Vol. 734 No. 2
10 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress being made to ban female genital mutilation at both EU and UN level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13922/11]
The practice of female genital mutilation is a clear violation of the human rights of women and girls. It also infringes on children's rights to special protection. The World Health Organisation estimates that between 100 million and 140 million girls and women worldwide are currently living with the consequences of female genital mutilation. In Africa alone, it is estimated that three million girls are at risk annually.
Ireland is playing an active role in policy development, funding and research to address this appalling practice. It is a form of gender-based violence, and is one element in our comprehensive approach to ending such violence through the overseas aid programme. Through Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Government is co-operating with United Nations agencies in a concerted effort to end the practice of female genital mutilation. We are working closely with the new Agency, UN Women, which is prioritising the prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls. The Government is providing €1.2 million to support the work of the Agency in 2011.
We are also supporting the United Nations Fund for Children (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in their work on child protection, gender equality, reproductive health and maternal mortality. At EU level we are working with partners to ensure that violence against women remains a focus of EU development policy, and of programmes funded by the EU in Africa.
Progress is being made. On 6 February 2011, the International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation, the United Nations reported that there has been success in reducing the incidence of the practice in a number of African countries. The key to this progress has been the ability to engage with communities and persuade them to take the decision to abandon the practice.
11 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the toolkit on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights produced by the EU and the UK and distributed to diplomats in their respective overseas missions; if he will consider a similar initiative for his own Department and the training Irish diplomats serving overseas currently have for advocating for the rights of lesbian and gay persons in hostile countries. [13732/11]
In June 2010, the European Union Working Party on Human Rights (COHOM) adopted a ‘Toolkit to Promote and Protect the Enjoyment of all Human Rights by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) People'. Ireland fully participated in the elaboration of this comprehensive toolkit which guides the work of all European Union (EU) diplomats, including Irish, in overseas missions. Ireland is a member of COHOM's LGBT Task Force which continues to work on LGBT issues. On 22 March 2011 at the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council, Ireland actively supported a Joint Statement on behalf of 85 countries from every continent entitled ‘Ending acts of violence and related human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity'.
Ireland was one of fifteen EU Member States that were part of a cross regional core group that worked to prepare the statement in Geneva. The Joint Statement demonstrates the increasing commitment across the international community to the promotion and protection of the human rights of all persons, irrespective of their sexual orientation and gender identity. The Joint Statement builds on a December 2008 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Statement on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity, which was supported by 68 countries including Ireland and all EU Member States.
I am aware of the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office's programme for promoting the human rights of LGBT people which is a useful instrument setting out British activities in this area. At this point, given the existence of the comprehensive EU toolkit and our own record in advocating for LGBT rights at the UN Human Rights Council, not to mention resource constraints, I do not propose to elaborate separate Irish guidelines. As part of Ireland's commitment to support the work of human rights defenders, in 2010 the Human Rights Unit in this Department developed Guidelines for Irish Embassies and Missions on Human Rights Defenders, which were distributed to all Irish Embassies and Missions. These Guidelines reference the EU Toolkit as well as drawing attention to the risks facing human rights defenders working on sensitive issues, including LGBT matters.
A one day seminar on human rights issues was provided within the last two weeks for diplomats about to be posted abroad where attention was drawn to both the EU toolkit and the Guidelines for Irish Embassies and Missions on Human Rights Defenders.
12 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his objectives to expand the country’s trading opportunities with EU and non-EU countries; the extent to which he can utilise the network of embassy staff abroad to achieve this; if any particular instructions are likely to be given through the Irish embassies abroad to achieve maximum effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13925/11]
The Government is focused on achieving maximum growth in exports, including through the development of new markets, and has committed to progressively implementing the recommendations in the Strategy and Action Plan for Irish Trade, Tourism and Investment to 2015. Ireland's network of Embassies and Consulates continues to work to restore Ireland's international reputation and support export-led growth. This network can play an invaluable role in facilitating trade and building linkages worldwide, and the promotion of Ireland's economic interests overseas has always been a key focus of my Department.
My Department's role in this regard has been enhanced following the transfer of certain responsibilities relating to Trade Promotion. I stressed to our Ambassadors yesterday, at the Ambassadors Conference which is currently under way, that this enhanced role should provide a renewed emphasis for their economic work, and will facilitate a stronger relationship across all Departments and Agencies responsible for supporting export growth.
My Department and the Department for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will work closely together in planning for trade missions. It is envisaged that these missions will include visits to high-growth developing markets, as well as to other identified priority markets. I believe that these missions, as well as the Joint Economic Commissions with a number of countries, which will now be managed by my Department, will promote the expansion of our trade links. Export-led growth will be crucial for Ireland in emerging from our current economic difficulties. Our Ambassadors and the staff in the Embassy network are fully aware of the priority which is accorded to trade promotion by the Government.
13 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the financial assistance to centres in Britain supporting homeless Irish persons; his plans to develop promised initiatives to repatriate those who wish to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13723/11]
The Emigrant Support Programme, administered by my Department, provides funding to non-profit organisations and projects to support Irish communities overseas and to facilitate the development of more strategic links between Ireland and the global Irish . The strong emphasis of the Programme is on supporting culturally sensitive, frontline welfare services, which are targeted at the most vulnerable members of our overseas communities, including the elderly and homeless. These services have made a substantive difference to the lives of Irish people living abroad, particularly in Britain and the United States, through reducing homelessness, tackling social isolation, and enabling Irish emigrants to access their local, statutory entitlements.
Since 2004, approximately €58 million has been awarded to support Irish organisations in Britain. Last year alone, some 128 British-based organisations received over €8.1 million under the Emigrant Support Programme. Fourteen of the British-based organisations funded under this programme deal specifically with Irish citizens affected by homelessness and received funding of €857,000 in 2010. In addition, many other Irish welfare organisations receive significant funding for projects of benefit to homeless Irish persons.
My Department, in consultation with the Emigrant Services Advisory Committee, is currently assessing applications for funding under the 2011 grant round for projects based in Britain and organisations will be notified of the outcome in July. Despite the difficult budgetary situation facing the country, I am determined to maintain a significant level of funding for frontline services in Britain and elsewhere that address the needs of our most vulnerable emigrants.
While it is not within my remit to provide direct incentives to Irish emigrants to return to Ireland, the Emigrant Support Programme supports a number of Irish-based organisations that provide assistance to returning elderly and vulnerable Irish emigrants. These include Safe Home and Crosscare which received €255,000 and €161,140 respectively under the programme in 2010. A full list of all organisations funded through the Emigrant Support Programme since 2006 is available on www.dfa.ie.
14 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his position towards the upcoming UN General Assembly special session on HIV and AIDS; and the action Ireland will take to combat the global perception that the focus on HIV and AIDS is waning. [13738/11]
25 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amounts spent by Irish Aid in the years 2006 to 2010 on programmes aimed at preventing the spread of the HIV virus, treating persons infected by the virus, supporting persons and communities affected by AIDS and supporting universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support; the amount of that expenditure that was channelled through international organisations, Irish non-governmental organisations and bilateral Government to Government programmes respectively. [13740/11]
26 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way he has implemented the initiative announced in 2006 by the then Taoiseach, former Deputy Bertie Ahern, pledging that Ireland would increase spending on HIV and other communicable diseases to at least €100 million per year with 20% of these resources to be spent on programmes that benefit children. [13739/11]
50 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the developed international community is combatting AIDS in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14088/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 25, 26 and 50 together.
This year marks thirty years of the global AIDS epidemic. Addressing HIV and AIDS, which has destroyed the lives of millions of men, women and children, is of fundamental importance to the reduction of global poverty. AIDS remains a leading cause of death in many developing countries. Over 22 million people in sub-Saharan Africa are infected with HIV.
At the UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV and AIDS in New York next week, Ireland will urge the UN to continue to lead efforts to ensure that resources are spent effectively. This means an end to the duplication of effort, a strengthening of co-ordination on the ground, a trustworthy system of monitoring and evaluation and a single-minded focus by all on achieving results. We will urge all global partners to work closely with national Governments and local and international NGOs to strengthen national responses to HIV and ensure that limited resources reach as many people in need as possible. This will maximise value for money in health, HIV and nutrition programmes.
Since women are most affected by the HIV pandemic, and since they are also traditionally responsible for food security in the household, Ireland is calling for increased attention to protecting women. Women are already suffering disproportionately during the current food, fuel and climate crises. These issues lie at the heart of the Irish response.
Global financial commitment to fighting HIV and AIDS has increased steadily from about one billion US dollars in 2000 to an estimated 16 billion dollars in 2011. This is an enormous increase. Recent data from the UNAIDS World Report shows that international efforts are succeeding and that global HIV infection and death rates are now declining. Ireland's financial commitment to support the fight against HIV and AIDS is being maintained despite the hugely challenging economic difficulties we are currently facing. This year we estimate that we will spend approximately €100 million on HIV and AIDS and other communicable diseases as pledged at the UN General Assembly. Since 2006 we have expended approximately €695 million addressing HIV and AIDS and other communicable diseases. I am making a table available with this reply which outlines the division of expenditure.
As the HIV and AIDS pandemic has progressed, our aid programme, Irish Aid, has consolidated and streamlined our efforts by focussing and prioritising more and ensuring that we achieve maximum value for money. It has also exploited opportunities to create connections with other priorities such as addressing hunger and under-nutrition. We use a mix of aid delivery channels for our assistance — including support directly to International Organisations, NGOs and governments. Although we advocate for increased focus on effective prevention in a comprehensive and balanced programme, it is not possible to accurately estimate the relative share that goes to prevention, treatment, care and support respectively as all these aspects are inter-connected and inter-dependent.
Children affected by HIV and AIDS remain an explicit priority for Irish Aid. Ireland recognises that a supportive environment is crucial in this regard, with a focus on the household and culturally appropriate social protection networks. School and education protect children from HIV — and education for all, another explicit policy priority for Irish Aid, is thus an essential element of a comprehensive response to HIV prevention.
Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV is a proven cost-effective intervention strongly supported by Ireland through UN organisations, the Global Fund and the Clinton Foundation, as is follow-up care and treatment if required. Adequate nutrition for mothers with HIV is crucial not only for birth outcomes, but also to reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV. To this effect, Ireland is the first country to support a programme in Mozambique with €1.2 million to improve nutrition for pregnant and lactating women with HIV. Investments benefiting children well exceed 20% of total Government spend on HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases.
AIDS remains a leading cause of death in Africa. Progress has been made but much remains to be done. Ireland is playing its part. For Ireland addressing HIV/AIDS is fundamental to our stated aim of poverty reduction and human development.
Over the last 20 years the international community has come together to fight HIV and AIDS. It has been a long and difficult road and now many indicators of success are becoming apparent. There are more funds flowing into Africa to fight the epidemic than ever before. Coordination and focus is much improved. Treatment is now at 40% which is up from 1% only 10 years ago. Much remains to be done but we are on the right road and Ireland will continue to play its part.
|
Summary of Expenditure — Health HIV and Aids and communicable diseases through various funding channels. |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Figures in € million |
||||||
|
2010 |
2009 |
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
||
|
Bilateral |
||||||
|
Programme Countries (via government systems and civil society) |
42.20 |
46.19 |
47.27 |
40.55 |
36.60 |
|
|
Civil Society (Irish NGOs) |
24.45 |
20.10 |
25.00 |
27.80 |
24.35 |
|
|
Thematic / Global Funds |
20.90 |
25.05 |
58.55 |
73.98 |
73.14 |
|
|
Other (incl Emergency and recovery) |
9.00 |
15.52 |
7.37 |
7.65 |
9.87 |
|
|
Total Bilateral |
96.55 |
106.86 |
138.19 |
149.99 |
143.95 |
|
|
Multilateral ( include UNAIDS, UNFPA, WHO) |
9.20 |
9.50 |
15.40 |
19.00 |
6.30 |
|
|
Total |
105.75 |
116.36 |
153.59 |
168.99 |
150.25 |
694.94 |
16 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the locations he has visited since his appointment as Minister; the locations and industries he foresees as potential for export trade; the specific barriers that need to be overcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13896/11]
On 11 and 12 March I visited Budapest to attend an informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers. I visited New York for St. Patrick's Day events before travelling on to Washington D.C. for a bilateral meeting with the United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. In New York I addressed the Ireland-US Council and met with U.S. based Irish business networks. I also attended a Bank of America — Enterprise Ireland Technology Innovation event in which Irish high-tech companies met with some of the leading technology companies in the US. I attended the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 12 April and visited London at the start of May where I met with the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Foreign Secretary William Hague, as well as a number of key Enterprise Ireland clients.
On 13 May, I visited Oslo and had discussions with the Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, and a separate meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jonas Gahr Støre. More recently, I attended an OECD meeting in Paris last week and took the opportunity to meet with the French Foreign Minister, Alain Juppé, as well as my counterparts from Australia and New Zealand, and to speak with them on economic matters.
While exports to some of our historic trade partners continue to perform well, in an era where developing countries are seeing extraordinary growth, as a small open economy we must seek to diversify wherever possible. The BRIC countries, together with a number of countries in East Asia, Africa and the Gulf, have been identified as priority markets for Ireland's exports. These are high growth economies with rapidly growing middle classes where there is potential for increased trade and investment. Export industries identified as having the best potential for increasing economic growth and spurring job creation in Ireland include the cleantech, software, life-sciences and agri-food sectors. Food and drink exports, for example, rose by 11% in 2010, and as societies in Asia become richer and their food preferences change, there is clearly much potential for further growth.
The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation continues to have lead responsibility for trade policy, which includes the promotion of Ireland's trade interests in the context of the EU Common Commercial Policy and the WTO. That Department represents Ireland on a number of EU committees which discuss both tariff and non tariff barriers in the context of ongoing EU Free Trade negotiations. The EU's Market Access Advisory Committee seeks to address non-tariff barriers in key international markets which vary across markets.
My Department and the Embassy network co-operates closely with other Departments and State Agencies in overcoming barriers to trade and in assisting companies with knowledge of the local commercial environment in markets where they are present.
17 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had or will have any discussions at EU level or directly with the Bahraini authorities regarding the imprisonment of Irish trained doctors in Bahrain for treating those injured in anti-government protests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13914/11]
23 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the ongoing business relationship between the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland with the state of Bahrain at a time when many human rights organisations are deeply concerned regarding the treatment and imprisonment of medical staff in Bahrain for apparently carrying out their duties as doctors and surgeons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13726/11]
33 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to protest at the highest level in Europe on the arrest and imprisonment of Irish trained doctors whose only crime was to treat civilians critically injured in recent civil rights demonstrations in Bahrain; his plans to intervene with the Government of Bahrain on their behalf and the actions he will take to defend the human rights of these doctors. [13725/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 23 and 33 together.
I am very concerned about the reports of detention, torture, intimidation and trials of medical professionals in Bahrain, some of whom are Irish-trained, for simply meeting their professional and ethical obligation to attend to those seriously injured in the recent violent clampdown against peaceful protestors. I understand that 47 doctors and nurses who tried to help those critically injured during the protests will be tried in a military court on charges of acting against the state. I am also troubled by the broader human rights situation in Bahrain, particularly the death penalty sentences recently handed down to four protestors.
The Government's position on this is clear. We condemn all repressive actions by the Bahrain authorities during and after the recent protests, including those taken against medical staff following their professional obligations. We wish to see all reported serious violations of human rights credibly investigated, the immediate release, unless charged, of detained peaceful protestors and medical professionals who assisted the injured, access for independent observers to the ongoing legal proceedings, and a process of inclusive dialogue aimed at agreeing necessary political and economic reforms.
It is regrettable that, months after the protests began, the Bahraini government has yet to initiate any meaningful process of dialogue with the protestors. As I have stated previously, genuine dialogue and reform is crucial if Bahrain is to emerge from its current difficulties. I do welcome the announced intention by King Hamad to lift the state of emergency and hope that this takes place in accordance with the timetable set. I also welcome the King's announcement that a national dialogue, without preconditions, will commence on 1 July and hope this call is fully supported and acted upon by all in Bahrain. Similar views are shared by many of our EU Partners and Ireland has been active in encouraging a clear articulation by the EU of its serious concern.
The EU formally raised the human rights situation, including the repressive actions taken against medical staff in Bahrain, with the Bahraini authorities in Manama on 15 May. Furthermore, the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 23 May discussed the situation in Bahrain and adopted strong Conclusions, which I fully support, calling for the fair and transparent administration of justice and access for independent observers to ongoing legal proceedings including in cases involving charges against medical professionals. The Council underlined the need for Bahrain to ensure full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and its accountability regarding allegations of human rights violations including reported cases of torture and ill-treatment.
I would strongly urge the Bahraini government to pursue a different path and to allow its citizens to peacefully express grievances, start a genuine dialogue and implement political reforms. The positive examples of Tunisia and Egypt have demonstrated how receptive citizens can be when their genuine grievances are listened to and acted upon. I note that these grievances are not only felt by many of the majority Shia but also by some of the Sunni community who wish to have more political freedom and economic opportunities.
In relation to the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, its provision of overseas educational services on a commercial basis, including in Bahrain, is primarily an operational issue for the RCSI. In this regard, the relationship between the RCSI and the Government of Bahrain would be very much a matter for those parties themselves.
18 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if prior to bringing the Bill on Serbia’s stabilisation and association agreement before the Oireachtas, he will agree to re-issue an invitation to the head of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, Mr. Serge Brammertz, to meet with the Oireachtas foreign affairs committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13860/11]
I am considering the question of Ireland's ratification of the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Agreement and will discuss the matter with my Government colleagues in the normal manner before proceeding. As regards an invitation to Mr Brammertz to address members of the Dáil, such an invitation would be a matter for the House.
The EU's Stabilisation and Association Process represents the first step in helping the countries in the region move towards eventual membership. Each country's progress towards the EU depends on its individual efforts to comply with the criteria for EU accession, and on the fulfilment of agreed political and economic criteria under the Stabilisation and Association Process. Full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) is a key condition of Stabilisation and Association Process. The requirement for full cooperation with the ICTY is included in the text of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Serbia under Articles 2 and 4.
Cooperation with the ICTY by the governments in the region is an essential part of the process of securing long term peace and stability in the Western Balkans. Ireland and its EU partners have consistently urged the Serbian Government to take all the necessary measures to apprehend the ICTY indictees.
