decision to allocate funding to the "SIPTU National Health and Local Authority Levy Fund" including statements from "all staff who sanctioned these payments outlining the basis on which they gave sanction on behalf of the Minister for this expenditure". The Secretary General will be responding to the request from the Public Accounts Committee as soon as possible.
119 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will outline the criteria used and arrange daily transport for a person (details supplied) to a day care centre. [38445/10]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
120 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the number of public servants who have left under the incentivised early retirement scheme with details of grades; the number of public servants who left for other reasons with details of grades; the number of new staff recruited with details of grades; the number of promotions with details of grades; the net savings arising from the staff leaving over and above those recruited and promoted and to provide a breakdown of each of these figures for years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010. [38331/10]
I can advise the Deputy that the information requested is currently being compiled and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
121 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Minister for Transport if the realignment of the Ballnacarry Bridge on the River Fane separating County Monaghan and County Armagh was discussed by the North-South Ministerial Council or the arrangements made to improve the road at this point; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38354/10]
The N53 Ballynacarry Bridge scheme was discussed at the Transport sectoral meeting of the North South Ministerial Council on 3 April 2009. At the Council meeting I and my Northern counterparts noted that the Ballynacarry Bridge was not included in existing road investment plans and agreed that once the necessary studies were completed consideration would then be given to the priority to be attached to this project post 2010.
122 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38220/10]
I am not in a position by way of answer to a Parliamentary Question to indicate whether or not individual naturalisation or recognition of citizenship cases will succeed. The position generally in respect of the matter raised by the Deputy is as follows.
Section 6A of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Acts 1956-2004 provides that a person born in the island of Ireland shall not be entitled to be an Irish citizen unless a parent of that person has, during the period of 4 years immediately preceding the person's birth, been resident in the island of Ireland for a period of not less than 3 years or periods the aggregate of which is not less than 3 years. The section does not apply to certain persons including those born to parents one of whom is at the time of the person's birth an Irish citizen, British citizen or a person entitled to reside without restriction. For the purpose of calculating reckonable residence under section 6A certain residence is excluded from consideration including unlawful residence, residence covered by a permission granted under Section 4 of the Immigration Act, 2004 for the purpose of study and residence covered by a provisional permission granted pending determination of an asylum application.
Parents may apply for a passport for a child to the Passport Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs on the basis that the child may have an entitlement to Irish citizenship. The Passport Office makes an assessment of the parent's reckonable residency through an examination of their permission stamps. If the parents do not have sufficient residency and the child does not have an entitlement to citizenship, then it will be open to the parent of the child to make an application for a certificate of naturalisation on their behalf under section 15 of the Act, when the child has 5 years reckonable residency in the State.
123 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the rise in burglaries aimed specifically at stealing jewellery; his plans to introduce measures to ensure that items sold privately to jewellery shops and pawnbrokers are photographed and checked for provenance to reduce the potential market for items acquired through intimidation and crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38270/10]
An Garda Síochána enforce the provisions of the criminal law in respect of theft and robbery, including the theft and robbery of jewellery and gold. Provisional indications are that burglaries involving jewellery are running at levels similar to last year. Garda management is aware that a number of outlets have been established in various areas that are buying gold for cash. A number of established jewellers are also buying gold and jewellery for cash.
While the informal purchase of jewellery and precious items is not specifically regulated, the circumstances under which they are bought or sold may indicate the commission of certain offences. For example the handling of stolen property and or the possession of stolen property, which are offences under sections 17 and 18 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001 respectively, may be indicated through the specific circumstances under which transactions are effected. There is an onus, under the law, on the owners of the business in question to ensure that they are not buying stolen goods. If members of the public have suspicions that goods being sold or traded may have been stolen, the correct action is for these suspicions to be referred to An Garda Síochána for investigation.
I wish to advise the Deputy that neither my Department nor An Garda Síochána haveany function in relation to the regulation of legal transactions in jewellery and gold. Furthermore the informal purchase of jewellery and gold is not specifically regulated in criminal legislation.
124 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if there has been an increase in illegal parking in the area surrounding Dunboyne train station since its opening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38307/10]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that significant parking facilities have been provided at the station. Local Garda management is not aware of any increase in illegal parking in its vicinity since its opening.
The area is subject to regular Garda patrols to ensure compliance by all road users with the provisions of the Road Traffic Acts and will remain closely monitored. Any breaches of the legislation will be dealt with appropriately.
125 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) who has been resident here for nine years; if he will expedite a decision in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38318/10]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in June 2008.
Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that on examination of the application submitted it was determined that the person concerned did not meet the residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. The person in question was informed of this in a letter issued to him via his legal representatives on 5 September, 2008.
It is open to him to lodge a new application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when he is in a position to meet the statutory requirements.
Application forms and information on the statutory requirements in relation to an application for a certificate of naturalisation are available on the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Services website at www.inis.gov.ie.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
126 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of public servants who have left under the incentivised early retirement scheme with details of grades; the number of public servants who left for other reasons with details of grades; the number of new staff recruited with details of grades; the number of promotions with details of grades; the net savings arising from the staff leaving over and above those recruited and promoted and to provide a breakdown of each of these figures for years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010. [38329/10]
In the timeframe provided it has not been possible to collate all the information the Deputy has requested. I will revert to the Deputy when this information is to hand.
127 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when application for renewal of registration cards by persons (details supplied), will issue; if same can be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38359/10]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the first person in question was granted permission to remain in the State for a two year period in July of 2005, under the revised arrangements for non-EEA parents of Irish children born prior to 1 January 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 scheme. The second person concerned has permission to remain in line with that of her husband. This permission was renewed in 2007 and recently in 2010. However, I understand that the recent renewals by the local Immigration Officer were for 3 month periods up to 12 October 2010 and 12 January 2011, due to neither person having a current passport. I should add that my Department has only very recently, on 19 October, received undated correspondence from the persons concerned in relation to their passports having expired. My officials will be in contact with the persons concerned shortly regarding their status in the State when their case file is reviewed.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
128 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) will be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38360/10]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in June 2008.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 26 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that processing of the application is ongoing and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
129 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38363/10]
The person concerned has made an application for the renewal of his temporary permission to remain in the State which expired on 2 March 2010. This application is under consideration at present and when a decision has been made, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the decision.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
130 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38364/10]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1005 and 1160 of 29 September, 2010. The position remains unchanged.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
131 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38365/10]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in March 2009.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants.The average processing time from application to decision is now at 26 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. However, I understand that the person concerned is a refugee. In accordance with the Government's obligations under the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, every effort is made to ensure that applications from persons with refugee status are dealt with as quickly as possible. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that processing of the application is ongoing and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
132 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38366/10]
I refer the Deputy to my Reply to his recent Parliamentary Question, No. 145 of Thursday, 7 October, 2010, in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
133 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38367/10]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 30th August, 2005. Her asylum application was refused and, following the consideration of her case under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), a Deportation Order was made in respect of her on 13 July, 2010.
The person concerned instituted Judicial Review proceedings in the High Court on 11 August, 2010, challenging the decision to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. As these proceedings are ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further in the matter at this time.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
134 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the procedures followed to date in the matter of examination of entitlement to refugee or asylum status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38368/10]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 18 December 2008. Her asylum application was investigated by the statutory independent refugee status determination bodies, namely the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, both of whom concluded that the person concerned did not meet the criteria for recognition as a refugee.
Arising from the refusal of her 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 20 November 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She 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 her. In addition, she was notified of her 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. 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.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
135 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38369/10]
The person concerned has submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection. 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.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
136 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38370/10]
Arising from the refusal of her 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 26 October 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She 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 her. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.
The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
137 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38371/10]
I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his recent Parliamentary Question, No. 1024 of Wednesday, 29 September, 2010, in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
138 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38372/10]
Arising from the refusal of her 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 19 August 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She 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 her. Representations were received on behalf of the person concerned at that time.
The person concerned made an application for permission to remain in the State under the Revised Arrangements for non-EEA parents of children born in the State prior to 1 January 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 Scheme. This application was approved and the person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State for a two year period, valid to 22 September 2007.
In September 2007, the person concerned applied for the renewal of her permission to remain in the State. Following consideration of this application, a decision was made that the person concerned no longer satisfied the criteria under the Revised Arrangements and she was informed of this decision by letter dated 20 June 2008. This communication also advised the person concerned of the options open to her as a result.
The person concerned was subsequently notified of her entitlement to submit an application for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 and she has done so. 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.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
139 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the earliest date by which a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 will meet the statutory residency requirement to qualify for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38373/10]
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. The conditions are that the applicant must:
be of full age;
be of good character;
have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years;
have made, either before a Judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State.
In the context of naturalisation, certain periods of residence in the State are excluded. These include:
periods of residence in respect of which an applicant does not have permission to remain in the State;
periods granted for the purposes of study;
periods granted for the purposes of seeking recognition as a refugee within the meaning of the Refugee Act 1996.
Compliance with residency conditions is assessed upon receipt of a valid application. It is open to the person concerned to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation with the Citizenship Division of my Department if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements.
140 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if, in the case of issue of deportation order, specific consideration was given to the circumstances of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38374/10]
The person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order, signed on 21 September 2010, following a comprehensive and thorough examination of his asylum claim and his application for subsidiary protection, and a detailed examination of the representations he submitted for consideration under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended).
The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State.
The enforcement of the Deportation Order is an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau. I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
141 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when an application for asylum was made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; the person who adjudicated on this case; if due process was recognised at all times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38375/10]
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 347 of 18 November, 2008, No. 365 of 9 June 2009, No. 510 of 7 July 2009, No. 291 of 7 October 2009, No. 191 of 17 December 2009, No 597 of 20 April 2010, No. 139 of 27 May 2010, No 174 of 24 June and No. 988 of 29 September 2010. The status of the person concerned and the handling of their asylum application is as set out in the replies to those questions.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
142 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the extent and nature of accommodation available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare while he is awaiting processing of an application for subsidiary protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38376/10]
The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. The person referred to in the Deputy's question is not currently residing in RIA accommodation. If this person wishes to avail of direct provision accommodation, he should apply in writing to RIA, PO Box 11487, Dublin 2, giving contact details including current address. His application will be considered and an accommodation offer will issue to him in due course. Any accommodation offer will be dependent on the bed spaces available to RIA and the demand for such spaces across its portfolio at that time.
143 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will review a decision to refuse naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38377/10]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the second-named person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in April 2008 and I decided in my absolute discretion not to grant a certificate of naturalisation, based on all of the information available to me. The person concerned was informed of this decision in a letter issued to him on 8 October, 2010.
There is no appeals process under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, however it is open to the person in question to lodge a new application for a certificate of naturalisation with the Citizenship Division of my Department at any time. I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
144 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding residency status and if status is adequate to qualify for citizenship in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38378/10]
The applicants in question were granted refugee status on the 29 July, 2002.
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. The conditions are that the applicant must:
be of full age;
be of good character;
have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years;
have made, either before a Judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State.
In the context of naturalisation, certain periods of residence in the State are excluded. These include—
periods of residence in respect of which an applicant does not have permission to remain in the State;
periods granted for the purposes of study;
periods granted for the purposes of seeking recognition as a refugee within the meaning of the Refugee Act 1996.
Section 16 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, waive some or all of the statutory conditions in certain circumstances i.e. where an applicant is of Irish descent or of Irish associations; where an applicant is a person who is a refugee within the meaning of the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees; or where an applicant is a Stateless person within the meaning of the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Stateless persons.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
145 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he has received a further application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare subsequent to that which was unsuccessful in July of 2010; if he will further state the reason the previous application was deemed ineligible in view of the fact that the person has been in continuous employment here since 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38379/10]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in October 2010.
On examination of the application submitted, it was determined that the application be returned in its entirety to the person concerned for further attention on 18 October, 2010. In order to be fair to all applicants, only valid applications can be considered.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1019, 1091 and 1155 on 29 September, 2010. The position remains as stated.
146 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the reason for the proposal to deport a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38380/10]
The person concerned was informed by letter dated 19th November 2008 that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her given that she had no legal basis to remain in the State. She was afforded three options in accordance with Section 3(3)(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a Deportation Order or to submit, within 15 working days, written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should not be deported. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.
The person concerned is illegally present in the State and, as such, she has no entitlement to work or reside here. Her marital status is also being investigated.
The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
147 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the tendering procedure that has been followed in respect of the procurement of accommodation centres for asylum seekers; if he will provide details of all contracts currently in existence, their duration, and the basis on which they were awarded and if he will outline the inspection systems in place for these centres. [38427/10]
The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers under the Direct Provision system. Under this system, asylum seeker residents are provided with full board accommodation free of utility or other cost. At the end of September, 2010 a total of 47 centres throughout the country accommodating 6,288 persons seeking international protection were under contract to the RIA.
In meeting its general accommodation responsibilities, RIA does not lease or rent premises from commercial contractors. Rather it "contracts-in" a comprehensive range of services, which include accommodation, catering, management, housekeeping, laundry, etc, for a fixed period of time.
In managing this process, RIA has advertised annually in the national press for expressions of interest from persons interested in providing accommodation and ancillary services for asylum seekers. No newcomers are prevented from coming into the market. In procuring direct provision accommodation and ancillary facilities, specific regard is had to the following:
Type of accommodation being offered (hotel, guest house, hostel etc.);
Location;
Local population and numbers of asylum seekers, if any, already residing in the area;
Local infrastructure (transport, schools, hospitals, shops etc.);
Facilities being offered by proprietor ( recreation, communal rooms, en-suites, etc.);
Facilities for other Government agencies (HSE, Refugee Legal Services etc.).
