Timmy Dooley
Question:33 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to better support tourism in rural areas; and the percentage of the overall budget allocated to developing rural tourism. [18900/11]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 9 to 20, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 21 to 32, inclusive, answered orally.
Tourism Development
Denis Naughten
Question:35 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to support tourism in the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18665/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 35 together.
The Government recognises that the tourism sector is very important to all the regions of Ireland. It generates an estimated employment of 170,000, spread throughout the country and much of this in rural areas.
The Government's recent Jobs Initiative has placed tourism nationally and regionally at the heart of our economic recovery, recognising its vital contribution to employment, economic activity and exports. The decision to reduce the level of VAT on a range of labour-intensive tourism services from 13.5% to 9% with effect from 1 July 2011 is a major concession, which provides an opportunity to enhance further the competitiveness of our tourism product.
The Visa Waiver Scheme will encourage visitors from emerging markets to add Ireland to a trip to the UK. The Government has also significantly reduced the cost of employing people by halving employers' PRSI for those on modest wages and also by reviewing the regulatory framework for employment in a range of sectors.
We are now beginning to see a recovery across the various overseas source markets for Ireland — with year-on-year growth of 8.6% in visit numbers in the first quarter of 2011, including growth of 12% from areas outside Europe and North America.
Operational responsibility relating to tourism promotion or development, including operational budgets for the promotion and development of rural tourism and tourism in the regions, rests with the State tourism agencies. I have no function in regard to such operational matters.
Question No. 34 answered with Question No. 32
Question No. 35 answered with Question No. 33.
Question No. 36 answered with Question No. 32.
Tourism Industry
Sandra McLellan
Question:37 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the efforts he has made to ensure that a competitive business environment is maintained in the tourism industry; the further efforts he has made to ensure that hotels under the control of the National Asset Management Agency are not operating on a below-cost basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18956/11]
The Government's recent Jobs Initiative has placed tourism at the heart of our economic recovery. The decision to reduce the VAT rate on a range of labour-intensive tourism services from 13.5% to 9% with effect from 1 July 2011 is a major concession providing an opportunity to enhance further the competitiveness of our tourism product.
The Government has also significantly reduced the cost of employing people by halving employers' PRSI for those on modest wages and also by reviewing the regulatory framework for employment in a range of sectors.
In regard to hotel-backed loans held by NAMA, under Section 66 (1) (a) of the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) Act, the participating institutions were required to service loans in the same manner as a prudent lender, prior to their transfer to NAMA. All banks are also obliged by the financial regulator to lend in a prudent and sustainable manner. Where the Deputy has evidence that a bank is acting contrary to its regulatory obligations, the matter should be brought to the attention of the Financial Regulator.
My officials have raised this matter with officials in the Department of Finance and I am informed by NAMA that it has acquired loans secured by some 83 hotels located within the State, of which 78 are open for business. NAMA has informed me that it does not support any hotel operating on a below cost basis. I am further informed by NAMA that it will be developing a comprehensive strategy to deal with the hotels in its portfolio. NAMA has acknowledged that the long-term future of some hotels may not be as hotels and alternative uses will have to be found for them.
There appears however to be a perception amongst some quarters of the hotel industry that the removal of these so-called "Nama Hotels" will allow hoteliers to revert to 2007 prices. This is not realistic and would be damaging to the Irish tourist product. Any recovery in Irish tourism will be dependent — along with other factors — on being cost competitive. Significant increases in hotel prices would undermine this. Furthermore, it must be noted that a large number of hotels in financial difficulty are not in fact financed by Irish banks, but rather by foreign owned banks and as such are not within NAMA.
Sport and Recreational Development
David Stanton
Question:38 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the initiatives in place to improve local sports facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18955/11]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, funding is allocated towards the provision of sports facilities at national, regional and local level. It is the primary vehicle for promoting the development of sports and recreational facilities in Ireland. The Programme has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland with improved facilities in virtually every village, town and city. The facilities funded range from new equipment for the smallest clubs, to regional multi-sport centres and national centres of sporting excellence.