In this context, I welcome the arrest on 26 May of Ratko Mladic and his transfer to the Tribunal in The Hague on 31 May. I want to pay tribute to the efforts of President Tadic and the Serbian Government in securing the arrest of Mladic. His arrest represents another important step in addressing the appalling atrocities committed during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1990s. His trial at the ICTY in The Hague can help further the cause of true reconciliation in the Western Balkans region.
19 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has held with the Spanish Government on the potential of the ongoing peace process in the Basque country and, in particular, the facilitation of all political parties to contest elections in the interests of true democracy. [13729/11]
While I have not had discussions regarding the Basque Country, I would of course be supportive of any development that could contribute to the permanent ending of violence by ETA and lead to peace in the Basque Country. I would be guided in the first instance in this by the assessment of the Spanish authorities. The Spanish Government continues to underline the necessity for ETA to abandon its arms and declare its own dissolution as a terrorist organisation. In relation to the second part of the Deputy's question, I note that it is ultimately a matter for the Spanish courts to determine the eligibility of any given political party or organisation to contest elections. As the Deputy may be aware, the Spanish Constitutional court made a ruling prior to the recent local and regional elections in Spain permitting the participation in the elections of Bildu, a new political formation in the Basque Country.
20 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made to date on resolving the issue of the undocumented Irish in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13921/11]
27 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has pursued the issue of an E3 visa arrangement with the US; and the number of Congress members he has met with on this issue. [13920/11]
31 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the issue of the estimated 50,000 undocumented Irish was raised with President Obama during his recent visit here; his views that the E3 visa as it stands is not a solution to the undocumented problem; and the way he proposes to address the issue. [13722/11]
37 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the initiatives he has taken on the undocumented Irish in the US since his appointment. [13919/11]
45 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if any progress is likely to address the issue of the undocumented Irish in the US; the estimated number of such Irish at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14083/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 27, 31, 37 and 45 together.
Addressing the situation of the undocumented Irish and reforming our migration arrangements with the United States are important priorities for the Government in its relationship with the US Administration and Congress. The Taoiseach and I discussed the question of Irish immigration with President Obama when we met with him on 23 May in Dublin. Responding to our concerns, the President expressed his interest in achieving progress on immigration issues.
I also discussed the issue of Irish immigration with Secretary of State Clinton during our meeting on 18 March and with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform and the Coalition of Irish Centres in New York on 16 March. The Taoiseach raised the issue of the undocumented and the potential for the continued development of Ireland's migration arrangements with the US with President Obama during his St Patrick's Day visit to Washington. The Taoiseach also met with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform on 5 May when in New York. Acting on my behalf, the Embassy of Ireland in Washington continues to engage with leaders in Congress, from both parties, on an ongoing basis. I look forward to meeting with Senator Patrick Leahy, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee tomorrow and raising these issues with him.
I am encouraged by President Obama's continued commitment to addressing the question of immigration reform. Speaking on 10 May, the President, in an address dedicated to the issue of immigration, reiterated his call for comprehensive reform of the system, and particularly called for the passage of the DREAM Act. Under the DREAM Act qualifying undocumented young people seeking to go to college or join the US military, and who were brought illegally to the US as children, would be eligible to seek regularisation of their status.
I am very aware of the difficult situation facing those who are undocumented and living in the USA, as well as the distress caused to families in both Ireland and the US. The most realistic long term solution for our undocumented citizens remains through comprehensive immigration reform. The inclusion of Ireland in an amended reciprocal E3 visa scheme, which would allow Irish people with a certain level of education to work in the US on a two year renewable visa, is the most effective way of creating new opportunities for Irish citizens in the USA. The introduction of such a scheme, which has attracted support from a number of members of Congress from both parties, will require the passage of legislation in Congress.
The successful passage of E3 visa legislation would strengthen the human bridge between the two countries, which underpins our excellent existing bilateral relations, and provide a mechanism for Irish nationals seeking to work in the USA in the future. We continue to press for such a scheme, including with members of Congress. It is the case, however, that the E3 would not provide a solution to the undocumented Irish in the US.
I am very aware of the enormous political challenges that face efforts to pass any immigration related legislations at the current time, including the E3 proposal. I and my Department, and particularly the Embassy in Washington, will continue to work very actively on the issue with the US Administration, Congressional leaders and Irish immigration reform advocates.
21 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will commit to publishing the Africa trade strategy; and if he supports the broad thrust of this strategy. [13915/11]
The Government attaches great importance to the continuing development of Ireland's relations with Africa as a whole, and with individual African countries. My Department manages a significant development cooperation programme, Irish Aid, which is strongly focused on sub-Saharan Africa. Our broader relations with Africa are managed through our Embassy network across that continent, as well as through our relationships with the European Union, the United Nations, and other international bodies.
While development needs remain very evident, Africa is also undergoing major political, economic and social change, and it is important that we consider ways of strengthening our approach to Africa in order to respond to these changes. Against this background officials in my Department have been examining ways to strengthen all aspects of our relations with our African partners in the political, economic, and development spheres.
Trade, investment and business-to-business exchange are increasingly important emerging facets of our relationship with Africa, and we will be sharpening our focus on identifying opportunities in these areas. Some practical work has already been done in this area in terms of staff training and enhancing the capacity of our Embassies in Africa to undertake economic and trade work. The enhanced role for my Department in the trade area will also facilitate greater coherence in this regard in Africa. A broad review of our relations with Africa, and options for strengthening these, is at an advanced stage in my Department, and I envisage that we will be making a more detailed statement and publishing our plan in this regard in the near future.
22 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he still describes Ireland as a neutral state and if so, the way that can be compatible with allowing US troops use Shannon Airport. [13737/11]
There has been no change in Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality, which has been pursued by successive Governments, and which is characterised by non-participation in military alliances. Ireland has made overflight and landing facilities at Shannon Airport available to the United States for well over 50 years. There is no incompatibility between these arrangements and our traditional policy of military neutrality. The current arrangements are fully consistent with Ireland's obligations under successive Resolutions of the UN Security Council.
24 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on his commitment to leading the charge as previously stated in supporting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in accordance to the pre-1967 borders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13727/11]
35 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in the context of a possible resolution on Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly in September, if he will clarify his policy in this regard, on key issues such as the right of Palestinians to return, the status of Jerusalem, Israeli settlements in the occupied territories, the Israeli apartheid wall and Israeli refusal to negotiate with some of the democratically elected representatives of the Palestinian people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13923/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 35 together.
Over thirty years ago, Ireland was the first EU Member State to declare that the resolution of the Palestinian issue must involve the establishment of a Palestinian state. That is now the policy of the EU and of the international community. I share the commitment of successive Irish Governments to this policy and will continue to work, both nationally and at EU level, towards its realisation. There should be a State of Palestine, and very soon. A number of countries, principally in Latin America and including Brazil, Argentina and Chile, have in recent months decided to formally recognise a Palestinian state. This is in addition to those states — mostly in Africa or in the Islamic world — which have recognised Palestine for many years.
If the peace process remains stalled, it is widely expected that the Palestinians may in September seek recognition at the United Nations for a Palestinian State. They have made it clear, however, that this would be a last resort, and their preferred option would be the resumption of direct negotiations with Israel, to achieve the State of Palestine through a comprehensive peace agreement. Ireland supports the resumption of negotiations to achieve a comprehensive peace, leading to a two state solution of Israel and a State of Palestine, based on the 1967 borders with any mutually agreed exchanges, living side by side in peace and sharing Jerusalem as their capital, as set out consistently by the EU Foreign Affairs Council. Ireland's position, and that of the EU, on the illegality of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, and our support for the 2004 ICJ ruling on the separation wall, are equally well known. We fully support the exhortations of President Obama to the parties to re-engage and work to reach agreement.
The Palestinian leadership has yet to decide whether it will seek recognition in some form for a Palestinian State at the United Nations next autumn. While it is working towards the declaration of a State in the near future, it has not yet issued such a declaration. It will, of course, have to weigh the timing of such a move, taking into account the risk of adverse reactions on the ground.
If the issue of recognition arises at the United Nations in the autumn, the Government will consider Ireland's response very carefully. We will take into account factors such as Ireland's long-standing support for the achievement of a Palestinian State, the exact terms and nature of what may be proposed, the positions of EU partners and other friends, the progress on the wider peace process, and our assessment of the practical impact of any such decision. I very much hope to be able to extend Irish recognition of an actual, functioning Palestinian state during my time in office.
28 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Irish Government representative agreed with the proposal by the EU Council of Ministers to provide military assistance for the humanitarian requirements of Libya if requested by the UN; and if this means that the Nordic battle group which includes more than 100 Irish soldiers and which is on stand-by until the end of June, might be sent to Libya. [13733/11]
At its meeting on 12 April 2011, the Foreign Affairs Council decided that "it shall, if requested by UN OCHA, conduct a CSDP operation "EUFOR Libya" to support humanitarian assistance in the region, in full respect of the principles governing humanitarian action, particularly impartiality and neutrality". The EU is currently undertaking the necessary planning to allow it to react quickly in the event of a request for assistance from UN OCHA. At present, there seems little likelihood that such a request will be forthcoming from the UN, and a further Council decision would be required before any operation could be launched.
The April decision was taken in accordance with Article 31 of the Treaty on European Union which provides that decisions having military or defence implications shall be taken by the Council acting unanimously. The same requirement would apply to any decision to launch an operation. There are no plans to deploy the battlegroup in this regard.
29 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the impact of the new embassy in the United Arab Emirates particularly in relation to economic and social contacts. [13918/11]
Ireland's Embassy to the United Arab Emirates opened in October 2009. The Embassy also has secondary accreditation to Qatar and Kuwait. One of the principal reasons for opening the Embassy was to support Irish businesses in the UAE and in the Gulf region more generally, and to facilitate trade and investment in both directions. Currently, there are more than 40 Irish companies with operations in the UAE and many more exporting goods and services to the Emirates. Ministerial visits took place in January and April of this year and, in both instances, Embassy contacts facilitated significant meetings with Government and business interlocutors.
Since opening, the Embassy has supported individual companies, groups of companies in particular sectors and the Irish business organisations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In this work, the Embassy works in close cooperation with Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and other State Agencies. While significant results can only be delivered over time, through building long-term relationships, the impact of the Embassy can already be seen in some immediate results since it opened including:
introductions for Irish companies to major state entities in the UAE;
the placement of hundreds of UAE students in English-language courses in Ireland in summer 2010 and summer 2011;
supporting the establishment of the Dubai Irish Business Network in the first-half of 2010;
the signature of Double Taxation Agreement in 2010;
the lifting of the ban on the import of Irish beef in November 2009;
In terms of social impact, the Embassy provides consular support and services to the growing Irish community in the Emirates (currently 4,500), the largest in the Gulf region. With the opening of the Embassy, these citizens can now access locally in the UAE those services for which previously they would have had to deal with the Embassy in Riyadh. The Embassy also works with and supports the activities of the various Irish societies and GAA clubs in the UAE.
Cultural events supported by my Department and the Embassy have also had an impact. These include a Samuel Beckett Exhibition in 2010 and, in 2011, a series of concerts by the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, Míceál Ó Súilleabháin and Liam O'Flynn. In the overall foreign policy context, the opening of an Embassy in the UAE is a step toward developing stronger relations with an important Middle-East partner. It is worth noting that the UAE have reciprocated the Government's decision and opened an Embassy in Dublin.
30 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, following the visit of the previous Minister, Deputy Micheál Martin, in 2009 to Cuba and the visit of the Cuban Minister for Foreign Affairs to Ireland in 2010 and the discussions held by the two Governments for the development of mutual relations, including bilateral co-operation, if he plans to pursue the same policy and the steps he will take to promote actions in previously identified areas of mutual interest. [13724/11]
I look forward to continuing the development of our bilateral relations with Cuba. A Political Declaration on the renewal of our bilateral co-operation was signed on 1 March 2010 and discussions are ongoing to give effect to that Declaration, including as appropriate through the conclusion of a bilateral cooperation agreement. A further round of political consultations at official level will be held in Dublin in the coming weeks.
32 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he will encourage his EU colleagues to re-discover the original ideals as set out by the modern Europe’s founding fathers; if he has experienced the recent tendency toward re-nationalisation with resultant unilateralism, lack of cohesiveness, failure to observe the need for greater than ever co-operation in times of economic stress; if he sees the need for a reaffirmation of Europe’s mission statement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13926/11]
48 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his priorities to recapture the original EU mission statement of solidarity, equality and cohesion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14086/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 48 together.
The founders of the European Union of today set out to create a peaceful, prosperous and united Europe. The Union today remains, despite the challenges we face, both prosperous and peaceful and embraces twenty-seven Member States stretching from the Atlantic to the Black Sea. The development of the European Union has frequently been marked by periods of tension between, on the one hand, the process of a degree of pooling of sovereignty and intensified cooperation and, on the other, increased reliance on the nation state and its protection. Not surprisingly, this tension sometimes appears stronger at times of economic difficulty.
I do not, however, share the Deputy's belief that cooperation has been notably lacking in the current economic stress. The European Council of late March adopted a comprehensive package of measures to address various aspects of the preservation of the euro's stability and to promote a return to growth and job creation. This was the culmination of many months' work, carried out with urgency and in the spirit of cooperation and compromise. Taking the case of Ireland, it is clear that we have benefitted from the solidarity of our EU partners during the current economic crisis, though the loan provisions from the EFSM and EFSF. While there are aspects of those loans which can be bettered — a matter we are pursuing in line with conclusions of the Eurogroup — I am certain that our present difficult situation would be much worse without the continuing support of our EU partners.
We and our fellow member states of the European Union recently committed ourselves again to the ideals of the Union's founding fathers when we ratified the Lisbon Treaty. In this, we solemnly and explicitly recalled the historic importance of the ending of the division of the European continent, undertook together to promote economic and social progress of our peoples and resolved to continue the process of creating an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe.
The European Union is in many ways a work in progress. We should not diminish what we have achieved together so far. In fact, every time the European Union has confronted a challenge over the past sixty years, we have always overcome it stronger and more united. We have secured the rights and freedoms of our citizens; we have built together the world's biggest economic power and the largest market; we have established and, despite unprecedented pressures, successfully defended a single currency; and, after centuries of conflict, have given peace and stability to the continent through enlargement of the Union. I am confident that my EU colleagues remain as committed as I am to the ideals which motivated the founders of the European Union.
34 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the work he is undertaking to seek the protection of the rights of expression and assembly for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons in eastern Europe amid recurring threats of violence and prohibition of lesbian and gay pride marchers in the region. [13731/11]
Ireland is committed to safeguarding the rights of all citizens across the European Union and deplores violence or the threat of violence against any groups or citizens. As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland actively supports the promotion and protection of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons. This has been particularly evidenced through our engagement with other EU Member States on LGBT issues at the United Nations, in particularly at the Human Rights Council. For a further elaboration of Ireland's recent activities in this respect, I would refer the Deputy to my reply of Thursday, 2 June 2011 to Oral PQ 13732/11, posed by your party colleague, Deputy Martin Ferris.
Ireland will continue to support the rights of, and express solidarity with, LGBT communities through our missions abroad, however I understand that the Deputy has expressed an interest in three specific states; Hungary, Romania and Slovakia.
Hungary
Regrettably some previous LGBT Pride parades in Budapest, in particular those held in 2007 and 2008, were marred by the presence of elements intent on intimidating the participants, both verbally and physically. The right of pride marchers to enjoy the parade without fear is strongly supported by many like-minded Embassies in Budapest; on the occasion of last year's parade, Ireland joined with other Embassies in issuing a statement expressing solidarity with LGBT communities in Hungary. Referring to the violence which had been directed against events in previous years, the Embassies supported the right of these communities to march. I very much welcome the fact that last year's parade passed without major incident and am pleased to note that difficulties over this year's parade route have now been resolved. I hope that Budapest's 16th Pride festival (culminating in a parade on 18 June) can take place in an equally peaceful atmosphere. Our Embassy in Budapest will again associate itself with any joint statement issued in advance of the parade.
Slovakia
The first gay pride parade in Bratislava took place in May 2010 but was regrettably disrupted by protestors who attacked participants. The Irish Ambassador attended last year's parade as an act of solidarity with the marchers. The Irish Embassy also participated in a joint statement issued by a number of Embassies in Bratislava expressing support for the LGBT community in Slovakia. This year's Pride parade will take place on 4 June. The Embassy will again join with like-minded Embassies in issuing a statement of support for the event. I hope that the regrettable scenes of last year can be avoided.
Romania
In Romania, GayFest, the annual LGBT Pride festival of Bucharest (which first took place in 2004) receives funding from the Romanian Ministry of Health and the National Council for Combating Discrimination. This year a gay pride parade will take place in Bucharest on 4 June. The Irish Embassy joined other like-minded Embassies in Bucharest in expressing support for the event. The parades have not been without opposition in the past and they have been the subject of unsuccessful court challenges and counter-demonstrations by far-right groups which have previously descended into violence. However, the 2010 and 2009 parades passed off largely without violent incident and I would hope to see this year's event take place in a peaceful and supportive atmosphere.
36 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of the recent attempt to introduce a homophobic bill introducing capital punishment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons in Uganda, the action he will take to ensure that this bill is not reintroduced by the new Ugandan Government; the work of his Department to promote the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons internationally to seek an end to the criminalisation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13730/11]
Since the first introduction of the anti-homosexuality legislation as a private member's bill in 2009, Ireland, together with its EU partners and civil society organisations in Uganda, has been very active in highlighting the human rights implications of the draft anti-homosexuality bill and expressing strong opposition to the adoption of this bill. Ireland has been particularly vocal in pointing out the inconsistencies between this draft legislation and Uganda's domestic and international human rights obligations.
Irish representatives have met with several senior members of the Ugandan Government, including the Prime Minister, to discuss the draft bill. It was raised with the Ugandan Foreign Minister during a visit by my predecessor to Uganda last year. In addition, Ireland's Ambassador to Uganda has met directly with Mr. David Bahati M.P., who is the sponsor of the Bill, to articulate the Government's position, and to make clear that adherence to international human rights standards is the foundation of Ireland's relationship with Uganda.
The current situation is that the previous session of Parliament concluded without the bill being passed. If the bill is to be placed on the agenda of the new parliament it will have to go through full parliamentary process again. Repeated assurances have been given at the highest levels of the Ugandan Government that the bill, should it be placed before Parliament for a vote, will not pass. Our Embassy in Uganda will continue to monitor the situation closely. If a new bill is proposed, Ireland will again join with EU and other partners in expressing opposition, at the highest level, to its adoption.
