Vol. 731 No. 3
16 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when the competition process for the new technology research centres that will determine the timing and location of the centres will open; the way this competition process will be conducted; the timescale attached to this competition process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10019/11]
24 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation when he will establish a network of technology research centres focused on applied technological research and linked to appropriate higher level institutions. [9941/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 24 together.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish a network of Technology Research Centres that will accelerate the exploitation of new technologies and will bridge the gap between research and technology commercialisation.
The development of a network of Technology Research Centres is an important strand in the strategy to develop a collaborative relationship between industry and research, ensuring that the research community can adapt its work more closely to the needs of industry in Ireland.
An existing infrastructure of Centres for Science Engineering and Technology (the CSETs), Strategic Research Centres, and Competence Centres, currently in place, are creating vital synergies between industry and the research function within third level institutions.
The intention of the Programme for Government is to build upon this infrastructure, to expand in a planned way on the facilities already in place, to develop a response to unmet needs and establish centres that will increase the collaboration between enterprise and our third level sector. In this way we will improve the innovative capability of the companies involved and maximise the exploitation and the commercialisation of the research being undertaken.
This is an opportunity to ensure real coordination and coherence in the effort to build a knowledge-based society focused on building new business opportunities and commercial relationships.
The establishment of a network of technology research centres will be delivered by means of a competitive process which will allow ideas and proposals from various industry groups to come forward and third level institutes to compete based on their research strengths in response to calls for proposals. These will be assessed and developed to ensure available resources are applied to the most promising proposals.
17 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will examine, with the Department of Finance, an extension of the corporation tax break for start-up companies introduced in budget 2009 to other small firms to allow them to use their own cash to reinvest in the business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10005/11]
The Finance (No 2) Act 2008 introduced a scheme of relief from corporation tax for the first 3 years of operation for companies incorporated on and from 14 October 2008 that commence to carry on a new trade in 2009. The relief is granted by reducing the corporation tax on the profits of the new trade and on the gains from disposal of assets used for the purpose of the new trade to nil. Full relief is available where the corporation tax otherwise payable by the company in respect of any of its first 3 years is €40,000 or less. There is marginal relief where the corporation tax liability is between €40,000 and €60,000.
The scheme has since been extended in Finance Acts 2010 and 2011 to new companies commencing a new trade in 2010 and 2011.
The Finance Act 2011 also modified the existing relief so that the value of the relief will be linked to the amount of employers' PRSI paid by a company in an accounting period, subject to a maximum of €5,000 per employee and an overall limit of €40,000. Credit is also given for any employers' PRSI exempted under the Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme in respect of a company's employees in determining the amount of corporation tax relief available to the company. If the amount of qualifying employers' PRSI paid by a company in an accounting period is lower than the corporation tax payable in respect of the trade, relief will be based on this lower amount.
This Finance Act 2011 change targets the relief at companies generating employment and applies in respect of accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2011. A company does not have to employ a specified number of people to get corporation tax relief under the scheme. The corporation tax relief is limited to the employer PRSI paid by the company subject to an overall maximum of €5,000 per employee and total corporation tax relief in any one year of €40,000 (the overall limit which applied under the scheme as introduced).
An extension of the start-up relief to non-corporate trading entities is one of a range of tax issues worthy for consideration. The factors of relevance to the specific issue of extending the start-up exemption to non-corporate trading entities include the following:
Lower costs and administrative burdens are generally associated with setting-up and trading via a non-incorporated structure.
The legal requirements associated with companies and directorships may be relatively onerous for the owners of many micro-businesses.
Many professional advisors are inclined to advise small/micro business clients, for whom limited liability is not a priority, to initially set-up as a sole-trader or partnership and retain the option to later transfer the business to a company structure. The tax reasons underlying this professional advice include, inter alia, that the tax advantages of trading profits being taxed at 12.5% only apply to profits retained within the business. This approach also minimises the costs of setting up such businesses and reduces the costs and administrative burdens associated with closing down unsuccessful businesses.
Any extension of the scope of the scheme to non-corporate entities would result in an increase in the overall cost of the scheme. Specifically, if the scheme was extended in the form of a full exemption from income tax and other taxes on income, the cost of the scheme would include tax relief on trading profits otherwise taxable at marginal personal tax rates.
The availability of the scheme to corporate entities, in effect targets the relief towards profits earned by the business. Funds withdrawn from companies by owner-directors as salary payments fall outside the scope of the scheme and are in fact subject to income tax in full. The extension of the scheme to non-corporate entities would not automatically impose any requirement on non-corporate entities to reinvest profits within the business, thereby increasing the cost of the scheme and extending the scope of the scheme to include profits not reinvested.
The availability of the scheme to companies focuses the benefit of the relief more towards the productive sectors of the economy.
The current restriction of the scheme to new companies facilitates monitoring and controlling compliance with the requirement that only genuine new businesses avail of the scheme.
The option exists for all new businesses to be conducted from within a new company and thereby potentially qualify for the start-up company relief.
The existence of the start-up company exemption may result in a behavioural change as certain businesses are incorporated that would otherwise have not been incorporated.
There are other non-tax policy options, such as various grant-aid and other supports available to persons setting up a new business from Enterprise Ireland and the County Enterprise Boards. The role of the CEBs is specifically to provide support for the micro-enterprise sector in the start-up and expansion phases and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level.
18 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his plans to reduce the cost to business of energy, telecommunications, waste management and transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10003/11]
While I do not have direct policy responsibility for the sectors referred to by the Deputy, I am keen to ensure that all costs which impact on businesses, including energy, telecommunications, waste management and transport, are kept as low as possible in order to enhance the competitiveness of enterprises in Ireland. Improved competitiveness will help businesses to retain existing jobs, create new ones, and contribute to economic recovery.
The National Competitiveness Council monitors and analyses costs and other competitiveness issues in the Irish economy through its suite of reports, including its annual "Benchmarking Ireland's Performance" report and reports on the "Costs of Doing Business in Ireland". The most recent reports, published in July 2010, show that Ireland has regained some of its cost competitiveness in the last two years — for example through reductions in electricity and gas prices for businesses, and the reduction or freezing of Local Authority rates.
However, this Government is committed to doing more to reduce the cost base for business. A cross-Departmental approach is required and, in this context, I will be working with my Government colleagues over the coming weeks and months to identify actions that can be taken to further cut costs to business and remove obstacles to employment creation.
19 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the preparations he is making for the Trade Council meeting on 13 May 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10018/11]
Preparations for the Trade Council on 13 May will be finalised by the EU Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) on 11 May.
I expect that the agenda will include debate on issues of strategic importance to the evolving EU's trade policy agenda. These include the WTO Doha Development Agenda negotiations, and preparation of the trade aspects of the EU-Japan Summit scheduled to take place on 28 May, as well as updates on the trade negotiations with strategic partners such as India, where there is potential for significant new export opportunities. I will be seeking to ensure that the Council will also have an opportunity to discuss the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Mercosur.
The agenda may also include a presentation from the Commission of a proposal for a Regulation on applying the Generalised System of Preferences, and a discussion on a draft Regulation proposed by the Commission concerning the establishment of transitional arrangements for Bilateral Investment Agreements between Member States and third countries.
21 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will publish his Department’s draft submission made to the European Commission on regional aid guidelines post-2013; his views on the new regional aid map structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10014/11]
The Regional Aid Guidelines govern the areas in which Member States may grant regional aid, more commonly known as investment aid. Investment aid is intended to promote the economic development of certain disadvantaged areas within the European Union in order to redress regional disparities. The Guidelines specify rules for the selection of regions which are eligible for regional aid and define the maximum permitted levels of this aid. Under Ireland's current Regional Aid Map, regions covering 50% of the population are entitled to grant Regional Aid. The current Guidelines are due to expire on 31 December 2013.
To launch the work on the new Guidelines beyond 2013, the European Commission hosted a workshop for Member States in Brussels last March. The purpose of the workshop was to gather information on the operation of the current Guidelines and the experiences of Member States and to give Member States the opportunity to express preliminary views on the issues that should be reviewed in the future framework.
After consulting with stakeholders, my Department made submissions to the Commission both in advance and after the workshop. These submissions were preliminary responses to the Commission's requests for views and were made against a background where there are as yet no proposals from the Commission on a future Regional Aid framework. As these responses would form part of the negotiations with the European Commission, I do not intend to publish them.
The next steps are that the Commission is to undertake an Impact Assessment, which will involve questionnaires to Member States. Further multilateral meetings with Member States are due to be arranged in the last quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of 2012. The Commission anticipates the final report of the Impact Assessment in the third quarter of 2012, and the adoption of new Guidelines by end of 2012. The process of notification of the new Regional Aid Maps for the Member States will continue throughout 2013, after which the new Regional Aid Guidelines will enter into force. My Department will continue to liaise with stakeholders throughout the process.
22 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of targets in the Horizon 2020 strategy that have been delivered upon thus far in terms on direct and indirect jobs created; the number of investments; the number of foreign direct investment, FDI, foreign direct investment, projects located outside of Dublin and Cork; the number of greenfield investments from emerging high-growth markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10015/11]
IDA's strategy for the period 2010 to 2014, entitled “Horizon 2020”, which was published in March 2010, sets out the following targets for job creation and investment for the period 2010 to 2014:
105,000 new jobs (of which 62,000 will be direct employment)
640 new Greenfield or Expansion Investments
50% of new FDI projects to be located outside of Dublin and Cork
20% of Greenfield investments to come from emerging high-growth markets
€1.7 billion investment in RD&I per annum by client companies
Despite the turbulent global economy and increased competition for foreign direct investment, progress on achieving these targets has been good. IDA's 2010 end of year results show that:
Almost 11,000 new jobs created, in IDA supported companies
A total of 126 foreign direct investments won
47 companies investing in Ireland for the first time, up 20% on 2009
Investment in Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) over €500million
62% of investments from existing companies
37% of investments locating outside Greater Dublin and Cork with 45% of jobs locating outside Greater Dublin and Cork.
Another key element of the "Horizon 2020" Strategy is the transformation of IDA's existing client base. IDA has developed a suite of support mechanisms to assist companies along this transformation agenda. This encourages future business in areas which are compatible with our skills base and which are sustainable within our economy in the longer term.
IDA has also established a new High Growth Markets Team to achieve 20% of Greenfield investments into Ireland by 2014 originating from these markets. A team has also been established to target new high growth companies which are the seeds of tomorrow's multinationals.
While it is clear that we are operating in a very difficult economic environment, there are still investment opportunities in global markets to be won and to date in 2011, there have been 17 announcements by IDA supported companies, with the potential to create 2,250 jobs. Over 50% of the announcements by IDA to date in 2011 will be based outside of Dublin and Cork.
I and my Government colleagues will support IDA to bolster ongoing contacts between IDA and a wide variety of potential investors leading to a pipeline of new investment and the creation of high quality jobs.
23 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his plans to overhaul county and city enterprise boards and to formalise arrangements for constructive dialogue with small and medium enterprises and stakeholders. [9939/11]
As Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation one of my main priorities is to ensure that the manner in which State support for enterprise activity, entrepreneurship stimulation and job creation is delivered, is properly targeted and is effective and coherent. I want to ensure that it is cost effective and that the resources available to the State are used to maximise business activity and sustainability across all sectors in order to drive economic recovery.
The County and City Enterprise Boards have been the principal deliverers of State support to the micro-enterprise sector since their establishment in 1993. The role of the CEBs is to support micro-enterprises employing up to 10 people in the start-up and expansion phases and to stimulate and promote economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level. The CEBs deliver a series of Programmes to underpin this role and they can provide both financial and non-financial assistance to an eligible micro-enterprise. This sector is a key component of the indigenous small business sector. The micro-enterprise sector will be key to our economic recovery. Parallel to the work of the CEBs is, of course, the work of Enterprise Ireland whose remit includes the support of start-ups that have the potential to employ more than 10 and to achieve €1m in exports. These are start-ups that are typically highly innovative and are in a position to sell globally from their earliest stage.
The Programme for Government recognises that there is a multiplicity of enterprise and job support functions being carried out by local, regional and national agencies. The Programme also recognises the need to streamline such functions, to increase shared knowledge capability and resources while saving on administration costs. However a critical focus in achieving any such streamlining, is to ensure that we do not compromise on service delivery to the end user. While unnecessary overlap or duplication between agencies and organisations must be eliminated, as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, it is my priority to ensure that above all else there is a coherent and cohesive delivery of State support to the indigenous business sector based on clear enterprise policy principles laid down by my Department.