RIA endeavours to achieve both best value for money and as even a spread as possible of asylum seekers throughout the country and, in its procurement process, negotiations can take place with a number of commercial entities. The Deputy will be aware that I have recently presented to the Oireachtas Library a copy of the Value For Money (VFM) review in respect of spending by RIA on asylum seeker accommodation. The report can also be viewed on the RIA website: www.ria.gov.ie. The review group had a steering committee, comprising officials from my Department, the Department of Finance and an independent Chairperson. This report made a detailed examination of RIA’s procurement function. That report is undergoing a detailed analysis in RIA having regard to the Review Group’s own acknowledgement of the unique challenges in this particular area of procurement — unpredictability of demand, dispersal, local opposition, children settled in schools and so on.
It is important to point out that RIA constantly engages with its contractors to ensure that value for money is being achieved and that the contractor is complying with standards of accommodation, bed-usage, health and safety etc. as set out in the contract and in other legal provisions.
The RIA monitors this service delivery using a number of tools, including:
RIA (internal) Inspections Unit visits (minimum of 2 per centre per year);
Independent Inspections by a commercial firm, QTS limited, under contract to RIA (minimum of 1 per centre per year);
Examination of resident register returns, including trends in "attendance" (weekly at RIA);
RIA Information Clinics (one-to-one with residents) (minimum of 2 per centre per year);
On-the-spot visits by RIA officers;
Bed-Audit Reviews (targeting contract compliance and bed usage).
The current contract details are in the following table:
|
Location |
Capacity |
Contract Ends |
|
2010 |
||
|
Viking House, Waterford |
90 |
22.12.2010 |
|
Carroll Village, Dundalk |
200 |
23.03.2011 |
|
Lisbrook House, Galway |
315 |
31.01.2011 |
|
Balseskin, Co. Dublin |
369 |
31.12.2011 |
|
Atlantic House, Tramore |
90 |
28.03.2011 |
|
Ocean View, Tramore |
85 |
28.03.2011 |
|
2011 |
||
|
Watergate, D. 8 |
76 |
23.03.2011 |
|
St. Patricks, Monaghan |
200 |
06.04.2011 |
|
24 Lower Camden St, Dublin 2 |
19 |
08.04.2011 |
|
70 Lower Camden St. D.2 |
15 |
08.04.2011 |
|
Mosney Holiday Centre |
650 |
04.06.2011 |
|
Westbourne, Limerick |
105 |
07.06.2011 |
|
Hatch Hall, Dublin 2 |
210 |
16.06.2011 |
|
Newlight, St. Margarets |
30 |
20.06.2011 |
|
Great Western, Galway |
172 |
26.07.2011 |
|
Richmond Court, Longford |
94 |
05.07.2011 |
|
Dun Gibbons, Clifden |
96 |
10.07.2011 |
|
Hibernian, Abbeyleix |
55 |
18.07.2011 |
|
Globe House, Sligo |
255 |
27.10.2011 |
|
Horse & Carriage, Dublin 2 |
25 |
20.08.2011 |
|
Linden House, Killarney |
55 |
27.07.2011 |
|
Viking Lodge, Dublin 8 |
70 |
16.08.2011 |
|
Mount Trenchard, Foynes |
85 |
25.09.2011 |
|
Glenvera, Cork |
128 |
29.08.2011 |
|
Georgian Court, Dublin 1 |
110 |
16.01.2012 |
|
The Montague, Portlaoise |
200 |
10.10.2011 |
|
The Towers, Dublin 22 |
250 |
24.12.2012 |
|
Cliffview, Donegal Town |
61 |
27.09.2011 |
|
Old Rectory, New Ross |
58 |
25.10.2011 |
|
Eyre Powell, Newbridge |
100 |
01.11.2011 |
|
Eglinton, Salthill, Galway |
235 |
10.01.2012 |
|
Birchwood House, Waterford |
160 |
17.01.2012 |
|
Ashbourne, Cork |
115 |
17.01.2012 |
|
An Poc Fada, Cobh |
40 |
17.01.2012 |
|
Old Convent, Ballyhaunis |
329 |
18.01.2011 |
|
2012 |
||
|
Bridgewater, Carrick-On-Suir |
120 |
16.07.2012 |
|
Millstreet, Co. Cork |
300 |
29.07.2012 |
|
Clonakilty Lodge, Co. Cork |
110 |
22.10.2012 |
|
2013 |
||
|
Hanratty’s Hotel, Limerick |
118 |
01.06.2014 |
|
State — Owned Centres |
||
|
Kinsale Road |
300 |
11.03.2011 |
|
Knockalisheen |
275 |
27.02.2011 |
|
Atlas [Killarney] |
90 |
06.03.2011 |
|
Atlas [Tralee] |
100 |
25.02.2011 |
|
Johnson Marina |
100 |
25.02.2011 |
|
Park Lodge, Co. Kerry |
55 |
03.03.2011 |
|
Athlone, Co. Westmeath |
350 |
04.03.2011 |
148 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the amount of money spent on legal aid for asylum seekers in the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38437/10]
Funding of legal aid for asylum claimants is provided by my Department to the Refugee Legal Service which operates under the auspices of the Legal Aid Board.
The amount of funding provided to the Service for each of the years sought by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Funding Provided |
|
€m |
|
|
2006 |
7.726 |
|
2007 |
8.621 |
|
2008 |
8.897 |
|
2009 |
8.330 |
|
2010 (to end of September) |
5.473 |
149 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the number of Garda operated closed circuit television cameras in Dublin; the cost of the operating of same in the years 2006,2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38438/10]
Garda CCTV schemes are planned and implemented on the basis of the Garda Commissioner's identified operational needs and priorities. I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 7 Garda CCTV systems in place in Dublin, at the following locations: Dublin (North Central), Dublin (South Central), Dún Laoghaire, Ballyfermot, Clondalkin, Finglas and Tallaght.
Specific information in relation to the costs associated with these Garda CCTV systems is not currently available and I will contact the Deputy at a later date in connection with this matter.
150 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason the Brazilian authorities were allowed to treat Killester United Football Club in such an appalling manner. [38313/10]
The Department of Foreign Affairs learned on the morning of Monday 11 October that a group of 31 Irish citizens, including members of the Killester United Football Club, had been refused entry to Brazil by the Immigration authorities at Sao Paolo. Having been advised of the problem at immigration, our Embassy in Brazil immediately contacted the Immigration service in Sao Paulo to ascertain why this group had been refused entry. The Embassy was informed by the Brazilian authorities that the decision to refuse entry was based on an alleged incident involving two members of the group and two Brazilian citizens during the Iberia flight from Madrid to Sao Paulo. It is understood that on landing in Sao Paulo, the Brazilian citizens lodged a formal complaint with the Military Police at the airport who are responsible for immigration control and that this complaint was verified by a number of other passengers on the flight. The Embassy was informed that the decision to refuse entry was based on this complaint and its subsequent verification.
The Embassy made representations on behalf of the group to the Immigration authorities in both Sao Paulo and Brasilia and also made contact with the Brazilian Ministry for Foreign Affairs to seek assistance to resolve the issue. The Embassy sought to secure entry to Brazil, at the very least for those members of the group not directly related to the alleged incident. I am informed that our Embassy received support in this regard from the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, their advice and the Embassy's requests were not accepted by the Immigration authorities and the original decision was upheld.
The group, having been refused entry, were obliged to leave Brazil (they were not deported), and returned to Ireland via Madrid.
As I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate, the application of Brazilian immigration law is a matter for the Brazilian authorities. Nevertheless, the Embassy subsequently wrote to the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to indicate that, while respecting their right of the Brazilian authorities to refuse entry to those who may have been involved in the alleged incident, the Embassy nevertheless wished to express our concern at the decision to refuse entry to the remainder of the travelling party.
151 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of public servants who have left under the incentivised early retirement scheme with details of grades; the number of public servants who left for other reasons with details of grades; the number of new staff recruited with details of grades; the number of promotions with details of grades; the net savings arising from the staff leaving over and above those recruited and promoted and to provide a breakdown of each of these figures for years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010. [38327/10]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
|
Grade |
Reason For Leaving the Department |
Entry to Grade |
||||
|
Retirement |
Incentivised Early Retirement |
Other reasons for departure |
Promotions |
New recruits |
Other |
|
|
Service Officer |
1 |
2 |
||||
|
Cleaner |
4 |
4 |
||||
|
Civilian Driver |
2 |
2 |
||||
|
Clerical Officer |
9 |
25 |
14 |
13 |
||
|
Personal Assistant |
2 |
2 |
||||
|
Personal Secretary |
1 |
2 |
||||
|
Staff Officer |
1 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
||
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
7 |
6 |
2 |
6 |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
2 |
5 |
|||
|
Third Secretary/Administrative Officer |
11 |
10 |
1 |
|||
|
First Secretary/Assistant Principal/Accountant/Assistant Legal Adviser |
2 |
Not applicable in 2008 |
6 |
7 |
1 |
5 |
|
Development Specialist |
9 |
|||||
|
Senior Architect |
1 |
|||||
|
PressAdviser |
1 |
|||||
|
Special Adviser |
2 |
3 |
||||
|
Counsellor/Principal Officer |
4 |
|||||
|
Assistant Secretary |
5 |
3 |
1 |
|||
|
Second Secretary |
||||||
|
Secretary General |
||||||
|
Sub-totals |
24 |
63 |
28 |
46 |
31 |
|
|
Overall totals |
87 |
105 |
|
Grade |
Reason for leaving the Department |
Entry to Grade |
||||
|
Retirement |
Incentivised Early Retirement |
Other reasons for departure |
Promotions |
New Recruits |
Other |
|
|
Service Officer |
2 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
||
|
Cleaner |
||||||
|
Civilian Driver |
1 |
|||||
|
Clerical Officer |
12 |
2 |
24 |
1 |
3 |
|
|
Staff Officer |
2 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
||
|
Personal Secretary |
1 |
|||||
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
||
|
Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|||
|
Third Secretary/Administrative Officer |
4 |
4 |
3 |
|||
|
First Secretary/Assistant Principal/Accountant/Assistant Legal Adviser |
8 |
1 |
6 |
8 |
1 |
1 |
|
Development Specialist |
4 |
|||||
|
Counsellor/Principal Officer |
2 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
1 |
4 |
|||
|
Second Secretary |
2 |
|||||
|
Secretary General |
1 |
1 |
||||
|
Sub-totals |
32 |
14 |
41 |
18 |
15 |
10 |
|
Overall totals |
87 |
43 |
|
Grade |
Reason for leaving the Department |
Entry to Grade |
||||
|
Retirement |
Incentivised Early Retirement |
Other reasons for departure |
Promotions |
New recruits |
Other |
|
|
Service Officer |
2 |
1 |
||||
|
Cleaner |
1 |
|||||
|
Clerical Officer |
6 |
10 |
2 |
|||
|
Staff Officer |
1 |
|||||
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|||
|
Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
|||||
|
Third Secretary/Administrative Officer |
3 |
7 |
2 |
|||
|
First Secretary/Assistant Principal/Accountant/Assistant Legal Adviser |
2 |
|||||
|
Development Specialist |
1 |
|||||
|
Counsellor/Principal Officer |
2 |
1 |
||||
|
Special Adviser |
1 |
1 |
||||
|
Assistant Secretary |
4 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
||
|
Second Secretary |
||||||
|
Secretary General |
||||||
|
Sub-totals |
19 |
2 |
17 |
1 |
8 |
8 |
|
Overall totals |
38 |
17 |
Officers recruited on temporary contacts of less than two years duration, for example interns and temporary clerical staff, have not been included in the tables.
I am unable to provide figures for net savings for the three years in question. In the case of retirements, net savings vary depending on the amount of pension and lump sum payable, which in turn depends on length of accrued service. The pensions and lump sums payable to retiring staff of my Department are calculated by the Department of Finance and paid by the Office of the Paymaster General.
I can, however, advise the Deputy that in the period since 27 March 2009, when the current moratorium on recruitment was introduced, the number of staff serving at Assistant Principal Level and higher in the Department has reduced by 29, representing gross annual savings of an estimated €2.5m. The equivalent number for grades up-to and including Higher Executive Officer level was 35, representing gross annualised savings of some €1.4m.
152 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social Protection if, in considering deductions to the carer’s allowance, he has taken account of the additional costs to the Exchequer which would follow from persons, currently in the care of their families, transferring to institutional care and if he will put an estimate on the amount. [38231/10]
In considering any changes to social welfare schemes, full consideration is given to the impact of any proposals on the recipients involved.
Government policy is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. In the case of persons being cared for at home, the care they receive is usually a balance of support from family and professional help. The Department of Social Protection provides income supports for family carers while the Department of Health and Children provides professional support.
The Government is acutely aware and appreciative of the contribution made by carers. It was for that reason, that when resources were available, we invested heavily in improving social welfare rates and services for carers.
Following this year's Budget, the carer's allowance rate for carers over 66 years of age has not changed and remains at €239. The rate of carer's allowance for someone under 66 is €212.
Since the introduction of the carer's allowance in 1990 payments to carers have been increased and expanded. Carer's allowance was increased in 2007, 2008 and 2009 by 12.1%, 6.5% and 3.3%, respectively. As a result, even with the reduction announced in the last Budget for carers under 66, the weekly rate of payment for the carers allowance is still almost 20% higher this year than in 2006 and more than 147% higher than in 1997.
The means test for carer's allowance has been significantly eased over the years, and is now one of the most generous means tests in the social welfare system, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings. Since April 2008, the income disregard has been €332.50 per week for a single person and €665 per week for a couple. This means that a couple with two children can earn in the region of €37,200 and qualify for the maximum rate of carer's allowance as well as the associated free travel and household benefits. A couple with an income in the region of €60,400 can still qualify for a minimum payment, as well as the associated free travel and household benefits package.
These levels surpass the "Towards 2016" commitment to ensure those on average industrial earnings continue to qualify for a full carer's allowance.
From June 2005, the annual respite care grant was extended to all carers who are providing full time care to a person who needs such care, regardless of their income. The rate of the respite care grant has also been increased to €1,700 per year in respect of each care recipient since June 2008.