In the broader work of promoting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons internationally, on 22 March 2011 at the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council, Ireland actively supported a Joint Statement on behalf of 85 countries from every continent, including five African States, entitled ‘Ending acts of violence and related human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity'. We were one of fifteen EU member States who were part of a cross regional core group which worked to prepare the statement in Geneva. The Joint Statement demonstrates the increasing commitment across the international community to the promotion and protection of the human rights of all persons, irrespective of their sexual orientation and gender identity. The Statement called on States to end acts of violence, criminal sanctions and related human rights violations committed against individuals because of their sexual orientation or gender identity
The Joint Statement builds on a December 2008 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Statement on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity, which was supported by 68 countries including Ireland and all EU Member States. In June 2010, the European Union Working Party on Human Rights (COHOM) adopted a ‘Toolkit to Promote and Protect the Enjoyment of all Human Rights by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) People'. Ireland participated fully in the elaboration of this comprehensive toolkit which guides the work of all European Union (EU) diplomats, including Irish, in overseas missions.
39 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will publish an up-to-date summary of the outcome of the first global economic Irish forum at Farmleigh in 2010. [13971/11]
As leader of the Labour Party, I attended the 2009 Forum at Farmleigh and took part in a range of discussions with participants. The recommendations of the Forum contributed to the implementation of a series of significant initiatives across a range of areas, including: tourism; the promotion of Irish culture abroad; diaspora engagement; innovation; and business network development. The report of the first Forum together with the two subsequent progress reports are available on my Department's website —www.dfa.ie.
In the context of preparing for the 2011 Forum, a comprehensive review of all the recommendations from the 2009 Forum has been undertaken by my Department, in consultation with all relevant Government Departments. A copy of this review will be forwarded to the Deputy and will be made available on my Department's website. The report outlines areas of significant progress made both by the Government and the private sector on a number of initiatives which emerged from, or were discussed, at the Forum.
The decision by the Government to proceed with a second Forum on 7 and 8 October will provide an opportunity for us to meet directly with many of the most influential members of our Diaspora and to discuss our priorities for economic renewal, job creation and the restoration of Ireland's reputation abroad. I look forward to welcoming the participants to Dublin for a frank and intensive exchange of ideas and to enhancing our engagement with them in the coming years as we work towards economic recovery.
40 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will actively support and develop the peace process in Colombia; and if he will raise same at United Nations and European Union level. [14104/11]
Colombia has witnessed the longest period of upheaval of any country in Latin America — over 50 years in all. Approximately 10% of the population has been internally displaced over the past number of years, a number second only to that of Sudan. The degree of lawlessness that arises from the absence of peace presents a major challenge to any government. The effects of terrorism and narco-trafficking have blighted the lives of many innocent people.
However, compared with the situation ten years ago, Colombia today has become a safer place to live. Colombians' belief in the prospects for a peaceful future, and the impressive recent social and economic development reflected in strong inward investment flows, reinforce the impression that the country is slowly emerging from a grim past. In order to succeed, the peace process in Colombia must tackle the various social and economic elements underlying the conflict. Our approach, and that of the European Union and the UN and the Organisation of American States (OAS), the regional body that is most directly involved in the peace process, is to assist and influence the Colombian Government in a manner that results in economic and social development while progressively improving human rights standards.
The Government of Colombia has repeatedly stated its determination to bring an end to violence within the framework of the Justice and Peace Law, passed in 2005, which provides an overall legal framework for the demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration of illegal armed groups into Colombian society. The Irish Government has given both moral and financial support to the implementation of the Justice and Peace Laws. I am encouraged by the passing in the Colombian Congress this month of the Victims Law and Land Restitution Law, which advances the procedures of allowing claims of displaced persons to file claims for the return of their land.
The Government will continue to monitor the situation in Colombia through our Embassy in Mexico City, which is accredited to Colombia, as well as in cooperation with our EU partners with resident diplomatic missions in that country. We are fully supportive of efforts to bring a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Colombia, and will continue to support the Government of Colombia in its search for a negotiated solution to the internal armed conflict. We are continuing our support for the OAS and IACHR in the implementation of the peace process.
41 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, in view of the widespread concern about delays in processing passport applications, the proposals he has to reduce considerably the timescale in approving such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14066/11]
Due to a surge in demand, the turnaround time for Passport Express applications received through the Passport Express system is currently running between 11 and 13 working days. It normally takes 10 working days. During the peak summer period, application processing times for this service can lengthen and the processing period for ordinary post applications is currently six weeks or longer.
Passport demand in general is currently running at a level 13% higher than the same period in earlier years. At present the Passport Service is receiving an average of 4,260 applications per day. This is an unprecedented level of demand, with the number of applications received from Irish residents alone in four recent days at over 5,200, exceeding by 700 the highest number previously for any one single day.
The system is also coping with an unprecedented demand for passports at short notice, with some 350 people per day coming to the public office seeking passports within a period of less than 10 days. To protect the integrity of the system and the quality of the passport, the Passport Service cannot provide standard passports within a single day. The shortest turnaround time available is three working days for applications received over the public counter accompanied by proof of travel, other than in cases of genuine emergency. The Passport Service, through seasonal overtime and the additional output provided by recruited temporary staff, is working to bring processing times back to normal levels at the earliest opportunity.
There has been some media commentary on the scale of the delays and some of this has been inaccurate. Whereas the delay of three working days in processing passport express applications is regretted, it is three working days and not the many weeks suggested by some media commentators. Passport express applications are still being produced within 13 working days maximum. Equally, over 70% of applications submitted on the island come through the express services and accordingly the number of citizens experiencing weeks of delay has also been overstated in places.
We would strongly appeal to the public to assist the Passport Service by checking the validity of their passports before making bookings to travel abroad. A valid passport should be the first item on any check list when considering foreign travel.
43 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which a diplomatic initiative has been extended throughout the EU in order to familiarise our EU colleagues with our position in the context of the ongoing economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14081/11]
The Government came into office with an explicit commitment to restore Ireland's standing as a respected and influential member of the European Union. There are three main components of our early efforts to establish lines of communication with partners and to re-engage constructively with the European agenda: members of the Government are availing of opportunities to meet their EU colleagues and with representatives of the European institutions; our Embassy network has been actively engaging with partners in EU capitals; and we are keeping EU diplomatic representatives in Dublin fully briefed on our policies and actions through regular contacts.
Since taking office, I have met my European colleagues on a number of occasions at EU and other Ministerial meetings. In addition, I travelled to London to meet Deputy Prime Minister Clegg and Secretary of State Hague. During the Queen's visit I had the opportunity of further meetings with Secretary of State Hague. Meanwhile Minister of State Creighton has had discussions with her British counterpart David Lidington, the Minister for Europe, in London and in Brussels. The Taoiseach has travelled to London to meet Prime Minister Cameron and met with him again in Dublin, at a meeting which I also attended, on the occasion of the recent State Visit.
I travelled to Paris in May where, in addition to attending the OECD Ministerial Council, I had a separate bilateral meeting with my French counterpart Minister for Foreign Affairs Alain Juppé. I have also had bilateral meetings with my Finnish and Luxembourg colleagues in the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council. Minister of State Creighton has availed of visits to Brussels and Luxembourg to meet representatives of the institutions (Pierre de Boissieu, Secretary General of the Council; Catherine Day, Secretary General of the Commission; Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn; Commissioner Šefcovic, Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament; Joseph Daul, leader of the EPP Group; Klaus Welle, Secretary General of the European Parliament) as well as her Polish, Bulgarian, Slovak and Greek counterparts. She also travelled to Paris and Berlin from 10-13 May for bilateral consultations with her French and German counterparts.
The Irish Embassy network has the responsibility for transmitting the Government's economic message, and the context for it, to key decision-makers in the EU and beyond; at the same time our missions keep us informed of on the views and policies of partners. To ensure that our diplomatic representatives are fully briefed on the Government's approach to delivering national recovery and can play their part in this task, I have called a conference of all Irish Ambassadors which is taking place this week, on 1 and 2 June in Dublin. In line with the commitment we gave on taking office, this conference places special emphasises on economic issues and the need to promote Ireland as country to business in. The conference was organised in conjunction with the main State Agencies in the economic and trade promotion sector and has involved key representatives of the Irish export sector.
As regards activity here in Dublin, I invited EU Heads of Mission in Dublin to attend a briefing on the Government's approach in Iveagh House on 19 April. All 24 resident embassies were represented, as well as the heads of the European Commission and European Parliament offices here. I set out the Government's analysis of Ireland's economic situation and used the occasion to underline the wish of the Government to engage constructively and more widely on the range of issues on the European agenda. Our efforts to engage with our European partners will intensify in the coming months.
44 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding EU enlargement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14082/11]
Enlargement continues to be an important aspect of the Union's external relations, which plays a role in promoting democracy, stability and prosperity in prospective candidate countries. There are currently three candidate countries negotiating accession to the EU: Croatia, Turkey and Iceland. There are two further countries which are officially candidates but have yet to open negotiations: Macedonia and Montenegro.
Accession negotiations with Croatia are nearing completion. Croatia's accession process was discussed at the General Affairs Council on 23 May, attended by Minister of State Creighton. The discussion was informal and focussed on the remaining negotiation Chapters that have to be concluded. Croatia has made substantial progress in the last twelve months. While there are some outstanding issues still to be resolved, particularly in the area of Judiciary and Fundamental Rights, I would expect negotiations to be concluded in the coming months with a draft Treaty ready for signature possibly before the end of the year. The European Council in June is expected to consider Croatia's accession process.
Progress in the case of Turkey remains slow. A complicating factor has been parliamentary elections, due to take place this month, which necessitated the resignation of prospective candidates from their government positions in advance of the poll. I am hopeful that once the elections are concluded we will see a renewed effort by the Turkish government to fulfil benchmarks that would allow for the opening of further negotiation chapters. However, until Turkey fulfils its obligations regarding the Ankara Protocol and makes progress towards normalising its bilateral relations with Cyprus, the eight negotiation Chapters suspended in 2006 will remain so.
Accession negotiations with Iceland were opened last July and actual negotiations will begin following the Commission Screening Reports on each chapter, which report on areas of difference between Icelandic and EU law. It is expected that up to five negotiation chapters will be opened at the Intergovernmental Conference with Iceland on 27 June. The overall level of Iceland's preparedness to meet EU legislative requirements is good, with Iceland being already part of the European Economic Area and Schengen, and prompt progress in negotiations is expected in many areas.
The opening of negotiations with Macedonia remains blocked by Greece due to the name issue. There can be no progress until a solution is found and diplomatic efforts continue to try to resolve the impasse. Montenegro, granted candidate status last December, has still to comply with some outstanding issues identified by the Commission before negotiations can be opened. The Commission will report on progress in this regard in autumn this year.
Question No. 45 answered with Question No. 20.
46 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the top ten locations worldwide now deemed as areas of regular human rights abuses; the efforts made at EU or UN level to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14084/11]
Unfortunately, no part of the world is totally free from human rights abuses. Ireland, both bilaterally and in association with the European Union and other like-minded partners, makes frequent and numerous interventions with regard to human rights concerns in the countries which have the most serious human rights abuses. Human rights concerns remain central to our foreign policy. Together with our EU partners, Ireland closely monitors the human rights situations in many countries throughout the world, on the basis of information obtained from a variety of sources including official channels, reports of the United Nations human rights Treaty Monitoring Bodies, reports of Independent Experts and Special Rapporteurs appointed by the United Nations and international and Irish non-governmental and civil society organisations.
Where and when the situation warrants, we make known our concerns about human rights violations to the Governments in question. We do this bilaterally, through the EU, or through action at the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council. The 17th Session of the UN Human Rights Council is currently taking place in Geneva. Ireland is playing an active role in negotiating draft resolutions on Belarus, Sri Lanka and Libya.
We support the use of the full UN human rights machinery in responding to human rights abuses, including supporting the role of UN Treaty Monitoring Bodies, Special Procedures and Mandate Holders and the convening, where appropriate, of Special Sessions of the UN Human Rights Council. At these UN bodies, the EU regularly makes statements on the human rights situations in a number of countries. Ireland is fully associated with these statements. The EU also introduces or supports resolutions dealing with specific countries, as circumstances require.
Ireland has engaged proactively with the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review mechanism since its creation in March 2006. At the latest session of the UPR, which took place in Geneva, from 2-13 May 2011, Ireland made a number of interventions, raising issues such as gender based violence, women's rights, freedom of expression, religious freedom, freedom of movement and the protection of human rights defenders within the States under review. Ireland asked questions of or made recommendations to Latvia, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, Solomon Islands, Sudan and Papua New Guinea. Member States are expected to report to the Human Rights Council on their follow up to their examination under the Universal Periodic Review process, including whether or not they have implemented their UPR recommendations.
The EU has adopted Common Positions on certain countries, which attach priority to promoting human rights, democracy, good governance and the rule of law. In addition, the EU conducts human rights dialogues with a number of countries and also raises human rights concerns as part of political dialogue meetings.
Together with our EU partners, Ireland has been a consistent and strong supporter of the International Criminal Court, recognising it as an essential means of combating impunity for the most serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. The Court's Prosecutor has opened investigations into a number of country situations and we will continue to monitor this work closely.
The risk of human rights violations is greater where political, economic and administrative systems are weak. Development is essential to allow people the full enjoyment of their human rights, and this is a key concern for Ireland's development co-operation programme. Irish Aid supports specific actions designed to promote human rights, including strengthening government systems and in-country human rights institutions, in particular through legal training. Support is also provided for legal aid programmes targeted at victims of human rights abuses. Irish Aid has a specific focus on governance in several programme countries.
The Government will continue to avail of all the above-mentioned mechanisms and instruments as a means of highlighting violations of human rights and furthering their protection.
47 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the political situation in the western Balkans has evolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14085/11]
Ireland, together with our EU partners, is committed to enhancing stability in the Western Balkans region. The EU perspective for the countries in the region, agreed at the June 2003 Thessaloniki European Council, is essential in helping to build and maintain this stability. The EU will remain engaged in assisting the countries in the region to undertake the reforms necessary to move forward in their path to the EU. While there remain issues of serious concern, and much remains to be achieved at national level, the regional dynamic is more encouraging.
Most recently, the arrest on 26 May of former Bosnian Serb general Ratko Mladic by the Serbian authorities and his transfer to the Tribunal in The Hague on 31 May represented an important step in addressing the appalling atrocities committed during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1990s.
His arrest was preceded by a number of important initiatives by the governments of the region to deal with the legacy of the Balkan Wars. In March 2010 Serbia's parliament passed a declaration condemning the Srebrenica massacre and apologising to the families of the victims. In the same month, Bosnia and Herzegovina appointed an Ambassador to Serbia after a three-year hiatus. This was followed by a joint visit by the Serbian and Croatian Presidents to Bosnia and Herzegovina in July 2010 to attend a commemoration to mark the 15th anniversary the Srebrenica massacre. In November 2010, the Serbian and Croatian Presidents paid a joint visit to Vukovar in Croatia, where the Serbian President laid a wreath to commemorate the victims of the three-month siege in 1991.
Over the past two years, the region has also received a boost in its relations with the EU through the extension of a visa waiver scheme for entry to the Schengen Zone to all countries of the Western Balkans, except Kosovo.
Following on from a joint EU-Serbia resolution at the UN General Assembly last year, Serbia and Kosovo have been engaged in an EU-facilitated dialogue since March 2011. The talks are focused on practical matters such as land registry, customs stamps, telecoms and electricity. It is hoped that the parties will reach agreement on some of these matters soon.
Elections took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Albania in the past year, with a general election due to take place in Macedonia shortly. In all cases, the elections passed off peacefully and marked an improvement on past elections. However, almost eight months after the elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, government formation has yet to be completed and the political atmosphere remains difficult. Last month, EU High Representative Ashton achieved a notable success in the EU's efforts to stabilise the situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina when she persuaded President Dodik of the Republika Srpska to repeal a planned referendum which could have questioned the state-level judiciary and the international presence in the country. It is important that this agreement is fulfilled.
In Kosovo, the Constitutional Court deemed the election of Behgjet Pacolli as President to have breached the constitution, and a consensus candidate, Atifete Jahjaga, was elected Kosovo's first woman president on 7 April.
The local elections in Albania on 8 May were closely contested. The result of the election for mayor of Tirana has yet to be determined. Controversy over the count has led to demonstrations in the city.
Meanwhile, negotiations on Croatian accession to the EU are in the final phase. Montenegro, which was granted candidate status last December, has still to comply with some outstanding issues identified by the Commission before negotiations can be opened. The Commission will report on progress in this regard in autumn this year.
49 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which Irish Aid is successful in targeting areas of most need worldwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14087/11]
51 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of locations likely to receive overseas development aid in 2011 on a bilateral or multilateral basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14089/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 51 together.
The Government's aid programme, which is administered by Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs, is sharply focused on efforts to eliminate extreme poverty and hunger. In its most recent peer review of the programme, in 2009, the OECD stated that Irish Aid's concentration in a limited number of poor African countries is one of its main strengths. The OECD also reported that Ireland has a strong, cutting edge programme, which is a champion in making aid more effective.
Seven of the nine priority countries for the aid programme, where we have a commitment to long-term strategic assistance, are in sub-Saharan Africa. These are Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. The other two priority countries, Vietnam and Timor Leste, are in Asia. All of the programmes in these countries involve a close partnership with Governments and communities with the clear objective of reducing poverty levels, in line with the countries' own priorities.
We deliver our aid programme in co-operation with Governments, communities, NGOs, and key multilateral partners including the UN and EU. Irish Aid funding is protected by rigorous external and internal monitoring, accounting and audit controls, which are in place in all countries where we provide development assistance. The objective is to ensure that funding is directed effectively to those areas most in need and delivered in line with clearly set objectives.
The results from our aid programme and from our co-operation with partners in Africa and elsewhere can be demonstrated clearly. For instance, the measured incidence of extreme poverty is falling in many of our priority countries, as are the prevalence rates of HIV and AIDS. Primary school enrolment figures are rising very significantly. In recent years, economic growth in Africa has been impressive despite the difficult economic circumstances globally. The aid provided by Ireland is making a vital contribution to the reduction of poverty, and the promotion of sustainable economic development in the countries where we work. We continue to work towards the day when our partner countries in Africa will no longer depend on external aid and can take full control of their own development.