In relation to the CEBs, I think that their current structure is, in any event, in need of review and reform to move away from their current set up of 35 separate, legal entities with the resultant administrative overhead costs and inflexible staff deployment that this entails. However, any changes to the CEB structure must not compromise the State's engagement with and support for our important micro-enterprise sector.
As the Deputy is aware, the restructuring of the CEBs has been an issue in the public domain since the publication of the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes (the "McCarthy Report") in July 2009. Subsequent to the publication of the McCarthy Report, previous Ministers and Departmental officials have had a variety of consultations and discussions with the main stakeholders involved, including CEB senior staff and Boards, Enterprise Ireland and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.
I am now actively considering the future structure of the CEBs and, in seeking to finalise any decision on their future, I can assure the Deputy that all points of view and, in particular, the needs of the end-user of the services of the CEBs will be fully taken into account.
25 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the work he has undertaken with the enterprise development agencies under his remit to develop a jobs programme; the work he has undertaken with the enterprise development agencies under his remit that will develop the detail of sectoral initiatives; when he will publish and present this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10020/11]
In a reply to a Dáil question on 29 March 2011 (Question No. 49 of 29 March, Ref. No. 5875/11), I explained that I was working with the enterprise agencies under my Department's remit to develop a jobs programme that would develop initiatives to target particular sectors where there is greatest opportunity to capitalise on the strengths of our enterprise base and our people.
The forthcoming Jobs Initiative is likely to address some of the measures which will support recovery or growth in certain sectors. However, the presentation of the Jobs Initiative will be just the first step in the Government's plans to bring about economic recovery. The scale of the challenges which need to be addressed in the economy will require short, medium and long-term strategies. In this context, I will continue to work with the enterprise agencies under my remit to develop these strategies and identify sectors where further job creation can be stimulated. Details of the specific actions to be taken will be announced in due course.
26 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he has received the report and data from the National Procurement Service in relation to public procurement here, in particular in relation to quantifying the numbers of contracts which are being competed for, and won by, small and medium enterprise; the date on which the NPS will carry out surveys to ascertain the success rate of SMEs which apply for public contracts, and to identify some of the issues which may be a barrier to winning such contracts; the date on which the NPS will report on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10021/11]
As I outlined in a recent reply to a question put down by the Deputy (Question No. 51 of 29 March 2011, Ref. No. 5870/11), responsibility for public procurement policy is a matter for the Minister for Finance. However, my Department has a particular interest in this area because of the potential for SMEs to win a share of the public procurement market which is valued in the region of €14 billion per annum in Ireland.
I explained that my Department had engaged with the National Procurement Service (NPS) — a Business Unit of the Office of Public Works — in relation to the availability of data on the number of contracts which are being competed for, and won by, SMEs. This data is not currently captured on the NPS's public tendering website, but the NPS agreed to work with my Department to capture this type of data in future as part of a forthcoming upgrade to the portal.
I understand that the NPS is currently evaluating tenders received for the replacement of the portal and that the upgraded website is expected to be operational in the third quarter of this year. It is likely that the new system will be able to capture additional data on the profile of successful tenderers.
As part of its engagement with my Department, the NPS also agreed to carry out surveys in the coming months to further help to ascertain the success rate of SMEs which apply for public contracts, and to identify some of the issues which may be a barrier to them winning such contracts.
My Department along with Enterprise Ireland will continue to work with the NPS over the coming months to provide an input to these surveys and to agree a suitable timeframe for their completion. It will be important to ensure that the opportunity is provided to as many SMEs as possible to provide an input to the survey to identify comprehensive patterns and trends.
27 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the status of the programme for research in third level institutions. [9885/11]
The Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions (PRTLI) was launched in 1998 and comprehends funding for third level research infrastructure, national shared facilities, and structured PhD programmes. The Programme is designed to facilitate Irish institutions to produce world-class research in humanities, science, technology and the social sciences, including business and law.
There are very significant synergies between PRTLI and the Science Foundation Ireland human capital development activities which are, in turn, closely connected to industry and the work of IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.
There have been five cycles of awards under the PRTLI to date, which are summarised in the following table, and the funding includes both Exchequer and private contributions.
|
Cycle |
Capital |
Current |
Total |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
1 |
177.5 |
28.6 |
206.1 |
|
2 |
48.8 |
29.7 |
78.5 |
|
3 |
178 |
142.4 |
320.4 |
|
4 |
131.3 |
129.4 |
260.7 |
|
5 |
259.0 |
99.7 |
358.7 |
|
Total awards |
794.6 |
429.8 |
1,224.4 |
Following on the successful implementation of the PRTLI Cycles 1-3, approval for Cycle 4 was given in August 2007. A total of €260.75m was approved for projects, with matching private funding comprising €31.62m (12%) of this total.
Under Cycle 4 funding approved for buildings and equipment was €131.3m with €22.48m of this funding from private sources. Fourteen new building projects and seven refurbishment projects were undertaken in line with identified national strategic needs. Currently there are four projects still on site.
Funding approved for national collaborative platforms and networks, and structured PhD programmes was €129.4m with €9.14m of this funding from private sources. Sixteen projects were undertaken. It is anticipated that all Cycle 4 projects will be completed by the end of 2013.
In May 2010 responsibility for funding and policy in respect of the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI) transferred from the Department of Education and Skills to my Department.
The results of the PRTLI Cycle 5 assessment process were announced in July 2010 with a total funding of €358.7m being approved across 36 distinct projects. Matching private funding comprises €62.6m (17%) of this total. Projects were selected based on international peer assessment with significant input from key national stakeholders.
Funding approved for buildings and equipment was €259.4m. Construction work under the Cycle 5 investment will provide more than 64,000 square metres of research space in new and refurbished buildings on our higher education campuses.
Funding approved for Graduate PhD Programmes and skills development was €99.4m, with €3.2m of this from private sources. Cycle 5 will significantly contribute to the Government's goal of developing and enhancing Ireland's capacity to deliver high-quality research in areas of strategic national importance. It will support key areas of economic development such as services innovation, food and drink, pharmaceuticals/biopharmaceuticals, medical technologies, ICT, culture and creative sectors, and energy and environment.
There is a strong emphasis on knowledge transfer and innovation in line with the further development of Ireland's smart economy. Cycle 5 continues the prioritisation of investment in Ireland's development as a knowledge-driven economy, which is a crucial component of the economic recovery process and to laying the basis for our future prosperity.
Cycle 5 signals nationally and internationally that, in spite of budget constraints, research, development and innovation are priorities for this Government and that Ireland is ‘open for business'.
28 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the future, if any, he envisages for Shannon Development. [9937/11]
In July 2009, the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes was published. Among several recommendations contained within the Report was the proposed discontinuation of Shannon Development. As with all Group recommendations relevant to my Department I am examining the recommendation in the context of a new Government approach and evaluating its potential impact on the provision of services to enterprise and on my efforts to promote employment.
Most recently, I have received the final report of the Mid West Task Force. I expect to discuss the report with the Chairman of Shannon Development and to publish the report in the near future.
The Government has approved the preparation of a new capital investment framework for the period from 2012. This will involve a review of planned public capital programmes in order to identify programmes and projects that will best support economic recovery. On this basis, the role of Shannon Development will be examined together with the roles and impact of all Capital Expenditure Programmes and all Agencies under the aegis of my Department.
29 Deputy Ray Butler asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if additional sources of funding will be identified and provided to enterprise boards in view of the fact that Meath County Enterprise Board and other boards have committed in total their measure 1 allocation for 2011 together with their discretionary 20% measure 2 transfer to grants and their complete resource from the refundable aid account towards grant assistance for job creation by small businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9612/11]
The Capital Allocation for the 35 CEBs under the 2010 Estimates Process was €14.994 million for the provision of grants and soft supports to micro-enterprises in 2010. In 2011 this provision has been maintained, with an allocation of €15 million and in view of the difficulties surrounding the public finances, this continued level of support to the micro-enterprise sector is very significant. I fully recognise that the CEBs are under pressure to meet the increased level of demand for their supports, and while it is vital that CEBs continue to promote and support enterprise development, due to the finite nature of public finances, it is not always possible for a CEB to provide financial assistance to every eligible project that presents itself. This is an operating reality with which all CEBs are already familiar. I am confident that CEBs will prioritise and manage available funding in a targeted and effective manner.
Exchequer funding is allocated to individual CEBs by the Central Coordination Unit (CCU), based within Enterprise Ireland. In determining these initial allocations a systematic approach is adopted by the CCU to ensure the maximum degree of objectivity and equity of treatment. This approach involves the provision of funding on the basis of a standard allocation to each CEB as well as an extra allocation that is determined mainly by population but which also takes account of issues such as local unemployment trends, capacity to spend, existing commitments and regional spread.
Under the initial allocations for the year Meath CEB has been allocated an Exchequer Capital allocation of €460,907 for 2011 for direct support of micro-enterprise clients through grants and mentoring/training support programmes. When compared with the initial allocation to Meath CEB for 2010 of €404,797, this represents an increase of €56,110.
It is a matter in the first instance for individual CEBs to determine how they will use allocated funds, as well as funds available to them from repayable grants, in the most effective manner possible (subject to meeting the appropriate eligibility criteria and a number of limits and thresholds that are in place). Some Boards may choose to commit all of their available funding as projects present themselves, even if this means that their funding is exhausted relatively early in the year, while others may choose to reserve some funding until later in the year so that they are in a position to support other high quality projects that emerge at that time. This would explain why some Boards, including Meath, may have utilised their grant funding earlier in the year than other Boards.
As part of the CCU's on-going management of available funding during the year, the Unit will continue to monitor CEB spending. It has sometimes been the case that a number of Boards are not in a position to spend all of their annual allocations as not every project which is approved for funding may draw down that funding and CEBs factor this into their financial planning for the year. Should such surplus funding become available, this will be reallocated by the CCU to any Boards that are in a position to spend additional funds, subject to thorough assessment of the rationale and the justification for the level of funding being requested. It will be in the context of this process that any additional funding requests from individual Boards will be considered.
30 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the measures he will take to counter youth unemployment and emigration. [9936/11]
In a globalised economy, workers are increasingly mobile and migration, both inward and outward, has always been a feature of Ireland's labour force. However, there is clearly a difference between voluntary migration where people choose to work abroad for various reasons, and the current situation where many people feel that they have to look elsewhere for work until such time as there are jobs available in the Irish economy and their skills are once more in demand. This Government is committed to ensuring that emigration becomes an option as opposed to a necessity and to this end the Programme for Government has job creation at its core.
The role of my Department is to ensure that we have the right policies in place that will support and grow our enterprise base in order to facilitate both job creation and job retention. It is only by creating the right environment for businesses to expand that we will see new jobs coming on stream. We must champion the cause of companies that can create good jobs in sustainable activities.
To this end, this Government has committed to the creation of a Jobs Initiative, the details of which will be announced next Tuesday. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the detail of the Jobs Initiative in advance of its presentation to the House. However, I anticipate that it will address a number of the commitments made in the Programme for Government to stimulate the economy and generate the conditions for businesses to sustain existing jobs and create new ones.
The State Development agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, and the County and City Enterprise Boards are continuing to drive and promote enterprise development, and consequently employment creation in our economy.
In order to minimise the drift into long-term unemployment, four cohorts of the unemployed have been prioritised for support and assistance. The four cohorts are; the low skilled; those under 35 years of age; those on the Live Register for longer than one year and those suffering from structural unemployment in the manufacturing, construction and retail sectors.
The training, work experience and education measures that are being implemented in 2011 are designed to help those who are unemployed gain valuable work experience, maintain close linkages with the labour market, improve their skills and education levels and ultimately to improve their career prospects. My colleagues the Minister's for Education and Skills and Social Protection, Ruairi Quinn T.D. and Joan Burton T.D share dual responsibility for skills and activation measures.
The Government is committed to ensuring that an appropriate mix of training, work experience and educational responses are in place to support the unemployed and to enhance their employability.
31 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the progress made to date in reducing the regulatory burden on business by 25%; the timeframe for the completion of same; the actions taken so far; the actions yet to be taken; the actions being taken by him to streamline regulatory enforcement to small and medium enterprise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10009/11]
International benchmarking statistics reveal that Ireland imposes a relatively low burden of regulation on business. The Forfás Annual Competitiveness Report 2010 states that Ireland's regulatory environment is one of the least restrictive in the OECD in relation to product market regulation, the time taken to comply with tax payments is one of the lowest in the OECD across all categories and Ireland's employment framework is less rigid than the OECD average.