The professional support provided for people at home is delivered through a range of community services such as home-help, home care packages, meals-on-wheels, and day/respite care. Such supports have the added objectives of reducing inappropriate admissions by older people to acute hospital or long-term residential care.
The importance attached to these services is highlighted by the fact that over €200m additional funding has been provided in recent years for these services. The HSE has responsibility for the delivery of home care services, in line with its National Service Plan 2010. This commits the Executive to provide 12 million home-help hours nationally this year to over 54,000 people. The target for 2010 for home-help hours is unchanged over the 2009 figure. In addition to the mainstream home-help provision, the current plan is designed to deliver home care packages to around 9,600 people at any one time, or to some 13,000 clients over the course of the year, and to cater for the provision of around 21,300 day/respite Care places.
In the period 2006 to 2008, over €425m was provided to the HSE under the National Disability Strategy Multi Annual Investment Programme for the provision of additional specialist health and personal social services for people with a disability. In 2009, the HSE provided 3.2 million hours of personal assistant/home care services to people with a disability.
In Budget 2010 additional funding of €19.5m was provided to the Executive to respond to demographic growth in demand for emergency residential placements, additional day places, and personal assistant/home support hours. The current HSE Service Plan commits the Executive to providing the same level of service as in 2009, in other words, 3.2 million hours, and an additional 140,000 hours of personal assistant/home care services for people with a disability.
The Government will continue to support carers and the people they care for within the resources available.
153 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38238/10]
An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received on the 1st June 2010 from the person in question. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that her child was not medically eligible for DCA.
A letter issued to the person in question on the 27th July 2010 where she was advised of the decision to refuse DCA. In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds, the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the case to be reviewed or they may appeal the decision directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 21 days.
To date no appeal or request for review has been received.
154 Deputy Joe Behan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the long queues at Bray social welfare office; the staffing complement at the Bray social welfare office and the waiting times for each category of social welfare claim at the present time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38289/10]
Long queues seldom exist at Bray social welfare local office and local management are continually monitoring the flow of people in and out of the office to ensure that delay is kept to a minimum.
The staff complement at the office is 23.4.
The latest available average processing times for claims at Bray social welfare local office are as follows:
|
Benefit |
|
|
Jobseeker’s Allowance |
6.5 weeks |
|
Jobseeker’s Benefit |
3.4 weeks |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
17.25 weeks |
155 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to the pre-budget submission of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation which highlighted the fact that companies are prevented from providing top-up payments to interns who are in receipt of a jobseekers payment to help them meet the cost of participation in the internship; and his plans to address this issue. [38295/10]
The IBEC submission raises a number of issues relating to activation policy, including issues in relation to graduate internship programmes. The Government is currently examining ways of providing further support to graduate retention in the economy, with policy matters in this area being primarily the responsibility of the Minister for Education and Skills.
The main existing employment support mechanism for graduates is the work placement programme administered by FÁS. A key element of the programme is that the customer retains their social welfare entitlement. This facility has also been extended to the IBEC gradlink programme. While on either programme, a person must be genuinely seeking work and must take up an offer of paid employment if one arises.
In this way, participants may continue to satisfy the social welfare criteria of being available for and genuinely seeking work. However, if a participant is paid a top-up by their employer this constitutes reckonable earnings from employment. On this basis, they can no longer be considered unemployed. Additionally, in relation to those in receipt of a means tested social welfare payment, such income would fall to be assessed as means.
The distinction between employed and unemployed is of crucial importance in the design and administration of any such scheme. Design of a scheme that permits retention of social welfare benefits while a person is in receipt of wages or non-pecuniary emoluments must have cognisance of substitution and replacement effects, while remaining attractive to both interns and hosts. On this basis careful control and demarcation is essential in schemes of this nature.
Payments by employers also raise fundamental issues in relation to employment rights, taxation and social insurance. These matters are informing ongoing policy discussions in relation to internships.
157 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of public servants who have left under the incentivised early retirement scheme with details of grades; the number of public servants who left for other reasons with details of grades; the number of new staff recruited with details of grades; the number of promotions with details of grades; the net savings arising from the staff leaving over and above those recruited and promoted and to provide a breakdown of each of these figures for years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010. [38330/10]
The tables below detail the numbers of staff who left my Department, newly recruited staff and those promoted in the period from January 2008 to the 1st October 2010.
In response to the significant increase in the Live Register my Department has taken on additional staff by way of a levy imposed by the Department of Finance on other Government Departments. Further additional staff have been redeployed from the Department of Agriculture in locations where that Department has closed offices. The position therefore is that, despite the significant number of staff who have left my Department, there has in fact been an increase in the overall staffing level during the period in question. Consequently there have been no savings in terms of payroll costs.
|
Grade |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 (at 1st Oct) |
|
Secretary General |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Chief Appeals Officer |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Chief Medical Advisor |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Deputy Chief Medical Advisor |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Principal Officer |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Medical Assessor |
4 |
4 |
3 |
|
Assistant Principal |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Legal Researcher |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Executive Officer |
8 |
0 |
0 |
|
Staff Officer |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clerical Officer |
132 |
24 |
0 |
|
Services Officer |
6 |
1 |
4 |
|
Services Attendant |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Total |
153 |
30 |
7 |
|
Grade |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 (at 1st Oct) |
|
Secretary General |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Chief Appeals Officer |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Chief Medical Advisor |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Deputy Chief Medical Advisor |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Principal Officer |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Assistant Principal |
5 |
8 |
3 |
|
Administrative Officer |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
32 |
18 |
7 |
|
Executive Officer |
32 |
32 |
1 |
|
Staff Officer |
59 |
55 |
31 |
|
Clerical Officer |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
132 |
114 |
50 |
|
Reason for leaving |
Sec- Gen |
A Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
SVO |
Total |
|
Death |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
— |
1 |
— |
— |
2 |
1 |
5 |
|
Dismissal |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
4 |
— |
4 |
|
Resigned |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
— |
28 |
1 |
31 |
|
Retirement — Cost Neutral |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
— |
1 |
— |
— |
1 |
— |
3 |
|
Retirement — Normal |
— |
— |
2 |
10 |
— |
9 |
4 |
— |
17 |
5 |
47 |
|
Retirement — Ill Health |
— |
— |
2 |
1 |
— |
3 |
5 |
2 |
10 |
1 |
24 |
|
Transfer out |
— |
— |
1 |
6 |
1 |
15 |
17 |
14 |
67 |
— |
121 |
|
Total |
0 |
0 |
5 |
19 |
1 |
30 |
27 |
16 |
129 |
8 |
235 |
|
Reason for leaving |
Sec- Gen |
A Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
SVO |
Total |
|
Death |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
3 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
11 |
|
Dismissal |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
— |
— |
2 |
— |
3 |
|
Resigned |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
— |
1 |
1 |
— |
9 |
1 |
14 |
|
Retirement — Cost Neutral |
— |
1 |
— |
1 |
— |
3 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
14 |
|
Retirement — Normal |
— |
2 |
8 |
23 |
— |
24 |
8 |
8 |
23 |
7 |
103 |
|
Retirement — Ill Health |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
4 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
15 |
|
Retirement — Incentivised Early |
— |
1 |
1 |
10 |
— |
43 |
24 |
16 |
10 |
— |
105 |
|
Transfer out |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
5 |
1 |
17 |
— |
24 |
|
Total |
0 |
4 |
10 |
35 |
0 |
80 |
44 |
32 |
68 |
16 |
289 |
|
Reason for leaving |
Sec-Gen |
A Sec |
PO |
AP |
AO |
HEO |
EO |
SO |
CO |
SVO |
Total |
|
Death |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
1 |
— |
3 |
|
Resigned |
— |
— |
1 |
— |
1 |
1 |
— |
— |
2 |
— |
5 |
|
Contract Expired |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Retirement — Cost Neutral |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
— |
— |
1 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
7 |
|
Retirement — Normal |
1 |
— |
2 |
2 |
— |
5 |
— |
1 |
14 |
6 |
31 |
|
Retirement — Ill Health |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
— |
2 |
— |
2 |
4 |
2 |
11 |
|
Retirement — Incentivised Early |
— |
— |
7 |
11 |
— |
3 |
3 |
3 |
— |
— |
27 |
|
Transfer out |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
— |
2 |
5 |
1 |
11 |
— |
21 |
|
Redeployed** |
— |
— |
1 |
6 |
1 |
8 |
1 |
— |
3 |
— |
20 |
|
Total |
1 |
0 |
11 |
23 |
2 |
21 |
11 |
10 |
38 |
9 |
126 |
**The figure for "Redeployed" refers to the Office of Social Inclusion in the Department which transferred to the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs during 2010.
158 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the date on which the General Register Office was transferred from the Department of Health and Children to the Department of Social Protection; the number of persons involved in this transfer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38352/10]
The General Register Office transferred from the Department of Health and Children to the Department of Social Protection on 1 January, 2008. The number of persons involved in the transfer was 57.6 and the number of posts was 61. The variation arises from work-sharing patterns.
159 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of staff working in the Department of Social Protection for the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38353/10]
The table below shows the number of full-time equivalent posts filled in my Department as at 1st January for each of the years 2005 to 2010. The latest staffing figure available shows that there are currently 4830 posts filled in my Department. The number of staff is higher as some posts are filled on a job sharing basis.
|
Year |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
No. serving |
4,286 |
4,281 |
4,316 |
4,440 |
4,540 |
4,733 |
160 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when child benefit will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38381/10]
Child Benefit payments were suspended this month following receipt of information from the Garda National Immigration Bureau that the person concerned and her children were absent from the State. Correspondence has issued to the person concerned today, 19 October 2010, requesting documentary evidence of her period of absence from the State. When this information is provided, her entitlement to child benefit will be reviewed.
161 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for cessation of child benefit in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38382/10]
The child benefit payment to the person concerned was suspended as she did not reply to correspondence issued by the Department in June 2010. The Department is also aware that this person's right to reside in Ireland expired on 12 October 2008 and has not been renewed. The Department will write again to the person concerned at the address provided by the Deputy.
163 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for cessation of rent support in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38384/10]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that following a review of the rent supplement entitlements of the person concerned the payment of the supplement was refused on the grounds that the person concerned is not habitually resident in the State. The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing and advised of the right to appeal this decision to the HSE Appeals Office.
The HSE has advised that it has no record of an appeal in respect of this decision from the person concerned.
164 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for domiciliary care allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38385/10]
No application has been received to date from the person in question.
165 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if one parent family allowance is payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 who has stamp 4 residency status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38386/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 20 September 2010. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received back in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 4 October 2010 and the appeal will be referred in due course to an Appeals Officer who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.
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 Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when rent support will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38387/10]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that following a review of the rent supplement entitlement in this case payment was stopped as the person concerned has provided incorrect information relating to a number of aspects relating to her personal circumstances.
The person concerned has been notified of this decision in writing and has been advised of her statutory right to make an appeal to the relevant officer within the HSE.
167 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the correct level of rent support payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38390/10]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that for the purpose of calculating the rent supplement entitlement due, the family composition is classified as a couple plus one child residing in the Kildare region. Due to the combined income of the couple their rent supplement entitlement is €490.40 per calendar month. The persons concerned should contact the community welfare officer at their local health centre should they wish to have their claim for entitlements further examined or reviewed
168 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal in respect of job seekers allowance will be determined in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38391/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 21 August 2010. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received back in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 30 August 2010 and the appeal will be referred in due course to an Appeals Officer who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.
There was a 46% increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2009 when compared to 2008, which in itself was 27% greater than the numbers received in 2007. There was an increase of a further 44% in the number of appeals received in the first eight months of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals. In order to be fair to all appellants, oral hearings are arranged in strict chronological order.
A number of initiatives have been put in place to enhance the capacity of the office to deal with the current caseload and inflows. In that regard:
2 additional Appeals Officers were assigned to the Office in 2009,
A number of additional staff were assigned to the administration area of the Office,
The organisation of the Appeals Officer's work has been changed so as to increase productivity,
A project to improve the business processes in the office was undertaken which has resulted in a number of improvements being implemented, and
Significant enhancements have been made to the office's IT and phone systems.
In addition, it was decided to use experienced retired staff strictly on a short term basis to supplement the current resources and the services of eight retired officers have now been secured on a part-time basis and have been operating since July.
I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping current processes under continuous review with a view to achieving a more effective throughput of appeals, while ensuring that any progress does not conflict with due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
169 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection to state when an oral hearing will be arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38392/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made.
There was a 46% increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2009 when compared to 2008, which in itself was 27% greater than the numbers received in 2007. There was an increase of a further 44% in the number of appeals received in the first eight months of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals. In order to be fair to all appellants, oral hearings are arranged in strict chronological order.
A number of initiatives have been put in place to enhance the capacity of the office to deal with the current caseload and inflows. In that regard: 2 additional Appeals Officers were assigned to the Office in 2009, A number of additional staff were assigned to the administration area of the Office; The organisation of the Appeals Officer's work has been changed so as to increase productivity; A project to improve the business processes in the office was undertaken which has resulted in a number of improvements being implemented, and; Significant enhancements have been made to the office's IT and phone systems.
In addition, it was decided to use experienced retired staff strictly on a short term basis to supplement the current resources and the services of eight retired officers have now been secured on a part-time basis and have been operating since July. I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping current processes under continuous review with a view to achieving a more effective throughput of appeals, while ensuring that any progress does not conflict with due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
170 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the timeframe for a decision on a claim for child benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [38408/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made.
There was a 46% increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2009 when compared to 2008, which in itself was 27% greater than the numbers received in 2007. There was an increase of a further 44% in the number of appeals received in the first eight months of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals. In order to be fair to all appellants, oral hearings are arranged in strict chronological order.