Over 7,400 projects providing a range of essential sports facilities have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998 bringing the total allocation in that time to over €739 million. These grants continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring the provision of modern, high quality facilities around Ireland that attract more people to participate in sporting activities. While no new round of the Programme has been advertised since 2008 the Programme is still very active with €33m provided in 2011 to fund existing allocations. I am looking at the options available to me with regard to a new Programme within the present financial constraints but no decision has been made about the timing of future rounds of the Programme.
Under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, which is administered by my Department, grant aid to a maximum of €3.8 million is provided to Local Authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. Since 2000, 58 projects have or are being dealt with under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme of which 46 have been completed and the other 12 projects are at various stages of the Programme. The €6.65m allocated for 2011 will be sufficient to meet commitments this year under the current round of the Programme.
Sports Development
Jonathan O'Brien
Question:39 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his strategy to develop all-Ireland co-operation in the area of sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18968/11]
The Irish Sports Council and the Sports Council for Northern Ireland have an excellent working relationship and engage in a number of joint initiatives such as the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport and the biennial All Island Sports Development Conference. Coaching Ireland, which has the lead role in the development of coaching in Ireland, operates on an all island basis. Many of the National Governing Bodies of Sport are also constituted on an all-island basis. These include the governing bodies of gaelic games, rugby, boxing, cricket and golf amongst others.
While one may like to see all sporting organisations operate on an all-Ireland basis, these will — and must — be organic developments. Any political involvement in such matters, would I believe, be hugely counter-productive and would undermine any such developments.
The high level All Island Planning Group, which includes the Chairperson and Chief Executive of each Sports Council, meets on a regular basis to ensure consistency in policy and practice in sports development. There is co-operation on such issues as research, development of high performance sport and anti-doping. The group ensures that there is no duplication of effort in planning and support for governing bodies of sport and individual athletes.
Taxi Regulations
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:40 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason full-time taxi drivers, one licence, one holder, are not represented on the new taxi sector review group, set up to explore all aspects of taxi regulation here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18845/11]
In my announcements of the 8th and 24th June respectively I have clarified the terms of reference and the membership of the Taxi Regulation Review Group, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. The review will enable necessary further reforms of the sector to allow consumers to have confidence in the taxi system while also ensuring that legitimate and competent operators and drivers can be rewarded fairly by operating under a regulatory framework that is adequately enforced. It will address a wide range of issues relating to the taxi sector including the current regulatory policy and practices, licensing systems, enforcement and future dialogue with the taxi sector.
I should point out to the Deputy that there are three representatives of the taxi sector on the review group working at different levels and one of these is a full-time owner-driver and single plate holder. In my view, the diverse membership of the Review Steering Group will allow an appropriate contribution from stakeholders, including dispatch operators, drivers, consumers as well as the regulatory and enforcement agencies. I should add that the consultation on the review extends to all interested parties and stakeholders through an invitation for written submission to be made before the end of July.
Stadium Projects
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:41 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will expand on his comments confirming that he asked the Sports Campus Authority to continue developing the National Sports Campus at Abbotstown, Dublin, on an incremental basis at a low cost. [18960/11]
At its meeting on Tuesday 21 June, the Government approved my proposals for the development of the National Sports Campus at Abbotstown/Blanchardstown on an incremental basis. In particular I have asked the National Sports Campus Development Authority (NSCDA) to proceed with the development of a National Indoor Training Arena, which would include an Indoor Track. I am acutely aware of the difficulty of securing capital funding from the Exchequer because of the financial difficulties facing the Government. I have, therefore, asked the Campus Authority to explore other avenues of funding such as philanthropy and/or sale of some of the land.
I have also asked the Campus Authority to continue to pursue the policy of developing elements of the Development Control Plan in partnership with the main field sports viz. GAA, FAI, IRFU and Irish Hockey Association..
As provided for in Section 7(8) of the National Sports Campus Development Authority Act, 2006, I have asked my Department to contact the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to put arrangements in train for the transfer of the land to the NSCDA. Abbotstown House is a protected structure under the Fingal County Development Plan. I believe that Abbotstown House would benefit from having an anchor tenant and that the Irish Sports Council would be an ideal tenant in this regard. I have asked the Campus Authority to consider this suggestion and to come back to me with proposals for the future use of Abbotstown House. In parallel with the core National Sports Campus project, the Campus Authority is also continuing its strategy of redeveloping and refurbishing existing buildings on the Abbotstown site for use by the wider sporting community, in particular the National Governing Bodies of Sport. Work is underway on the refurbishment of the former Marine Institute building as a headquarters for the NGBs.