The work to reduce administrative burdens on business in Ireland is being progressed on two fronts. The High Level Group on Business Regulation works to fast-track simplifications to specific red tape issues identified by business; and an Inter-Departmental Group of officials from all Departments, having regulation affecting business, coordinates the measurement and reduction of administrative burdens in a systematic manner, based on the internationally recognized Standard Cost Model.
To date the High Level Group has processed thirty specific red tape issues brought to its attention by business and continues to drive progress on a further thirty-eight items. The Group continues to work with business interests to identify new opportunities for simplification. In addition, my Department is in the process of measuring other burden reductions achieved across Government. The results of this measurement exercise are expected to be available in the second half of 2011.
As far as the 25% target is concerned, my Department has already reduced measured burdens by 22% (or 90% of the target to be achieved), an annual saving of almost €187 million for business. (Details below.) I expect that I will be in a position to announce the initiatives that will make up the remaining 3% before the end of the year.
I intend to initiate a project shortly to measure the burdens across all remaining Departments. This is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2012. Each relevant Department will then prepare Simplification Plans detailing how they will meet the 25% target within their areas of responsibility.
At the same time, the Risk Based Enforcement Group, set up by my Department in 2008, continues to seek concrete ways for agencies to cooperate, to make their operations more efficient and effective, and reduce administrative burdens on business. As part of this process, the Group is examining the potential of data sharing legislation to facilitate better risk analysis and enforcement.
Administrative Burden Reduction in DETI
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation has measured administrative burdens arising for business in three key areas of regulation: Company Law, Employment Law and Health & Safety Law. It was found that the burdens across these three areas amounted to some €831 million per annum for business. The Government's 25% target to reduce these burdens dictates that no less than €208 million must be cut from these measured costs.
As of May 2011, 90% of this target has already been reached. This amounts to almost €187 million of business savings each year.
Some of these reductions are as yet potential savings. Making them real savings requires businesses to adopt these newer, more simplified approaches, that have been made available. All firms are encouraged to ensure that they gain the full benefit of this work by reading the guidelines provided, and adopting the low cost options. A list of these simplifications, and details of how businesses can benefit from them, are included below:
|
Regulation |
Simplification |
Cost Before |
Savings |
Note |
|
Company Law |
488.7m |
79.7m |
||
|
CRO Annual Return |
Electronic Submission of B1 |
35.8m |
29m |
1 |
|
eSignatures & pdf Accounts |
3.8m |
2 |
||
|
Audit Exemption |
Small firms, <€7.3m t/o |
3.8m |
3.8m |
3 |
|
Auditors’ Fees |
Auditors fees should reflect the audit exemption |
14.5m |
14.5m |
4 |
|
Company Letterheads |
No need to reprint when Directors, etc., change |
13.7m |
13.7m |
5 |
|
Abridged Accounts |
An optional item; consider whether necessary; negotiate on price |
14.9m |
14.9m |
6 |
|
Health and Safety Law |
271m |
106m |
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Risk Assessment & Safety Statement |
BeSMART online tool |
234.8m |
42m |
7 |
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SMP20 Guidelines for construction firms <20 employees |
64m |
8 |
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Employment Law |
71.4m |
1.2m |
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Redundancy Payments |
Simplified online procedures & forms |
1.2m |
9 |
1.The Companies Annual Return (B1 Form) can be submitted electronically via the CRO website. See this link for details: http://www.cro.ie/ena/annual-return-filing.aspx.
2.It is now possible to sign the B1 Form and Accounts electronically, using a ROS eSignature; see here for details: http://www.cro.ie/ena/digital-signing-certificate.aspx.
Also, Company Accounts can be submitted electronically, in pdf format: http://www.cro.ie/ena/submitting-pdf-accounts.aspx.
3.A large proportion of Companies are exempt from statutory Audit; details here: http://www.cro.ie/ena/annual-return-audit-exemption.aspx.
4.Companies eligible for the audit exemption, detailed at No. 3, above, should be aware of this, and ensure that their auditors' fees have been reduced accordingly.
5.Companies need not reprint headed paper to reflect changes to Directors, etc. Such details as are likely to change may be included in the Company's letter template footer, so that they may easily be altered, when necessary, at no cost to the Company. Further details have been made available by the ODCE:
http://www.odce.ie/en/media_information_notices_article.aspx?article=89614a01-7594-4493-88f1-8f81050f3093.
6.The production of Abridged Accounts is an option for Companies filing with the CRO. Company Directors should consider whether they wish to incur this expense or not. In any case, it is not a statutory requirement to produce abridged accounts. These costs may be saved by filing full accounts with the CRO.
7.The Health & Safety Authority has developed a simple online tool to assist SMEs with carrying out their Risk Assessment and Safety Statement. Details are available here: http://besmart.hsa.ie/.
8.Construction firms with 20 employees or fewer can make use of the SMP20 (Safety Management Pack), again to simplify the process of conducting the Risk Assessment and Safety Statement.
9.Applications for Redundancy Payments were simplified significantly by DETI, making the streamlined process available during 2005. Responsibility for this process is now with the Department of Social Protection:
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/RedundancyandInsolvency/redundancy/Pages/Overview.aspx.
32 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the position he will take regarding the international trade negotiations between the EU and Mercosur; when will the EU and Mercosur exchange offers; if he will make these offers available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10013/11]
Competence for the negotiation of a free trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur lies with the EU Commission. The policy that determines the scope of the Commission's mandate to negotiate is set by the EU Trade Council, advised by the Trade Policy Committee. The position that Ireland takes during the negotiations at Council will be set by the Government. That position will be based on proposals that I will bring to the Government, in conjunction with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Minister for Foreign Affairs. I am concerned by initial indications from impact studies carried out by the EU Commission of the damaging impact on the agricultural sector. The proposals that I will bring to the Government will be informed by the results of the full impact studies that we expect to receive from the EU Commission in the next few weeks, as well as by the results of our own studies carried out by Forfás and Teagasc. I expect the EU Commission to await the full examination of the detailed impact studies before any offers are made. The publication of any offers connected to these negotiations is a matter for the EU Commission.
33 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the discussions he has had with the Department of Finance or the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government on the issue of adjusting the commercial rates that businesses pay to take account of whether a business is an export business, an import substitution business or simply supplying to the local market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10004/11]
The setting of commercial rates is a matter for local authorities which come under the remit of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes, in accordance with the details entered into the valuation lists prepared by the independent commissioner of valuation. The levying and collection of commercial rates are matters for each individual local authority. The Annual Rate on Valuation is applied to the valuation of each property to obtain the amount payable in rates. The rate is decided by the elected members of each local authority in their annual budgets, and its determination is a reserved function of the local authority. The issue of adjusting the basis on which rates are charged, as suggested by the Deputy, would be a policy matter for consideration by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, in consultation with the local authorities and the Minister for Finance. I have had detailed discussions with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government on how we can work together to maximise opportunity for local business development and to keep all costs which impact on business as low as possible. This work will continue and will include the exploration of options for further reducing local authority charges to business, which the Minister is keen to develop. Preliminary results from a review carried out by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on commercial rates for 2011 show that 32 of 88 local authorities have decreased their annual rate on valuation this year, while 53 kept the same rate as 2010. This follows a similar pattern to last year, when 31 local authorities reduced their rate and 55 maintained the same rate as 2009.
34 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the role he is playing in the audit of the transposition of EU directives; the directives that are under scrutiny by him; if this audit will incorporate an analysis of the transposition of EU directives on an all-Ireland basis in order that there is cross-Border harmonisation thus reducing barriers to enterprise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10010/11]
My Department is proactive in ensuring that good performance on transposition of Directives is consistently maintained. Transposition is monitored through a customised Intranet database which is used as a central management and information tool to track the implementation of Directives on an ongoing basis. The Interdepartmental Co-ordinating Committee on EU Affairs, which is chaired by the Minister for European Affairs, also monitors Directives through its monthly meetings and the Department of the Taoiseach's EU Returns database. My Department is constantly working to maintain our national reputation and position by maintaining a high level of commitment to the ongoing management and implementation of EU Directives to ensure the transposition deadlines are met. Nine Directives require to be transposed by my Department up to 2012. One of these — Directive 2009/125/EC on ecodesign requirements for energy-related products — is currently overdue. However, I expect to sign a statutory instrument transposing this Directive in the coming days. A full list of Directives to be transposed up to 2012 is provided on my Department's website, www.deti.ie. In addition, my Department is dealing with the transposition of four codified Directives. It should be noted that codification brings together previous legislation in a single new act. There are no timelines required for the transposition of codified Directives. While my Department is heavily engaged in supporting North-South enterprise development, in particular through the work of the North South Ministerial Council, transposition of EU Directives in Northern Ireland is a matter for the UK Government. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, there is continuing and extensive co-operation with Departments in Northern Ireland, including through the mechanism of the North-South Ministerial Council, on a wide range of issues which are of mutual concern and benefit. EU related matters, including EU Directives and Regulations and their application, are discussed periodically.
35 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his views on an industrial dispute at a location (details supplied) now into its second year, in which workers with up to 38 years service have been sacked and left without holiday pay, sick pay and redundancy pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9935/11]
I understand this dispute resulted from a decision by the employer to cut the pay and working hours of the workers. The issues in dispute were referred to the Labour Relations Commission by the workers. Separate exploratory talks involving the conciliation service of the Labour Relations Commission and the employer and workers' representatives took place in June 2010, where all possibilities were explored with both parties in an effort to reach a mutually acceptable agreement to settle the dispute. Unfortunately, the conciliation service determined that it was not in a position to assist the parties achieve a settlement of the issues in dispute. I understand that the workers have referred claims regarding alleged breaches of their employment rights to the Rights Commissioner Service and to the Employment Appeals Tribunal and that these claims are being processed by those bodies.
36 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his plans for the development of business incubation centres and hot desk centres here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10008/11]
The Government is committed to ensuring the appropriate infrastructure is in place to facilitate an environment in which enterprise can flourish and sustainable jobs can be created. Our programme for Government outlines the measures that will be explored to maximise enterprise development. The establishment of business incubation centres on higher education campuses across Ireland is supported by capital investment from my Department's Vote, provided through Enterprise Ireland. Such facilities are internationally recognised as an important element of public assistance for technology-intensive start-ups. They differ from other types of space in the supportive environment in that they offer client companies services such as business mentoring from a dedicated centre manager and a local network of experts, the opportunity to leverage academic research and development expertise, access to specialised facilities that they could not themselves typically afford, student placements and recruitment and fostered networking with other start-ups in the centres and more widely.
Enterprise Ireland has invested over €50 million in these facilities, which operate in nearly every Institute of Technology and university in the country. They typically comprise a number of incubation units, some hot-desking space for prospective entrepreneurs as well as ancillary space, such as meeting rooms and networking areas. There are currently 276 companies in the 21 facilities operational across Ireland, employing over 1,100 people and operating in a range of areas, including software, environmental technologies and digital media. Enterprise Ireland has also rolled out four schemes to support communities to develop locally owned Community Enterprise Centres, (CECs) which have enabled entrepreneurs to establish, provide employment and to grow their businesses in their own locality, by providing a physical and human support network for emerging entrepreneurs and micro-industry. Since the launch of this initiative, €61.4 million has been approved for the development of CECs across the country and this capital investment has facilitated the development of 134 centres, of which 108 have been completed with the balance either under construction or just recently approved. Of the completed centres, the most recent data — from 2009 — shows that they house 901 companies providing employment for 4,870 people. A further 760 companies employing approximately 2,900 people have graduated from the CECs since the first scheme in 1989 due to company expansion. Some 56 of these companies have since become Enterprise Ireland clients and 79 were transferred to the County Enterprise Boards.
Some €2.2 million of funding under the CEC initiative was also channelled towards supporting the work of the Digital Hub Development Agency, the aims of which are to promote and facilitate the development of the digital hub as a location for digital enterprises and related activities. Additionally, support is provided through Enterprise Ireland for the part funding of Business Innovation Centres, which are regionally based support organisations for pre-start-up and start-up enterprises and innovative existing companies. There are four Business Innovation Centres, located in Dublin, Galway, Cork and Waterford, all providing incubation space to assist fledgling businesses start, establish and then to move on, so that vacated space can be used for other new start-up businesses. A key feature of space managed by the Business Innovation Centres is that the start-up company not only gets space, but often also gets free business advice and access to facilities such as meeting rooms with audio visual equipment and to shared services such as a receptionist/telephonist, shared photocopiers and printers. In line with the Government focus on job creation, I will ensure there is a continual focus on the provision of adequate incubation space.