A number of initiatives have been put in place to enhance the capacity of the office to deal with the current caseload and inflows. In that regard: 2 additional Appeals Officers were assigned to the Office in 2009; A number of additional staff were assigned to the administration area of the Office; The organisation of the Appeals Officer's work has been changed so as to increase productivity; A project to improve the business processes in the office was undertaken which has resulted in a number of improvements being implemented, and; Significant enhancements have been made to the office's IT and phone systems. In addition, it was decided to use experienced retired staff strictly on a short term basis to supplement the current resources and the services of eight retired officers have now been secured on a part-time basis and have been operating since July. I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping current processes under continuous review with a view to achieving a more effective throughput of appeals, while ensuring that any progress does not conflict with due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
171 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will expedite an appeal for jobseeker’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [38417/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made.
There was a 46% increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2009 when compared to 2008, which in itself was 27% greater than the numbers received in 2007. There was an increase of a further 44% in the number of appeals received in the first eight months of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals. In order to be fair to all appellants, oral hearings are arranged in strict chronological order.
A number of initiatives have been put in place to enhance the capacity of the office to deal with the current caseload and inflows. In that regard: 2 additional Appeals Officers were assigned to the Office in 2009; A number of additional staff were assigned to the administration area of the Office; The organisation of the Appeals Officer's work has been changed so as to increase productivity; A project to improve the business processes in the office was undertaken which has resulted in a number of improvements being implemented, and; Significant enhancements have been made to the office's IT and phone systems. In addition, it was decided to use experienced retired staff strictly on a short term basis to supplement the current resources and the services of eight retired officers have now been secured on a part-time basis and have been operating since July. I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping current processes under continuous review with a view to achieving a more effective throughput of appeals, while ensuring that any progress does not conflict with due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
172 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost of the free travel scheme and the amounts paid to each transport provider in each of the past three years. [38423/10]
The information requested is being compiled by officials in my Department and will be communicated directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
173 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the information services available to a jobseeker to enable them to make an informed decision on the value of in-work benefits and the cost of welfare withdrawal and taxes under different in-work income scenarios; if a ready-reckoner is available to jobseekers for this purpose; if an advice service is available to jobseekers for this purpose and if so, the way it can be accessed; if specific training is provided to front-line staff dealing with such queries on calculating income tax, PRSI, income levies, medical card entitlement, and means-testing family income supplement, rent supplement, mortgage interest supplement, back to school clothing and footwear allowance and other potential in-work benefits in order that a complete and accurate picture can be provided to jobseekers; and if a statement is issued to jobseekers in such circumstances. [38425/10]
The primary objective of the Department's information policy is to ensure that all citizens are made aware of the wide range of schemes and services available and that they are kept informed of changes and improvements as they occur. The Department operates a network of some 125 local and branch offices throughout the country. Each local office has officers who are dedicated to providing information and are available to explain supports and services to people. Information officers provide a range of information to customers on their entitlements including, in broad terms, the effect that taking up work may have on their social welfare payments. While local office staff have a deep knowledge of social welfare schemes, they may not be in a position to advise customers on the specific financial effect of taking up employment, particularly as it relates to issues such as income tax, income levies or potential in-work benefits.
In addition, the Department's network of facilitators work closely with FÁS and other agencies at a local level to identify and target appropriate education, training and development opportunities for people. This locally-based service is supported by a central Information Unit which operates a LoCall information line (1890 66 22 44) which customers may call for information and guidance on their entitlements. The Department produces a comprehensive range of information leaflets and booklets and these are available in a wide range of outlets, including Social Welfare Offices, Citizens Information Centres and Post Offices. Leaflets can also be requested through the Department's website. The Department's website, www.welfare.ie, contains full information on its range of schemes and services, including jobseekers supports, and has a “Frequently Asked Questions” section dedicated to Jobseekers; this section of the site is available in English, Irish and Polish and provides answers to some of the most common queries the Department receives on topics such as taxation of benefits and on options available regarding training, employment, self-employment and voluntary work.
Jobseeker customers can now close their claim online and customers doing so are provided with a link to a dedicated page, listing the supports that may be available to them on return to the workforce, such as Family Income Supplement, Money Advice and Budgeting Service, etc. This page is also linked to from many other relevant pages on the site.
Funding is also provided annually to the Irish National Organisation for the Unemployed (INOU) to produce their booklet "Working for Work", which contains full information on jobseekers payments, the training and development options available to jobseekers as well as advice on job searching, tax and other social services provided by other Departments and agencies. INOU provides free copies of the "Working for Work" booklet to people in receipt of social welfare payments.
The Citizens Information Board, which comes under the aegis of the Department, is the national information agency with responsibility for supporting the provision of independent information and advice on the broad range of social services including social welfare services. Information is provided through Citizen Information Centres and other offices throughout the country, through the Citizens Information Phone Service (1890 777 121) which operates from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday and on their website at www.citizensinformation.ie. The Citizens Information Board recently launched a new website dedicated to people recently made unemployed, called www.losingyourjob.ie. This site provides a single point of information for anyone looking for assistance with unemployment or reduced hours. The Department does not provide a ready-reckoner to customers in order to calculate the financial effect of taking up work.
174 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost of the household benefits package in each of the past three years and the amounts paid to each utility company or service provider or other provider in each of these years. [38426/10]
The total cost of the household benefits package for 2007, 2008 and 2009 is as follows:
|
Year |
Total Cost |
|
€000 |
|
|
2007 |
313,111 |
|
2008 |
340,252 |
|
2009 |
359,106 |
The household benefits package comprises the electricity or gas allowance, telephone allowance and free television licence. The allowances are paid as a direct credit on customers' bills where possible. Where this is not possible, monthly cash payments are made directly to customers' nominated post office or financial account. The amount paid direct to each service provider for the period 2007, 2008 and 2009 is set out in the following table:
|
Service Provider |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Telephone Allowance |
|||
|
Eircom |
89,003,295 |
91,612,894 |
91,287,267 |
|
Imagine Business |
25,546 |
27,105 |
29,613 |
|
Gaelic |
987,492 |
1,260,203 |
1,319,726 |
|
Imagine Broadband |
334,117 |
499,201 |
530,456 |
|
Cinergi |
56,989 |
1,677,158 |
2,005,672 |
|
BT |
1,047,357 |
3,953,182 |
4,270,100 |
|
BT Resellers |
2,709,446 |
1,122,580 |
1,139,995 |
|
Talk Talk |
1,151,068 |
59,504 |
55,598 |
|
Verizon |
64,894 |
619,247 |
|
|
Cable & Wireless |
111,543 |
||
|
Electricity Allowance |
|||
|
ESB |
144,556,885 |
153,433,353 |
163,769,944 |
|
Airtricity |
130,134* |
41,345* |
|
|
Gas Allowance |
|||
|
Calor Gas |
55,901 |
17,456 |
2,014 |
|
Flogas |
45,109 |
63,433 |
76,151 |
|
Bord Gais |
14,851,882 |
14,700,487 |
14,344,080 |
|
TV Licence |
|||
|
Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources |
51,672,000 |
55,698,000 |
55,712,000 |
|
Cash Payments to customers |
6,483,779 |
16,021,205 |
23,832,594 |
*Payments refer to a manual based system which facilitated direct payment on bills for a limited number of customers. Customers with Airtricity and in receipt of the electricity allowance are paid a monthly cash payment.
175 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the timeframe for dealing with an appeal for NCSP in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow and if he will expedite a response. [38440/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 26 July 2010. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received back in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 23 August 2010 and the appeal will be referred in due course to an Appeals Officer who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.
There was a 46% increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2009 when compared to 2008, which in itself was 27% greater than the numbers received in 2007. There was an increase of a further 44% in the number of appeals received in the first eight months of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals. In order to be fair to all appellants, oral hearings are arranged in strict chronological order.
A number of initiatives have been put in place to enhance the capacity of the office to deal with the current caseload and inflows. In that regard: 2 additional Appeals Officers were assigned to the Office in 2009:
A number of additional staff were assigned to the administration area of the Office,
The organisation of the Appeals Officer's work has been changed so as to increase productivity,
A project to improve the business processes in the office was undertaken which has resulted in a number of improvements being implemented, and
Significant enhancements have been made to the office's IT and phone systems.
In addition, it was decided to use experienced retired staff strictly on a short term basis to supplement the current resources and the services of eight retired officers have now been secured on a part-time basis and have been operating since July.
I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping current processes under continuous review with a view to achieving a more effective throughput of appeals, while ensuring that any progress does not conflict with due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
176 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will report on the social insurance fund; the date on which it was set up; the estimated figures for annual income inflows, outpayments and current financial position; the contributions that goes into the fund in relation to contributions from the various PRSI paying categories; the social welfare benefits and schemes which are funded from the fund; the way this list compares with the original intent; if far greater demands are placed on the fund now in relation to the number of schemes funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38441/10]
The Social Insurance Fund (SIF) was established in 1953 following the introduction of the Social Welfare (Insurance) Act of 1952. The main accomplishment of the 1952 Act was the replacement of separate schemes for unemployment, widow's and orphan's pensions, and national health; with a single co-ordinated social insurance scheme.
Over the years the social insurance system has developed and improved, both in terms of the types of employments covered and benefits available. Over the course of this development the social insurance system has been based on two fundamental principles — the contributory principle whereby there is a direct link between contributions paid and entitlement to a varying range of benefits and pensions that are payable as a right and the solidarity principle whereby contributions paid by insured persons are not actuarially linked to benefits but are instead redistributed to support contributors who are more vulnerable. It is an expression of solidarity between both earning groups and generations. All current social welfare benefit payments are made from the SIF. Payments made under the redundancy payments acts and the insolvency payments scheme are also made from the fund.
In 2009 contributions by employers provided 72.5% of fund income, with employees contributing 21.4%, self-employed contributing 4.3%, and investment income and other receipts amounting to 1.8% of income. Current estimates indicate that 2010 Fund income will be of the order of €6,610 million with expenditure of €9,460 million. An Exchequer subvention to the Fund of €1,970 million is anticipated for 2010. This will be over €400 million greater than provided for in the estimate, due to lower than expected PRSI receipts.
In this context it is important to note that traditionally, social insurance spending has been funded on a tripartite basis — with contributions coming from the Exchequer, employers and employees. Legally, the Exchequer is the residual financier of the fund and exchequer contributions were the norm for over forty years — for example, in 1967, the State contribution was 38% of SIF expenditure and almost 29% in 1985. However, no Exchequer contribution was required between 1996 and 2009 as the fund was in surplus on foot of contributions from employers and workers.
The 2005 Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund, which covered the period from 2006 to 2061, highlighted that progressive action is required if future costs, including pensions, are to be met. This will involve finding an appropriate balance between the three strands of the tripartite funding system.
Table 1 provides data on the total number of contributors to the SIF together with a breakdown of this figure by PRSI Class type and sets out the benefit coverage relevant to each class. Table 2 provides information on financing of the fund in 2008 and 2009.
|
PRSI Class |
Coverage |
Numbers of contributors insured — 2008 |
||
|
Male |
Female |
Total |
||
|
A |
All benefits. |
1,234,046 |
1,163,152 |
2,397,198 |
|
B |
Widow’s/Widower’s (Contributory) Pension, Guardian’s Payment (Contributory), Bereavement Grant, Carer’s Benefit & limited Occupational Injuries Benefits. |
16,400 |
12,021 |
28,421 |
|
C |
Widow’s/Widower’s (Contributory) Pension, Guardian’s Payment (Contributory), Bereavement Grant & Carer’s Benefit. |
745 |
139 |
884 |
|
D |
Widow’s/Widower’s (Contributory) Pension, Guardian’s Payment (Contributory), Bereavement Grant, Carer’s Benefit & Occupational Injuries Benefits.All benefits except Jobseeker’s Benefit, Bereavement Grant & Occupational Injuries Benefits. |
34,855 |
44,357 |
79,212 |
|
E |
All benefits except Jobseeker’s Benefit, Bereavement Grant & Occupational Injuries Benefits. |
135 |
31 |
166 |
|
H |
All benefits on discharge. Treatment Benefit, Bereavement Grant, Carer’s Benefit & Widow’s/Widower’s (Contributory) Pension (in certain cases) during service. |
8,093 |
425 |
8,518 |
|
J |
Occupational Injuries Benefits. |
16,901 |
17,016 |
33,917 |
|
K |
None. Class K consists of Health Levy. |
30,890 |
11,842 |
42,732 |
|
Voluntary Contributors |
Occupational Injuries Benefits in certain circumstances. |
106,107 |
72,700 |
178,807 |
|
Treatment Benefit & limited Jobseeker’s and Illness Benefit. |
14 |
0 |
14 |
|
|
Widow’s/Widower’s (Contributory) Pension, Guardian’s Payment (Contributory), State Pension (Contributory), Bereavement Grant, Maternity Benefit & Adoptive Benefit. |
262,078 |
74,109 |
336,187 |
|
|
High rate: State Pension (Transition) & (Contributory), Widow’s/Widower’s (Contributory) Pension, Guardian’s Payment & Bereavement Grant. |
1,367 |
919 |
2,286 |
|
|
Total |
1,711,631 |
1,396,711 |
3,108,342 |
|
Source of finance |
2008 |
2009 — Provisional |
|
€000 |
€000 |
|
|
Employer PRSI |
5,944,892 |
5,289,372 |
|
Employee PRSI |
1,633,708 |
1,559,117 |
|
Self-Employed PRSI |
405,582 |
315,495 |
|
Investment Income |
160,209 |
132,977 |
|
Other Receipts |
19 |
19 |
|
Total Income |
8,144,410 |
7,296,980 |
|
Expenditure on SocialInsurance Schemes |
8,393,757 |
9,777,295 |
|
Surplus |
-249,347 |
-2,480,315 |
177 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social Protection all categories currently on a reduced rate, or in receipt of exemptions or partial payment status in respect of payment of PRSI employees or employers contributions; an estimate of cost of each exemption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38442/10]
178 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated annual take from increases in PRSI contribution rates as follows, a one percentage point increase in employers rate, a one percentage point increase in each individual employees category that is self employed, full rate contribution, reduced rate contribution; a one percentage point increase as in the latter plus extension in upper limit to €150,000. [38443/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 178 together.