The Government is now beginning the process of reviewing the 2006 White Paper on Irish Aid to take account of developments over the past five years and to ensure that we maximise the contribution that Ireland can make to the fight against global poverty and hunger.
52 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a progress report on plans to dredge the Bandon river, County Cork; if funding has been sanctioned to Cork County Council to enable such works to be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14034/11]
The Office of Public Works received an application from Cork County Council in April, 2011 requesting funding to carry out river cleaning works on the Bandon River in the vicinity of Bandon Town under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works Scheme. A reply issued to the Council on 17th May, 2011 indicating that the Office of Public Works is not prepared to approve funding for this application, at this time, as a Feasibility Study is currently under way in relation to the flooding issues in Bandon. This study will provide the basis on which further decisions will be made in relation to any possible flood relief measures for the town, including dredging of the channel. The study will be completed later this year.
53 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Finance if he will engage with the National Asset Management Agency to identify buildings and properties in its portfolio which might be suitable for local sports pitches and facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13705/11]
NAMA has, in the first instance, acquired loans and it advises me that property or other assets securing these loans remain in the possession of debtors unless it takes enforcement action against them. I am informed that, under an initiative currently in preparation, NAMA will shortly include on its website a database of properties which are under the control of receivers appointed to enforce against NAMA debtors (appointed either directly by NAMA or by participating institutions working on its behalf). This will provide a single source of information on NAMA assets which are for sale and it will be updated on a very regular basis. It is expected to be up-and-running within a matter of weeks.
Within the context of its commercial remit, NAMA has made it known that it is open to considering proposals aimed at contributing to broader social and economic objectives, including facilitating public bodies and it has committed to giving first option to such bodies on the purchase of property which is within its control and which may be suitable for their purposes. In these circumstances, NAMA is available to meet with public bodies to discuss any specific proposals that they may have regarding local facilities.
54 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if any property reverted to the State in accordance with the State Property Act 1954 following the dissolution of a company (details supplied) in 2010 and if so, the location of the property and the person currently responsible for same. [13957/11]
The Office of Public Works (OPW), acting as agents for the Minister for Finance, has no information on any property associated with the dissolved company in question. In this regard the Minister for Finance, or the OPW, will only become aware that particular asset(s) have vested in the Minister, by virtue of the State Property Act 1954, when an interested party gives notice to an issue pertaining to the asset(s) concerned.
55 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the hospitality and retail businesses that can implement the reduced VAT rate of 9% from 1 July 2011; if restaurant and catering services, including coffee houses, fast food operators, forecourt operators, deli counters and other similar businesses come under the new VAT rate in view of the fact that these companies will require adequate notice to make amendments to consumer prices, menus, in-store point of sale, etc.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13966/11]
The reduced rate of VAT of 9% from 1 July 2011 will apply to the restaurant and catering services that includes the eat-in meal sectors (coffee houses, fast food operators) and other operators providing similar services. The reduced rate will also apply to all hot take-away food. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, while the measures are contained in the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011, they have already published details of the proposed changes in the publication Rate Change — Jobs Initiative 2011 on their website to provide timely information for business. The experience of the Revenue Commissioners it that the changes to the point-of-sales systems will be minor and simply involve programme changes to the VAT rate that are effective for sales taking place on or after 1 July 2011.
56 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be allowed more time from the Revenue Commissioners to enable them to get the tax affairs of their company in order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13967/11]
I am informed by Revenue that the person concerned has failed to meet the terms of a phased payment arrangement entered into in recent months with Revenue and is failing to meet current tax payment and filing obligations as they arise. The debt concerned is now the subject of active consideration for enforcement action by Revenue. The person concerned should immediately contact Revenue directly if a fresh proposal for payment of the debt is contemplated.
57 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the EU, IMF and ECB insisted that an additional buffer of €5.3 billion be included in the bank stress results which were announced at the end of March 2011; if he will confirm when it was decided that the additional €5.3 billion was to be included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14019/11]
The Central Bank of Ireland has informed me that as part of the stress tests, it added two levels of conservatism to the calculated capital requirements thus creating a capital buffer. This was established to take into consideration the potential capital absorbing impact of certain matters falling outside the parameters of the stress test. This includes defaults falling outside the stress test period, changes to capital rules that may impact the measure of capital or of risk and changes to funding structures and costs. Although the stress test was for a defined period there was a need to satisfy the market and the external partners that the capital calculation was convincingly adequate for the longer term. The buffer capital consisted of €2.3bn additional Tier 1 capital and €3bn of contingent convertible debt. The latter amount only converts to tier 1 capital in the future if the existing capital reaches a certain trigger level. This latter structure reflects the greater uncertainty associated with this requirement. This introduces an extra layer of resilience, and recognizes the possible, albeit unlikely emergence of large losses after 2013.
The buffer represents a further protective capital layer over and above already conservative provisions which are themselves based on an even more stressed macroeconomic environment than currently prevails. The decision regarding the capital buffer was taken during the review phase of the stress tests by Central Bank of Ireland in consultation with the external authorities, prior to their finalization in end March 2011.
58 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if there is any evidence that the US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner or the US authorities signalled their opposition to burden sharing with senior bondholders as part of the agreement reached by the Irish Government with the EU, IMF and ECB in November 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14020/11]
On the 17th of May last, in response to a similar Parliamentary Question from Deputy Finian McGrath, I pointed out that Ireland is not a member of the G7, and does not participate in its discussions. I therefore have no records of the matter raised in the question. I do understand that there have, from time to time, been discussions about Ireland among various parties. However, Ireland's engagement in relation to our EU/IMF programme of support has been principally with the IMF and the EU institutions, along with the member states concerned.
59 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance when he expects Ireland will return to the international sovereign debt markets to meet its funding requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14022/11]
It is the stated intention of the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) to return to sovereign debt markets as soon as market conditions permit. The steps necessary to enable such a return include resolution of the banking sector issues and continued progress in the reduction of the budget deficit in line with the targets agreed in the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support, together with the implementation of policies that will see us return to sustainable economic growth. A key development in that regard has been the publication of the results of the bank stress tests on 31 March 2011 and the associated recapitalisation exercise which have been well received by investors and rating agencies alike. The NTMA is in constant contact with market participants and will advise me when it feels that the time is right to re-enter the markets.
I should say that, based on conservative projections of our funding needs and taking account of funding possibilities, there is no urgency about a return to the markets. Indeed, the purpose of a programme such as the EU/IMF Programme for Ireland is to provide the space necessary for economic and fiscal adjustment to take place. Based on current projections and assuming no market access, the State has access to sufficient funds for its needs into the second half of 2013.
60 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on comments made by the Minister, Deputy Leo Varadkar, that it is likely Ireland will need a successor deal with the EU, IMF and ECB to meet the country’s funding requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14023/11]
I understand that the comments referred to in the question were made in relation to the likely funding transport infrastructure projects and were not about the EU/IMF Programme of financial support in general. Ireland's Programme is on track and we are doing what is necessary to restore our ability to fund ourselves. It is the stated intention of the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) to return to sovereign debt markets as soon as market conditions permit. The steps necessary to enable such a return include resolution of the banking sector issues and continued progress in the reduction of the budget deficit in line with the targets agreed in the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support, together with the implementation of policies that will see us return to sustainable economic growth. A key development in that regard has been the publication of the results of the bank stress tests on 31 March 2011 and the associated recapitalisation exercise which have been well received by investors and rating agencies alike. The NTMA is in constant contact with market participants and will advise me when it feels that the time is right to re-enter the markets.
I should say that, based on conservative projections of our funding needs and taking account of funding possibilities, there is no urgency about a return to the markets. Indeed, the purpose of a programme such as the EU/IMF Programme for Ireland is to provide the space necessary for economic and fiscal adjustment to take place. Based on current projections and assuming no market access, the State has access to sufficient funds for its needs into the second half of 2013.
61 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the amount of Irish Government bonds held by each of the Irish banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14024/11]
The Central Bank has published the details of the sovereign exposures of the four domestic institutions subject to Prudential Capital Assessment Review (PCAR) 2011. In the following tables, sovereign exposures as at 31 December 2010 are set out based on the information available to the Central Bank. Sovereign exposures include, though are not limited to, the following categories of assets: holdings of government treasury bills and commercial paper; loans to central government; loans or debt issued by non-central government (for example, local authorities); NAMA bonds; holdings of promissory notes issued by governments. The full text of the updated Financial Measures Programme Report which was published on 31 May 2011 is available on www.centralbank.ie.
|
€m |
Maturity |
Total |
|
Ireland (excl. NAMA exposures) |
3 month |
227 |
|
1 year |
837 |
|
|
2 year |
700 |
|
|
3 year |
229 |
|
|
5 year |
875 |
|
|
10 year |
2,464 |
|
|
15 year |
48 |
|
|
Total |
5,380 |
|
|
Ireland, of which NAMA exposures |
3 month |
0 |
|
1 year |
8,036 |
|
|
2 year |
0 |
|
|
3 year |
0 |
|
|
5 year |
0 |
|
|
10 year |
0 |
|
|
15 year |
0 |
|
|
Total |
8,036 |
|
€m |
Maturity |
Total |
|
Ireland (excl. NAMA exposures) |
3 month |
212 |
|
1 year |
189 |
|
|
2 year |
580 |
|
|
3 year |
523 |
|
|
5 year |
703 |
|
|
10 year |
1,062 |
|
|
15 year |
0 |
|
|
Total |
3,269 |
|
|
Ireland, of which NAMA exposures |
3 month |
0 |
|
1 year |
5,075 |
|
|
2 year |
0 |
|
|
3 year |
0 |
|
|
5 year |
0 |
|
|
10 year |
0 |
|
|
15 year |
0 |
|
|
Total |
5,075 |
|
€m |
Maturity |
Total |
|
Ireland (excl. NAMA exposures) |
3 month |
308 |
|
1 year |
25 |
|
|
2 year |
0 |
|
|
3 year |
150 |
|
|
5 year |
0 |
|
|
10 year |
0 |
|
|
15 year |
0 |
|
|
Total |
483 |
|
|
Ireland, of which NAMA exposures |
3 month |
0 |
|
1 year |
0 |
|
|
2 year |
0 |
|
|
3 year |
0 |
|
|
5 year |
0 |
|
|
10 year |
321 |
|
|
15 year |
0 |
|
|
Total |
321 |
|
€m |
Maturity |
Total |
|
Ireland (excl. NAMA exposures) |
3 month |
125 |
|
1 year |
456 |
|
|
2 year |
362 |
|
|
3 year |
6 |
|
|
5 year |
463 |
|
|
10 year |
379 |
|
|
15 year |
18 |
|
|
Total |
1,808 |
|
|
Ireland, of which NAMA exposures |
3 month |
0 |
|
1 year |
0 |
|
|
2 year |
0 |
|
|
3 year |
0 |
|
|
5 year |
0 |
|
|
10 year |
0 |
|
|
15 year |
0 |
|
|
Total |
0 |
62 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the amount of unguaranteed senior bonds currently in the Irish banking system. [14025/11]
I understand that the Deputy is referring to the amount of unguaranteed senior bonds in the covered institutions. The Central Bank of Ireland has advised me that the as at end May 2011, the total unguaranteed senior debt in the covered institutions is €35,938m of which €19,632m is unguaranteed senior secured and €16,306m is unguaranteed senior unsecured.
63 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the amount of Irish sovereign bonds that are maturing and falling due for payment during the remainder of the current year and for 2012 and 2013. [14026/11]
I am informed by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) that the following Irish government bonds are due for repayment in the years 2011 to 2013:
|
Bond |
Maturity Date |
Amount Outstanding (May 2011) |
|
€million |
||
|
4% Treasury Bond |
11 November 2011 |
4,390.00 |
|
3.9% Treasury Bond |
05 March 2012 |
5,545.00 |
|
5.0% Treasury Bond |
18 April 2013 |
6,027.51 |
|
8.75% Capital Stock |
30 September 2012 |
18.40 |
The NTMA updates the list of outstanding bonds and their maturity dates daily on this web-link: http://www.ntma.ie/GovernmentBonds/Daily_Bonds_Outstanding.pdf.
64 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance when it is envisaged that Ireland will require funding beyond the facility of €50 billion provided under the deal with the EU, IMF and ECB in view of projected budget deficits and maturity of Government bonds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14027/11]
The Joint EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland provides for a total financial package of €85 billion. Some €67½ billion comes from the European funding facilities — the European Financial Stability Fund (EFSF) and the European Financial Stability Mechanism (EFSM) — bilateral loans from the UK, Sweden and Denmark and the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The remaining €17½ billion comes from the State's own resources, namely the National Pensions Reserve Fund and other domestic cash sources. €35 billion of the total €85 billion financial support package was originally set aside for the banking sector with the remaining €50 billion available for the purpose of financing the State.
The recent banking stress tests carried out by the Central Bank identified an additional €24 billion in support to the banking sector as being required, including €3 billion of funds which take the form of contingent capital. However, it is anticipated that mitigating actions, such as burdening sharing, will mean that up to €5 billion of this €24 billion will not have to be provided by the State.
The budgetary forecasts contained in the recently published Stability Programme Update (SPU) prudently assume that an additional €20 billion in State support to the banking sector will be required. On that basis, therefore, some €15 billion of the funding originally earmarked for the banking sector is now available for use for sovereign purposes, bringing the potential total available for sovereign purposes to €65 billion. The combined Exchequer deficits for the years 2011-2013 are estimated at €48½ billion in the SPU. Maturing Government debt, both long-term and short-term, over the same period amounts to some €27 billion.
It is the stated intention of the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) to return to sovereign debt markets as soon as market conditions permit. The steps necessary to enable such a return include resolution of the banking sector issues and continued progress in the reduction of the budget deficit in line with the targets agreed in the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support, together with the implementation of policies that will see us return to sustainable economic growth. A key development in that regard has been the publication of the results of the bank stress tests on 31 March 2011 and the associated recapitalisation exercise which have been well received by investors and rating agencies alike. The NTMA is in constant contact with market participants and will advise me when it feels that the time is right to re-enter the markets.
I should say that, based on conservative projections of our funding needs and taking account of funding possibilities, there is no urgency about a return to the markets. Indeed, the purpose of a programme such as the EU/IMF Programme for Ireland is to provide the space necessary for economic and fiscal adjustment to take place. Based on current projections and assuming no market access, the State has access to sufficient funds for its needs into the second half of 2013.
65 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Finance the steps he will take to tackle growing concerns over debt management companies here following the scandals in the UK which saw firms holding on to clients’ money rather than paying it to creditors. [14031/11]
Some financial service providers, currently authorised by the Central Bank, provide debt advice to consumers, for example, mortgage brokers. Consumers can confirm whether or not a financial service provider is authorised by checking the Register of Financial Service Providers on the Central Bank's website. There are also companies offering debt management and debt counselling services which are not registered with or authorised by the Central Bank. In the context of future legislation on financial regulation, I will examine the question of licensing all companies that offer debt management and debt advice services.
66 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance his views on a proposal (details supplied) along with the proposed pension levy on pension funds. [14039/11]
I assume that what is being proposed in the details supplied with the Deputy's question is that the amount of the pension levy passed on to individuals over the period of the levy should be available to them as a credit against future income tax liabilities. The moneys to be raised from the pension fund levy will be used to pay for the reductions in VAT, PRSI and the air travel tax as well as for the additional expenditure measures announced in the Jobs Initiative last month. These and the other various measures in the Initiative represent the first steps by this Government towards improving the competitiveness of important sectors of the economy and facilitating the return to work of people currently unemployed.
Given our commitments under the Joint EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support and the current difficulties in the public finances, the Jobs Initiative must be funded on a cost neutral basis. Since the proceeds of the levy are already committed in the manner I've described, a commitment to allow the levy to also be used as a tax credit against future tax liabilities would mean that the Jobs Initiative would not be cost neutral. I cannot therefore agree to the proposal.
67 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide the numbers of staff employed in the public sector, by section, for end of 2008 to date in 2011, inclusive, in tabular form, with an estimate of which of these were temporary employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14069/11]
The numbers of public servants employed on a Ministerial Vote Group basis and by functional classification for the period Q4 2008 to Q1 2011, as reported to the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform, is presented in the following tables. Information on the contractual arrangement in place across the public service is not reported to the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform and should be sought from the relevant Minster.
|
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
|
Qtr4 |
Qtr4 |
Qtr4 |
Qtr1 |
|
|
Department |
320,387 |
310,747 |
305,859 |
303,903 |
|
TAOISEACH GROUP (1) |
2,191 |
2,070 |
1,999 |
1,975 |
|
FINANCE GROUP |
10,142 |
9,291 |
9,107 |
9,059 |
|
JUSTICE GROUP (2) |
25,915 |
24,901 |
23,956 |
24,061 |
|
ENVIRONMENT |
37,230 |
34,093 |
32,729 |
32,443 |
|
EDUCATION GROUP (3) |
97,215 |
95,473 |
97,682 |
97,471 |
|
COMMUNITY, EQUALITY & GAELTACHT AFFAIRS |
810 |
797 |
1,023 |
1,011 |
|
FOREIGN AFFAIRS |
1,544 |
1,565 |
1,522 |
1,498 |
|
COMMUNICATIONS ENERGY & NAT. RESOURCES |
1,069 |
1,043 |
1,267 |
1,249 |
|
AGRICULTURE |
6,402 |
5,780 |
5,478 |
5,438 |
|
TRANSPORT |
1,139 |
1,092 |
1,055 |
1,025 |
|
HEALTH GROUP (4) |
113,218 |
111,952 |
109,898 |
107,593 |
|
ENTERPRISE GROUP |
5,551 |
5,094 |
2,982 |
2,900 |
|
TOURISM, CULTURE & SPORT |
1,480 |
1,393 |
1,364 |
1,277 |
|
DEFENCE (5) |
11,667 |
11,111 |
10,667 |
10,792 |
|
SOCIAL PROTECTION (4) |
4,816 |
5,091 |
5,130 |
6,109 |
(1) This includes civil servants who work for the Houses of the Oireachtas, which is directly funded by the central fund.
(2) The increase in Q1 2011 relates to a group of staff not previously included.