37 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if, following his recent comments in Dáil Éireann, he has sought an opportunity to meet senior executives of a company (details supplied) concerning investment in Ireland. [9866/11]
IDA Ireland is in ongoing contact with a range of target companies including Twitter. As the Deputy will be aware, IDA Ireland places a premium on client confidentiality and does not, as a matter of policy, provide details of its discussions with existing or potential clients, which remain confidential. As part of that process, I have already met a number of companies and will continue to do so with a view to attracting, maintaining and increasing investment by companies in Ireland.
38 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions being taken at EU and UN level in response to the Syrian Government’s use of violence against pro-democracy demonstrators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10112/11]
I am extremely concerned about the use of excessive force in Syria, including killings and detentions of unarmed protestors. I call on the Syrian Government to immediately stop all violent action against its own people and to genuinely permit its citizens to assemble and protest peacefully. Detained peaceful protestors and activists must be released without delay. The Syrian Government must respond to the legitimate demands which have been made for meaningful political reforms and the launching of a process of genuinely inclusive national dialogue. The EU has also clearly called for an end to violence against unarmed protestors in Syria and the immediate start of genuine dialogue. I fully support the strong statements of EU High Representative Ashton on 29 and 23 April and the conclusions agreed by EU Foreign Affairs Ministers at their 12 April Council in Luxembourg in this regard. In addition to these political statements, Ireland is working with its partners in the EU and the UN to persuade Syria to desist from its present violent and ultimately ruinous course of action. The EU has taken, or will shortly take, a number of steps to increase the pressure on the Syrian Government. It will implement an embargo on arms and equipment used for internal repression. The EU will urgently consider further appropriate and targeted measures with the aim of achieving an immediate change of policy by the Syrian leadership. The EU has decided not to take further steps with regard to taking forward its association agreement with Syria. The EU will also review all aspects of its co-operation with the Syrian authorities including under the European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument.
The UN has also been active and fully seized of this issue. Ireland fully supports the unequivocal statements on Syria delivered by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on 22 April and the High Commissioner for Human Rights on 25 April. On 28 April, the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva held a special session to discuss the situation in Syria at which the Irish Ambassador to the UN in Geneva delivered a statement condemning the recent violence. The Human Rights Council agreed a strong resolution which condemned the violence against peaceful protestors, called for the immediate release of arbitrarily detained persons and stressed the need for a credible investigation by the Syrian authorities. It also asked the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to urgently dispatch a mission to Syria to investigate recent violations of human rights law. Ireland, together with its partners in the EU and the UN, will continue to closely follow events in Syria and to take appropriate action to ensure that the Syrian authorities take the steps that the international community demand. I believe it is vitally important that the international community speaks out against the unacceptable violence against protestors in Syria with the same insistence as it does in relation to instances of violence and repression occurring elsewhere in the region. Ireland will continue to support all those who aspire to democracy and human rights in Syria and elsewhere in the Middle East.
39 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the full extent of the State commitment to the Anglo Irish Bank-Liberty Mutual preferred bid for Quinn Insurance Limited in either direct cash terms, guarantees or underwriting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10022/11]
There is no change in the position I set out in my response to Deputy McLellan's Question No. 56 of Tuesday last, 3 May 2011. The position remains the same. The Joint Administrators announced last week the acquisition by Liberty Mutual Direct Insurance Company Limited (LMDI), which is a joint venture between Liberty Mutual and Anglo Irish Bank, of certain assets and liabilities of Quinn Insurance Limited. A 12-14 week transition process will commence immediately during which time LMDI will obtain all the necessary regulatory consents from parties including the Central Bank of Ireland. It should be noted that there is no State commitment which is specific to the LMDI preferred bid for the business of Quinn Insurance Limited in direct cash terms, guarantees or underwriting. The Insurance Compensation Fund is available to cover the deficit which is expected to arise in the run-off of the remaining parts of Quinn Insurance Limited not purchased by LMDI. In this regard, in my role as Minister for Finance, I may on the recommendation of the Central Bank advance to the compensation fund under Section 5 of the 1964 Insurance Act such sums as I think appropriate to enable payments out of the fund to be made expeditiously. Any sums of this nature are recoupable over time through the placement by the Central Bank of a levy on the insurance industry. I will consider such a request if it should arise in the same way that I would consider any request of this type no matter who the preferred bidder was.
40 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the full extent of the guarantees he has received from Liberty Mutual regarding the future of all existing job holders in Quinn Insurance Limited; the assurances he has received regarding all existing locations on both sides of the Border; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10023/11]
As there is no change in the position I set out in my response to Deputies Ó Caoláin and Feighan (Questions Nos. 52 and 177) on Tuesday last, 3 May 2011, the position remains the same. The Joint Administrators announced last week the acquisition by Liberty Mutual Direct Insurance Company Ltd (LMDI), a joint venture between Liberty Mutual (LM) and Anglo Irish Bank, of certain assets and liabilities of QIL. A 12-14 week transition process will commence immediately during which time LMDI will obtain all the necessary regulatory consents from parties including the Central Bank of Ireland.
As Minister for Finance I have had no direct dealings with Liberty in relation to this transaction including the issue of the future of all existing job-holders. However, I have been informed by the Joint Administrators that aside from the redundancies in Manchester all the 1570 in the QIL have been protected for at least two years. Many of these jobs are in the border areas both north and south and their protection is important for the local economies in these communities. The Joint Administrators have also advised that existing locations will be maintained aside from Navan. I understand that the Navan jobs will be redeployed to Cavan and Blanchardstown.
What is also reassuring is that the business has being purchased by a company which has an impressive track record in the insurance industry and which is also very conscious of the importance of ensuring competition in the Irish insurance market and appreciates its central role in providing employment and economic development in the border region and further afield.
41 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the extent of his or any other Department or agency’s consideration of the Quinn Group proposals, recently presented, for the future of Quinn Insurance Limited, in administration; if any consideration was given to the likely negative impact on trading of the Quinn Group manufacturing concerns following on from the removal of the Quinn family members and the senior managers from their employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10024/11]
As there is no change in the position I set out in my response to Deputy Ó Caoláin (Question No. 41) on Tuesday last, 3 May 2011, the position remains the same. The Joint Administrators announced last week the acquisition by Liberty Mutual Direct Insurance Company Ltd (LMDI), a joint venture between Liberty Mutual (LM) and Anglo Irish Bank, of certain assets and liabilities of Quinn Insurance Limited (in administration) (QIL). They see this as the best option for the policy holders of QIL. A twelve to fourteen week transition process will now commence, during which time LMDI will obtain all the necessary regulatory consents from parties, including the Central Bank.
At the outset, it should be noted that, under the sales process of QIL neither I as Minister for Finance, nor the Government, had any role in assessing the Quinn Group proposals recently presented for the future of QIL, as this was a matter solely for the Joint Administrators, who were appointed by the High Court. The Deputy will be aware that this sales process was conducted by Macquarie Bank on behalf of the administrators.
The Joint Administrators have indicated to my Department that the Quinn proposal was only received recently, several months after the closing date for submission of interest. They say that the proposal was highly conditional in nature as it depended amongst other things on the State intervening to facilitate the transfer of €2.8bn of debt from Anglo to one of the viable banks and to require that bank to provide a further €500m loan to the Quinn Group, as well as agreement with the bondholders. As such they saw no likelihood for such a proposal being facilitated in the current economic climate, as the taking on of such loans by other banks was likely to compound their already difficult position and in addition would also be likely to contravene European State Aid rules. They were also of the view that reaching agreement with the bondholders in relation to the releasing of the guarantees over QIL assets was going to be extremely difficult if not close to impossible.
The decision in relation to the appointment of the Share Receiver by Anglo is very much a commercial one and I in my role as Minister for Finance had no input into this matter. While I understand the concern being raised on whether this decision will have a negative impact on the trading of the Quinn manufacturing group following the removal of the Quinn family members and the senior managers from their employment, I am informed that other scenarios might well have prompted court action to put the Group into receivership with the potential for immediate significant job losses. By comparison the appointment of a Share Receiver gives the Group grounds for considerable hope of a viable future. This viable future however depends to a large degree on the willingness by everybody, particularly those engaged in several recent negative events, to engage wholeheartedly with the new ownership arrangements, because if this does not materialise then over time this is likely to negatively impact on the trading performance of the Group.
Overall, I share the view that the recent steps taken to sell the QIL business to LMDI and to appoint a share receiver to the wider group as being positive and will do a lot to protect jobs in the border region — the protection of which is important for the state and for the local economies in these communities. The proposal put forward by the Quinn Group was not in the economic or financial interests of the state.
42 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if it is accurate that up to 24% of all tobacco consumed here in 2010 evaded Irish excise duty; if he will provide an estimate for the loss of revenue for this product in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10131/11]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax and for tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco products that a survey commissioned by Revenue and the Office of Tobacco Control in 2009 estimated that 20% of cigarettes consumed in the State had not been taxed in this jurisdiction. The 20% figure was further broken down as 14% illicit product and 6% legally imported by passengers arriving into the State from other jurisdictions. Revenue and the Office of Tobacco Control commissioned a similar survey in the last quarter of 2010 and the preliminary results of this latest survey show a consistency with the 2009 figures i.e. 20% of all cigarettes consumed in the State were not taxed in the State with 14% again classified as illegal product and 6% classified as legal "non-Irish duty paid" product. Based on an estimate of 14%, the loss of excise duty to the exchequer from illicit cigarette consumption during 2010 would be in the region of €200m.
While these findings indicate that the level of consumption of illicit product is being contained, Revenue is determined to confront the illegal trade in tobacco products and to optimise levels of seizures of illicit tobacco product. Revenue's strategy for tackling this illicit trade is multi-faceted. It includes ongoing analysis of the nature and extent of the problem, developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, an ongoing review of operational policies, development of analytics and deployment of detection technologies, optimum deployment of resources at point of importation and to intercept internally the contraband product and prosecute those involved.
Revenue enforcement officers are deployed at all key ports and airports. Personnel deployed at these locations are regularly supported by additional staff from other areas when specific operations are taking place. Interception at the point of importation is achieved through a combination of risk analysis, profiling, intelligence and the screening of cargo, vehicles, baggage and postal packages.
Revenue enforcement officers also target this illicit trade at post-importation level by carrying out intelligence-based operations as well as random checks at retail outlets, markets and private and commercial premises. Revenue and An Garda Síochána also carry out regular multi-agency operations, particularly in relation to large maritime importations and conducting checks at inland markets.
The Revenue Commissioners have established a high level internal group, chaired at Commissioner level, to examine the risks related to tobacco products tax and to oversee and optimise the detection of counterfeit and contraband tobacco products. This group has promoted a number of initiatives aimed at counteracting the illicit trade in tobacco. These include improved profiling of passengers and freight to identify tobacco smugglers, national blitz-style operations and the establishment of a confidential tobacco hotline through which members of the public and the retail trade may report illicit trade.
In July of last year Revenue launched a nationwide tobacco operation, which concentrated additional Revenue resources at ports, airports and at various retail points for the purpose of identifying illicit tobacco products. This resulted in 561 seizures totalling 13.7 million cigarettes and 195 kgs of tobacco in the course of the two-week period of the operation. Two subsequent 3-day operations during 2010 resulted in the seizure of over 1.76 million cigarettes and 175 kgs of tobacco. In two similar operations carried out in 2011, a total of 580 seizures were made, comprising 7.4 million cigarettes and 167 kgs of tobacco.
In terms of detection equipment, a second mobile X-ray container scanner, to augment the one first deployed in 2006, was commissioned by Revenue in January 2010 and is now fully operational. Smaller baggage/parcel scanners are deployed at all major ports, airports and postal depots. In addition to the X-ray equipment, Revenue also uses a tobacco detection dog.
This strategy has resulted in the seizure of a total of 178.3 million cigarettes with a retail value of approximately €75.3 million and 3,369 kgs of tobacco with a retail value of approximately €1.2 million during the period January to December 2010.
In addition, during the period January to April 2011, a total of 35 million cigarettes and 938 kgs of tobacco were seized by Revenue.
43 Deputy Alex White asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the shortage of secondary school places at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 16; his plans to address the concern of parents and pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10081/11]
The Forward Planning Section of my Department is currently finalising an examination of all areas of the country to determine where additional provision will be required at both primary and post-primary levels up to 2017. Overall post-primary requirements in the area referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered in this context. The priority for my Department will be to ensure there are enough post-primary places in areas that have experienced the most rapid population growth.