All self-employed persons with income in excess of €3,174 per annum pay PRSI at a rate of 3% of all income or €253, whichever is greater. There is no upper income ceiling in relation to self-employed PRSI.
Within the time available, the following table sets out the estimated yields in relation to some potential changes in PRSI rates:
|
Change |
Estimated Full Year Yield |
|
€m |
|
|
1% increase in both lower and higher employers rate |
480 |
|
1% increase in self-employed rate |
110 |
PRSI is paid at various rates by different groups of workers, and their employers, across the economy. The only specific exemptions from PRSI relate to an employer's PRSI exemption scheme which has now closed to new entrants and the current employer job (PRSI) incentive scheme.
Up to May 1st 2009, an Employer's PRSI exemption scheme was aligned directly with the back to work allowance (employee) scheme. The scheme exempted employers from their share of the PRSI contribution in respect of recipients of the back to work allowance for the first two years of their employment. A total of 777 cases were approved in 2008 and 213 cases approved in 2009. Given that this scheme was closed to new applications from May 1st, 2009 and that the duration of the exemption is two years, there will be no cases under this scheme from May 1st, 2011. PRSI income forgone in relation to these residual cases is not available. The new employer job (PRSI) incentive scheme was launched on 20 June 2010. Under the scheme, if an employer takes on an additional member of staff in 2010 that has been unemployed for 6 months or more, they will be exempted from paying employers' PRSI for 12 months. The job must be new and additional, be for at least 30 hours a week, and last for at least six months. To date exemptions have been awarded in respect of 791 employees. It is estimated that the full year income forgone as a result of these exemptions will be €1.8m.
179 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the number of public servants who have left under the incentivised early retirement scheme with details of grades; the number of public servants who left for other reasons with details of grades; the number of new staff recruited with details of grades; the number of promotions with details of grades; the net savings arising from the staff leaving over and above those recruited and promoted and to provide a breakdown of each of these figures for years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010. [38332/10]
A total of four staff in my Department retired under the Incentivised Early Retirement Scheme. The retirees were one at Principal Officer, two at Assistant Principal Officer and one at Higher Executive Officer level.It should be noted that, as per the terms of the Incentivised Early Retirement Scheme, none of the staff who availed of the scheme were replaced. Over the past number of years, a significant number of staff left the Department, many as a result of the Decentralisation programme as staff not interested in transferring to Killarney moved to other Departments and offices in Dublin. Other staff also left the Department, many to transfer to the then Department of Social and Family Affairs. In addition, the total number of staff was further reduced in line with the Department of Finance limits on staff numbers.
The detailed information, by grade, required by the Deputy in relation to the staff who left my Department (excluding those under the Incentivised Early Retirement Scheme) over the period in question is set out hereunder:
|
Grade |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 (to date) |
|
Principal Officer |
3 |
1 |
0 |
|
Asst. Principal Officer |
2 |
2 |
0 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
2 |
2 |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
7 |
4 |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
17 |
8 |
3 |
|
Ministerial Staff |
3 |
0 |
4 |
|
Keeper — Archives |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Archivist |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Asst. Keeper Grade 1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Head Services Officer |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Services Officer |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
Total |
35 |
20 |
11 |
The detailed information in relation to staff who were recruited by, or transferred into, my Department over the period in question is also set out hereunder:
|
Grade |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 (to date) |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Asst. Principal Officer |
2 |
2 |
0 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Executive Officer |
5 |
1 |
2 |
|
Clerical Officer |
12 |
0 |
4 |
|
Ministerial Staff |
4 |
0 |
4 |
|
Keeper — Archives |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Archivist |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
Asst. Keeper Grade 1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Head Services Officer |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Services Officer |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Total |
28 |
3 |
13 |
The numbers of promotions in the grades in question are as follows:
|
Grade |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 (to date) |
|
Principal Officer |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Asst. Principal Officer |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Executive Officer |
2 |
2 |
0 |
|
Staff Officer |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Keeper — Archives |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Head Services Officer |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
7 |
6 |
0 |
The Department has reduced its numbers from 175 to 157 in the period from the end of 2007. The reduction in payroll to date is of the order of €500,000. Providing this level of information in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is not possible within the time available but I have asked them to provide the information directly to the Deputy.
180 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff members in the Department that are working in regulation, inspection, transposition of directives, policy enforcement, health and safety and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38210/10]
My Department is responsible for a broad, diverse and challenging agenda, from ensuring protection of our environment and heritage, to supporting infrastructural development that is of a high quality and regionally balanced, and working in partnership with local government in serving communities. The work of my Department, which includes policy and programme formulation, the development and financing of public infrastructure and a number of regulatory and inspection functions, is carried out primarily through six Divisions — Environment; Water and Natural Heritage; Built Heritage and Planning; Local Government; Housing and Corporate Services. In addition to Ministerial Offices, Met Éireann and the Local Government Audit Service also form part of the Department. Staff employed throughout my Department may be engaged in a number of functions at any given time in support of the work of the Department, and as such it is not practicable to give the breakdown sought in the question.
The table below outlines the number of staff in Full Time Equivalents (FTE) that are working in each Division in my Department:
|
Division |
No. Staff |
Sections/Functions |
|
Local Government |
76.30 FTE |
Fire Advisers |
|
Fires Services & Emergency Planning Franchise |
||
|
Local Government Finance & Motor Tax |
||
|
Local Government Personnel and Local Services |
||
|
Local Government Policy |
||
|
Local Government Project Development |
||
|
Superannuation |
||
|
Corporate Services |
161.72 FTE |
Corporate Development |
|
Departmental Finance/Accounts |
||
|
ICT Section |
||
|
Internal Audit |
||
|
Personnel |
||
|
Press Office |
||
|
Services Officers |
||
|
Water & Planning |
98.63 FTE |
Planning Systems & Spatial Policy |
|
Planning Policy & Legislation |
||
|
Planning Advisers |
||
|
Water Quality |
||
|
Water Services Policy |
||
|
Water Services Advisers |
||
|
Water Services Investment Programme |
||
|
Heritage Division |
280.72 FTE |
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) (Science & Biodiversity) |
|
NPWS (Regional Management, Property & Finance Section) |
||
|
NPWS (Designated Areas & Legislation) |
||
|
NPWS Eastern Division |
||
|
NPWS Western Division |
||
|
NPWS Northern Division |
||
|
NPWS Southern Division |
||
|
Built Heritage & Architectural Policy |
||
|
National Monuments — Archaeology |
||
|
National Monuments Services |
||
|
Environment |
75.5 FTE |
Environment Inspectorate |
|
Environment International & Sustainable Development |
||
|
Environment Policy & Awareness |
||
|
Environmental Radiation Policy & Air Quality |
||
|
Climate Change Policy |
||
|
Waste Policy Section |
||
|
Housing |
122.92 FTE |
Housing Inspectorate |
|
Housing & Construction Policy, Finance & Statistics |
||
|
Private Housing Sector, Building Standards & Social Inclusion Unit |
||
|
Housing Grants Section |
||
|
Social Housing: Voluntary & Co-Operative |
||
|
Social Housing: Modernisation, Integration & Regulation |
||
|
Met Eireann |
188.04 FTE |
Shannon Airport |
|
Valentia Observatory |
||
|
General Forecasting Division |
||
|
Met: Information Tech. Division |
||
|
Aviation Services Division |
||
|
Rosslare Synoptic Station |
||
|
Research & Applications Division |
||
|
Met: Training & Organisation |
||
|
Met: Personnel & Finance |
||
|
Met IT Div: IT Operations |
||
|
Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring |
||
|
Climatology & Observations Division |
||
|
Belmullet Synoptic Station |
||
|
Birr Synoptic Station |
||
|
Casement Aerodrome |
||
|
Clones Synoptic Station |
||
|
Cork Airport |
||
|
Dublin Airport |
||
|
Knock Airport |
||
|
Malin Head Synoptic Station |
||
|
Climatology & Observations Division |
||
|
General Forecasting Division |
||
|
Local Government Audit Service |
38.40 FTE |
Auditors — Dublin Region |
|
Auditors — Southern Region |
||
|
Auditors — Western Region |
||
|
Audit Service: Head Office |
||
|
Ministerial Offices |
31.5 FTE |
Legal Adviser |
|
Minister’s Office |
||
|
Minister of State’s Office |
||
|
Secretary General’s Office |
In addition, there are on average 109 industrial staff in the National Parks and Wildlife Service in regional locations.
181 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received correspondence from an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38216/10]
I have not received correspondence from the organisation in question; however, on receipt, I will reply to any such correspondence without delay.
The general issue of local government structures will be addressed in the White Paper on Local Government, which is currently being finalised by the Cabinet Committee on Local Government. However, there are no plans to establish new city authorities, in Drogheda or elsewhere, which would be at variance with the need for retrenchment in public expenditure and efficiency and rationalisation in structures in public administration generally.
182 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legal basis for imposing the monthly penalty charge of €20 for arrears of the non principal private residence charge in view of a claim by a property owner that they were unaware of the existence of this charge and that they were never informed of the charge by either his Department or the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38246/10]
The Government in the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 broadened the revenue base of local authorities through the introduction of the charge on non-principal private residences. The charge is set at €200 and is being levied and collected by local authorities. Income from the charge is used to support the provision of local services.
The charge is levied on a liability date in each year, and there is subsequently a three-month window in which to pay. Section 6 of the Act provides for a late payment fee of €20 to apply in respect of each month or part of a month for which the charge remains unpaid after that period. The Act places the onus on the owner to assess his or her liability for the charge in the first instance and there is no obligation on local authorities to issue demands or invoices.
On the charge's introduction in 2009, radio and newspaper campaigns were run by my Department in order to ensure public awareness of the charge. Local authorities have also undertaken advertising campaigns this year, both locally and nationally. In addition, a number of local authorities have separately sent reminders to property owners registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB). In this regard, every effort has been made to ensure that property owners are aware of the charge and any potential liability arising therefrom.
183 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that local authorities here are fully compliant with the Organisation and Worktime Act of 1997, with particular reference to the position of sanitary services, engineers and caretakers, some of whom work seven days per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38248/10]
The Organisation of Working Time (General Exemptions) Regulations, 1998 provide that persons employed in certain activities are exempt from the application of Sections 11, 12 and 13 of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 which deal with rest periods and intervals at work. This exemption applies to employees engaged in the production, transmission or distribution of water.
Article 4 of the Regulations provides that if an employee is not entitled, by reason of this exemption, to the rest period and break referred to in sections 11, 12 and 13 of the Act, the employer must ensure that the employee has available to himself or herself a rest period and break that, in all the circumstances, can reasonably be regarded as an equivalent rest period and break to that outlined in the Act.
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each County and City Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible, in compliance with the relevant employment law requirements.
184 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied). [38249/10]
The Government is committed to dealing effectively with the range of complex issues relating to multi-unit developments and is bringing forward a comprehensive suite of legislative proposals in response to the Law Reform Commission's Report on Multi-Unit Developments. In its consultation paper issued in late 2006 the Law Reform Commission made a number of recommendations relating to areas within the remit of my Department. Those recommendations relating to planning and to physical aspects of multi-unit developments were addressed through the Planning Guidelines issued by my Department in 2007 and 2008. These guidelines addressed design standards, sustainable residential development and the taking in charge of residential developments/ management arrangements.
The Law Reform Commission's Report also recommended that legislation be introduced to address a range of other key issues, relating to management companies, common areas, service charges, sinking funds and dispute resolution. These recommendations were then considered by an interdepartmental group which included representatives from my Department, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, the Department of Justice and Law Reform, the Department of the Taoiseach and the National Consumer Agency. The deliberations of this group led to the preparation of the Multi-Unit Developments Bill 2009 by the Department of Justice and Law Reform. Matters relating to progress on this Bill, are the responsibility of the Minister for Justice and Law Reform.
185 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the registration identity number required for the registration of commercial vehicles; if he will confirm that either a PPS number or a VAT number will be accepted as the revenue registration identity number for registration purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38266/10]
To be taxed as a commercial vehicle, a vehicle must be constructed or adapted for that purpose and used solely in the course of trade or business. In cases where an RF111A Goods Only Declaration is required, an income tax registration number is now routinely sought. A PPS number may be acceptable in certain circumstances.
Under Article 3 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 1992, a licensing authority must be satisfied that a vehicle is correctly taxed, and it is thus open to a motor tax office to seek additional documentation supporting a claim for the goods rate of motor tax. Such documentation may include a certificate of commercial insurance or evidence of registration for VAT purposes, or, at the discretion of the licensing authority concerned, any other appropriate document. Evidence of registration for VAT is not an obligatory requirement.
186 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in view of the recent environmental disaster in Hungary, if he is satisfied with the safety measures taken at a plant (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38268/10]
Decisions on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control licences are the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The monitoring and enforcement associated with licensed activities, including accident prevention and emergency response measures that provide for the protection of the environment, are also a matter for the EPA. Under the Environmental Protection Agency Acts 1992 to 2007, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by the EPA of its licensing functions in specific cases.
187 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the preparations being undertaken in the event of another cold, snowy and icy winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38269/10]
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 72 and 117 of 19 October 2010 which sets out the position in this matter.
188 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if local authorities are sending out notifications to advise when payment is due in respect of the non-principal private residence, NPPR, charge; if notifications were sent out for 2010; if it is standard procedure for local authorities to send out reminders when the NPPR charge is due; if there is a system in place to send out notices to person’s to advise of the imminent NPPR, and if there is any obligation on the local authorities to issue these reminders. [38280/10]
The Government in the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 broadened the revenue base of local authorities through the introduction of the charge on non-principal private residences. The charge is set at €200 and is being levied and collected by local authorities. The Act places the onus on the owner to assess his or her liability in the first instance and there is no obligation on local authorities to issue invoices or demands. Any such obligation would increase the administrative and resource requirements of implementing the charge and would make its collection less cost-effective. As the charge is set at an essentially modest rate of €200 per annum, it is essential that administrative costs be kept to a minimum.