Suicide Prevention
Gerry Adams
Question:42 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the potential role of sport in suicide prevention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18958/11]
Investment in sport is based on our belief that it is an important part of our individual, community and national life. It can make a major contribution to some of our most pressing social and health issues, including mental health and suicide prevention. We all appreciate the important role that sport plays in our society in promoting healthy lifestyles, creating a sense of identity and belonging, channelling energy in rewarding activity and bringing people together.
I want to ensure that all people are encouraged and given opportunities to participate in sport and to enjoy all the benefits that sport can bring through developing a healthy lifestyle. In that context the Irish Sports Council, which is funded by my Department, has an allocation of almost €46.9 million in 2011.
Sport and Recreational Development
Catherine Murphy
Question:43 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the acquisition or ownership transfer of leisure facilities in National Asset Management Agency ownership has been considered as a means of provision to areas that experience a deficit of such facilities; if he has sought information from NAMA regarding the prospect of such acquisitions; if his attention has been drawn to the number of leisure facilities currently under NAMA ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18670/11]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Minister for Finance has responsibility for the National Asset Management Agency and Minister Noonan has answered Parliamentary Questions on this matter in the Dáil recently. For details of NAMA's commitment to contributing to broader social and economic objectives, such as those set out in the Deputy's question, I would refer the Deputy to questions answered by the Minister for Finance on this issue on 1 and 14 June this year.
The Government's primary means for assisting in the provision of sports facilities is through the Sports Capital Programme. While the Sports Capital Programme, as currently structured, does not provide grants for the acquisition of land or premises, I would be happy for officials of my Department to meet with officials from NAMA to discuss any areas where co-operation could benefit sports organisations.
Tourism Policy
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:44 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the tourism renewal implementation group; the remit of this group; the progress made to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18959/11]
In July 2010, my predecessor established a Tourism Renewal Implementation Group, which she chaired. This group has not met since my appointment. I have no plans to reconvene the group.
The Programme for Government 2011 sets out Government's priorities for tourism policy, including commitments on access, marketing, visas and product development. The Government's Jobs Initiative delivered on a number of these key commitments, as well as supporting tourism generally, by:
Reducing VAT for tourism-related goods and services;
Reducing the cost of employing people by halving employers' PRSI for those on modest wages;
A three-pronged plan to promote inbound tourism covering the travel tax, passenger charges, and co-operative marketing; and
A visa waiver scheme to make it easier for tourists from emerging markets to visit Ireland.
In addition to this, tourism will also benefit from Internship and Work Placement programmes, and investment in non-national roads and transport infrastructure.
I am satisfied that tourism policy priorities are being effectively pursued under the Programme for Government by myself and Minister Ring supported our Department and the two tourism agencies. It is also important that the industry plays its part, in partnership with the agencies, and I welcome the establishment of an industry-led Tourism Recovery Taskforce, including Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, to complement the work of Government. As such, I feel little merit in reconvening the Tourism Renewal Implementation Group.
Public Transport
Dara Calleary
Question:45 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of a recent report into the published accounts of Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus conducted by a company (details supplied) and published by the Coach Tourism and Transport Council, if he intends to introduce a proper tendering regime of Bus Éireann’s PSO routes following claims by the CTTC that private bus and coach operators could save the Exchequer €20 million to €30 million through a proper tendering regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18906/11]
I am of course aware of the contents of the Report mentioned. Under EU law and the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, as amended, existing public service obligation (PSO) bus services can be procured by the NTA through direct award contracts and any other new subvented services must be procured by way of open tendering. The NTA is obliged under the Public Services Contracts to ensure that the compensation payable is not in excess of the costs incurred in discharging the PSO taking account of the relevant receipts and a reasonable profit. It is also required to ensure that the costs in discharging the PSO are in keeping with those of a well-run Operator. Operators are required to maintain separate accounts in accordance with the Regulation to increase transparency and avoid cross-subsidisation. The direct award contract with Bus Éireann applies for 5 years. At the end of the 5 year period NTA has discretion to renew or modify the direct award provision of bus services following a consultation process with interested parties under which the NTA is obliged to justify its approach.