My Department has recently announced plans to open at least 13 new post-primary schools over the next five years in the following locations — Gorey, Doughiska (Galway), Lucan (Clonburris), Kingscourt, Ashbourne, Mulhuddart, Blanchardstown West, Drogheda, Claregalway, Maynooth, Naas, Navan and North County Dublin/South County Louth.
44 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the percentage of pupils that come from disadvantaged areas and have special needs at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 1. [10094/11]
The Deputy will be aware that my Department provides a range of teaching and care supports for pupils with special educational needs in line with their assessed disability. My Department's policy is to ensure the maximum possible integration of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) into ordinary mainstream schools within the child's community where this is in the best interests of the child and those with whom s/he is to be educated.
The National Council for Special Education has advised that the school referred to by the Deputy has been allocated a total of 109.5 hours resource teaching support and 3 Special Needs Assistants, to provide support for children with special educational needs. The aggregate of these supports are being provided for 36 pupils attending the school. The Deputy will be aware that it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act and to do so in a manner that respects principles of equality.
45 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has had discussions with the relevant authorities on the issue of apprentices whose training has been interrupted by the economic downturn; if it will be possible to facilitate the completion of such apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10119/11]
46 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider priorities of a scheme whereby apprentices who have not completed the practical or work experience part of their courses due to the economic situation can be offered an early opportunity to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10128/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 46 together.
FÁS is responsible for the administration of the apprenticeship system nationally with funding provided by this Department.
In the context of the economic downturn, FÁS has, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders, put in place a number of measures in recent years to enable registered redundant apprentices to progress in their apprenticeships.
The Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme 2011 was introduced this year to provide assistance to eligible redundant apprentices to complete the on-the-job training phases 3, 5 and 7 of their apprenticeship.
The scheme was developed by FÁS based on discussions with representatives of trade unions and employers represented on the National Apprenticeship Advisory Committee. FÁS also held discussions with representatives of local authorities, the OPW, ESB Networks and other organisations in the development and implementation of the scheme.
Employers in the private sector and, for the first time, the public sector, may participate in the scheme provided they meet the eligibility criteria. The Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme provides a weekly training allowance to eligible redundant workers of €260 at Phase 3, €350 at Phase 5 and €400 at Phase 7.
The scheme has a budget allocation of €7.3m in 2011. As at 22 April 2011, 627 redundant apprentices were participating in the scheme and 35 redundant apprentices had completed their off-the-job training Phase.
Other initiatives taken by FÁS to assist redundant apprentices to progress in their apprenticeships include ‘Changes in Progression Rules' whereby redundant apprentices unable to complete their relevant on-the-job training phases are now permitted to progress to the next Off-the-Job training phase.
Under the ‘Phase 7 Equivalent Assessments Scheme', redundant construction trade apprentices unable to complete on-the-job Phase 7 Assessments at an employer may undertake Phase 7 Equivalent Assessments at a FÁS Training Centre.
The ‘Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme' allows redundant apprentices who have successfully completed all apprenticeship training Phases 1 to 7, but who have not completed the statutory four years in employment as an apprentice, to validate their competence by submitting a portfolio of evidence of trade related work experience gained at home and/or abroad and/or trade related training and education.
Under the ‘Fee Waiver Scheme', FÁS day and/or evening courses fees are waived for redundant apprentices.
Under the EU ‘Leonardo da Vinci Lifelong Learning Programme', 12 redundant apprentices commenced on-the-job training with employers in Germany in February 2011.
A number of new programmes for redundant apprentices and craftspersons are currently being developed or implemented by FÁS in conjunction with the Higher Education Authority and Institutes of Technology. These programmes include a post-Phase 6 Certificate in Craft Transferable Skills, a special course in Advanced Skills for Redundant Plastering Craftspersons, a Certificate in Entrepreneurship for Redundant Craftspersons and short duration courses to prepare apprentices to repeat their outstanding assessments.
47 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has received an application from a person (details supplied); if additional hours have been granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10135/11]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teaching hours to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. The NCSE issued a Circular to schools advising them that the final date for schools to submit any outstanding, completed, applications for resource teaching supports is 13th May 2011. On receipt of all outstanding applications the DES and NCSE will be in a position to consider resource allocation for the coming school year, in the context of the Department's Employment Control Framework obligations. Schools, including the application referred to by the Deputy, will be notified of their allocations as soon as possible.
In the interim, children who are eligible for resource/ learning support teaching can receive this tuition through the existing learning support provision in schools.
48 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his plans to establish an export trade council. [10089/11]
My Government believes that Ireland's economic recovery must be export led, and as such, is committed to taking the actions necessary to support that export growth to the maximum possible. We are also committed to promoting the long-term development of new markets.
The Programme for Government has outlined the Government's commitment towards the progressive implementation of the recommendations in Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy, which was launched in September last. We believe that the implementation of this Strategy will result in the sustained, concentrated and coordinated efforts of all the key Government Departments and agencies, including our embassies and consulates abroad, in support for Irish companies in overseas markets. This is the first time that all of the relevant agencies and Departments involved in promoting overseas trade, tourism and investment have together come up with an integrated approach to achieving a set of agreed priorities and targets for both existing and new high growth potential markets.
The targets agreed by these agencies — Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Bord Bia, Tourism Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland — are to be implemented through a suite of actions driven by a recently established Foreign Trade Council. These actions are aimed at: strengthening Ireland's international image and brand; strengthening in-country presence and support; developing and internationalising our enterprise base; developing Ireland as a hub for global high-technology enterprises and clusters; aligning visa policy with priorities in the strategy; support for SMEs; continuing to develop international trade agreements; joint actions and partnerships with other countries; effective engagement with the business community.
As soon as the transfer of trade functions to the new Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as announced by the Taoiseach, has been effected, the nature, structure, future role and timelines of the proposed Export Trade Council will be considered as a matter of urgency. The Government is conscious of the need to avoid establishing new groups and bodies unless absolutely necessary, and will therefore consider whether any amendments to the membership and terms of reference are needed to re-align the existing Foreign Trade Council with the objectives of this Government.
49 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will review the employment permit in respect of a person (details supplied) in view of the new information supplied to him. [10092/11]
My Department processes applications in respect of the different types of employment permits (Green Cards Permits, Work Permits, Spousal/Dependant Permits and Intra-company Transfer Permits). All applications are processed in line with the Employment Permits Act 2006.
I wish to advise the Deputy that this particular application was refused on the 23rd March 2011 on the grounds that it is current Government policy to issue new employment permits only in respect of:
highly skilled, highly paid positions or;
non-EEA nationals who are already legally resident in the State on valid employment permits or;
where there is an officially recognized scarcity of workers of a particular type or qualification.
The applicant was notified of this decision in writing and of the right to appeal within 21 days. My Department has no record of an appeal being lodged in this case within the statutory timeframe of 21 days (up to the 13th April 2011) and accordingly, the application fee is in the process of being refunded to the applicant.
In these circumstances, therefore, I regret that it is not possible to re-visit this application.
50 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his proposals to facilitate job creation and job retention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10120/11]
The role of my Department is to ensure that the appropriate policies are in place to support Ireland's enterprise base, thereby facilitating job creation and retention. It is only by creating the right environment for businesses to grow that we will see new jobs coming on stream. In this context, the forthcoming Jobs Initiative will outline a range of measures which will be taken across all Government Departments — including my own — to improve the cost of doing business in Ireland, increase competitiveness, grow our exports and restore confidence in the economy, both internationally and domestically.
The presentation of the Jobs Initiative will be just the first step in the Government's plans to bring about economic recovery and support job creation and retention. Following the publication of the Jobs Initiative, I will continue to work, along with the enterprise agencies and my colleagues in Government, to develop a medium term Jobs Programme. We will develop policy on a number of fronts, such as improving access to finance for enterprises, getting our cost base right, helping businesses to be more innovative and to win new markets, and developing strategies to capitalise on Ireland's potential in key sectors such as life sciences, cloud computing, the digital gaming industry, the green economy and the international education sector.
As outlined in the Programme for Government, the Government will also implement a number of sectoral initiatives in areas that will create employment in the domestic economy. These include initiatives in the retail and SME sectors, ICT, agri-food, tourism, financial services, social enterprise, Green economy and education. We will also introduce a new National Development Plan that reflects Ireland's changed economic circumstances , covering the seven-year period 2012-2019.
51 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will set out, arising from his discussions with the various stakeholders, his intentions to address economic obstacles as identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10121/11]
54 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his proposals to respond to the business sectors which have made submissions to him which may have a beneficial impact on the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10124/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 54 together.
Since I took up office as Minister with responsibility for jobs, enterprise and innovation, I have received submissions from various parties, outlining proposals which they feel can contribute to economic recovery. I have met with various business representatives and other stakeholders to hear their views on the economy, job creation and the needs of enterprise. I have also led two trade and economic missions — the first to Germany and most recently to India & Saudi Arabia — where I had the opportunity to see and hear at first hand the importance of these key markets to trade and investments. I met with many Irish companies operating in these markets, as well as with potential new investors in this economy and they too had interesting ideas and suggestions that could enhance our exports and investment performance. In addition, I have written to a large number of successful companies in Ireland, inviting them to submit any inputs or views they may have on ways to support the expansion of the enterprise sector in Ireland.
I will be considering all of these proposals, in collaboration with the enterprise agencies under my Department's remit, to determine the scope for moving forward the proposals with the greatest potential to contribute to economic recovery and job creation. I envisage that any proposals which may be actioned as a result of these inputs will form part of a follow up to the forthcoming Jobs Initiative, to the extent that they are not already captured by that Initiative.
52 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the degree to which he can obtain support from the EU to facilitate industry seeking to modernise and become more competitive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10122/11]
The EU Competitiveness Council recently endorsed a new European integrated industrial policy for the globalisation era which puts competitiveness and sustainability at centre stage. This policy forms part of the seven Flagships launched under the European Union's new strategy for Jobs and Growth: Europe 2020.
I fully support the core elements of the Europe 2020 strategy and its objectives to stimulate growth based on knowledge and innovation and a more sustainable and greener economy with high employment and social inclusion. These objectives are also broadly consistent with the Government's own strategies as set out in the Programme for Government and with the National Recovery Plan.
The industrial policy Flagship sets out a strategy that aims to boost growth and jobs by maintaining and supporting a strong, diversified and competitive industrial base in Europe. The new approach also means looking at the whole value chain, from infrastructure and raw materials to after-sales service. With the globalisation of markets and the changing nature of both manufacturing and services value chains, continued economic progress and growth will be driven by companies continually innovating to successfully add greater value at every point in their value chain. Promoting the creation and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises is at the core of the EU industrial policy. Moreover, the transition to a sustainable economy is recognised as an opportunity to be seized as a means of strengthening competitiveness.
For the EU to be able to compete globally, it must establish the best framework conditions for business. It must ensure that its firms can innovate, restructure and transform themselves quickly. I believe that it is important, with the support of stronger EU-level co-ordination and supports, to facilitate timely and appropriate industrial restructuring and upgrading thus ensuring the renewal of EU industrial sectors and the necessary upgrading of worker skills and opportunities. Supports such as the two Structural Funds, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF) as well as the Cohesion Fund have contributed to regional competitiveness and employment objectives. Cohesion Policy for 2007-2013 is explicitly linked to goals in Ireland's National Reform Programme under Europe 2020. To this end our current forecast is that 90% of expenditure over the period will be on actions that are earmarked to support competitiveness and sustainable development.
In addition to the EU Structural Funds, Ireland receives significant European funding from the European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), the European Fisheries Fund (EFF), the Seventh Framework R&D Programme (FP7). The Government has also secured funding from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) for a package of measures to retrain, upskill and offer further entrepreneurial and educational opportunities to workers affected by the closures of Dell, Waterford Crystal and SR Technics. A number of relevant State agencies such as FÁS, Enterprise Ireland and the CEBs are involved in the distribution of these funds.
53 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his priorities for the expansion of job creation in the manufacturing and service areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10123/11]
A key objective of the Programme for Government is to promote job creation across the economy, including in the manufacturing and services sectors. The Programme outlines the actions which will be taken on a number of fronts to support jobs growth, including:
improving access to finance for enterprises,
getting our cost base right,
helping businesses to be more innovative and to win new markets, and
developing strategies to capitalise on Ireland's potential in key sectors.