However, I understand that anybody who paid the charge last year and provided an e-mail address has been sent an e-mail reminder in respect of possible liability in 2010. In addition, a number of local authorities have separately sent reminders to property owners registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB).
189 Deputy Joe Behan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will expect to publish the revised retail planning guidelines; the insights that have been gleaned from the questionnaire issued earlier this year designed to inform the review of the guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38288/10]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 199 of 14 October 2010 which sets out the position in this matter.
190 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to media reports that the Government’s targets for tackling homelessness may not now be met; if he has undertaken a review of the policy instruments in place; if he sees scope for policy changes that might put the Government’s objectives back on track; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38316/10]
I refer to the reply of Question No. 67 of 19 October 2010 which set out the position on meeting the Government's targets for tackling homelessness.
191 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of public servants who have left under the incentivised early retirement scheme with details of grades; the number of public servants who left for other reasons with details of grades; the number of new staff recruited with details of grades; the number of promotions with details of grades; the net savings arising from the staff leaving over and above those recruited and promoted and to provide a breakdown of each of these figures for years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010. [38325/10]
The information sought is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy.
192 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in proceeding with a sewage treatment scheme for Oughterard village, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38356/10]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 1449 of 29 September 2010. My Department still awaits Galway County Council's design review report for the scheme. I understand that the Council expects to submit its report to my Department very shortly.
193 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to provide an update on the commitment in the programme for Government for a 3% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37800/10]
Ireland will meet its greenhouse gas emission limitation target for the purposes of the Kyoto Protocol in the period 2008-2012.
The Climate Change Bill will, on enactment, provide the framework for the significant structural change necessary across all sectors of the economy and society to achieve an effective transition to a low-carbon future. Work on the Heads of the Bill is at an advanced stage and I hope to bring them to Government for approval shortly.
194 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding broadband in respect of an area (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38204/10]
The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector service providers operating in Ireland's fully liberalised telecommunications market. Broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e. over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, fibre and satellite. Details of broadband services available in each county can be found on ComReg's website at www.callcosts.ie.
In cases of market failure the Government will intervene, where it is appropriate and possible to do so. The National Broadband Scheme (NBS) represents such an intervention.
The general areas of Aughavannagh and Glenmalure come under the scope of the NBS and broadband from Hutchison 3G Ireland Ltd ("3"), the NBS service provider, is now available in these areas.
Furthermore, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that under the NBS broadband is now available in all Electoral Divisions in the NBS Coverage Area.
195 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of staff members in the Department who are working in regulation, inspection, transposition of directives, policy enforcement, health and safety and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38212/10]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below. The breakdown of staff has been provided across the policy divisions, central divisions e.g. finance, human resources, corporate services and the natural resources area. Given the remit of the Department, the majority of staff in the Department are involved in one or more of the areas of regulation, inspections, transposition of directives, drafting and implementing policy but it is not possible to give a precise breakdown in this regard. The central divisions provide corporate support to the policy/regulatory divisions of the Department, including health and safety. The following is a breakdown of staff numbers by area within the Department:
|
Specified Area |
Number of Staff |
|
Policy Areas |
|
|
Communications & Postal |
36.25 Full Time Equivalents |
|
Energy |
35.84 Full Time Equivalents |
|
Broadcasting |
9.4 Full Time Equivalents |
|
Natural Resources |
|
|
Geological Survey Ireland |
41.5 Full Time Equivalents |
|
Exploration & Mining |
10.5 Full Time Equivalents |
|
Petroleum Affairs |
11.5 Full Time Equivalents |
|
Inland Fisheries |
11.14 Full Time Equivalents |
|
Central Divisions |
|
|
IT |
11.25 Full Time Equivalents |
|
Corporate Services |
26.6 Full Time Equivalents |
|
Accounts & Financial Planning |
17.9 Full Time Equivalents |
|
Human Resources |
12.5 Full Time Equivalents |
|
Internal Audit |
4 Full Time Equivalents |
196 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will consider grant aiding the replacement of single glazed windows with double glazing to encourage home energy conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38252/10]
The Home Energy Saving (HES) scheme provides grant assistance for a range of energy efficiency measures, including roof insulation, internal and external wall insulation, boilers and heating controls. The measures selected for inclusion in the scheme are considered to be the most optimum to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners at least cost and represent best use of budgetary resources.
While replacement windows are not currently eligible for grant assistance under the scheme, my Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland keep all approved measures under the scheme under constant review and will continue to give consideration to the scope for adding other measures to the scheme, subject to budgetary and technical considerations.
I am advised that grants for window replacement are available to those over 60 under the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, operated by local authorities on behalf of my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. This means tested scheme provides grants of up to €10,500 to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out to their homes. Eligible works include structural repairs or improvements, re-wiring, repairs to or replacement of windows and doors, provision of water supply and sanitary facilities, provision of heating, cleaning and painting.
197 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the terms of any contract in respect of oil and gas exploration signed in 1987 (details supplied); if the full terms of any such contract are publicly available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38267/10]
The table below details the five petroleum authorisations granted by the Minister for Energy in 1987:
|
Authorisation Number |
Authorisation type |
Company |
Status |
|
EL1/87 |
Exploration Licence |
BP Exploration |
Licence Expired |
|
EL2/87 |
Exploration Licence |
Aran Energy |
Licence Expired |
|
LO87/1 |
Licensing Option |
Murphy Ireland Offshore Ltd. |
Licence Expired |
|
LO87/2 |
Licensing Option |
BP Exploration |
Licence Expired |
|
LO87/3 |
Licensing Option |
BP Exploration |
Licence Expired |
In 1987, Ireland followed the lead of other countries such as the UK and Norway moved away from a royalty based payments system to a tax based system. The exploration licences issued in 1987 were subject to the provisions of Ireland's Exclusive Offshore Licensing Terms published in 1975, amended in November 1980 and in 1987 by the deletion of Sections 4(1)(b), 9(2), 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29 and the final sentence of Section 26(4). There were no commercial discoveries arising from the five authorisations granted in 1987 and consequently none of the licensees benefited from the deletions referred to above.
198 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason for the major delay in announcing the REFIT tariff for biomass production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38287/10]
In May of this year, I announced a Renewable Energy Feed In Tariffs (REFITs) for electricity generated from biomass, ranging from 8.5 cent per kilowatt hour to 15 cent per kilowatt hour depending on the technology deployed. These tariffs include support for electricity generated from biomass co-fired with peat in the three peat-fired power stations.
REFIT tariffs relate to the price to be paid for the electricity exported to the grid, rather than the price for inputs into that process. This is the way in which existing REFIT tariffs have operated since 2006, and schemes across the EU also operate similarly.
State Aid Clearance from the European Commission is required before the new feed in tariffs can be implemented. My Department is currently finalising the State Aid submission with Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and this will be forwarded to the Commission this week.
199 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of public servants who have left under the incentivised early retirement scheme with details of grades; the number of public servants who left for other reasons with details of grades; the number of new staff recruited with details of grades; the number of promotions with details of grades; the net savings arising from the staff leaving over and above those recruited and promoted and to provide a breakdown of each of these figures for years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010. [38320/10]
I regret to advise the Deputy that it has not been possible to compile all the information requested within the allotted time. I will forward the reply to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
200 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of staff members in the Department that are working in regulation, inspection, transposition of directives, policy enforcement, health and safety and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38211/10]
Staff in my Department work in a large number of functional areas and the majority are involved in enforcement of regulation and policy to varying degrees.
Current staffing levels in the various streams are as follows:
|
Numbers |
|
|
Administrative |
1,901.3 |
|
Agricultural Inspectorate |
190.4 |
|
Veterinary |
302.8 |
|
Specialist (incl. Lab. Staff) |
205.8 |
|
Technical |
853.9 |
|
Other |
146.7 |
|
Industrial |
69.8 |
|
Total |
3,670.7 |
Development and enforcement of controls particularly those relating to food production and food safety are essential for public health and trade. Maintenance of high standards in these areas is critical for the continuous development of the €24 billion output from the agri-food and fishing sector and underpins its exports which are valued in excess of €7 billion.
As the Deputy is aware, the Department administers a number direct payments and on-farm investment schemes worth almost €2 billion annually to in excess of 120,000 farmers. Such schemes include both EU and Exchequer funding and are of critical importance to the sector.
201 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a decision will issue on an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38217/10]
Under the EU Regulations governing the Agri-Environment Options Scheme and the NATURA 2000 Scheme comprehensive administrative checks, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed as part of the approval process.
These checks are underway and a decision will issue at the earliest possible date to the person named once they have been completed.
202 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he will take to have an application for single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38302/10]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 6 May 2010. This application has now been fully processed and payment will issue shortly.
203 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of public servants who have left under the incentivised early retirement scheme with details of grades; the number of public servants who left for other reasons with details of grades; the number of new staff recruited with details of grades; the number of promotions with details of grades; the net savings arising from the staff leaving over and above those recruited and promoted and to provide a breakdown of each of these figures for years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010. [38319/10]
The information requested by the Deputy in respect of staff in my Department is given in 4 separate Tables.
The full years' savings generated in 2009 due to staffing reductions was 7.4 million when compared to the 2008 outturn.
Comparison between my Department's salary and overtime outturn at end-September 2010 and end-September 2009 shows savings of €18 million. It should be noted that this figure includes savings generated from the revised payscales introduced in January 2010.
|
Grade |
2009 |
2010 to-date |
Total |
|
Assistant Principal |
3 |
4 |
7 |
|
Former Chief Vet. Officer (on secondment) |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
Clerical Officer |
20 |
2 |
22 |
|
District Superintendent |
3 |
— |
3 |
|
Engineer — Grade 1 Civil |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
12 |
1 |
13 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
13 |
3 |
16 |
|
Lab. Analyst |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Principal Officer |
2 |
2 |
4 |
|
Senior Lab. Analyst |
— |
2 |
2 |
|
Staff Officer |
6 |
— |
6 |
|
Supervisory Agricultural Officer |
3 |
1 |
4 |
|
Technical Agricultural Officer |
10 |
— |
10 |
|
Veterinary Inspector |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
Total |
75 |
17 |
92 |
|
Grade |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 to-date |
Total |
|
Agricultural Inspector |
2 |
5 |
6 |
13 |
|
Administrative Officer |
1 |
— |
— |
1 |
|
Area Superintendent |
3 |
5 |
2 |
10 |
|
Ass. Agricultural Inspector |
2 |
— |
— |
2 |
|
Ass. Inspector of Fisheries |
1 |
— |
— |
1 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
— |
4 |
— |
4 |
|
Assistant Principal |
1 |
7 |
— |
8 |
|
Civilian Driver |
2 |
— |
4 |
6 |
|
Chief Inspector |
1 |
— |
— |
1 |
|
Cleaner |
1 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
|
Cleaner — Part Time |
1 |
2 |
— |
3 |
|
Clerical Officer |
28 |
21 |
9 |
58 |
|
Dairy Produce Officer |
1 |
3 |
1 |
5 |
|
Dep. Chief Technologist |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Dep. Chief Veterinary Officer |
— |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
Director Vet. Research Labs. |
— |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
District Superintendent |
5 |
15 |
3 |
23 |
|
Engineer Grade 1 — Civil |
— |
1 |
— |
3 |
|
Engineer Grade 2 — Civil |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
7 |
10 |
2 |
19 |
|
Forestry Inspector — Grade 1 |
— |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
Forestry Inspector — Grade 2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
Harbour Master |
— |
2 |
— |
2 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
4 |
7 |
1 |
12 |
|
Inspector Grade 2 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
6 |
|
Lab. Analyst |
2 |
3 |
— |
5 |
|
Lab. Attendant |
1 |
1 |
3 |
5 |
|
Personal Secretary |
1 |
— |
— |
1 |
|
Poultry Officer |
1 |
1 |
— |
2 |
|
Principal Officer |
— |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
Research Officer |
— |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|
Rural General Operative Band 2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Rural General Operative Band 3 |
2 |
6 |
5 |
13 |
|
Senior Dairy Produce Officer |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|
Senior Inspector |
3 |
5 |
— |
8 |
|
Senior Lab. Analyst |
— |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
Senior Research Officer |
— |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
Senior Superintend. Vet Inspector |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Serological Assistant |
1 |
— |
— |
1 |
|
Services Attendant |
— |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|
Services Officer |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Staff Officer |
1 |
11 |
2 |
14 |
|
Storekeeper |
— |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
Superintending Vet. Inspector |
— |
4 |
1 |
5 |
|
Supervising Poultry Officer |
— |
1 |
— |
1 |
|
Supervisory Agricultural Officer |
8 |
25 |
6 |
39 |
|
Technical Agricultural Officer |
29 |
52 |
9 |
90 |
|
Engineering Technician |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Veterinary Inspector |
10 |
13 |
3 |
26 |
|
Grade |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 to Date |
|
Administrative Officer |
5 |
— |
— |
|
Assistant Agricultural Inspector |
10 |
— |
— |
|
Civilian Driver |
— |
— |
2 |
|
Clerical Officer |
10 |
1 |
— |
|
Clerical Officer (Temporary) |
26 |
1 |
— |
|
Executive Officer |
3 |
— |
— |
|
Forestry Inspector — Grade 3 |
3 |
— |
— |
|
Assistant Harbourmaster |
1 |
— |
— |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
— |
— |
|
Laboratory Analyst |
6 |
— |
3 |
|
Laboratory Attendant |
1 |
— |
— |
|
Research Officer |
2 |
— |
— |
|
Rural Gen. Operative — Band 3 |
2 |
— |
— |
|
Serological Assistant |
5 |
— |
— |
|
Veterinary Inspector |
5 |
— |
— |
|
Total |
80 |
2 |
5 |
Note: These figures do not include staff temporarily employed during the summer months to provide cover for a proportion of staff in the Department who availed of the Shorter Working Year Scheme.
|
Grade |
Number |
|
2008 |
|
|
Agricultural Inspector |
2 |
|
Administrative Officer |
1 |
|
Area Superintendent |
2 |
|
Assistant Principal |
9 |
|
Chief Inspector |
1 |
|
Craftsman |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
40 |
|
Forestry Inspector — Grade 2 |
1 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
17 |
|
Senior Inspector |
2 |
|
Senior Research Officer |
1 |
|
Staff Officer |
1 |
|
Supervisory Agricultural Officer |
1 |
|
2009 |
|
|
Assistant Secretary |
2 |
|
Deputy Chief Inspector |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
2 |
|
Quality Manager |
3 |
|
Senior Inspector |
3 |
|
2010 to date |
|
|
Head of Veterinary Labs. |
1 |
|
Head of Agricultural Labs. |
1 |
|
Head of Regional Veterinary Labs. |
1 |
|
Chief Economist |
1 |
|
Senior Inspector |
1 |
204 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he has agreed protocols with Enterprise Ireland to ensure that small and medium-sized businesses receive an opportunity to participate in public procurement competitions; the steps he has taken to ensure that practices which hinder small and medium-sized businesses from participating in public procurement competitions are minimized; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38241/10]
A number of initiatives have been taken over the last two years to improve participation by SMEs in tendering for public contracts. In 2008, the Tánaiste established the Procurement Innovation Group which was charged with identifying ways through which public procurement could be used to stimulate demand for innovative goods and services, while opening opportunities for all innovative companies, including SMEs, who wish to participate in public tendering. The Group's report,"Using Public Procurement to Stimulate Innovation and SME Access to Public Contracts”, set out a series of recommendations aimed at improving the procurement function in public contracting bodies and increasing opportunities for SMEs to tender for contracts.