In accordance with the commitment in the Programme for Government to explore the benefit to the public transport passenger of more diverse bus service provision, I am considering the various options that are currently available as regards achieving greater diversity of bus operators. I will be consulting with my Ministerial colleagues on the future options for procurement of PSO bus services once I have completed my examination of the options. I hope to announce the outcome of those consultations in the coming months.
Tourism Development
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:46 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which an overall and forensic assessment of the tourism industry has been undertaken with a view to identification of the factors deemed most likely to inhibit progress, growth and development; if he will outline the specific issues, if any, identified as being fundamental in the context of a major expansion of the industry here with the emphasis on employment creation through competitiveness and quality of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18908/11]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:177 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which he has had discussions with the stakeholders in the tourism sector with a view to ensuring that the VAT reductions announced in the jobs initiative are passed on to the consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19208/11]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:178 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which he or his Department monitors the various elements likely to contribute to development and growth in the tourism sector with particular reference to the maximisation of job opportunities and service to the consumer; the measures taken, if any, arising from any such appraisal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19209/11]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:179 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which costs in the tourism sector here are comparable and competitive with those in other jurisdictions throughout the EU; the extent to which it is necessary to address any issues arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19210/11]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:180 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has had any recent discussion with the various stakeholders in the tourism sector with a view to achieving maximum employment leading to economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19211/11]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:181 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which issues have arisen in discussions he has had with stakeholders in the tourism sector which are deemed to be of a significant or fundamental nature in the development of the sector; his plans if any for initiative in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19212/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 177 to 181, inclusive, together.
I have an ongoing dialogue with major stakeholders in the tourism sector. The Jobs Initiative recognises the vital contribution of tourism to employment, economic activity and exports. The reduced VAT rate on a range of labour-intensive tourism services from 13.5% to 9% is a major concession providing an opportunity to enhance the competitiveness of Irish tourism.
I have written to the main representative bodies asking their members to pass on the benefits of the VAT reduction. There are no sanctions that the Government can take against individual businesses that do not pass on the benefits of the VAT reduction. However, consumers may wish to consider whether they should favour establishments that have clearly demonstrated their willingness to pass on the VAT cut.
The Government has also reduced the cost of employing people by halving employers' PRSI for those on modest wages and also by reviewing the regulatory framework for employment in a range of sectors. The new National Internship Scheme (NIS) provides an opportunity for the tourism industry to take on interns in a range of areas. The Short-stay Visa Waiver Programme will allow persons from selected countries granted leave to enter the UK as a tourist or business visitor to be able to travel to Ireland without the requirement to obtain an Irish visa. These measures should help grow and sustain employment in the sector. I hope that we are beginning to see a recovery across the various overseas source markets for Ireland — with year-on-year growth of 8.6% in visitor numbers in the first quarter of 2011, including growth of 12% from areas outside Europe and North America.
Semi-State Bodies
Niall Collins
Question:47 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in view of a recent report into the published accounts of Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus conducted by a company (details supplied) which showed that CIÉ Tours International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CIÉ, is incorporated in the USA and separate financial accounts are not published for it, he will commit to supplying detailed up-to-date accounts for the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18905/11]
CIÉ Tours International, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Córas Iompair Éireann and is registered in the United States of America. The main business of CIÉ Tours International, Inc. is to retail coach tour packages on behalf of CIÉ Tours. The accounts for CIÉ Tours International, Inc. are consolidated into the financial statements of Córas Iompair Éireann. Summary revenue and expenditure details are disclosed in the notes to the financial statements and a business commentary is included in the Chairman's Statement. I have previously requested a copy of the most recent financial accounts for CIÉ Tours International, Inc. from CIÉ and I expect to receive these shortly. It is my intention, subject to any legal considerations, to ensure a copy of such accounts is laid before each House of the Oireachtas.
Regional Airports
Tom Fleming
Question:48 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will investigate the prolonged process and delay in initiating the required upgrading of the main gateways from Cork and Limerick into County Kerry; and if he will expedite the public service contract for Kerry County Airport to facilitate ongoing service and regular daily flights to Dublin. [18669/11]
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with section 19 of the Roads Act. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's questions regarding road access to Kerry to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
As regards the public service obligation contract for the Kerry — Dublin air route, a tender process is currently underway following publication of the relevant notices in the Official Journal of the European Communities on 3 May 2011. In line with the EU guidelines, the process of renewal of a PSO takes a minimum of six months from the date the notices appear in the Official Journal. In accordance with this, my Department is working to ensure that the new PSO air service commences at the earliest opportunity in November 2011.