The forthcoming Jobs Initiative will be an important first step in delivering policy to meet the ambitions in the Programme for Government. It will outline a range of measures which will be taken across all Government Departments — including my own — to restore confidence in the economy, improve our competitiveness and facilitate job creation and retention. Following the publication of the Jobs Initiative, I will continue to work, along with the enterprise agencies and my colleagues in Government, to develop a medium term Jobs Programme to further support the maintenance and creation of employment.
55 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the extent to which he intends to encourage or incentivise the use of technology and innovation as a means of economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10125/11]
The use of technology and innovation has a crucial role to play in supporting economic recovery and in driving sustainable employment in the current environment. A wide range of programmes are being delivered by the Enterprise Agencies — IDA Ireland Enterprise Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland, to promote innovation and cost efficiency and give Irish enterprise a competitive edge in the global market place. It is my intention to provide adequate funds so as to ensure that these important supports continue to be available and to assist economic recovery.
The future for Irish companies and the Irish economy will be significantly determined by the ability to take advantage of global opportunities. Because export led growth is identified as the spearhead of economic recovery, the nurturing of high-quality, innovative and internationally competitive Irish companies is clearly fundamental to Ireland's future prosperity. The Irish economy will need to have sharp and adaptable business activity across a range of sectors so as to be in a position to compete effectively in the European and global markets and win export sales in order to create sustainable jobs in Ireland.
The competitive advantage created by the use of technology and innovation will be a key driver in achieving Irish economic recovery. Companies that undertake Research and Development have shown a level of growth in trade and exports during the downturn that demonstrates the value of productive, high calibre research and innovation activity. On an ongoing basis, Irish companies are winning and servicing global sales contracts across a range of modern growth industries and both IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland work with Irish based companies to support this effort. The supports include driving innovation and new product development, in addition to identifying, targeting and delivering on export sales throughout the world; addressing competitiveness issues and helping to raise finance. All these supports are ultimately geared towards driving growth, sustainability, exports and job creation.
Numerous measures have been taken to help companies to achieve internationally high levels of innovation including:
R&D Funding through Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland.
Competence Centres established in strategically important sectoral areas like nanotechnology and bioenergy. These €5m centres are designed to allow groups of multinational and indigenous firms to work together with academics to undertake cutting edge, industry led research. Additional funding has been provided to increase the number of Competence Centres to 16 by 2015.
Supports for new start-up companies with the potential to achieve significant exports — 80 new High Potential Start Ups were established in 2010.
In 2010, over 49 pieces of commercially relevant technology were transferred from State Funded Research into industry.
The Enterprise Ireland Technology Transfer System facilitated the creation of 31 spin-out companies in 2010.
526 Innovation Vouchers were redeemed in 2010 worth over €2.5m, bringing the total number of Innovation Vouchers redeemed since the scheme opened to over 1,000.
Collaboration between SFI funded researchers and industry has also increased significantly in recent years largely through the SFI Centres for Science Engineering Technology (CSETs), Strategic Research Clusters (SRCs) and the Principal Investigator (PI) teams. At present SFI is supporting 29 top-class research centres (9 CSETs and 20 SRCs) and SFI funded researchers are collaborating with over 550 industry partners, both multinational and indigenous.
Both in 2009 and 2010, IDA investments of over €500m were in research, development and innovation, and these investments are central to productivity and new business development in the multi-national sector.
All these initiatives being delivered by the enterprise agencies are supporting enterprise to ensure that trade, exports and investment are positioned to retain sustainability and to ensure that emerging opportunities can be maximised as the global economy recovers.
The impact of Ireland's export orientated initiatives is best demonstrated by the growth in exports in the face of the current difficult economic climate. Enterprise Ireland estimates that its client companies grew export sales in 2010, recovering in the region of 70% of the losses made in 2009. These companies also reported an expansion in new export orders in every month in 2010 and this trend looks set to continue. It is expected that new export sales from Enterprise Ireland clients in the order of €1 billion in 2010.
There is a vibrant enterprise sector in Ireland that is world-class in its capacity and performance. There is a dynamic export sector, which is underpinned by our rapidly evolving scientific, technological and innovation base. Our competitiveness is based on merging these attributes with a commitment to sustained innovation that is unmatched in the markets in which we compete. Our objective now is to build on the investment and achievement to date, and indeed the Programme for Government outlines a significant set of Innovation and Commercialisation strategies and goals which confirms that this area of productive investment is seen as one of the key drivers of Ireland's economic recovery.
56 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the extent to which he proposes to address the issues raised by small and medium enterprises with a view to maximising their potential in the context of economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10126/11]
There is widespread acceptance that small and medium enterprises are central to our economy. The appointment of my colleague, John Perry, T.D., as Minister for small Business is confirmation of the Government's commitment to this sector. The Programme for Government also outlines a number of measures which the Government will take to assist small and medium enterprises with a view to maximising their potential in the context of economic recovery.
In particular, the Government will introduce a Jobs Initiative which will facilitate jobs growth and sustainable enterprise. Full details on the Jobs Initiative will be announced next week involving measures across a number of different Government Departments.
I am very much aware, from my meetings to date with representative organisations from the SME sector, of the issues of concern to them and I, along with the Minister for Small Business, will be in ongoing contact with these organisations during our term of office to ensure that the various Government initiatives have the desired impact in terms of assisting economic recovery. Supports for the SME sector will be kept under review in consultation with the enterprise development agencies, and informed by the sector itself, in the light of international developments, national priorities and best practice.
57 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his views on the proposed legislation requiring compulsory engagement with unions; and his views on fears that foreign companies will move out of Ireland if legislation is introduced. [10177/11]
There are no proposals in the Government's legislative programme that would oblige an employer to recognise a trade union or that would compel an employer to engage in collective bargaining with a trade union.
There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to ensure that Irish law on employees' right to engage in collective bargaining is consistent with recent judgements of the European Court of Human Rights. This process will require consultation with stakeholders, including employer and worker representatives, and a review of the experience of the operation of the existing legislative framework as put in place under the Industrial Relations Acts of 2001 and 2004 and the consequences of the litigation that has arisen in the course of the operation of these Acts.
58 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection in view of the fact that the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was ratified by Ireland in 1992, clearly states that Ireland’s children are entitled to a minimum standard of social protection, the reason parents are involved in the CITCAAT campaign seeking those same rights. [9125/11]
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is a human rights treaty setting out the civil, political, economic, social, health and cultural rights of children. Compliance is monitored by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child. Governments of countries that have ratified the Convention are required to report to, and appear before, this committee periodically to be examined on their progress with regards to the advancement of the implementation of the Convention and the status of child rights in their country. Their reports and the committee's written views and concerns are widely available, including on the committee's website.
Ireland signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child on 30 September 1990, and ratified it, without reservation, on 21 September 1992. The first National Report under the Convention was submitted in 1996. Arising from the concluding observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child issued in 1998, the then government established the office of Ombudsman for Children and drew up a national children's strategy. The second National Report under the Convention was submitted in 2005.
As part of the monitoring process interested NGOs are invited to submit their observations to the Committee on the Rights of the Child. It is perfectly normal that individuals and groups such as CITCAAT will refer to the Convention in seeking to advance their position. The purpose of human rights covenants and conventions is that they be used to measure the performance of States in promoting and defending human rights.
As regards this Department, the parents involved with the CITCAAT group are campaigning on behalf of autistic children and seeking support for autism sufferers. While the Department of Social Protection has no responsibility for most of the issues raised, the domiciliary care allowance is of particular interest to this group. In order to qualify for domiciliary care allowance a child must have a disability so severe that it requires the child needing care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. This care and attention must be given by another person, effectively full-time so that the child can deal with the activities of daily living. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.
In the period 1st January 2010 to 30th June 2010 a total of 220 applications with a medical condition of autism/autism spectrum disorder were fully processed by the Department’s Medical Assessors. 136 (62%) of these applications were deemed to satisfy the medical criteria and 84 were disallowed. This compares with the current success rate on first application across all disabilities of approximately 40%.
I am confident that the supports for children provided by this Department fully meet our commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
59 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans for the future of a national employment service; if she will review and enhance services available to the unemployed, which currently are provided by three separate services, namely, Department of Social Protection job facilitators, FÁS employment service officers and the contracted local employment service adult guidance service located in 25 areas; and if she will provide a one-stop shop service to optimise the use of resources and provide a more accessible service to persons who are unemployed and who seek employment and training opportunities. [10076/11]
The Programme for Government states that a new National Employment and Entitlements Service will be established under the management of the Department of Social Protection. The objective is to integrate the employment support services currently provided directly by the Department of Social Protection with those currently provided by FÁS into a single service. This service will also process payments in respect of employment related benefits and other benefits payable by the Department of Social Protection. The integration of employment services and related benefit payment services within the Department of Social Protection will provide a ‘one stop shop' for people wishing to establish their benefit entitlements, seek employment and / or seek advice about their training options. The focus will be very much on the individual, his / her rights to a payment, his / her access to an opportunity to engage in employment, training or upskilling, as appropriate and his / her responsibility to engage with such opportunities as they are provided. This should improve a person's life chances.
It should be noted that responsibility for skills training undertaken by FÁS currently resides with the Department of Education and Skills. The future development of the training and skills services of FÁS is a matter for the Minister for Education and Skills.
With regard to the timeline for the development of the National Employment and Entitlements Service, I am determined that this will be completed in the most expeditious manner possible and my officials are already actively engaged in a programme of work towards this end. While this will be a multi-annual programme of work requiring the development of the new service, the assignment of functions to the Service and the development of its organisational processes and operational systems, many aspects of the new service will be delivered within the coming 12 months.
The administration of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme has already been transferred to the Department of Social Protection with the secondment of the Community Welfare Service from the Health Service Executive at the beginning of this year. The intention is to have the staff fully transferred into the Department by the end of September this year. This will enable us to integrate the payment of all benefits into one organisation simplifying customer processes. Planning for the transfer and integration of the Employment Services and Community Employment Services of FÁS to the Department has already commenced and it is envisaged that the transfer of staff will commence later this year. Again this will enable us to simplify and integrate the delivery of employment support services to customers.
A key objective of the Government in relation to the new service is that it will offer users a high level of personalised employment support and prioritise the provision of more intensive support for those on the live register who are identified as being most at risk of long-term unemployment. This will be achieved through the use of proactive approaches and modern case management systems.
A number of pilot projects have already commenced in relation to the development of case management, the identification of those who are most at risk of falling into long-term unemployment, and the provision of appropriately tailored responses to their needs. These pilot projects will be completed and evaluated in the coming months after which approaches will be developed for their roll-out nationwide as part of the National Employment and Entitlements Service.
60 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a child benefit application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [10091/11]
A Child Benefit claim was received from the person concerned under EU Regulations 883/04 and 987/09 on 30 July 2010. Child Benefit was awarded for the period 01/08/2010 to 31/08/2010 while she resided in the United Kingdom and her spouse was employed in Ireland. Her claim was disallowed from 01/09/2010 as it was decided that the person concerned did not satisfy the Habitual Residence condition. She subsequently appealed the decision. When a decision is made on the appeal she will be notified in writing.
61 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding benefits in respect of a person (details supplied). [10106/11]
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.
There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order. In the context of dealing with the considerable number of appeals now on hands, the Department has made a further 9 additional appointments to the office in recent weeks.
While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but he will be informed when arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
62 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10138/11]
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.
There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order. In the context of dealing with the considerable number of appeals now on hands, the Department has made a further 9 additional appointments to the office in recent weeks.
While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
63 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to a matter (details supplied); if the matter will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10168/11]
The person concerned applied for jobseeker's allowance on 6th November 2008 and her application was disallowed on the grounds that she was not habitually resident in the state. The decision was upheld on appeal in December 2009. On 3rd September 2009 she applied for one parent family payment. The application was also disallowed on the grounds that she was not habitually resident in the state and the decision was upheld on appeal in February 2011. Her application for child benefit was disallowed on the same grounds and the decision was also upheld on appeal. Payment of supplementary welfare allowance was stopped on 10 November 2010 on the grounds that she was not habitually resident in the state. The decision was upheld on appeal.
64 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for disability benefit in respect of a person (details supplied). [10176/11]
The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 25 January 2011.
In order to determine her weekly means her file was forwarded to her local social welfare inspector. I understand the inspector will call to the person shortly to carry out a means assessment. A final decision on her entitlement to disability allowance will be given on receipt of the social welfare inspector's report. The customer will be notified directly of the outcome.