(3) Academic Researchers funded from various private and public funding programmes are not included in numbers shown
(4) The full impact of 957 Community Welfare Officers moving from HSE to Department of Social Protection has been factored into the Q1 2011 numbers
(5) The increase in Q1 2011 relates to an intake of recruits.
|
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
|
Qtr4 |
Qtr4 |
Qtr4 |
Qtr1 |
|
|
Civil Service |
37,421 |
35,670 |
34,825 |
35,587 |
|
Defence Sector |
11,265 |
10,736 |
10,313 |
10,445 |
|
Education Sector |
95,024 |
93,366 |
93,827 |
93,607 |
|
Health Sector |
111,025 |
109,753 |
107,972 |
105,664 |
|
Industrial CS |
1,892 |
1,687 |
1,614 |
1,622 |
|
Justice Sector |
15,692 |
15,117 |
14,614 |
14,686 |
|
Local Authorities |
35,008 |
32,044 |
30,703 |
30,416 |
|
NCSA |
13,060 |
12,375 |
11,992 |
11,876 |
|
Total |
320,387 |
310,747 |
305,859 |
303,903 |
68 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance the numbers of staff employed in the public sector who have taken incentivised career breaks to date; if he intends to use this facility to reduce the public sector numbers in order that the jobs and personnel concerned are not lost to the public sector but savings in payroll costs are made for a period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14070/11]
The information reported to the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform indicates that 1,080 civil and public servants availed of the incentivised career break in 2009. The Government is committed to reducing public service numbers by up to 25,000 by 2015, subject to there being no compulsory redundancies and to the protection of front line services. The measures necessary to give effect to these reductions are being developed by the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, taking account of the existing projections for staff numbers over the coming years and the role of incentivised career breaks will be examined in this context.
69 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to change the current criteria governing the allocation of maintenance grants for students attending third level education. [13944/11]
The Deputy will be aware that the student grant measures announced in Budget 2011 by the previous Fianna Fáil — Green Party Government began to come into effect from January this year when a reduction of 4% in the rates of grant was applied to all student grant recipients. Further to this, budget measures that will come into effect from next September for the 2011/12 academic year will change the assessment of the qualifying distance criterion for the non-adjacent rate of grant from 24 kilometres to 45 kilometres and mature students will no longer have an automatic entitlement to the non-adjacent rate of grant.
The Deputy will appreciate that given current economic circumstances I regret that I am not in a position to reverse the changes made to the student grant schemes. As a matter of routine, my Department prepares policy proposals on the student grant schemes each year. For the coming academic year, these will include the budgetary measures I have alluded to already and the annual review of the reckonable income limits contained in the schemes. This year, a more fundamental review is also being undertaken in order to consolidate the four existing student grant schemes into a single unified scheme as part of my Department's overall student grants reform programme. I expect to be able to publish this scheme shortly.
70 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will make Irish an optional subject for the leaving certificate examination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13956/11]
This Government is committed to supporting the overall thrust of 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030, and to the delivery of the goals and targets proposed. As part of this, a thorough reform of the Irish curriculum and the way Irish is taught at primary and second level will be undertaken. Already, a revised Leaving Certificate curriculum in Irish began in all schools in September 2010 for first examination in 2012. The revised programme provides for an increase in the proportion of marks available for oral assessment to 40%, and is aimed at promoting a significant shift in emphasis towards Irish as a spoken language, where students can communicate and interact in a spontaneous way, and where Irish is spoken every day in schools.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has been asked to review this syllabus in the light of the experiences of students in the first examination. The priority is to take steps to improve the quality and effectiveness of the teaching of Irish. When these steps have been implemented, the question of whether Irish should be optional at Leaving Certificate will be considered.
71 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills when will he decide on the merging of vocational education committees; if County Kerry will remain a stand-alone entity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13960/11]
80 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the proposal to amalgamate and rationalise vocational education committees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14065/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 80 together.
The previous Government decided to reduce the number of VECs from 33 to 16 and on the merger of particular counties. I am anxious to ensure that progress continues to be made in the work on bringing about a reduction in the number of VECs. The Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA) has recently responded to my invitation to it to submit alternative rationalisation proposals, following its expression of concerns regarding the configuration of the proposed new entities. I will consider the IVEA's response and decide on the particular mergers in the coming period having regard to the potential for savings and to ensuring that the new structures will be fit for purpose.
72 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider making funding available to a school, (details supplied) which has not received any State support since September 2010 and which is entirely dependent on essential and urgent State support to remain open and provide education to children with autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13977/11]
It is understood that the Deputy's question refers to a proposal for an academy for children with autism which was submitted to my Department for consideration by an organisation in Dublin 13. My Department will respond to the submitted proposal in the near future. The Deputy will be aware that my Department has no direct funding arrangements with the group in question.
Consideration of this proposal will take account of my Department's policy in this regard, which is focused on ensuring that all children, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network. This facilitates access to individualised education programmes, fully qualified professional teachers who may draw from a range of autism-specific interventions, including ABA, special needs assistants, and the appropriate school curriculum with the option where possible of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. As each child with autism is unique it is important that children have access to a range of interventions so their broader needs can be met.
My Department's policy is to provide for children with special educational needs, including autism, to be included in mainstream schools unless such a placement would not be in their best interests or the interests of the children with whom they are to be educated. Some children may be supported in a special class attached to a mainstream school. These students have the option, where appropriate, of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. Other children may have such complex needs that they are best placed in a special school. Students with special educational needs have access to a range of support services including additional teaching and/or care supports. In special schools and special classes, students are supported through lower pupil teacher ratios. Special needs assistants may also be recruited specifically where pupils with disabilities and significant care needs are enrolled.
Reflective of the important role of continuing professional development my Department has put in place a training programme for teachers in autism-specific interventions including Treatment and Education of Autistic Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH), Picture Exchange Communications System (PECS) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) through the Special Education Support Service. The Deputy will be familiar with the ABA pilot scheme which was funded by my Department for the past decade. All of the centres which participated in this scheme have been granted recognition as special schools for children with autism. These schools will operate in line with my Department's policy. I am pleased to update the Deputy that following their recognition the new schools are currently progressing well in the transitional phase. Twelve schools have opened and the remaining school is scheduled to open shortly. It is my intention to continue to support this transitional process.
The pilot scheme was established in the absence of a network of school-based special classes for children with autism which is now available. The Deputy will be aware that the establishment of this network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country to cater for children with autism has been a key educational priority in recent years. In excess of 430 classes have now been approved around the country at primary and post primary level, including many in special schools.
73 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the decision made in the budget for his Department in 2011 regarding a school bus service; and if he will examine the case for retention of central closed school rule in the parishes of Knockanore, Glendine and Kilwatermoy in west Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13980/11]
Changes to school transport services were announced in the 2011 Budget by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government and derive from recommendations in the Value for Money Review of the scheme. It is important to stress that there are a number of dimensions to the cessation of the Closed School Rule (CSR). The first of these, which will be implemented from September 2011, involves the uniform application of the distance criterion to all pupils travelling under the primary transport scheme, including those travelling under the CSR. This means that children residing less than 3.2 kilometres from their school of amalgamation will be deemed ineligible for school transport. In such cases, these children may apply for concessionary transport.
The second element of the change is scheduled to take effect in September 2012 and will apply only in the case of pupils commencing their primary education from that date. This second element will restrict school transport eligibility for those pupils entering in September 2012, to pupils who meet the distance eligibility criterion and are travelling to their nearest school. Available statistics, based on sampling undertaken as part of the Value for Money Review, indicate that the impact of this change will be limited as the majority of pupils categorised under the CSR are in fact attending their nearest school and will not be affected by this change.
Before implementing this second main change which is proposed for 2012, my Department has requested Bus Éireann to conduct a detailed analysis of the "on the ground" impact for individual schools and the rural communities they serve. This analysis will be based on the most up to date information available on current school transport usage patterns and I expect to have this information available to me this summer. I will then have an opportunity to carefully examine the likely affects of this change well in advance of the 2012 implementation date.
74 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount each school in County Donegal charges per pupil for education purposes per year. [14015/11]
The charging of fees by a school is permissible only in the case of recognised fee-charging second level schools. All other recognised schools are precluded from charging school fees. Voluntary contributions by parents of pupils in such recognised schools are permissible provided it is made absolutely clear to parents that there is no question of compulsion to pay and that, in making a contribution, they are doing so of their own volition. The manner in which such voluntary contributions are sought and collected is a matter for school management, however, their collection should be such as not to create a situation where either parents or pupils could reasonably infer that the contributions take on a compulsory character.
75 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the average cost of school bus transport for pupils in County Donegal. [14016/11]
The Value for Money Review of the School Transport Schemes was carried out as part of the 2009-2011 round of Value for Money Reviews approved by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government and was conducted in accordance with the criteria for such reviews set out in the Department of Finance Value for Money and Policy Review Initiative Guidance Manual. The emphasis in such reviews is on the efficiency and effectiveness of the programmes under examination to assess value for money in their delivery.
The Report on this review was published last March and is available on my Department's website. The review showed that, in 2008, the annual school transport unit cost per primary child was €1,020, €958 per post primary child, €9,087 per special needs child including escort costs and €7,034 excluding escort costs. The breakdown of pupil costs on a per County basis is not readily available.
76 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total expenditure on primary and secondary education services in County Donegal in each of the years 2005 to 2010, inclusive, and projected for 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14017/11]
Data relating to expenditure by my Department are not maintained on a county by county basis and it would take an inordinate amount of time to collate the information sought by the Deputy. However, I would be happy to provide information on specific projects the Deputy has a particular interest in.
77 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of the staffing allocation to a school (details supplied) in County Cork for the 2011/12 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14036/11]
The criteria used for the allocation of teachers to schools is published annually on my Department's website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing schedule for the 2011-2012 school year was published on my Department's website in March 2011.
The staffing schedule also includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board. It is open to any Board of Management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board. Details of the criteria for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule, Circular 0019/2011. The final staffing position for all schools will ultimately not be known until the Autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed for mainstream classroom teachers and any appeals to the Staffing Appeals Boards will have been considered.
78 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding payment or grant assistance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14038/11]
I understand from FÁS that the person in question was placed on the Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme with PSE Power Systems in Newcastle West, on Monday, 23 May, 2011. FÁS has also informed my Department that for the 12 weeks' duration of the placement, the apprentice will receive a FÁS net weekly training allowance of €400.00.
79 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he proposes to extend the number of patronage bodies for second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14064/11]
The Programme for Government gives a commitment to move towards a more pluralist system of patronage at second level, recognising a wider number of patrons. In line with this policy on Saturday 28 May at the Educate Together AGM I confirmed the Government's view that Educate Together meets all the requirements to operate as a patron of a second-level school. I intend to prioritise the development of a new framework for the recognition of new second-level schools in the context of the Government's commitment to plurality. The decision on the patronage of any individual school will be made following the process to be established under this framework.
81 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the proposal to establish a skills agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14067/11]
I am currently reviewing options regarding the provision of further education and training and the structures to support it.
82 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide funding to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14071/11]
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an early stage of architectural planning. A stage 1 submission was recently received from the design team and is currently being reviewed by my Department. When that review is complete my Department will revert to the VEC regarding the further progression of the project.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will continue to be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.
In the interim, to meet the school's immediate needs as outlined in an application from the VEC, my Department has approved the provision of 3 temporary classrooms.
83 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the necessary funding that will be provided through the vocational education committees, the Health Service Executive and any other bodies such as partnerships or the National Lottery to ensure the continuation of the Kildare-Offaly Lifestart programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14094/11]
My Department funds adult and community education through annual grants to Vocational Education Committees (VECs) which deliver these courses locally. The disbursement of funds is a matter for each VEC which, subject to its budget, decides the nature and extent of the adult and community education courses to be provided in its area. The organisation and location of courses are also matters for decision by the VECs. Both County Offaly VEC and County Kildare VEC have informed my Department that funding of over €30,000 will be provided by each VEC from their adult and community education provision to the Lifestart project in 2011.
I understand from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government that in 2011, funding will be allocated to the Lifestart project through Offaly Local Development Company (OLDC) and County Kildare LEADER Partnership (CKLP) under the Local Community Development Programme (LCDP). The OLDC has allocated some €6,000 to the project to cover overhead costs and running expenses and assist in the delivery of the service and CKLP has allocated €6,500 to the project to fund the delivery of one to one support for disadvantaged parents, focusing on health, education and the general well-being of children.
My colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, will reply in relation to the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The following revised reply was received on 24 June 2011.
My Department funds adult and community education through annual grants to Vocational Education Committees (VECs) which deliver these courses locally. The disbursement of funds is a matter for each VEC which, subject to its budget, decides the nature and extent of the adult and community education courses to be provided in its area. The organisation and location of courses are also matters for decision by the VECs. Both Co Offaly VEC and Co Kildare VEC have informed my Department that funding of €8,750 and €30,900 respectively will be provided by each VEC from their adult and community education provision to the Lifestart project in 2011.
I understand from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government that in 2011, funding will be allocated to the Lifestart project through Offaly Local Development Company (OLDC) and County Kildare LEADER Partnership (CKLP) under the Local Community Development Programme (LCDP). The OLDC has allocated some €6,000 to the project to cover overhead costs and running expenses and assist in the delivery of the service and CKLP has allocated €6,500 to the project to fund the delivery of one to one support for disadvantaged parents, focusing on health, education and the general well-being of children.
My colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, will reply in relation to the Health Service Executive (HSE).
84 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if he will provide a list of organisations or agencies that provide assistance with the development of small businesses (details supplied). [13974/11]
The County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) provide support to micro-enterprises in the start-up and expansion phases through financial and non-financial assistance. The north side of Dublin City and County is serviced by two CEBs namely, Dublin City Enterprise Board and Fingal County Enterprise Board. The remit of these boards is to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and stimulate entrepreneurship in the areas which they service.
Enterprise Ireland's High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) team provides hands-on support and advice to entrepreneurs and early stage companies that are considered by Enterprise Ireland to have an innovative product, service or technology, and have the potential to achieve exports sales and create employment. Anybody thinking of starting a new business with export potential or currently raising investment for a start-up venture may qualify for support and investment.
Contact details for the CEBs and Enterprise Ireland are set out as follows:
1. Dublin City Enterprise Board is located at 5th Floor, O’Connell Bridge House, D’Olier Street, Dublin 2; Phone No: 01 6351144; Fax No: 01 6351811; e-mail: info@dceb.ie; Website: www.dceb.ie
2. Fingal County Enterprise Board is located on the Upper Floor Office Suite, Mainscourt, 23 Main Street, Swords, Co. Dublin; Phone No: 01 8900800; Fax No: 01 81309991 or e-mail: info@fingal.ceb.ie; Website www.fingalceb.ie
3. Enterprise Ireland’s HPSU Team is located at The Plaza, Eastpoint Business Park, Dublin 3. Early Stage Start-Up enquiries should be directed to Phone No. 01 7272885,Fax No: 01 7272020 or e-mail: client.service@enterprise-ireland.com; Website: www.enterprise-ireland.com
86 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm that the rent supplement unit in Santry, Dublin 9, will continue to operate after October 2011 and that the contracts of employment of the 26 community welfare officers based there will be extended and confirmed as full-time positions; or, if not, if she will explain the basis on which the office is to be staffed. [13948/11]
Late last year agreement was reached between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and unions representing the Community Welfare Officers that the staff of the Community Welfare Service (CWS) would transfer to the Department of Social Protection with effect from 1 January 2011 on a secondment basis initially. The period of secondment is to last for 9 months until the end of September 2011. During this period these staff will remain employees of the HSE but are subject to the general direction and control of the Minster for Social Protection.
From 1 October 2011 it is intended that the staff of the CWS will be transferred fully to the Department as civil servants and will be accountable to the Minister in the same way as other civil servants.
I have been advised that a number of staff in the CWS were employed in a temporary capacity by the HSE in 2010 for a period of six months, including some of the staff in the rent unit in question. These contracts were subsequently extended to June 2011 from when they are to be gradually withdrawn.
In the context of the transfer of functions from the HSE to the Department a number of Transition Managers were appointed from within the Community Welfare Service, to work with the Department of Social Protection to oversee the transfer of the service to the Department. The relevant Transition Managers are currently in the process of examining the service implications arising from the loss of these temporary staff.
87 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection, further to Parliamentary Question No. 43 of 26 May 2011, if she will give consideration to allowing persons on the 15-hour care payment to obtain positions on schemes, be they community employment or training courses, to obtain or upgrade their skills in order to improve their opportunities of employment without interfering with their entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13968/11]
Carer's allowance is a means tested income support payment for people who are providing full time care and attention to a person in need of such care. A person in receipt of carer's allowance can engage in employment, self-employment, training or education outside the home for up to 15 hours per week and still qualify for the payment.
A qualifying condition for the payment of carer's allowance is that the person receiving care is medically assessed as needing care on a full-time basis. While carers may work or engage in training or education for up to fifteen hours per week, I have no plans for a further increase in the hours beyond this allowance. Any further expansion would necessarily dilute the very notion of ‘full time care and attention' and could directly impact on the person who needs that care.
When a person's caring responsibilities cease, they may transfer to another payment such as jobseeker's allowance and have their time spent in receipt of carer's allowance counted towards the community employment qualifying period.
88 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) will be paid their rent supplement on a weekly basis instead of a monthly basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14029/11]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned should contact the Community Welfare Services and advise it of his preferred payment options.
89 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal against a decision not to award carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; if she will grant an early oral hearing; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14045/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 16 February 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 24 May 2011 and the appeal will be referred to an Appeals Officer, in due course, who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.
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 of appeals 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 hand, the Department has made a further 9 additional appointments to the office in recent weeks.
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.
90 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal against a decision not to award invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; if she will grant an early oral hearing; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14050/11]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. Notification of the Appeals Officers decision was issued on 09 February 2011. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts. The legislation also provides that an Appeals Officer may decide a case before him/her on the basis of the documentary evidence. This course of action was taken in the case of the person concerned as it was considered that an oral hearing was not warranted.
Following the submission of additional evidence the Appeals Officer agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of her appeal has been finalised.
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.
91 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the entitlement to jobseeker’s allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14100/11]
To qualify for jobseeker's allowance a person must be available for and actively seeking full-time work. The person concerned had been in receipt of jobseeker's allowance from 8 November 2010. During a review of his claim he indicated that he was not available for full-time work. His claim was disallowed with effect from 30 March 2011. An appeal has been lodged and he will be informed of the outcome in due course.