In parallel with the Procurement Innovation Group's report, my Department published a 10-Step Guide to Smart Procurement and SME Access to Public Contracts in July 2009, which provided practical guidance to public bodies on measures which could boost the involvement of SMEs in public procurement.
In August this year, the Minister for Finance issued guidelines to public contracting authorities aimed at operating their tendering processes in a manner that facilitates increased participation by SMEs, while ensuring that all purchasing is carried out in a manner that is legal, transparent, and secures optimal value for money for the taxpayer. The guidelines also highlight practices that are to be avoided where they can unjustifiably hinder small businesses in competing for public contracts.
In July this year, I wrote to over 50 contracting authorities inviting them to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Enterprise Ireland, aimed at facilitating SME participation in public sector opportunities. The Memorandum of Understanding will help to ensure that the Government's objective of driving innovation and supporting SMEs has the required commitment from public funded organisations and semi state bodies. Included in the initial target listing of contracting authorities were organisations which have a large budget spend, those that had a significant importance for an SME reference site, and all city and county councils. I have requested to be kept apprised on progress and of any other action which might be required.
205 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of public servants who have left under the incentivised early retirement scheme with details of grades; the number of public servants who left for other reasons with details of grades; the number of new staff recruited with details of grades; the number of promotions with details of grades; the net savings arising from the staff leaving over and above those recruited and promoted and to provide a breakdown of each of these figures for years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010. [38324/10]
The accompanying tables provide a breakdown of the number of new staff recruited to my Department with details of grades; the number of promotions with details of grades; the number of staff who have left under the incentivised early retirement scheme with details of grades and the number of staff who left for other reasons with details of grades for years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010.
Number of new staff recruited in 2008 under the following headings:
|
Grade |
Recruited through the Public Appointments Service |
Transferred in on Promotion |
Transferred in via Decentralisation/ Dublin Surplus |
|
Accountant Grade 1 |
1 |
||
|
Auditor |
1 |
||
|
Solicitor |
1 |
||
|
Principal Officer |
2 |
||
|
Assistant Principal |
3 |
||
|
Administration Officer |
1 |
1 |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer (HEO) |
2 |
10 |
|
|
HEO Labour Inspector |
3 |
||
|
Executive Officer (EO) |
6 |
1 |
2 |
|
EO Labour Inspector |
9 |
6 |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
35 |
10 |
|
|
Service Attendant |
1 |
Number of new staff recruited in 2009 under the following headings:
|
Grade |
Recruited through the Public Appointments Service/Ministerial Appointment |
Transferred in via Decentralisation/ Dublin Surplus |
|
Member of Labour Court |
1 |
|
|
Assistant Principal |
2 |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer (HEO) |
1 |
|
|
HEO Labour Inspector |
||
|
Executive Officer (EO) |
5 |
|
|
EO Labour Inspector |
||
|
Clerical Officer |
9 |
Number of new staff recruited in 2010 under the following headings:
|
Grade |
Recruited through the Public Appointments Service/Ministerial Appointment |
Transferred in on Secondment |
Transferred in via Decentralisation/ Dublin Surplus |
|
Legal Adviser |
1 |
||
|
Deputy Chair of Labour Court |
1 |
||
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
||
|
Assistant Principal |
1 |
||
|
Higher Executive Officer (HEO) |
2 |
||
|
Executive Officer (EO) |
1 |
||
|
Clerical Officer |
3 |
Number of Promotions with details of grades:
|
Grade |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
Staff Officer |
4 |
Nil |
|
|
Executive Officer |
15 |
3 |
Nil |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
17 |
Nil |
|
|
Assistant Principal |
10 |
Nil |
|
|
Principal Officer |
3 |
Nil |
|
|
Principal Officer (Deputy Director of Conciliation LRC) |
1 |
Nil |
|
|
Superintendent of Cleaners |
1 |
Nil |
|
|
Service Attendant |
1 |
Nil |
Numbers do not include political appointees, i.e. Special Advisers, Personal Assistants, Personal Secretaries or Civilian Drivers appointed by the Minister or Ministers of State.
|
Grade |
Left in 2008 |
ISER 2009 |
Other than ISER 2009 |
ISER 2010 |
Other than ISER 2010 |
|
Chair/Member of Competition Authority/Labour Court |
3 |
3 |
|||
|
Accountant Grade 1 |
1 |
||||
|
Legal Adviser |
1 |
||||
|
Senior Economist Competition Authority |
1 |
||||
|
Case Officer Competition Authority |
1 |
||||
|
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
||||
|
Principal Officer |
4 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|
Assistant Principal |
7 |
7 |
10 |
4 |
1 |
|
Administration Officer |
1 |
||||
|
Higher Executive Officer |
5 |
6 |
8 |
2 |
5 |
|
Executive Officer |
11 |
8 |
8 |
1 |
5 |
|
Staff Officer |
1 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
|
|
Clerical Officer |
21 |
18 |
7 |
||
|
Services Officer |
1 |
1 |
|||
|
Cleaner |
1 |
As outlined in the table above 104 staff left the Department during 2008, 2009 and 2010 for reasons other than the Incentivised Early Retirement Scheme (ISER), including for example, resignation, non-ISER retirements, transfer out under decentralisation, transfer out on promotion.
Net Savings arising from staff leaving over and above those recruited and promoted:
In 2008, expenditure in respect of the payment of salaries for the Department and its Offices was €57,492,000. In 2009, the expenditure in this regard was €58,599,000.
The increase in expenditure in 2009 was largely due to the full year cost of the T16 pay increase awarded with effect from 1 September 2008. Recruitment undertaken in 2008 also impacted on the full year costs in 2009.
As the majority of retirements under the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement were in the final quarter of 2009, the anticipated savings for the Department's pay expenditure will not be reflected until the end of 2010.
Similarly, Departmental pay savings to be made from the retirements under the ISER in 2010 will not materialise until the end of 2011.
The expenditure in respect of the payment of salaries for the Department and its Offices to the end of September 2010 is €38,142,000.
Staffing matters within the agencies under the aegis of my Department are a day to day matter for the agencies concerned provided they operate within the parameters of the Employment Control Framework and the moratorium on recruitment.
206 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if there was no registered audit maintained in the Companies Office until very recently; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in that context and given this lacuna it is impossible for a person to be registered as an alternative in this jurisdiction during the said period (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38357/10]
Section 198 of the Companies Act 1990 provides that there shall be a register of auditors maintained by the registrar of companies. I understand that the register has been in place, in paper form initially, since the commencement of that provision and subsequently in electronic format. The European Communities (Statutory Audits) (Directive 2006/43/EC) Regulations 2010 has expanded the information required to be held on the register.
207 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of times the high level implementation committee for the innovation task force has met since it was announced in May 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38430/10]
I have to date chaired three meetings of the High Level Implementation Committee which was established to oversee implementation of the recommendations in the Report of the Innovation Task Force (ITF). The Report provides a road map for positioning Ireland as an international innovation development hub and I am very pleased with the progress we are making in realising this objective.
Our inaugural meeting on 1 June enabled the Committee to ascertain those issues where it could move immediately to implementation, where it needed, in the first instance, to constitute and deploy expert working groups as specified by the ITF and where close engagement with agencies and other Government Departments to progress implementation was necessary. An immediate development following from this meeting was my appointment of an Intellectual Property Implementation Group charged with developing and realising the intellectual property — (IP) related recommendations of the ITF Report together with a detailed IP review conducted by Forfás for my Department. The development of a clear IP Protocol will help Ireland maximise the return on public investment and support the commercialisation of Irish research and development.
At our second meeting on 20 July, I briefed Committee members on the significant progress that had been made in implementing key recommendations in the ITF report, namely: The €500 million Innovation Fund-Ireland, which had been announced by the Taoiseach on 12 July, will target the development of a vibrant venture capital community in Ireland through attracting top international venture capitalists.
Together with the Taoiseach, I had launched Cycle 5 of PRTLI on 16 July, a €296m investment supporting third level research and leveraging €63m private investment.
The very positive outcome of my discussions with the Minister for Finance with regard to identifying and securing provision for a number of ITF recommendations in the Capital Envelopes to 2016. These provisions, which were subsequently published, will enable my Department and its agencies to support innovative companies, grow high performance start up companies, provide more venture capital and develop a portfolio of sector specific Angel Funds and increase Enterprise Ireland supports for commercialisation. They will also enable the retention of a strategic mass of world class researchers who act as a pull factor for foreign direct investment (FDI) in Ireland.
Secretaries General of Government Departments and Chief Executives of agencies provided detailed updates on the implementation of recommendations for which their organisations has lead responsibility. In the light of these detailed reports and ensuing discussion, the Committee agreed in the first instance to focus on priority recommendations for implementation.
For its third meeting on 19 October, the Committee agreed that it would focus in depth on a small number of the priority recommendations in the venture funds and venture capital areas and on our start up and seed funding strategy.
Members of the Committee also had an exchange of views on the tax recommendations from among those in the ITF Report which they regard as priorities for Budget 2011. The Committee also welcomed the recent decision by the Council of the Irish Universities Association to endorse a scheme of bonus points for leaving certificate higher level maths students and noted the progress that was being made in implementing other initiatives, such as Project Maths, to promote the take up of higher level maths.
This meeting afforded me an opportunity to brief members on significant developments in other fora that had taken place since 20 July and which support the implementation of the recommendations in the ITF Report.
The Committee's next meeting is scheduled for 15 December.
208 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of high level groups operating within his Department; the purpose of each group; the date on which each group was established; the number of times the group has met since that date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38434/10]
My Department has one "High-Level" Group operating under its aegis and the information requested by the Deputy in relation to this Group is as follows:
|
Name of High-Level Group |
Purpose of Group |
Date Established |
No. of Meetings |
|
High Level Group on Business Regulation |
The High-Level Group acts as a forum for dialogue between business, trade unions and Government agencies. Its primary role is to act as a “clearing house” for regulatory simplifications brought to its attention by business. |
July 2007 |
15 |
In addition, there are a number of other groups and tasks forces operating within my Department, comprising senior officials from within and outside my Department as well as representatives of key stakeholders. These include the Sales Law Review Group, the Company Law Review Group, the Research Prioritisation Steering Group and the Innovation Task Force Implementation Committee.
209 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of public servants who have left under the incentivised early retirement scheme with details of grades; the number of public servants who left for other reasons with details of grades; the number of new staff recruited with details of grades; the number of promotions with details of grades; the net savings arising from the staff leaving over and above those recruited and promoted and to provide a breakdown of each of these figures for years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010. [38321/10]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the number of civil servants who have left my Department in the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010.
A total of 44 staff left my Department during this period and the details requested by the Deputy are set out in Table 1 below. As requested a break down of these departures by reason for departure and grade is set out in Table 1 below. It should also be noted that during the period in question a further 8 staff have left my Department on career breaks. However, in line with the terms and conditions of their career breaks, these individuals will be free to return to the public service.
|
Year |
ISER (introduced 2009) |
Retired |
Resigned |
End Contract |
Social Welfare Levy* |
Total |
|
2008 |
N/A |
1 EO |
1 Service Officer |
3 Placenames Officers |
0 |
6 |
|
1 HEO |
||||||
|
2009 |
1 Assistant Secretary |
1 CO |
1 Director (NACD) |
1 Researcher |
1 EOs |
21 |
|
3 APs |
1 Inspector |
1 Director NDST |
3 HEOs |
|||
|
1 EO |
1 Sec Gen |
1 HEO |
1 APs |
|||
|
3 APs (NACD) |
||||||
|
1 CO |
||||||
|
2010 |
1 PO |
1 Service Officer |
1 Special Advisor |
17 |
||
|
2 APs |
1 Housing Inspector |
1 Media Advisor |
||||
|
1 HEO |
3 Personal Secretaries |
|||||
|
2 Personal Assistants |
||||||
|
1 Service Officer |
||||||
|
1 Translator Grade 2 |
||||||
|
2 Civilian Drivers |
*Staff leaving under this scheme transferred to the Department of Social Protection.