Semi-State Bodies
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:49 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the basis on which information on the activities of a publicly owned semi-State company, namely Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company, and the identity of the leaseholder for the Harbour Court Building owned by the company can be deemed confidential when a question is put by an elected representative of Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18846/11]
Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company is a State commercial port company established and operating pursuant to the Harbours Act 1996-2009. The organisational model of the sector is designed to reduce the role of government in day-to-day organisational and commercial activities, while retaining public ownership and reserving a number of specific Ministerial consent functions. The Act clearly designates certain functions to be the sole responsibility of the company and its Board. Included amongst these is any decision relating to the acquisition or disposal of land or buildings, either by sale or by lease. As I have previously indicated to the Deputy, issues regarding the commercial leasing of land or buildings may be regarded by the port companies as commercially sensitive and thus confidential.
Olympic Games
Seán Crowe
Question:50 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the efforts he has made to ensure the Olympic torch passes through Ireland in the run up to the London Olympics in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18967/11]
The Government has given its full support to the President of the Olympic Council of Ireland in regard to the proposal to have the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay travel to Ireland. The London Organising Committee of the Games has already approved this proposal and we now await the decision of the International Olympic Committee which we understand to be imminent.
Departmental Strategies
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:51 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date on which the national sports facilities strategy will be published; the process by which the strategy is being developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18963/11]
A five year draft National Sports Facilities Strategy was completed within my Department last year. The draft strategy is currently being updated to take account of developments since then and I expect to receive an updated version shortly for consideration. A decision on the publication of the strategy will be taken when I have fully considered the issues contained in it. The aim of the strategy is to provide high level policy direction for future investment, grant assistance at national, regional and local level and a co-ordinated approach across the various agencies and Departments involved in supporting the provision of sports and recreational facilities. Government Departments and other relevant bodies were consulted in the drafting of the strategy. The draft strategy identifies the wider economic, health and social argument for continued investment in sports facilities. It aims to prioritise areas for future investment and ensure continued impact in the relevant areas.
Question No. 52 answered with Question No. 30.
An Ghaeilge
Peadar Tóibín
Question:53 D’fhiafraigh Peadar Tóibín den Aire Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt an bhfuil plean aige comhionannas cló a chur i bhfeidhm idir ainmneacha Gaeilge agus Béarla ar chomharthaí bóthair timpeall na tíre mar atá déanta i ngach taobh eile den stát; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [16441/11]
Mar Aire Iompair, Turasóireachta agus Spóirt, tá cumhacht agam treoracha, idir treoracha ginearálta nó ar leith, a thabhairt d'údaráis bhóthre maidir le comharthaí tráchta.
Leagtear síos sna treoracha reatha go dtaispeánfear an téacs as Gaeilge i mion litreacha atá claonta beaganín ar dheis, agus go dtaispeánfear an téacs as Bearla i gceann litreacha i glcó Rómhánach.
‘Se príomh críche an tarrachtain seo na chun cinntiú go gcabhraíonn comharthaí eolais tráchta le húsáid sabháilte an líonra bóithre, agus soiléireacht a thabhairt d'úsáideoirí bóthair ionas nach mbeidh sábháilteacht ar bhóithre i mbaol.
Táim sásta go léiríonn na treoracha atá ann faoi láthair an chleachtas is fearr i dtéarmaí dearaidh, agus go bhfuil siad réasúnta.
Dá bhrí sin, níl sé ar intinn agam an polasaí reatha a leasú.
As Minister, I may, under Section 95 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, give general or particular directions to road authorities in relation to traffic signs.
Current directions provide that road signs should display Irish text in sentence case and inclined slightly to the right and should display English text in Roman capital letters. The primary purpose of this approach is to ensure that traffic information signs assist in the safe use of the road network and provide clarity for road users so as not to compromise road safety.
I am satisfied that the current directions reflect best practice in terms of sign design and are reasonable. Therefore, I have no proposals to amend current policy in that regard.
Question No. 54 answered with Question No. 30.