92 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has requested Bank of Ireland to transfer its branch at College Green in Dublin city centre to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14021/11]
I refer the Deputy to my reply on 24th May 2011 on this matter. I have met the Chair and Chief Executive of Bank of Ireland and we had a constructive engagement on the issues. That engagement will continue.
93 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in relation to the proposal to pay €1,000 to bog owners who do not cut turf in designated areas, if he will clarify that these bog owners continue to own their bog and that this payment is not in any way a purchase of their bog. [14032/11]
A Government decision of the 5th of April 2011 established a long-term compensation package for turf-cutters in sites where turf cutting is no longer possible for reasons of environmental protection. The scheme, which applies immediately to turf-cutters on 31 raised bog Special Areas of Conservation, will deliver payments of €1,000 per annum for a maximum of 15 years. As an alternative to financial payments, and where feasible, qualifying turf-cutters will be facilitated in relocating to alternative, non-designated sites to continue cutting turf. The scheme offers compensation for ceasing permanently to cut turf on the designated sites and does not involve purchase of the sites.
94 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when Coolrain Bog also known as Windsor, Cahir custodial, Rosnacloonan and Larkins was adopted by the European Commission as a special area of conservation or when a decision was taken by the European Council; when this notification of adoption was sent to the relevant Minister as required by SI 94/1997 Art. 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13978/11]
This site was adopted by the European Commission on the 7th December, 2004 and notified through publication in the Official Journal of the European Union on the 29th December, 2004.
95 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the total land area and location of boglands affected by special areas of conservation or other conservation measures preventing traditional turf cutting; the number of bogs; the area of each; the total number of traditional turf cutters affected; if any discussions have taken place with EU representatives with a view to a resolution of the issues; if alternative areas can be offered for conservation which will not impact to the same extent on traditional turf cutters; if other EU countries have had to seek variation of directives when national tradition came into conflict with EU directives; if he will pursue such options; if he will arrange for a comprehensive review of all aspects of the way in which certain conservation measures conflict with tradition; if he will ensure that each and every aspect of the situation is examined with a view to reaching a fair and equitable conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13979/11]
Raised bogs in Ireland contain rare and threatened natural habitats that are protected under National and European law. A small number of raised bogs are on sites that are designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) or National Heritage Areas (NHAs). Raised bogs have almost vanished due to land reclamation, drainage and turf extraction. These sites are among the best examples of the tiny proportion of such habitats left in Europe.
There are over 1500 raised bogs in Ireland and 139 of these have been designated for nature protection within 130 sites. In area, they comprise less than 5% of the peatlands in the State where turf-cutting is feasible. My Department estimates that there are up to 2600 active turf cutters on these bogs. The tables give details of the location and areas of these sites.
Almost all raised bogs outside these sites would not now meet the criteria for designation or restoration due to drainage, exploitation and land-use change. However, many of these bogs are suitable for turf-extraction and relocation of turf-cutters to such areas is likely to be feasible in most cases. As such, measures recently announced are not incompatible with the continuation of traditional activities, but will necessitate a relocation of such activities to non-designated bogs.
Traditional activities in Ireland and across the EU, encompassing a range of disciplines such as agriculture, fishing, hunting, land use and industry have all had to adapt to the requirements of EU directives, including those aimed at environmental protection. Turf-cutting is no different, in this regard.
The European Commission has commenced infringement proceedings against the Irish Government regarding its obligations under the Habitats Directive and the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive with regard to the regulation of turf extraction from designated sites. Myself and my officials are in regular contact with the Commission in relation to this matter.
In early April I announced the establishment of an independently chaired Peatlands Council to respond to commitments set out in the Programme for Government and to assist Ireland to respond in a strategic way to the requirements of the Habitats Directive. The Council is chaired by Mr Conor Skehan and includes representatives of the IFA, the Irish Peatlands Conservation Council, the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association, Irish Rural Link, the Irish Environment Network, Bord na Móna and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department. The Peatlands Council also provides a framework for stakeholder involvement in addressing the immediate issues regarding the protection of these sites and arrangements for compensation and relocation.
The Council has met on several occasions and this week made significant progress in regard to agreeing a work programme to addressing the needs of turf-cutters while recognizing the necessity to stop turf-cutting on Ireland's raised bog SACs.
In April, I also announced a long term compensation package for turf-cutters in sites where turf cutting is no longer possible. The scheme, which applies immediately to turf-cutters on 31 raised bog SACs, will deliver payments of €1,000 per annum for a maximum of 15 years. As an alternative to financial payments, and where feasible, qualifying turf-cutters will be facilitated in relocating to alternative, non-designated sites to continue cutting turf. Alternative forms of compensation will be explored by the Peatlands Council.
The Government is committed to building a shared understanding of our peatlands encompassing the issues of conservation and tradition and to reaching an equitable resolution to this important issue.
|
No. |
Year |
Site Code |
Site Name |
County |
Hectares of SAC |
% of Raised Bog Habitat |
Hectares of Raised Bog Habitat |
|
1 |
1997 |
000006 |
Killyconny Bog (Cloghbally) |
Cavan/Meath |
191.22 |
46% |
87.96 |
|
2 |
1997 |
000231 |
Barroughter Bog |
Galway |
174.02 |
53% |
92.23 |
|
3 |
1997 |
000248 |
Cloonmoylan Bog |
Galway |
554.42 |
71% |
393.64 |
|
4 |
1997 |
000285 |
Kilsallagh Bog |
Galway |
279.73 |
68% |
190.22 |
|
5 |
1997 |
000296 |
Lisnageeragh Bog and Ballinstack Turlough |
Galway |
455.49 |
62% |
282.40 |
|
6 |
1997 |
000301 |
Lough Lurgeen Bog/ Glenamaddy Turlough |
Galway |
1,162.11 |
51% |
592.68 |
|
7 |
1997 |
000326 |
Shankill West Bog |
Galway |
136.39 |
52% |
70.92 |
|
8 |
1997 |
000382 |
Sheheree (Ardagh) Bog |
Kerry |
17.07 |
38% |
6.49 |
|
9 |
1997 |
000391 |
Ballynafagh Bog |
Kildare |
156.46 |
43% |
67.28 |
|
*10 |
1997 |
000440 |
Lough Ree* |
Ros/LD/WM |
14,371.24 |
3% |
431.14 |
|
11 |
1997 |
000457 |
Derrynabrock Bog |
Mayo/Roscommon |
Subsumed into SAC 2298 |
||
|
12 |
1997 |
000497 |
Flughany Bog |
Mayo/Sligo |
231.09 |
47% |
108.61 |
|
13 |
1997 |
000547 |
Tawnaghbeg Bog |
Mayo |
Subsumed into SAC 2298 |
||
|
14 |
1997 |
000566 |
All Saints Bog and Esker |
Offaly |
369.68 |
52% |
192.23 |
|
15 |
1997 |
000572 |
Clara Bog |
Offaly |
836.54 |
44% |
368.08 |
|
16 |
1997 |
000575 |
Ferbane Bog |
Offaly |
153.08 |
76% |
116.34 |
|
17 |
1997 |
000580 |
Mongan Bog |
Offaly |
207.83 |
61% |
126.78 |
|
18 |
1997 |
000581 |
Moyclare Bog |
Offaly |
129.86 |
62% |
80.51 |
|
19 |
1997 |
000582 |
Raheenmore Bog |
Offaly |
210.01 |
65% |
136.51 |
|
20 |
1997 |
000585 |
Sharavogue Bog |
Offaly |
223.43 |
61% |
136.29 |
|
21 |
1997 |
000592 |
Bellanagare Bog |
Roscommon |
1,207.59 |
61% |
736.63 |
|
22 |
1997 |
000597 |
Carrowbehy/Caher Bog |
Roscommon |
343.83 |
54% |
185.67 |
|
23 |
1997 |
000600 |
Cloonchambers Bog |
Roscommon |
348.20 |
45% |
156.69 |
|
24 |
1997 |
000604 |
Derrinea Bog |
Roscommon |
86.18 |
70% |
60.33 |
|
25 |
1997 |
000614 |
Cloonshanville Bog |
Roscommon |
225.76 |
84% |
189.64 |
|
26 |
1997 |
000641 |
Ballyduff/Clonfinane Bog |
Tipperary |
269.56 |
69% |
186.00 |
|
27 |
1997 |
000647 |
Kilcarren-Firville Bog |
Tipperary |
676.67 |
55% |
372.17 |
|
28 |
1997 |
000679 |
Garriskil Bog |
Westmeath |
324.81 |
52% |
168.90 |
|
29 |
1997 |
001242 |
Carrownagappul Bog |
Galway |
487.53 |
65% |
316.89 |
|
30 |
1997 |
001818 |
Lough Forbes Complex |
Longford/Ros |
1,337.08 |
21% |
280.79 |
|
31 |
1997 |
002110 |
Corliskea/Trien/Cloonfelliv Bog |
Galway/Ros |
725.21 |
61% |
442.38 |
|
32 |
1999 |
000297 |
Lough Corrib |
Galway/Mayo |
25,253.37 |
2% |
505.07 |
|
1999 Raised Bog SAC |
Sub-total |
51,145.46 |
13.85% |
7,081.45 |
*Raised Bog Qualifying Interest added in 2002
|
No. |
Year |
Site Code |
Site Name |
County |
Hectares of SAC |
% of Raised Bog Habitat |
Hectares of Raised Bog Habitat |
|
33 |
2002 |
000595 |
Callow Bog |
Roscommon |
617.91 |
26% |
160.66 |
|
34 |
2002 |
002298 |
River Moy |
Mayo/Ros/Sligo |
15,415.62 |
4% |
616.62 |
|
35 |
2002 |
002331 |
Mouds Bog |
Kildare |
591.20 |
49% |
289.69 |
|
36 |
2002 |
002332 |
Coolrain Bog |
Laois |
145.95 |
42% |
61.30 |
|
37 |
2002 |
002333 |
Knockacoller Bog |
Laois |
130.39 |
39% |
50.85 |
|
38 |
2002 |
002336 |
Carn Park Bog |
Westmeath |
247.89 |
63% |
156.17 |
|
39 |
2002 |
002337 |
Crosswood Bog |
Westmeath |
206.61 |
51% |
105.37 |
|
40 |
2002 |
002338 |
Drumalough Bog |
Roscommon |
278.89 |
52% |
145.02 |
|
41 |
2002 |
002339 |
Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough |
Roscommon |
244.77 |
18% |
44.06 |
|
42 |
2002 |
002340 |
Moneybeg and Clareisland Bogs |
Meath/Westmeath |
364.32 |
39% |
142.08 |
|
43 |
2002 |
002341 |
Ardagullion Bog |
Longford |
117.33 |
48% |
56.32 |
|
44 |
2002 |
002342 |
Mount Hevey Bog |
Meath/Westmeath |
483.78 |
41% |
198.35 |
|
45 |
2002 |
002343 |
Tullaher Lough and Bog |
Clare |
469.18 |
4% |
18.77 |
|
46 |
2002 |
002346 |
Brown Bog |
Longford |
76.68 |
66% |
50.61 |
|
47 |
2002 |
002347 |
Camderry Bog |
Galway |
280.72 |
70% |
196.50 |
|
48 |
2002 |
002348 |
Clooneen Bog |
Longford |
215.03 |
39% |
83.86 |
|
49 |
2002 |
002349 |
Corbo Bog |
Roscommon |
206.76 |
58% |
119.92 |
|
50 |
2002 |
002350 |
Curraghlehanagh Bog |
Galway |
278.22 |
55% |
153.02 |
|
51 |
2002 |
002351 |
Moanveanlagh Bog |
Kerry |
214.72 |
61% |
130.98 |
|
52 |
2002 |
002352 |
Monivea Bog |
Galway |
286.68 |
51% |
146.21 |
|
53 |
2002 |
002353 |
Redwood Bog |
Tipperary |
555.03 |
32% |
177.61 |
|
54 |
2002 |
002354 |
Tullaghanrock Bog |
Roscommon |
103.92 |
65% |
67.55 |
|
55 |
2002 |
002356 |
Ardgraigue Bog |
Galway |
183.54 |
43% |
78.92 |
|
2002 Raised Bog SAC |
Sub-totals |
21,715.14 |
14.97% |
3,250.45 |
|||
|
Total SAC Raised Bog Area |
72,860.60 |
14.18% |
10,331.89 |
|
Code |
Site Name |
County |
Area (HA) |
|
000220 |
Lough Namucka Bog NHA |
Galway |
276.46 |
|
000221 |
Moorfield Bog/Farm Cottage NHA |
Galway |
139.12 |
|
000222 |
Suck River Callows NHA |
Galway/Ros |
3,396.91 |
|
000229 |
Ballygar Bog NHA |
Galway |
165.58 |
|
000235 |
Bracklagh Bog NHA |
Galway |
104.93 |
|
000245 |
Clooncullaun Bog NHA |
Galway |
202.61 |
|
000247 |
Slieve Bog NHA |
Galway |
268.39 |
|
000249 |
Cloonoolish Bog NHA |
Galway |
119.76 |
|
000254 |
Crit Island West NHA |
Galway |
733.77 |
|
000267 |
Funshin Bog NHA |
Galway |
182.76 |
|
000280 |
Castle Ffrench West Bog NHA |
Galway |
159.00 |
|
000281 |
Keeloges Bog NHA |
Galway |
324.53 |
|
000283 |
Kilmore Bog NHA |
Galway |
160.49 |
|
000284 |
Kilnaborris Bog NHA |
Galway |
167.86 |
|
000292 |
Leaha Bog NHA |
Galway |
102.19 |
|
000307 |
Lough Tee Bog NHA |
Galway |
448.75 |
|
000310 |
Meneen Bog NHA |
Galway |
217.41 |
|
000321 |
Raford River Bog NHA |
Galway |
245.83 |
|
000333 |
Anna More Bog NHA |
Kerry |
128.99 |
|
000337 |
Doon Lough NHA |
Clare |
581.80 |
|
000422 |
Aghnamona Bog NHA |
Leitirm/Longford |
410.63 |
|
000564 |
River Little Brosna Callows NHA |
Offaly/Tipp |
1,322.87 |
|
000565 |
Clonydonnin Bog NHA |
Offaly/Wmeath |
138.07 |
|
000570 |
Black Castle Bog NHA |
Offaly |
167.69 |
|
000591 |
Bella Bridge Bog NHA |
Roscommon |
198.63 |
|
000603 |
Cornaveagh Bog NHA |
Roscommon |
123.97 |
|
000605 |
Derrycanan Bog NHA |
Roscommon |
349.87 |
|
000640 |
Arragh More Bog NHA |
Tipperary |
419.51 |
|
000642 |
Ballymacegan Bog NHA |
Tipperary |
107.48 |
|
000648 |
Killeen Bog NHA |
Tipperary |
217.27 |
|
000652 |
Monaincha Bog/Ballaghmore Bog NHA |
Laois/Tipperary |
293.50 |
|
000674 |
Ballynagrenia and Ballinderry Bog NHA |
Westmeath |
292.74 |
|
000677 |
Cloncrow Bog (New Forest) NHA |
Westmeath |
234.32 |
|
000684 |
Lough Derravaragh NHA |
Westmeath |
1,413.45 |
|
000691 |
Rinn River NHA |
Leitirm |
455.93 |
|
000694 |
Wooddown Bog NHA |
Leitrim/Longford |
196.99 |
|
000890 |
Cangort Bog NHA |
Offaly/Tipp |
127.14 |
|
000921 |
Screggan Bog NHA |
Offaly |
179.64 |
|
000937 |
Scohaboy Bog NHA |
Tipperary |
392.96 |
|
000985 |
Lough Kinale and Derragh Lough NHA |
Cavan |
414.30 |
|
000993 |
Ayle Lower Bog NHA |
Clare |
85.67 |
|
001020 |
Loughanilloon Bog NHA |
Clare |
95.69 |
|
001227 |
Aughrim Bog NHA |
Galway |
263.57 |
|
001240 |
Capira/Derrew Bog NHA |
Galway |
118.64 |
|
001244 |
Castle Ffrench East Bog NHA |
Galway |
204.28 |
|
001254 |
Derrinlough Bog NHA |
Galway |
246.89 |
|
001255 |
Derrynagran Bog and Esker NHA |
Galway |
110.11 |
|
001264 |
Eskerboy Bog NHA |
Galway |
132.01 |
|
001280 |
Killaclogher Bog NHA |
Galway |
492.20 |
|
001283 |
Killure Bog NHA |
Galway |
478.46 |
|
001303 |
Moorfield Bog NHA |
Galway |
208.50 |
|
001324 |
Jamestown Bog NHA |
Meath |
201.23 |
|
001352 |
Bunnaruddee Bog NHA |
Kerry |
151.87 |
|
001388 |
Carbury Bog NHA |
Kildare |
131.23 |
|
001393 |
Hodgestown Bog NHA |
Kildare |
128.98 |
|
001405 |
Cashel Bog (Leitrim) NHA |
Leitirm |
128.59 |
|
001420 |
Corracramph Bog NHA |
Leitrim |
222.68 |
|
001423 |
Cloonageeher Bog NHA |
Leitrim |
284.72 |
|
001448 |
Forthill Bog NHA |
Longford |
121.97 |
|
001450 |
Mount Jessop Bog NHA |
Longford |
147.53 |
|
001580 |
Girley Bog NHA |
Meath |
146.38 |
|
001582 |
Molerick Bog NHA |
Meath |
88.57 |
|
001623 |
Carrickynaghtan Bog NHA |
Roscommon |
599.97 |
|
001652 |
Tullaghan Bog (Roscommon) NHA |
Roscommon |
99.46 |
|
001684 |
Lorrha Bog NHA |
Tipperary |
82.23 |
|
001725 |
Nure Bog NHA |
Westmeath |
225.36 |
|
001812 |
Lough Garr NHA |
Westmeath |
218.99 |
|
001853 |
Nore Valley Bogs NHA |
Tipperary |
272.38 |
|
002033 |
Daingean Bog NHA |
Offaly |
179.59 |
|
002072 |
Lisnanarriagh Bog NHA |
Roscommon |
109.01 |
|
002307 |
Cloonloum More Bog NHA |
Clare |
167.52 |
|
002323 |
Milltownpass Bog NHA |
Westmeath |
118.39 |
|
002344 |
Annaghbeg Bog NHA |
Galway |
273.12 |
|
002355 |
Hawkswood Bog NHA |
Offaly |
136.74 |
|
002357 |
Clonreher Bog NHA |
Laois |
186.00 |
|
Total Area |
22,443 |
96 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the ongoing expense of curating and maintaining an art collection and in view of Anglo Irish Bank’s intention to donate its art collection to the public and the substantial State support provided to the banks, if he will direct or request AIB to donate its significant art collection to the Museum of Modern Art. [14041/11]
AIB has always had an active policy of lending pieces, on request, to galleries across Ireland for exhibitions. In the last two years, AIB has stepped up this lending programme with the objective of bringing the collection to a wider audience and supporting the arts in the communities. In addition it has encouraged and supported the educational element of these exhibitions.