65 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the owners of fishing rights to a river can legally charge a price per tag on commercial salmon caught within their area in addition to the charge already imposed for a permission slip; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10100/11]
I understand that the Deputy is referring to the operation of a several or private fishery. There is legislative provision for the protection of private fisheries under Sections 178 and 179 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, (No 14 of 1959) as amended, for the imposition of penalties for unauthorised entry on several fishery and for fishing with nets in a several fishery without the written permission of the owner. The Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme (No. 2) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No 665 of 2010) includes a provision for the distribution of tags by a several fishery owner.
The management of a several fishery, including charging for permission to harvest salmon, is an operational matter for the owner of the fishery.
66 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the agreements in place between Ireland and the UK for the import and export of energy once the east-west interconnector between Ireland and Wales comes on stream; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10111/11]
At the Government's request, EirGrid the State-owned transmission system operator is building the East West Interconnector between the electricity grids of Ireland and Britain. The construction and operation of the East West Interconnector is the responsibility of EirGrid. This national strategic project is on schedule and on budget for delivery by 2012. The full cost of the Interconnector is underwritten by all electricity customers under the regulatory model implemented by the Commission for Energy Regulation.
The European Commission is giving particular strategic priority to strengthening electricity interconnection across Europe. The strategic importance of the East West Interconnector project was recognised by the Commission with the granting of aid of €110m for the project in 2009 as part of the economy recovery support package for European interconnection and energy infrastructure. The East West Interconnector will enable the import and export of electricity between Ireland and Britain. It will underpin the progressive integration of the two electricity markets and will support the further integration of wind onto the Irish energy system.
The arrangements for the import and export of electricity are governed by European Union law — in particular Regulation (EC) 714/2009 on conditions for access to the network for cross-border exchanges in electricity and its annexed Congestion Management Guidelines. These guidelines require market based trading arrangements on all interconnectors to ensure efficient cross border trade.
The specific trading and access arrangement for the East West Interconnector will be set out in the East West Access Rules that were recently consulted on by EirGrid and are subject to regulatory approval by the Commission for Energy Regulation in Ireland and Ofgem in Great Britain. All electricity imported and/or exported across the East West Interconnector will be traded through the Single Electricity Market which determines the mandatory all-island wholesale electricity trading arrangements for Ireland and Northern Ireland that have been in place since November 2007. In Great Britain, the requirements for the import and export of electricity are governed by the British Electricity Trading and Transmission Arrangements (BETTA).
67 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding a grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [10171/11]
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 379 and 421 of 3 May, 2011 which sets out the position in relation to this matter.
68 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the tender for sale of voting machine units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10179/11]
In addressing the legacy of the electronic voting project, my priority is to see that the equipment is disposed of as soon as possible.
I have asked the Task Force that was established to oversee the cessation of the project to consider proposals for the disposal of the equipment, with a view towards immediately progressing arrangements. The Task Force met on 12 April 2011 and the necessary preliminary and background work to enable the disposal of the equipment to proceed is currently underway.
While proposals have not at this stage been invited in respect of the equipment, some expressions of interest have previously been received, and were considered by the Task Force in the context of putting arrangements for disposal in place.
In considering options for disposal of the equipment, the priority is to pursue the most economically advantageous approach, with a view to achieving the maximum recovery of cost possible in the circumstances, consistent with environmental and other obligations.
69 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to examine rights to Irish citizenship for members of the Irish diaspora across the world including allowing those of Irish descent back many generations to avail of Irish citizenship. [10102/11]
The Deputy will be aware that there is already considerable scope for members of the Irish diaspora to claim Irish citizenship. A person whose great grandparent was born in Ireland may qualify for Irish citizenship by descent if one of the parents has registered their name in the Foreign Births Register prior to the person's birth.Responsibility for the Foreign Births Register falls under the auspices of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The requirements for the granting of citizenship are set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Acts 1956-2004. Given the extensive provisions which already exist, I have no plans at present to examine this matter.
70 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding naturalisation applications in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when a decision will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10078/11]
Officials in the Citizenship section of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's question.
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.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended.
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.
71 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on Garda Operation Abbey; the number of persons arrested and charged to date; the number of convictions secured to date; if this operation is still active; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10116/11]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Abbey was set up to investigate organised prostitution and human trafficking in Ireland.
The operation was led by a Detective Superintendent, with expert assistance provided by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB), the Garda National Immigration Bureau and the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation (GBFI). Arising from links identified in Northern Ireland and the UK, liaison was established with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) in the UK.
A series of raids in 2008 by An Garda Síochána, the PSNI and SOCA resulted in a number of arrests in the UK, this jurisdiction and Northern Ireland. Investigation files were prepared and submitted to the respective Law Officers. In February 2010 two persons received substantial terms of imprisonment in the UK. Significant fines were also imposed.
In conjunction with the criminal investigations, in-depth financial investigations into the financial affairs of a number of suspects were carried out by CAB, GBFI and financial investigators at SOCA, resulting in a substantial amount of cash, properties in Ireland, the UK and South Africa and a number of vehicles being seized. These are currently subject to proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Acts.
In February 2011, three persons pleaded guilty before court in the UK to offences relating to conspiracy to control the proceeds of prostitution and conspiracy to launder money and received respectively additional terms and a term of imprisonment.
An investigation file concerning related activities in this jurisdiction is currently being prepared for the Law Officers and will be submitted in early course.
72 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will review the imposition of fees charged to families bereaved through road collisions for copies of Garda sketch maps and photcopies of witness statements relating to the collision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10149/11]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that it is the policy of An Garda Síochána to appoint a Family Liaison Officer to liaise with the family of victims of fatal road traffic accidents and provide timely and accurate information relating to the progress of the Garda investigation of the accident and any prosecutions arising therefrom.
I am also advised by the Garda authorities that persons involved in road collisions, their legal advisers or insurers or other interested parties, may on written request, and on payment of a fee, be supplied with an abstract report, copies of statements of witnesses, sketches and maps of the scene. Where criminal proceeding are being considered, abstracts are not supplied until the criminal proceedings are concluded and in the case of fatal traffic collisions until the inquest concerning the death has been completed by the Coroner.
73 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by a centre (details supplied) as a result of delays in obtaining Garda vetting information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10151/11]
The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides employment vetting to organisations in Ireland registered with the Gardaí for this purpose and which employ persons in a full-time, part-time, voluntary or training capacity to positions where they would have substantial, unsupervised access to children and/or vulnerable adults.
The employment vetting service provided by the Gardaí has been expanded greatly in recent years as part of a phased programme to roll-out the service to an increasing number of organisations. Within this programme the vetting service has now been extended to over 18,000 organisations.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that no request for registration has been received from the organisation to which the Deputy refers. However, Garda vetting services are provided to prospective employees at the organisation under the auspices of FÁS, which is a registered organisation with the Vetting Unit.
74 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his proposals for a building programme in respect of garda stations in the Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10164/11]
The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is based on agreed priorities established by An Garda Síochána. This programme is progressed by the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.
Since August 2008 new Garda Stations have been provided in the Dublin Region at Irishtown, Finglas and Ballymun. In addition, significant refurbishment works have been completed since 2010 at a number of Garda premises, including Harcourt Square, Dublin Castle, Clontarf, Whitehall and O'Connell St.
The future Garda accommodation requirements in the Dublin Metropolitan Region will be pursued in the context of An Garda Síochána's identified accommodation priorities and in the light of available resources.
75 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application made for family reunification in respect of a person (details supplied)in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10167/11]
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to made a Family Reunification application with respect to his wife in January 2009.
The application was forwarded to the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996.
The investigation was completed in June 2009 and a report was forwarded to INIS.
I am further informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that a letter recently issued to the person's legal representatives requesting additional information.
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.
76 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding moneys clawed back through penalties in the single farm payment regime; if these funds go into a national reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10096/11]
Under EU Regulations, amounts arising from reductions and exclusions from payment as a result of non-compliance with the cross-compliance regime shall be credited to the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) and Member States may retain 25% of those amounts. The amounts retained are accounted for in the annual EU clearance of accounts decision and are shown as Appropriations in Aid in my Department's Vote. They are surrendered to the Exchequer through the vote on an annual basis and are not re-allocated in any way. Reductions and exclusions applied as a result of land eligibility issues are simply not charged to the EAGF.
The National Reserve is replenished only by the value of entitlements that are not used by farmers over a two year period. Entitlements must be used at least once in every two year period.
77 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10101/11]
Under the EU Regulations governing the Agri-Environment Options Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. Payment will issue to the person named at the earliest possible date once these checks have been completed.
78 Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that outstanding REP scheme payments will not be paid until July due to the fact that his Department is awaiting a new computer system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10136/11]
A total of 26,664 farmers have received their REPS 4 payment to date. The majority of outstanding payments have issues which need to be examined or resolved and these are being dealt with on an ongoing basis by my officials.
A small number of farmers are awaiting their balancing payment of 25%, having already received 75%, because they have incurred breaches of the Scheme. The balancing payment cannot be paid until the appropriate penalties have been applied. In order to accommodate the application of these penalties for future payments, my Department is currently developing a computerised system which will facilitate the automated calculation and application of these penalties. Development work on the system is well advanced and the aim is to complete the work as quickly as possible with a view to issuing the REPS payments at the earliest possible date.
79 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 172 of 29 March 2011, when REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10153/11]
The person named commenced REPS 4 in June 2009 and received the year 1 payments in December 2009.
The first instalment of 75% of the year 2 payment was made on the 14th April 2011. The balancing payment of 25% was made on 18th April 2011.
Under the EU Regulations governing REPS, payments for the current year i.e. 2011 cannot issue until comprehensive administrative checks, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, are completed. As these checks are dependant on the finalisation of the processing of Single Payment applications, it is expected that REPS 2011 payments will issue in the Autumn.
80 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is possible for a person (details supplied) to obtain a quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10172/11]
Quota does not apply under the current suckler welfare scheme. This is a five-year scheme, fully funded by the Exchequer, which commenced in 2008, and it was open to all suckler farmers to apply to participate in the scheme at that time. If the person concerned has been an active suckler farmer before 2011, he or she cannot apply to join the scheme now.
81 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason mobility allowance was discontinued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10132/11]
I understand the Health Service Executive wrote to the Deputy on 21 April last outlining that the person concerned is not eligible for the mobility allowance as, following a means test last month, her income is in excess of the financial provisions for eligibility for the mobility allowance.
82 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health and Children, in view of the fact that the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was ratified by Ireland in 1992, clearly states that Ireland’s children are entitled to a minimum standard of health care, the reason there are parents involved in the CITCAAT campaign seeking these same rights. [9125/11]
I understand that the CITCAAT autism support campaign raises a number of concerns in relation to the provision of services for children with disabilities, including children with autism.
Under the Health Act 2004, the HSE is responsible for the provision of health and personal social services, including the provision of disability services for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Specialist disability services are provided to enable each individual with a disability to achieve his or her full potential and maximise independence, including living as independently as possible. Services are provided in a variety of community and residential settings in partnership with service users, their families and carers and a range of statutory, non-statutory, voluntary and community groups.
Should the CITCAAT organisation wish to write to me on health-related issues, I will arrange to have the matters examined.
83 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the widely reported practice of general practitioners charging medical card holders for blood tests; if medical card holders are entitled to such tests and if GPs are not entitled to charge for them; if charging for other items covered by the medical card has been reported to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10080/11]
95 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on general practitioners charging medical card holders a €10 fee for taking blood tests; the action he will take on behalf of these medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10162/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 95 together.
Under the General Medical Services (GMS) contract, a general practitioner (GP) is expected to provide his/her patients who hold medical cards or GP visit cards with all proper and necessary treatment of a kind generally undertaken by a GP. Where blood tests form part of the investigation and necessary treatment of patients symptoms or conditions, these should be provided free of charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. The HSE also points out that, in many GP surgeries, it is the practice nurse who takes blood samples. The HSE significantly subsidises the cost of employing practice nurses.
If the HSE is made aware of specific cases where GMS patients are being charged by GP contractors, it will arrange to have such cases investigated as appropriate. A report has been requested from the Primary Care Unit Managers in the HSE on the extent of complaints received and the status of same.
84 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 334 of 19 April 2011, the number of persons who received support under the fair deal scheme during 2009 and 2010 and the first three months of 2011. [10083/11]
There were approximately 1,600 people receiving financial support under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme at the end of 2009. During 2010, over 11,700 people qualified for financial support under the scheme. At the end of March 2011, there were approximately 12,380 people in receipt of financial support.