Road Network
Catherine Murphy
Question:55 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to fully commit the €19 million earmarked by the previous Government for the widening of the Aughnacloy to Strabane and Derry road in view of the current economic circumstances; the other schemes to which commitments have been made in Northern Ireland; if he is in discussion with his Northern Ireland counterparts regarding reducing his commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18671/11]
Under the agreement of March 2007 between the Irish and British Governments on a funding package to support the restored Northern Ireland Executive, the Irish Government made a commitment to provide funding of £400million / €580million in a roads investment package for Northern Ireland which includes the upgrading of the A5 road from Aughnacloy to Derry and the A8 road from Belfast to Larne.
At the North South Ministerial Council Plenary meeting on 10 June last, the Council noted the progress to date on the A5 and A8 projects and agreed to consider a further progress report at the next NSMC Plenary meeting.
Drawdown of funding is subject to the achievement of agreed project milestones. The first payment (stg£8 million) from the Irish Government's contribution was made in 2009 following achievement of the second project milestone and a further payment of stg£11million is due to paid this year following the achievement of the third project milestone in November 2010.
The A5 and A8 projects will continue to be monitored under the auspices of the North South Ministerial Council.
Economic Competitiveness
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:56 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent, if any, to which comparisons have been made between transport costs here and those in neighbouring jurisdictions with particular reference to the need to achieve competitiveness and to maximise job opportunities in this economy; if he has identified the issues most likely to prevent achievement of this objective; the degree to which he intends to take steps to address such issues in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18909/11]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:182 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the degree to which he has compared transport costs here with that appertaining in adjoining and competing jurisdictions; his intentions if any to address emerging issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19213/11]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:183 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which any examination has been done with a view to identification of issues affecting the transport sector here with particular reference to costs; if other jurisdictions have an advantage; if it is intended to address any such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19214/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 56, 182 and 183 together.
International comparative data on transport costs are not readily available from respected international statistical sources such as Eurostat and the International Transport Forum.
My Department has no direct control of transport costs in general but keeps under review costs arising from the services provided through our agencies.
Cost competitiveness is a key consideration for Ireland as an open export-oriented economy and transport is one of the many factors influencing that competitiveness. The Government's plans to improve competitiveness are set out in the Programme for Government and place a heavy emphasis on the delivery of effective transport services. I have also outlined my transport and tourism priorities to 2016 on my Department's website. In addition, the Government's Jobs Initiative includes a number of measures intended to stimulate tourism by increasing the competitiveness of access transport and our tourism product.
Standardisation of Measurements
Timmy Dooley
Question:57 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will support maintaining the current trailer height limit of 4.65 m for trailers registered here in view of European Commission proposals to introduce a European-wide height limit of 4 m; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18901/11]
Directive 96/53/EC, as amended, sets the maximum weights and dimensions for national and international traffic. Under Directive 96/53/EC Ireland has set a national height limit of 4.65 metres for national transport and this will remain in place. Also, as the UK has no height restriction for national traffic the current practice of vehicle movement between both States using higher trailers can continue.
However, I understand that there are discussions in the European Commission regarding the type-approval requirements for vehicles entering into service. Directive 97/27/EC sets the type-approval requirements with regard to masses and dimensions of vehicles. There are proposals for an amendment to this Directive which would add some restrictions for trailers that exceed 4.0 metres in height. Under the current wording of the proposal under consideration, the height limit can only exceed 4.0 metres if the vehicle is “intended for exceptional load transport”. The inclusion of this clause would make it more difficult for manufacturers and hauliers to bring new trailers into the national fleet that will be used for normal goods transport whilst availing of the maximum national height limit of 4.65 metres.
Due to our geographic location and our dependence on road infrastructure for the haulage of goods and to maintain the free movement of higher vehicles between Ireland and the UK, Ireland will work to ensure that any proposals which could restrict the height of new trailers entering the fleet below our national height limits are opposed. Ireland is attending the committee sub group meetings where the text of the proposal is being discussed, and we will strive to ensure the continued ability for higher trailers to be easily type approved and enter the national fleet.