AIB is actively engaged with my Department to review this lending policy and explore other means by which the public might have greater access to the collection.
97 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the mechanism available to a club (details supplied) to enure fishing stock can be maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13963/11]
As a conservation measure to protect coarse fish stocks, my Department introduced the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006, which provides for an angling bag limit of 4 coarse fish in any one day. It also prohibits the killing of any coarse fish greater than 25 cm in length and prohibits the sale of any coarse fish in Ireland.
If the Club referred to by the Deputy believes that these measures are inadequate from a conservation perspective, they should raise the matter with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), which operates under the aegis of my Department and is responsible for the protection, management and conservation of the inland fisheries resource.
If, following expert assessment, IFI considers a strengthening of the conservation measures is warranted, it will make an appropriate recommendation for a revision of the byelaws, which I will consider.
98 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the KEMA safety report into the Eirgrid project in Rush, County Dublin, will be concluded; and the impact this could have on the route of the cable. [13949/11]
I have no role or function with regard to the report by KEMA who were appointed by EirGrid to address the concerns of a community group in Rush. I understand that the report got under way in April and is due to be completed by the end of June.
99 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the extensive delays in issuing IDs to contractors under the better home energy scheme; in view of the delay, if he will amend the scheme to allow those contractors who were formerly registered under the greener homes scheme to use those IDs until the new registrations are supplied; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the delay will mean many qualified contractors will go out of business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13975/11]
100 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amounts available by category under the greener homes scheme; the uptake by category; the amounts available under the better energy home scheme by category; if he will supply the amount set aside for the scheme in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13976/11]
101 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way it is intended to link private contractors to pay as you go finance in the context of the better home energy scheme; if it is only the primary energy suppliers that may offer the scheme; if there is a competition issue in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13987/11]
I propose to take Question Nos. 99 to 101, inclusive, together.
I announced the launch of ‘Better Energy: The National Upgrade Programme’ on Wednesday, 11 May 2011 on foot of the Jobs Initiative. Better Energy will replace the three existing energy efficiency and renewable energy programmes: the Home Energy Savings Scheme (HES), the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) and the Greener Homes Scheme (GHS).
The residential strand of Better Energy allows domestic customers to apply for an Exchequer supported incentive, currently a grant but which will migrate to an upfront discount later in the year. The measures grant-aided under this strand include roof and wall insulation, high efficiency boilers, heating control upgrades and solar thermal. Since its launch in March 2006 the Greener Homes Scheme has provided Government support of €72m towards the installation of over 33,000 renewable energy heating systems. In addition, the Home Energy Saving scheme, has provided over €84m in grant support to over 85,000 homes for the implementation of nearly 200,000 measures. Both schemes are now fully integrated into Better Energy. The capital allocation for Better Energy in 2011 is €91.4m and the current grant levels are set out in the table.
The Better Energy grant levels have been set to ensure that the level of Exchequer support is in line with market prices. Since the HES scheme was launched in 2009, there have been substantial reductions in the prices being charged for most of the measures covered by the scheme, the exception being external insulation, which is a relatively new technology in Ireland. It is clearly essential that the level of Exchequer support reflects market prices. Measures being supported under the Better Energy programme are those designed to deliver the greatest energy savings, maximising the value achieved from the available budget allocation.
In relation to the issuing of IDs to contractors I am advised by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), which administers the Programme on my behalf, that where fully compliant documentation is submitted, contractors are registered within two working days. Since Better Energy Homes went live the SEAI have already registered over 160 contractors for solar energy installations, bringing the total number of registered contractors to over 2,800.
The SEAI have streamlined registration in order to minimise the additional documentation that is required from contractors previously registered for HES or GHS that want to become a Better Energy contractor.
One of the key objectives of the Better Energy programme is to support the construction sector and the delivery of quality installations in line with good practice. This includes agreement to a code of practice and technical specification in relation to the work to be undertaken by a contractor, evidence of tax compliance, appropriate insurance and training for delivery of the work for which a contractor is registered. These requirements are fully appropriate in the interests of consumer protection and the proper disbursement of public funds.
Pay-as-you-save is a financial model which would allow energy consumers to finance energy efficiency upgrades through the energy savings generated. The Programme for Government commits to the roll out of a pay-as-you-save scheme after 2013 to enable the home energy efficiency programme to continue without recourse to public funding. My Department is working with SEAI, the utilities and financial institutions to develop proposals for the introduction of a national pay-as-you-save scheme in line with this timeframe.
There are considerable complexities involved in the development of a pay-as-you-save scheme and comprehensive consultation with all stakeholders will be required. I expect to bring forward legislation to underpin the scheme next year.
|
Better Energy |
Support Levels € |
|
€ |
|
|
Roof Insulation |
200 |
|
Cavity wall insulation |
320 |
|
Internal Wall Dry-Lining |
2,000 |
|
External wall insulation |
4,000 |
|
High Efficiency Gas or Oil fired Boiler with Heating Controls Upgrade |
560 |
|
Heating Controls Upgrade |
400 |
|
BER After Upgrade Works (Only one BER grant per home) |
80 |
|
Solar Thermal |
800 |
102 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the concerns received by him from the European Commission on the basis of Article 28 of Regulation 1698/2005 in relation to the rural development programme for projects (details supplied); his views on these concerns; if the concerns relate to specific applications or to the general operation of the rural development programme; the action he will take following these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14018/11]
The Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 is divided into four axes. Axis 1 deals with competitiveness of the agricultural sector, Axis 2 aims to improve the countryside and environment and the objectives of Axis 3 are to support the diversification of the rural economy and improve the quality of life in rural areas.
Axis 4 or the LEADER Axis provides support for the use of a "bottom up" approach to development which ensures that local people are involved in the decision making thereby facilitating sustainable development in a more inclusive way. In Ireland the LEADER approach is used to implement Axis 3 measures.
The programme is designed to address directly many of the challenges facing rural communities including the need to increase economic activity and stimulate job creation; improve access to basic services for rural dwellers and encourage rural tourism based on sustainable development of natural resources. In January 2011 the EU raised concerns regarding certain types of projects being funded under Axis 3 of the RDP and informed the Irish authorities that support/grant aid for adding value to products listed on Annex 1 to the EC Treaty may only be supported under Axis 1 of the current RDP.
Basic agricultural products are listed in Annex 1 to the EC Treaty and are commonly called Annex 1 products. Under the main Rural Development Regulation 1698/2005 support/grant aid for adding value to Annex 1 products is facilitated under Axis 1 of the programme. In this context the Commission pointed out that the resolution of the issue is a matter for the member state.
The project referred to in the question falls into the category of supporting Annex 1 products and therefore cannot be supported at this time. My Department and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food are currently working together with the support of the European Commission to resolve the issue. Negotiations are currently ongoing with a view to reaching a solution as soon as possible.
103 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will review the need for a regional waste water treatment plant as outlined in the greater Dublin strategic drainage study; and if he will mandate the local authorities to consider alternative methods of treatment. [13950/11]
The Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study (GDSDS) analysed the existing drainage system in the Greater Dublin area and proposed policies, strategies and projects for developing this system to meet future needs. In relation to waste water treatment capacity, the study recommended that, in addition to the expansion of the Ringsend wastewater treatment plant, a future regional wastewater treatment plant should be constructed in the Portrane/Donabate area of Fingal. Fingal County Council decided that certain aspects of the GDSDS should first be subjected to a Strategic Environmental Assessment.
The Strategic Environmental Assessment assessed sixteen strategic drainage options for the Greater Dublin Area. I am therefore satisfied that, through this process, the issue of alternative options has been addressed.
The Strategic Environmental Assessment concluded that a new regional wastewater treatment plant should be built in the Northern Greater Dublin Area and that the outfall should be located along the North Dublin coastline following a detailed site selection process.
All of the local authorities accepted the outcome of the Strategic Environmental Assessment and Fingal County Council has appointed a consultant to prepare a Preliminary Report for the scheme, including a recommendation on the optimum location for the proposed treatment plant. The location of the new plant is to be determined based on the site selection criteria set out in the Environmental Report of the Strategic Environmental Assessment.
I understand that Fingal County Council has initiated a public consultation to ascertain what issues or concerns should be taken into account in determining the locations of the three elements of the Greater Dublin Drainage project (the new wastewater treatment works, a marine outfall and new drainage network in the northern part of the Greater Dublin Area). This early engagement is in addition to future statutory consultation in the context of the formal planning application process in respect of the new infrastructure.
104 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when a final decision will be made with regard to Kerry County Council funding contribution towards the Waterville water and sewerage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13951/11]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 267 of 10 May 2011 which sets out the position in this matter.
105 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is funding available for restoration and associated works on thatched cottages. [14057/11]
Under my Department's renewal or repair of thatched roof grant scheme, a grant of up to €3,810, or two thirds of the approved cost, whichever is the lesser, may be payable in respect of necessary works to renew or repair the thatched roofs of houses. A higher grant of up to €5,714 may be payable where the house is situated on certain specified islands off the West and South coasts. In the case of medical card holders, a grant of up to €6,350, or up to 80% of the approved cost, may be payable in respect of houses situated on the mainland, rising to €8,252 where the house is situated on a specified off-shore island.
Eligibility under the grant scheme is contingent on the house being occupied as a normal place of residence on completion of the approved works.
The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has provided funding under the Local Authority Conservation Grant Scheme for the conservation of structures protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010, which was administered by the local authorities. The Department has also administered a Civic Structures Conservation Grants Scheme for the conservation of structures in civic or public ownership. Due to the significant reduction in the budgetary allocation to the built heritage within the vote of that Department, the operation of both grant schemes has been suspended. However, the Department concerned is providing limited funds in 2011 to assist with works to safeguard structures protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010 through a Structures at Risk Fund. Details on the operation of this fund were issued to each local authority in March 2011. Assessment of applications received by the closing date for this fund was recently undertaken by that Department and the relevant local authorities will be notified of the outcome shortly.
My Department is aware that the Heritage Council, which is funded by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, administer a number of conservation grants schemes including the Heritage Management Scheme. Conservation works to thatched structures may be eligible under this scheme. I understand that the closing dates for applications for 2011 have now passed.
106 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will implement procedures that require every maternal death, regardless of circumstance, to be submitted to a coroner’s inquest [14007/11]
The requirement to report a death to a coroner and whether to subsequently conduct an inquest is set out in sections 17 and 18 of the Coroners Act 1962. Under Coroners' Rules of Practice, as outlined on the Coroners website www.coroners.ie, maternal deaths relating to childbirth are required to be reported to the coroner. The Coroners Bill 2007, confirms this by providing, inter-alia, in the Third Schedule on Deaths Reportable to Coroner, for the reporting of “any maternal death that occurs during or following pregnancy (up to a period of six weeks post-partum) or that might be related to pregnancy”.
Fortunately, maternal deaths are exceptionally rare and this State has one of the lowest maternal mortality rates in the world. However, where such deaths occur, they are reported to a coroner and an autopsy would normally be held. It is then a matter for the coroner to decide, having regard to the circumstances of the maternal death, whether an inquest is necessary to determine the circumstances. There may be cases where an inquest would be unnecessary and leaving it to the discretion of the coroner is, therefore, considered to be the most appropriate public policy position.
107 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has considered the adoption of an entrepreneur visa similar to that in the UK. [14043/11]
I can confirm that my Department has been working on new immigration schemes in the area of entrepreneurship and investment. As I indicated in my contribution to Dail debate on the launch of a short term visa waiver programme for visitors travelling to Ireland from the UK, I believe there is scope for my Department to play a more proactive role in the national recovery effort and the area of entrepreneurship and investment is a case in point. I expect to receive recommendations in this area in early course.
108 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position on the priority list of a Garda station (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14078/11]
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.
The Garda authorities have indicated that significant refurbishment and extension works were carried out at the station referred to by the Deputy in 2010. These works consisted of renovation of the building internally and the provision of additional accommodation.
I have also been informed by the Garda authorities that the acquisition of a site for a new Garda station at the location referred to has been included in the list of proposed accommodation projects. In this regard, the Office of Public Works is examining options for the provision of a new Garda station in the light of the capital funding available within its Vote.
109 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality, further to Parliamentary Question No. 80 of 26 of May 2011, if another application has been received by his Department (details supplied); if so, the position regarding this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13961/11]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in May 2011.
The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
In that context, as I outlined in response to Parliamentary Question Number 69 of 7 April last, I can inform the Deputy that I have initiated steps within my Department to provide for speedier processing of applications to bring about a substantial reduction in the processing timescale. The new arrangements will be publicly announced once my Department is in a position to implement them.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
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.
110 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to promote the recognition of Irish sign language as outlined in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13964/11]
As outlined in the programme for Government, it is the Government's intention to promote the recognition of Irish Sign Language (ISL).
I would like to advise the Deputy that ISL already has formal recognition in the Education Act 1998. Under the Act it is a function of the Minister for Education and Skills to ensure, subject to the provisions of the Act, that there is made available to each person resident in the State, including a person with a disability or who has other special educational needs, support services and a level and quality of education appropriate to meeting the needs and abilities of that person.
A number of initiatives to promote the use of ISL in the education system are in place. These initiatives include encouraging special schools for deaf children to use sign language in class and funding an ISL weekly, home-tuition service that enables tutors to visit the homes of deaf pre-school children, pupils and their families.
I will consult with my colleagues about identifying additional measures to promote the use of ISL in the education system.
111 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [14000/11]
Valid applications for a certificate of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in January, 2008.
The applications are at an advanced stage of processing and will be finalised as expeditiously as possible.
As I outlined in response to Parliamentary Question Number 69 of 7 April last, I can inform the Deputy that I have initiated steps within my Department to provide for speedier processing of applications to bring about a substantial reduction in the processing timescale. The new arrangements will be publicly announced once my Department is in a position to implement them.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
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.
112 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice and Equality regarding the criteria whereby a person who applies for naturalisation must prove that they can support themselves and their family living here and must demonstrate that they have not received State support in the three year period before their application, if receipt of a family income supplement payment will disqualify an employed person from making such an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14055/11]
I will write to the Deputy shortly providing the information he has requested.
113 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the individual cost to An Garda Síochána of policing each game of the Carling Nations Cup recently played at the Aviva Stadium including those featuring Northern Ireland; the total cost of policing for the tournament; if the Football Association of Ireland contributes towards the cost of providing policing for these games; if he will request the FAI in future to hold games with small attendances at a different venue to save the State considerable expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14072/11]
The Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the relevant records, which would include details involving both ordinary policing duties and, also, non-public duty, are not maintained in a form which would permit them to provide the information sought by the Deputy. In addition, they have indicated that to compile this information would require a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources.
114 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the practice of providing naturalisation certificates only in the Irish language; if he will consider offering these certificates in English; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14074/11]
The Irish language is the first official language of the State and it is the long standing practice of the citizenship division of my Department to issue certificates of naturalisation in Irish. A translation of the certificate in English is available on request.
115 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of properties acquired by the Criminal Assets Bureau; the number disposed of; the number pending; the total funds realised to date from disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14090/11]
In accordance with the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Acts 1996 and 2005 the High Court may, in circumstances where an interim order or interlocutory order under that legislation is in place, appoint a receiver in respect of the property to which the order relates.
In circumstances where a receiver is appointed, it would be more accurate to refer to the bureau having obtained an order for receivership in respect of the property rather than the Bureau having acquired the property.
In accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996, an annual report on the activities of the Bureau is prepared and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The reports include details of the number of receivership orders obtained, the valuesof such orders and the amounts realised by the bureau to the Minister for Finance for the benefit of the central Exchequer. The annual reports are available in the Oireachtas library and on the website of An Garda Síochána (www.garda.ie) and my Department (www.justice.ie)http://www.justice.ie/. The annual report for 2010 is currently being prepared.
116 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current use of Jessbrook, County Kildare; the future use of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14091/11]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the equestrian centre, stables, lands and residence known as Jessbrook are currently the subject of a High Court Order pursuant to section 3 of the Proceeds of Crime Acts 1996 and 2005.
A receiver has been appointed with a responsibility to maintain the premises in good order and, if possible, to generate financial return.
The equestrian centre, stables and the lands are now the subject of a rent and repair lease with the Office of Public Works. That office has taken formal possession on the basis of that lease.
The residence is subject to a caretakers agreement and, by order of the court, a caretaker is in place with a right of residence. The premises remain to be dealt with in accordance with the Proceeds of Crime Acts 1996 and 2005.
117 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to date in respect of determination of residency in the case of a person (details supplied); when a decision will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14092/11]
119 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to date in respect of a determination of residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; when a decision will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14097/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 119 together.
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the separate questions raised by the Deputy refers to the same person and that there is no application pending for residency for that person. The person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order, signed on 8th March 2011, following a comprehensive and thorough examination of his asylum claim, and a detailed examination of the representations he submitted for consideration under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). The Deportation Order requires him to remove himself from the State and remain thereafter outside the State. He did not remove himself from the State and had been evading deportation by failing to present himself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau ('GNIB') since 2nd April 2011. He has only recently complied with the requirement to present to GNIB and last reported to GNIB on the 26th May 2011.
An application pursuant to Section 17(7) of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), has been made by the legal representative of the person concerned. This application, which seeks to allow the person concerned to re-enter the asylum process, is under consideration at present. When a decision has been made on that application, that decision, and the consequences of that decision, will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned. The Deputy should note that such an application does not suspend the deportation process.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by e-mail 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.
118 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14095/11]
I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy arrived in the State in June 2006 and was granted permission to remain on student conditions. He has subsequently been granted permission to remain in the State for a four month period to enable a prospective employer to apply for a work permit on his behalf and his solicitor was advised of this by letter dated 26 May 2011.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by e-mail 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.