85 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide an update on the work of the National Ancillary Group. [10084/11]
The National Ancillary Group is on target to have a draft proposal in place for wider consultation with the system in mid-June 2011. Once finalised, this document will provide for the standardisation of ancillary services, i.e. therapy services and aids and appliances, to nursing home residents throughout the country.
86 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will expedite an application for the long-term illness scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10085/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
87 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [10093/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
88 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will publish a Bill legislating for the area of surrogacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10104/11]
My Department is developing policy proposals to regulate the area of assisted human reproduction (AHR) which will address issues related to surrogacy with the intention of finalising them this year. These proposals will form the basis of legislation in the area of AHR and related practices.
89 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of orthodontic care in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [10105/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
90 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [10107/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
91 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to delay the destruction of Guthrie cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10108/11]
The National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme (NNBSP) is in operation since 1966 and already screens newborn infants for five conditions including phenylketonuria, classical galactosaemia, homocystinuria, maple syrup urine disease, congenital hypothyroidism and from 1 July 2011, cystic fibrosis will be included.
In order to comply with data protection legislation, a number of changes are now being implemented with regard to the newborn screening card (NSC) and the NNBSP.
These changes include the development of a new NSC, obtaining written consent for the mother to have her newborn infant screened for the above conditions, retaining the NSC for ten years — to be disposed of in the child's 11th year — and that the information pertaining to the result will be retained for 25 years in line with HSE policy on the retention of healthcare records. The mother's written consent will be included on the NSC and a new parent information sheet has been developed to provide the necessary information. As a consequence, it had been planned to destroy the existing set of cards which are older than ten years.
The baby's NSC will only be used for checking the baby's results or for other tests recommended by the baby's/child's doctor and for which the parent(s) permission will be sought; and quality assurance to develop and improve the screening programme and the health of babies and families in Ireland. These changes have evolved from collaboration between the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Laboratory, Children's University Hospital, Temple Street, the Department of Health and Children, the Data Protection Commissioner and the Health Service Executive. Subsequent to this policy being agreed a request has been received to retain the cards for other possible medical purposes. This is being reviewed by the HSE.
92 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children his policy regarding the closure of antiquated psychiatric hospitals; if he is committed to the development of person-centred, community-based mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10141/11]
Government policy on mental health incorporates the recommendations of "A Vision for Change". The closure of the old psychiatric hospitals and the transfer of patients to more appropriate community-based settings is central to that policy and is a priority for this Government. The evidence is overwhelming that a modern mental health service is best delivered in the community. In these circumstances the Government is committed to developing community-based services and in that context will ring-fence €35 million annually from within the health budget to develop community mental health teams and services to ensure early access to more appropriate services and improved integration with primary care.
93 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will ensure that persons with mental health problems have access to their full range of socioeconomic rights including work, housing, employment and education. [10144/11]
The Government is committed to implementing "A Vision for Change" and reforming our model of healthcare delivery so that more and better quality care is delivered in the community which will facilitate access to housing, education and employment. Proposals in relation to a housing strategy for people in these circumstances are in the process of being developed. It is my intention that over time access to modern mental health services in the community will be significantly improved. It is proposed to ring-fence €35 million annually from within the health budget to develop community mental health teams and services.
It is envisaged that the provision of improved community-based services will ensure that people with mental health problems receive the treatment and after-care support needed to facilitate recovery.
94 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children the options available to a child having completed one year of the early child care and education scheme, but due to a special needs assessment is deemed not ready to begin primary school, and is thus in need of an extra year in early child care and education. [10147/11]
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme was introduced in January 2010 as a universal programme to provide children with a free pre-school year, normally in the year before they commence primary school.
While some children with special needs are availing of the free pre-school year in specialist services, many are availing of it in mainstream settings, or a mixture of the two. In February 2010, shortly after the introduction of the programme, to ensure a coherent approach to service provision and supports for children with special needs across both specialist and mainstream settings, the office asked the Office of Disability and Mental Health was asked to set up a working group to look at existing services and supports for pre-school children with special needs and the way in which these are allocated. This group is expected to report shortly.
The ECCE programme includes a number of provisions for children with special needs. These include an exemption from the upper age limit for qualification under the scheme where a child is developmentally delayed and would benefit from starting primary school at a later age. In addition, children with special needs can apply to have the pre-school year split over two years on a pro-rata basis, for example availing of the scheme for two days a week in the first year and for three days a week in the second year. I regret to advise the Deputy that the programme does not provide for a second year of free pre-school.
96 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will present a progress report regarding his review of proposals for a new national children’s hospital; if he will detail plans for consultation in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10165/11]
The Government has committed, under the Programme for Government, to the construction of the new Children's Hospital.
I want to be clear about how we can best provide the hospital in the most cost effective manner while ensuring a high quality service for our children and young people.
I will announce the details of the review of the National Children's Hospital project shortly. I am currently in the process of finalising issues around the scope of the Review, which will be carried out as soon as possible.
It is essential that all the facts are carefully considered before a final decision is taken on the best approach. In particular I wish to be satisfied that the hospital will provide the best possible clinical outcomes for children and young people.
97 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the action he proposes to take following the release of the recent report on operating theatres in the three children’s hospitals in Dublin; if he will provide assurances on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10166/11]
In 2009 the HSE commissioned Meridian Productivity Ltd to carry out a review of the theatre services provided within the three Dublin Children's Hospitals.
Since the report of the review was delivered, the HSE and the three hospitals have used the report to inform how theatre services could be developed and delivered to drive improvements and efficiencies for patient care. Progress has been made in a number of areas in order to maximise the usage of these hospital theatres, including the following;
A Clinical Director has been appointed jointly across the three hospitals .
A joint waiting list strategy including common validation is a current active joint management project of the three hospitals.
Each hospital has reviewed and amended its theatre schedule since the report was undertaken in order to maximise efficiency.
Each hospital actively monitors late starts and over runs and theatre activity is the subject of constant performance review.
Significant changes in staff rostering have facilitated more efficient use of specialist resource and staffing levels are kept under constant review.
Each hospital has responded to the requirement to create space for emergency patients.
Significant improvements have been made in the utilisation of theatres across the hospital sites and current utilisation is favourably comparable with children's hospitals internationally. The three hospitals now consistently exceed the HSE agreed target of 70%.
Work to ensure maximum utilisation of these hospital theatres is ongoing. I will continue to work with the HSE to ensure that the recommendations of the review are fully implemented and that issues identified in the report are addressed. We must ensure optimal use of these lifesaving essential facilities.
98 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a complaint (details supplied). [10169/11]
99 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason some public houses are targeted by the Health Service Executive on their smoking areas while others are ignored. [10170/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 99 together.
The Deputy's questions relate to enforcement of the tobacco legislation, which is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE). Accordingly my Department has referred the matter to the HSE for direct reply.
100 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has approved the proposed privatisation of the home help service being undertaken by the Health Service Executive; if he will reverse this privatisation process; if he will require the HSE to engage with union representatives of the home help workers; his views that this move is part of a drive to further reduce wages in a low-wage sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10174/11]
Government policy is to support older people to live at home and in their communities for as long as possible. Significant investment has been provided in recent times to the HSE to develop its range of community based services for older people. In some cases, where the service is approved and funded by the HSE, this may be undertaken through partnership arrangements with non-statutory providers to maximise service delivery.
The Department of Health and Children accepts the need for a more standardised approach to the delivery of home care overall, whether by statutory or non-statutory providers. During 2010, the HSE and the Department progressed various improvements to home care provision, particularly relating to the standardisation and governance of services. As part of these improvements, the HSE has initiated a procurement process for HSE home care recipients.
I wish to stress that this is not a policy of privatisation, but a more standardised approach to the existing process in order to regularise the procurement of services nationally. It will also complement the long standing partnership model of the HSE and enhance client safety and quality overall.
The process has been carried out in accordance with relevant EU Guidelines. All tenderers must comply with quality standards set as part of the process, and successful tenderers will be monitored by the HSE to ensure services supplied are in line with the contract and quality measures set.
101 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures included in the jobs initiative to ensure the target of an additional 15,000 jobs in the hospitality sector as contained within the Strategy and Action Plan for Trade, Tourism and Investment to 2015 is met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10145/11]
The jobs initiative will be announced in the Dáil next Tuesday and further details will be available at that stage.
102 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific timeframe after the purchase of the new tranche of intoxilyser machines by the MBRS for testing, and training on the new intoxilyser machines before they can be used to implement the lower drink driving limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10150/11]
I understand from the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) that the contracts and purchase order for the new Evidential Breath Testing (EBT) instruments have been signed. These instruments will be evaluated and tested by the MBRS over the coming months to ensure they are fit for purpose and capable of meeting the rigorous legal, constitutional, scientific and forensic requirements necessary for operation in this jurisdiction. Good progress is being made by the Bureau and it is intended that the majority of the new EBT instruments will be installed, tested and ready for use in Garda Stations by the end of September 2011.
103 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the international models he studied when devising the smarter travel initiative; if they have been successful; and if he will give details of the scale of the models that were analysed. [10079/11]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Smarter Travel Areas initiative predates my time as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. None the less, I support the initiative strongly. I am advised that in drawing up the scheme originally, that it draws from similar experience in the UK where the Sustainable Travel Towns Programme was launched by the Department for Transport and ran from April 2004 to April 2009. Following a competition, the programme was implemented in three towns: Darlington, Peterborough and Worcester. The primary objective in all three areas was to encourage more use of non-car options- in particular bus use, cycling and walking- and less single-occupancy car use. At the start of the Sustainable Travel Towns Programme, Darlington and Worcester had populations of roughly 100,000 people, while Peterborough had a population of about 137,000.
An independent evaluation commissioned by the UK Department for Transport indicated that the programme was successful in reducing travel by car and went some way towards reducing congestion, and increasing the use of other modes of travel. Overall, the results have been very positive, and show that across the three towns there has been:
A reduction in car trips of 9% (in comparison to a 1% reduction in other similar sized towns over the same period)
An increase in bus trips per person by 10-22% (in comparison to an estimated national fall of 0.5% in similar sized towns)
An increase in cycle trips by 26-30% (against other comparable towns experiencing an estimated fall in cycling trips of 9%)
An increase in walking trips by 10-13% (against an estimated national fall of 9% in comparable towns)
The full report is available on: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/sustainable/smarterchoices/programmes/.
104 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the fact that Fáilte Ireland has ceased to provide training in the hospitality industry for unemployed persons at its four permanent training centres throughout the country; and his plans to resume this training in view of the potential for employment creation within the hospitality industry. [10099/11]
The matter raised is an operational one for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to the agency for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
105 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which the smarter travel projects are funded; and if they are funded through the Exchequer funds or EU assisted grants, or a mixture of both. [10110/11]
The Smarter Travel projects funded to date by my Department have been financed entirely by the Exchequer.
106 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects construction work on the Galway city bypass to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10113/11]
107 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects construction work on the N3 Belturbet bypass to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10114/11]
108 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects construction work on the N5 Longford bypass to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10115/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 to 108 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting this I have referred these questions to the NRA for direct reply in relation to national roads. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
109 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of additional inter city rail cars and DART rail cars that have been brought into operation in each of the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10117/11]
The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
110 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the programme of activities he is undertaking to coincide with the launch of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety which is being launched on 11 May 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10148/11]
The Road Safety Authority (RSA), which comes within the remit of my Department, is the national focal point for the Decade of Action for Road Safety in Ireland. Its role is to facilitate cooperation with regard to the Decade of Action in Ireland, to promote information about what is being organised throughout the country and to facilitate joint planning at national level.
The RSA will organise a national photo launch to announce the UN Decade of Action on the 11th May 2011. The launch will inform the public of what has happened in Ireland in terms of road safety for the past decade and will publicise activities which are being organised throughout the country by Local Authorities. It will also launch a long term campaign on road safety to run for the duration of the decade. This campaign will encourage people to continue their active support for road safety and road safety initiatives by making a public commitment to take meaningful actions in their own daily lives to make roads safer. The RSA will measure Irish progress during the Decade of Action from one year to the next by commissioning a major attitudinal and behavioural study of road user habits.
Information about events being organised throughout the country by Local Authorities will be uploaded on the RSA website www.rsa.ie and also on the World Health Organisation's website www.who.int. Information will also be published through national and local press releases.
111 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a national car test can be carried out instead of a commercial vehicle test in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10163/11]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the delivery of the National Car Test.
I have referred the Deputy's question to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