In relation to the Deputy's query regarding new staff recruited and promotions during this period, the information requested is reflected in Table 2 below:
|
Year |
Recruitments |
Promotions (to Grade) |
|
2008 |
1 Services Officers |
1 Principal Officer |
|
6 Clerical Officers |
6 Assistant Principal Officers |
|
|
1 Executive Officers |
6 Higher Executive Officers |
|
|
1 Principal Officer |
4 Executive Officers |
|
|
2 Assistant Principal Officer |
1 Clerical Officers |
|
|
1 Senior Inspector |
||
|
2009 |
1 Director Translations |
1 Staff Officer |
|
1 Higher Executive Officer |
||
|
2010 |
1 Secretary General |
|
|
2 Personal Assistants |
||
|
2 Special Advisors |
||
|
4 Personal Secretaries |
||
|
1 Translator Grade 2 |
||
|
4 Translators Grade 3 |
||
|
2 Civilian Drivers |
||
|
1 Assistant Secretary |
||
|
1 Researcher |
||
|
Total |
31 |
20 |
Savings arising from the non replacement of officers leaving under the Incentives Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) were approximately €41,000 in 2009 and €617,000 in 2010 while the savings as a result of staff availing of the Incentivised Career Break Scheme were approximately €58,000 in 2009 and €157,000 in 2010. In keeping with the moratorium on recruitment and promotion introduced in March 2009 no staff were recruited or promoted to fill vacancies arising from the departure of these staff for the avoidance of doubt, it should be noted that the figures in Tables 1 and 2 above do not reflect staff changes arising from the operation of the Central Applications Facility (CAF) nor the transfer of staff into my Department following its reconfiguration as the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs.
210 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs the criteria used by his Department and the north-east regional drugs taskforce when allocating funding to drug addiction counselling service providers; if the service providers are required to prove that all counsellors are professionally qualified and members of relevant accredited bodies; if service providers are required to provide job descriptions, advertise vacancies and offer contracts to staff members; if service providers staff are subject to Criminal Records Bureau checks for Garda clearance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38335/10]
The role of the 14 Local and 10 Regional Drugs Task Forces is to assess the nature and extent of the illicit drug problems in their areas of operation, to make proposals to deal with these problems, to facilitate greater local/regional focus on drugs issues and a more co-ordinated response to them and to oversee and monitor drug-related projects approved on foot of their action plans and proposals.
In 2010 the Drugs Task Forces were asked to assess all projects currently being funded to ensure that they:
are drugs targeted and evidence based;
can show tangible outputs and outcomes;
address current gaps and local needs in their areas; and
demonstrate clear links with the priorities as set out in the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016.
I understand that, when allocating funding to addiction service providers, the North Eastern Regional Drugs Task Force ascertains if the project aims are in line with national strategic objectives and if it reflects the agreed regional priorities. The Task Force also considers it prudent to ensure that the project promoter has a proven track record in delivering similar services and that it has the capacity to carry out the aims of the project.
In relation to projects with an addiction counselling element, service providers are required to provide evidence that all counsellors are professionally qualified and that they are members of relevant accredited bodies.
The North Eastern Regional Drugs Task Force works with all service providers to ensure that they have in place policies and procedures, including those relating to recruitment, that are open and transparent. With regard to the employment of sessional workers on a contract for services basis, provision is made to procure these from a pool of suitably qualified applicants.
Furthermore, I would like to assure the Deputy that all those working with vulnerable adults on a one-to-one basis are required to be Garda vetted. The contract for services for sessional workers also includes provision for this.
211 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs if a meeting took place between a representative from his office and an official from the north-east regional drugs taskforce in regard to concerns raised by a person (details supplied) in County Louth regarding counselling services in Dundalk; if he will provide a report from that meeting to the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38336/10]
The primary function of the Drugs Advisory Group is to advise the Minister on operational and policy matters relating to the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016. The Group also, inter alia, oversees and supports the work of the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces, ensures that policy is informed by their work and provides a liaison, reporting and representational role between the Task Forces and the Office of the Minister for Drugs.
The Departmental Liaison person to the North East Region from my Department's Drugs Advisory Group was contacted in May of this year following receipt by me of a letter from the person concerned. The Liaison person met with the Coordinator for the North East Regional Drugs Task Force and with two members of the service in question and the Treasurer of the Board of Management of the service on 3 June 2010. They discussed each of the concerns raised about the services. A report was received by my office, dated 4 June, and provided details in relation to:
the recruitment process,
the clinical services,
the leadership and management of the service and
the employee services.
The Departmental Liaison person confirmed that they had no concerns in relation to any of the areas listed and that it was evident that quality services are provided to the target group and that it is managed competently and professionally.
212 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs when the new mooring facilities provided by Waterways Ireland in partnership with a local private developer at Leitrim Village, County Leitrim, will be fully completed to normal public berths standards on the Shannon-Erne network including public lighting, and proper markings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38419/10]
213 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs when the new mooring facilities provided by Waterways Ireland in partnership with a local private developer at Leitrim Village, County Leitrim, will be supervised by Waterways staff to ensure the proper turnover of visitor boats and that no boat owner exceeds the allotted time stay as laid out for public berths along the Shannon-Erne navigation. [38420/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 213 together.
I have been informed by Waterways Ireland that the terms of a lease have been agreed between Waterways Ireland and the private developer at Leitrim Village and the related legal documents are currently with Waterways Ireland's solicitor for completion. The moorings, when completed, will be in keeping with existing Waterways Ireland facilities in Leitrim Village. I am also advised that management by Waterways Ireland of the public moorings on the new mooring facilities at Leitrim Village, will commence, in line with its bye-laws, when the lease in question has been signed and all outstanding matters have been concluded.
216 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Defence the number of public servants who have left under the incentivised early retirement scheme with details of grades; the number of public servants who left for other reasons with details of grades; the number of new staff recruited with details of grades; the number of promotions with details of grades; and the net savings arising from the staff leaving over and above those recruited and promoted and to provide a breakdown of each of these figures for years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010. [38322/10]
It has not been possible in the time available to compile the information requested by the Deputy. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
217 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence his plans to increase the strength of Naval and Air Corps Services involved in coastal surveillance with particular reference to the prevention of people and drug trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38393/10]
Responsibility for the prevention of drug trafficking rests primarily with the Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners. Responsibility for the prevention of crime, including people trafficking, rests primarily with An Garda Síochána.
However, the White Paper on Defence provides for a security role for the Naval Service and Air Corps to assist and support the civil authorities in this important work. All eight Naval Service patrol vessels are involved in coastal and offshore patrolling and surveillance for the State in that part of the seas where State jurisdiction applies. The Naval Service is committed to having at least three vessels on patrol within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone at any one time, and all vessels are multi-tasked in that they undertake general surveillance security and other duties while conducting their primary day-to-day tasking of providing a fishery protection service. Naval Service patrols are complemented by assistance provided by the Air Corps. The Air Corps Maritime Squadron carries out aerial surveillance of our Exclusive Economic Zone using the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft.
I am advised by the Military authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as at 30 September 2010, the latest date for which figures are currently available, was 9,625 comprising 7,845 Army, 776 Air Corps and 1,004 Naval Service personnel. Targeted recruitment is being carried out in 2010 in order to maintain the operational capability of the Defence Forces, and while it is not possible to anticipate strength figures for 2011, I can confirm that with the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, I intend to retain the capacity of the organisation to operate effectively across all its roles, including in relation to the support provided by the Naval Service and Air Corps in the prevention of drug and people trafficking through coastal surveillance.
218 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of new recruits in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps in each of the past three years; the number who have retired in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38394/10]
The number of recruits enlisted in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps in each of the last three years are as follows:
|
Army |
Naval Service |
Air Corps |
Total |
|
|
2007 |
478 |
87 |
0 |
565 |
|
2008 |
441 |
66 |
0 |
507 |
|
2009 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force was suspended in late 2008 pending a review of the best means by which to achieve the reduction of 3% in payroll costs that had been applied, in common with other areas of the public service, to the Defence Forces. On foot of the Government Decision on Public Service numbers, which took effect from 27 March 2009, no post in the Defence Forces, however arising, could be filled by recruitment, promotion or payment of an allowance for the performance of duties of a higher grade.
The present position is that within the context of consolidating the public finances, the Government is focused firmly on maintaining the operational efficiency of the Permanent Defence Force. Government approval was secured in the context of Budget 2010 for a level of 10,000 all ranks. This reflects the reductions in personnel recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes.
Targeted recruitment is being carried out in 2010 in order to maintain the operational capability of the Defence Forces. To this end I approved the recruitment of 40 Recruits to the Naval Service, limited recruitment to the Army and the intake of 30 Cadets from the Cadetship Competition 2010 which closed on the 28th July 2010.
The number of general service enlisted personnel who left the Permanent Defence Force from 2007 to the end of September 2010 are as follows:
|
Year |
Army |
Naval Service |
Air Corps |
Total |
|
2007 |
497 |
77 |
47 |
621 |
|
2008 |
447 |
53 |
28 |
528 |
|
2009 |
363 |
36 |
31 |
430 |
|
1 January to 30 September 2010 |
214 |
28 |
33 |
275 |
I intend, with the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, to retain the capacity of the organisation to operate effectively across all roles while contributing to the necessary public service economies.
219 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the discussions he has had with his EU colleagues in the matter of formation of future peacekeeping or rapid response forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38395/10]
The Department is currently examining a number of options for future deployment and in this regard, it has been in contact with the United Nations in relation to its requirements for missions. A number of options are being developed by Civilian and Military management and subject, to their advice, I would expect to be in a position to consider the proposals and bring forward recommendations to Government as appropriate towards the end of the year.
With regard to Ireland's participation in future Battlegroups, we are committed to participation in the Nordic Battlegroup (NBG), which will be on stand-by for the first six (6) months of 2011. Other contributors to the Nordic Battlegroup are Sweden, acting as Framework Nation, Finland, Norway and Estonia. Our contribution in 2011 will be a Recce/ISTAR. Recce is an abbreviation of Reconnaissance. ISTAR is an acronym for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target, Acquisition and Reconnaissance. Recce/ISTAR Company together with staff posts at both the Operational and Force headquarters amounting to approximately 150 personnel.
Ireland is also committed to participation in the Austro-German led Battlegroup, which will be on stand-by for the second six (6) months of 2012. Other contributors to the Austro-German Battlegroup are Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). Ireland's contribution to this Battlegroup will again be a Recce/ISTAR Company of approximately 130 personnel.
The Government has approved participation in both Battlegroups.
220 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of overholders living in military accommodation; the discussions he has had with the relevant local authorities to meet the accommodation needs of all such persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38396/10]
There are 50 overholders living in military accommodation. I refer the Deputy to Question No. 150 of the 2nd June 2010 (Reference No. 23757/10) which stated: "The Department has had three meetings with Kildare County Council over the past two years to discuss, amongst other things, the issue of the continued occupation of married quarters by former members of the Defence Forces. Discussions have not taken place with any other local authority, as this is predominantly an issue arising in relation to the Curragh Camp. Kildare County Council has informed the Department that the overholders must be registered on their housing list before any consideration can be given to providing accommodation for them."
The position remains unchanged.
222 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the upgrading of military equipment continues in line with international trends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38398/10]
224 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces continue to have access to familiarisation with technology upgrades currently available to other forces with particular reference to potential requirements on peacekeeping duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38400/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 224 together.
There has been very significant investment in equipment for the Defence Forces in recent years covering the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. The level of investment has ensured that Defence Forces personnel have the most modern and effective range of equipment and technology available, on a par with the best international practice and requirements, to carry out their day-to-day roles. A particular focus of the investment programme has been on upgrading equipment for overseas peace support operations. In this regard, it is a matter of fact that the Defence Forces contingents, which served in major overseas missions in recent years in Liberia, Kosovo and Chad were the best equipped and best prepared contingents ever sent overseas.
The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces will remain a key focus for me as Minister for Defence. It is, however, imperative that the Department and the Defence Forces look to whatever efficiencies we can make taking into account the current difficult economic environment and the overall financial envelope available for the Department for the acquisition of new military equipment and for upgrading and refurbishment programmes over the coming years. The budgetary situation will dictate the level of funding available for new equipment and upgrades in that period and decisions will be made accordingly.
Several important equipment purchases will be advanced this year including the acquisition of twenty-seven Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles, ¾ Ton 4 x 4 vehicles and Heavy Recovery Vehicles for the Defence Forces. In addition, a contract has now been placed with Babcock Marine in the United Kingdom for the provision of two new ships for the Naval Service. The first new ship is scheduled for delivery in early 2014 and the second ship will follow one year later. The contract value is of the order of €100m.
225 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces continue to have access to training with other EU or UN forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38401/10]
Members of the Permanent Defence Force receive ongoing training to enable them to meet the challenges arising from the changing defence and security environment, and to participate fully in UN, EU and other UN mandated missions. Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training, designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping mission and to provide for their protection. Pre-deployment training is updated on an ongoing basis in the light of any changes in the threat assessment or mission requirements.
The Defence Forces are also involved in interoperability training and technical developments in co-ordination with UN and EU partners For example, the Defence Forces are currently engaged in the Live Exercise (LIVEX) Joint Action, part of the main interoperability exercise during Ireland’s membership of the Nordic Battlegroup 2011. The Defence Forces have also participated in a range of desktop and command post exercises based on realistic peacekeeping scenarios. Defence Forces training is based on and updated in accordance with best practice international training standards.
Ireland, in common with other neutral EU Member States who are members of Partnership for Peace (PfP), participates in the PfP Planning and Review Process (PARP) mechanism for planning in relation to peace support operations. The scope of Ireland's involvement in PARP is focused on enhancing interoperability so that Defence Forces personnel can operate efficiently and effectively in a multi-national environment.
I am satisfied that Defence Forces personnel will continue to receive the necessary training to enable them to carry out their duties in a professional manner.