120 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he intends to grant extended leave to remain on humanitarian grounds in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14098/11]
Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 9th November, 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
The Deputy may wish to note that the address supplied in his Question does not match the address currently on record in my Department. If, as it appears, the person concerned has changed address, she is legally obliged to communicate such an address change to my Department without delay.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail 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.
121 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position and progress made to date in the determination of residency, naturalisation and citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14099/11]
The person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State, on Stamp 4 conditions, for a two year period, from 25 May, 2005 to 25 May, 2007, under the Revised Arrangements for the non-EEA national parents of children born in Ireland prior to 1 January, 2005, commonly known as the IBC/05 Scheme.
Subsequent to Romania's accession to the European Union (EU) on 1 January, 2007, there was no requirement for Romanian citizens who had been granted permission to remain in the State under the IBC/05 Scheme to apply to have this permission renewed in 2007. Instead, such persons, once they continued to reside in the State, were exempted from the Work Permit requirements applicable to Romanian nationals who had no right of residency in the State at the time of Romania's accession to the EU.
I have been advised that, to date, no citizenship application has been made by the person concerned.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas mail facility which has been specifically established for the 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.
122 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if and when determination of naturalisation and citizenship will be concluded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14101/11]
The person concerned and his wife were both granted permission to remain in the State, on Stamp 4 conditions, for a two year period, from 31 January, 2005 to 31 January, 2007, under the Revised arrangements for the non-EEA national parents of children born in Ireland prior to 1 January, 2005, commonly known as the IBC/05 Scheme.
Subsequent to Romania's accession to the European Union (EU) on 1 January, 2007, there was no requirement for Romanian citizens who had been granted permission to remain in the State under the IBC/05 Scheme to apply to have this permission renewed in 2007. This position was notified to the person concerned and his wife by separate letters dated 19 February, 2007. These communications advised the person concerned and his wife that once they continued to reside in the State, they would be exempted from the Work Permit requirements applicable to Romanian nationals who had no right of residency in the State at the time of Romania's accession to the EU.
I have been advised that, to date, no citizenship application has been made by the person concerned or his wife.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas mail facility which has been specifically established for the 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
123 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if and when residency will be updated in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14102/11]
The person concerned was granted temporary permission to remain in the State, on Stamp 4 conditions, for a one year period, valid to 31st May, 2011. This decision was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter dated 31st May, 2010.
The person concerned has applied for the renewal of this permission. When a decision has been made on this renewal application, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the decision and the consequences of the decision.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail 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.
124 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence the structure of air traffic control for all the airports within his control; the number of staff assigned to each airport; the rating of each member; the number of staff that are determined as training personnel; if each airport has the correct allocation of trained officers; if any airport has any officers acting in a higher capacity due to the embargo on promotion in the Defence Forces; if so, has he or is he proposing to take action to overcome same; if he is proposing any review of the overall position of ATC within the Defence Forces; if so, the time scale of such a review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14004/11]
Military Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel are assigned to Air Corps Headquarters in Baldonnel and to the 505 Squadron of the Air Corps, with the former element providing expert advice at Air Corps and Defence Force level, liaison with external bodies and oversight of the ATC function. The 505 Squadron provides the ATC service at Baldonnel and for airspace designated for the use of the Air Corps which enables military pilots to conduct their flights in a safe environment. The service is achieved by Air Traffic Controllers transmitting instructions to pilots in the form of ‘air traffic control clearances' and by providing vital flight information and navigational assistance. In addition, air traffic controllers are responsible for providing an ‘Alerting and Emergency Service' and initiating ‘Search and Rescue' action for aircraft which may require assistance. Civilian aircraft operating within, or transiting through military airspace, are also provided with a service appropriate to their particular needs.
The service is provided by a number of controllers who man a variety of co-located and interdependent control positions, collectively called the ‘ATC Watch'. A standard ATC Watch normally comprises of an ATC Watch Supervisor, Aerodrome Controller and Approach Radar Controller. There are currently six fully qualified and five partially qualified personnel in Air Traffic Control. All eleven personnel have Tower qualifications and five of these also have Radar qualifications. Eight personnel including two Air Corps Headquarters personnel are on-the-job training instructors who may provide training to controllers in Air Traffic Control positions. On the job instruction is provided at all times during normal working hours to ensure maximum use is made of suitable traffic situations. There are two personnel currently undergoing on the job training. In 2010 six controllers left and replacements are currently being trained. There are two personnel currently performing duties of a higher grade.
I have no plans to carry out a review of the ATC function within the Defence Forces.
125 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Defence his long-term plans for the military barracks site in Nenagh, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14028/11]
The site of the former military barracks at Nenagh, comprising of 2.5 acres approximately, is vested in the Minister for Finance but in the administration of the Department of Defence. The Barracks is of limited military use apart from use by the Reserve Defence Force which is limited to a much reduced area of the property known as the former OPW Depot. In 2002 due to the interest of The Heritage Council, An Taisce and the very strong feelings put forward by local representatives and community groups' consideration was given to transferring the property to Nenagh Town Council for public use on the basis of a long lease. It was felt at the time that this was the best solution in relation to a property which undoubtedly, has heritage merit but which has fallen into disrepair with consequent attendant health and safety considerations.
However, at a meeting with Nenagh Town Council in December, 2009 the Department was informed that the Town Council no longer wished to acquire the property. This property, as with all surplus property, will be disposed of taking account of market conditions, so as to maximise the return to the Defence Forces and generate funding for reinvestment in equipment and infrastructure.
126 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a penalty relating to a REP scheme payment will be waived in view of an appeal lodged by a person (details provided) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13962/11]
The person named commenced REPS 3 in November 2006 and has received payment in respect years 1 to 4.
Following an inspection on 20 September 2010, penalties totalling 100% of the year 5 payment were imposed. The person named lodged an appeal with the Agriculture Appeals Office on 27th May 2011.
The Appeals Officer is currently reviewing the file and will be in contact with the person named when this review is complete.
127 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will be made in relation to agri-environment options scheme to persons (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13989/11]
The person named has been approved into the AEOS scheme with a start date of 1 September 2010.
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. I expect that payments to participants in the scheme in respect of 2010 will commence in August and that payments in respect of 2011 for AEOS1 participants will commence in October.
128 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when an application for a sheep fencing grant will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13993/11]
An application from the above-named person under the Sheep Fencing/Mobile Handling Equipment Scheme was received in my Department under the second tranche of applications on 25 March 2011.
The grant applications received during the course of the first tranche provided for under the Scheme are currently being processed within my Department. The processing of applications received during the second tranche, the closing date for which was 3 May 2011, will commence when the first tranche has been completed.
129 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not been paid in relation to the REP scheme. [13996/11]
The person named commenced in REPS 3 on 1 December 2005 and completed his contract on 31 December 2009. Payment in respect of each of the 5 years has issued to the person named.
130 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that the Animal Health and Welfare Bill is brought before Dáil Éireann prior to the summer recess; and if he will confirm that there will be no alteration in previous commitments that it would contain a total ban on fur farming. [14005/11]
It is my intention to publish the Animal Health & Welfare Bill this year. However, as the Deputy will be aware the Bill is a complex one and will require extensive work in conjunction with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to complete the required legal drafting. Once a complete draft is available I intend to publish the Bill. The issue of fur farming is being examined in the context of the ongoing drafting of the Bill.
131 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients who are on the orthopaedic consultant's general St. Mary’s Orthopaedics Hospital, Cork, orthopaedic hip list; if he will provide a breakdown of the waiting times of these patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13958/11]
The management of waiting lists generally is a matter for the HSE and the individual hospitals concerned. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the Executive for direct reply.
132 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason an operation for a person (details supplied) in County Cork has been cancelled three times; and if he will confirm when it will take place. [13973/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
133 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will investigate the situation whereby the 42 mother and baby homes which were allegedly involved in illegal or informal adoptions and closed in 1972 when the Health Act came into being claim to have no records for any of the women and children in their care; if he will seek to establish the existence and whereabouts of files such as medical and social work files pertaining to the persons involved and make them available to them, thus potentially enabling them to trace their biological families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13985/11]
The issues raised by the Deputy relate to practices that were private arrangements which involved the birth of a child being registered as the child of those persons or families that took the child, rather than of the birth mother. The issuing of birth certificates is a matter for the Department of Social Protection, and suspected irregularities should be investigated by that Department. The scale of such illegal birth registrations is unknown.
The issue of historical documentation and records, where such information ever existed, was a matter for these private institutions. My understanding is that very little documentation existed, and where it did, the nature and secretiveness of the process means that any correlation of data is extremely difficult.
134 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 349 and 504 of 10 May 2011, regarding the proposed new community hospital in Kenmare, County Kerry, and in view of the response from the Health Service Executive in relation to same in which they state the scale, layout and construction of the existing accommodation in Kenmare are not sufficient to provide accommodation to Health Information and Quality Authority standards, if he will now give a commitment to include the proposed community hospital for Kenmare in the 2011 capital plan and if he will sign off on same [13988/11]
Under the Health Act 2007 statutory responsibility is given to the Chief Inspector of Social Services, part of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), for the independent inspection and registration of certain categories of designated centres. This includes residential care settings for older people. Since 1 July 2009 all nursing homes, public and private, are registered under the Health Act 2007 (Registration of Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009, as amended, by the Chief Inspector. All nursing homes (public and private) are inspected under the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009, as amended, and must meet the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland.
The Chief Inspector has the power to refuse to register, attach conditions to a registration or cancel the registration of a designated centre in the event of non-compliance with the regulations or the standards.
There are separate criteria for designated centres which were in operation when the new regime commenced on 1 July 2009 and for new centres that have opened since that date. Designated centres which were in operation at the commencement of the new regime have up to six years from that date to meet the criteria for new centres. This would include centres such as Kenmare.
Any capital development such as the proposed Community Nursing Unit at Kenmare, Co Kerry must be considered in the context of the overall HSE Capital Plan. This is a multi-annual programme which is developed over a rolling five year period. In drawing up its capital programme for the current 2011-2015 period the HSE is required to prioritise capital infrastructure projects within the overall capital funding allocation. Given the level of capital commitments already in place, there is limited funding available for new contracts before 2014. The HSE has submitted its draft Capital Plan for the multi-annual period 2011 — 2015. This draft plan is under consideration and requires the approval of the Minister for Health and Children with the consent of the Minister for Finance. Details of the plan will be published by the HSE following its approval.
135 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the facilities available to a family (details supplied) in County Kildare to allow them receive treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14002/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
136 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to recommence the return to nursing programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14003/11]
I understand from the Health Service Executive that Return to Nurse Practice Programmes are organised by the HSE and HSE Funded Voluntary Health Care agencies nationally. In 2011, one course was run in Adelaide Meath and National Children's Hospital (AMNCH Tallaght). The Health Service Executive currently has no plans in place to run any further return to nursing practice programmes. However, the requirement to recommence this programme will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
137 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will publish the full report of the investigation into the death of a person (details supplied). [14006/11]
The question of publishing the report is a matter for the HSE. I understand that the full report cannot be released as it specifically relates to the patient care and personal circumstances of an individual whose rights must be respected. However, all of the recommendations of the report have been released other than one which relates to the individual patient. Details of these recommendations are included in my reply to you of 26 May 2011 in response to Parliamentary Question 109 .
138 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the long-term plans that will be provided for diabetes paediatric services for children living in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14010/11]
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. However, I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply the necessary information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.
139 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children living in County Donegal currently receiving paediatric treatment for diabetes; the location at which they are currently receiving that treatment; the total cost of that treatment in each of the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and the projected expenditure for 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14013/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
140 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health and Children if the cervical cancer vaccine will require joint parental consent; and if not, if he will explain the way this can be, in view of the Health Service Executive guidelines on obtaining consent for non-emergency treatment and services for young persons under 18 years. [14033/11]
The consent form for the administration of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) cervical cancer vaccine was developed in line with
consent forms used in previous vaccination campaigns the meningococcal C vaccine campaign in 2000, the MMR catch up campaign in 2009 and the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccination programme in 2009/2010
guidance on consent issues as per the HSE Quality and Risk department as published in Chapter 6 of the Practical Guide to Immunisation 2008
the guide to professional conduct and ethics for registered medical practitioners 7th edition 2009 published by the Medical Council
consultation with the Data Protection Commissioner
consultation with the National Adult Literacy Agency
In line with custom and practice in previous immunisation campaigns consent is only required from one parent.
141 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the procedure attached to retirement payments for Health Service Executive employees in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14053/11]
As this is a local matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
142 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is any provision or funding for getting a child 14 years and older or children in third year and subsequent years at second level schools vacinated under the cervical vaccination programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14056/11]
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, a cervical cancer vaccination catch-up programme for all girls in 6th year secondary schools will commence in the 2011-12 academic year. This will be repeated for the following two years in September 2012 and 2013 and will result in all girls in the senior cycle of second level schools being offered HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccination programme for first year girls will continue.
143 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if he proposes to reform the answering of parliamentary questions in Dáil Éireann by him and Ministers of State for his Department and to stop referring questions to the Health Service Executive for direct reply by the HSE to Deputies; his views that once a parliamentary question is in order that it should be replied to directly by the Minister himself, albeit that his reply be informed by information supplied to him by the HSE and that this includes questions about local services, local hospitals and individual cases because Deputies are mandated by their election to represent constituencies throughout the country, to raise such matters with him; when he proposes real reforms in the answering of parliamentary questions relating to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14062/11]
144 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 172 of 13 April 2011, in regard to his stated intention only to answer parliamentary questions about operation issues of a national nature and to refer questions about individual patients and local service issues to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to Deputies; that this is a diminution of our role as Deputies to Dáil Éireann for our constituencies, whereby we should be able to ask questions in Dáil Éireann on behalf of our constituents; that what he is proposing is not in reality a reform of the answering of parliamentary questions to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14063/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 144 together.
My Department receives an average of 6,000 Parliamentary Questions each year. Around 60% of these questions concern operational issues and are referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to Deputies. Many of these questions relate to individual patients and local day to day operational matters. The HSE is a statutory body with its own vote and Accounting Officer and is statutorily responsible for operational matters in the health service. There is a commitment in the HSE's 2011 Service Plan to answer 75% of questions referred to it within 15 working days.
The Programme for Government contains a number of commitments to improving the way Parliamentary Questions, Adjournment Debates etc. are dealt with. I expect that these initiatives will be progressed across all Government Departments in due course. As noted by the Deputy, since taking office I have decided that Parliamentary Questions relating to operational issues of a national scale or importance will now be answered by myself or the relevant Minister of State instead of being referred to the HSE. Whenever possible these questions will be answered on the relevant Dáil sitting day. Where this is not possible because the information is not readily available, a reply will be issued as soon as possible thereafter.
Questions concerning individual patients and operational matters relating to local issues will continue to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to Deputies. While my Department has ultimate accountability for the health services, it is my belief that a balance has to be struck between responsibility for local issues, which rests with local area service managers, and the ultimate accountability of Ministers.
145 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 143 of the 12 May 2011, if he will arrange speech therapy in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14073/11]
I have made inquiries with the Health Service Executive with regard to this individual. The HSE are investigating the matter and will respond directly to the Deputy.
146 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to appoint a specialist paediatric nurse in endocrinology at Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal, to provide a service to the approximately 135 paediatric diabetic patients attending the hospital in view of the recommendation of the 2008 diabetes expert advisory group that there should be one such nurse for each 100 patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14075/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
147 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting times being experienced by paediatric patients and adolescents for insulin pumps in order to control and manage their diabetes; the plans he has to address waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14076/11]
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. However, I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply the necessary information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.
148 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will support the Diabetes Action Group proposal in seeking the reorganisation of existing paediatric diabetes services into eight regional networks, with the Dublin network acting as a tertiary hub of excellence, including the appointment of one additional diabetes nurse specialist and one dietician to support future access to new treatments for diabetes here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14077/11]
The HSE established a National Clinical Programme for Diabetes within the Clinical Strategy and Programmes Directorate. A clinical lead is in charge of the programme and a multi-disciplinary working group, representing a number of nursing and allied health professionals, podiatrists and GPs, as well as the Diabetes Federation of Ireland are working through a number of key projects. The key deliverables for the 2011 programme are the implementation of projects such as Diabetes Retinopathy Screening and a multi-disciplinary foot care package for patients with Diabetes.
The HSE has also established a National Clinical Programme for Paediatrics, which will examine in detail the whole area of improved services for children and adolescents and develop solutions to address the issues identified.
149 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if and when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14079/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
150 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the necessary funding that will be provided through the vocational education committees, the Health Service Executive and any other bodies such as partnerships or the national lottery to ensure the continuation of the Kildare-Offaly Lifestart programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14093/11]
The Health Service Executive may, subject to the resources available to it, provide funding from its overall service budget to an organisation to provide services on its behalf, or a service that is similar or ancillary to, a service the Executive provides. A voluntary body seeking assistance should make a written application to the HSE, setting out the purpose for which the assistance is required and all other relevant information, including details of the organisation's financial position. The Health Service Executive is also in receipt of National Lottery funding and makes grants available from this source to local voluntary organisations and other organisations. I am not directly involved in decisions regarding these grants, which are determined locally or regionally within the HSE.
In addition, my Department has a National Lottery discretionary fund in place which provides once-off grants to community groups and organisations, providing a range of health related services. The assessment of applications is made on the basis that these grants are intended to be discretionary once-off funding and is not intended to fund ongoing services. My Department has no record of an application from the Group referred to by the Deputy. If the organisation wishes to make an application for National Lottery Funding they should send in a formal application. Detailed procedures, along with the application form are set out on my Department's website —www.dohc.ie.
Funding provided by the Vocational Education Committees is a matter for the Minister for Education and Skills. Funding provided to local Partnerships is a matter for Pobal, which comes under the remit of the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government.
151 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, with regard to the taxi industry, the number of public service vehicle licence holders who are not holders of PSV driving licenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13955/11]
The issue raised is the direct responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA). I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
152 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason an accessible bus does not stop anywhere in a town (details supplied) to allow those who use power wheelchairs to board or dismount from the bus; if this situation can be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13984/11]
As the issue raised is a matter for Bus Éireann in conjunction with the Local Authority and the National Transport Authority, I have referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