Tourism Industry
Michael Colreavy
Question:58 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the potential negative impact on tourism in counties Donegal, Roscommon, Sligo and Leitrim has been or will be assessed following the granting of exploration licences in the Lough Allen basin involving the controversial fracking technique. [18969/11]
I have no responsibility in relation to this matter which falls within the remit of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
For the Deputy's information, I am advised by Minister Rabbitte that in February of this year, following an open competition, his Department awarded two year onshore Petroleum Licensing Options to Tamboran Resources Ltd and the Lough Allen Natural Gas Company Ltd over parts of the Lough Allen Basin.
The Licensing Options awarded are designed to allow the companies assess the natural gas and shale gas potential of the acreage. This work will be largely based on desktop studies of existing data from previous petroleum exploration activity. Exploration drilling is not allowed under these authorisations, but shallow geological sampling is permitted. Exploration activity under these authorisations is at an early stage and there is no certainty that it will lead to applications for follow-on exploration licences that would be required before exploration wells could be drilled.
In the event that hydraulic fracturing was envisaged as part of a possible future exploration or production programme, then that activity would be subject to an environmental impact assessment, including an appropriate public consultation phase.
As a prescribed body in the planning process, the National Tourism Development Authority, Fáilte Ireland, would have an opportunity to raise their concerns, if appropriate, at that stage of the process.
Emigration Statistics
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:59 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Taoiseach the way he measures emigration numbers from a given county and if he will utilise inactive PPS numbers of Irish citizens as an indicator. [19062/11]
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:60 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Taoiseach the number of Irish citizens that have emigrated in recent years on a county basis. [19063/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 60 together.
The principal source of information for the estimation of annual migration flows published by the Central Statistics Office, incorporating both emigration and immigration, is the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS), which classifies the flows by sex, broad age group, origin and destination, and nationality. The provision of emigration data at a detailed county level is not available due to the variability associated with sample surveys of this nature.
The estimates are published on an annual basis in September of each year. The next publication in September 2011 will cover the period April 2010 to April 2011. The estimates will be subject to revision once the definitive results of the five yearly census (Census 2011) are made available in 2012.
Other sources are also monitored to supplement the primary source i.e. the QNHS, such as: the number of work visas issued to Irish citizens for the main countries of destination via the relevant embassies and agencies; and the number of Personal Public Service (PPS) numbers allocated to individuals and subsequent monitoring of activity through available administrative systems.
However these sources have significant limitations in terms of their suitability as measures of migration (e.g. inability to differentiate between short-term and long-term (1 year plus) movements, consistency of availability of PPSN across relevant sources and timeliness of the data).
Departmental Staff
Jerry Buttimer
Question:61 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Taoiseach the staff in his Department specifically assigned to monitoring EU policy developments; the numbers of such staff; and if these staff are based in Ireland or Brussels. [19098/11]
There are nine officials assigned to the EU and International Division of my Department. Of these, six work specifically or primarily on EU matters. All are based in Dublin.
The European and International Division support me in my role as the Head of Government of a European Union Member State and in the wider field of international relations. The Division co-ordinates and contributes to the development of Ireland's policies on issues of European and international concern. In conjunction with other Government Departments, the Division monitors emerging European and international policy positions and the policy approaches from the various Government Departments and other State bodies.
New arrangements for EU co-ordination will be finalised shortly, including appointment of a Second Secretary General in my Department, who will also have responsibility for the Government Economic Management Council.
Parliamentary Questions
Anne Ferris
Question:62 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Taoiseach when he will bring forward propsals to provide for written parliamentary questions during the summer recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19132/11]
Large numbers of Parliamentary Questions are answered in the Dáil each year: the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission's annual report for 2009, the latest available, states that over 34,000 were answered in that year.
The Government has increased the number of Dáil sitting days and intends to reduce this year's Summer recess significantly. This will increase the potential for Questions to be answered. Further steps in respect of Questions, as part of the Government's reform programme, will be brought forward in due course.
Diplomatic Representations
Dara Murphy
Question:63 Deputy Dara Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his position on the Israeli soldier (details supplied), who has been held hostage since 25 June 2006; if he has asked Ambassador Ajjuri of the Mission of Palestine in Ireland for his Government’s position on the captivity of this person and the blocking by Hamas of access to the person by the International Red Cross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19037/11]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No 58 on 29 June on this subject, which was as follows:
"This week marks five years since Sergeant Gilad Shalit was kidnapped from Israel by Palestinian militants. His continued captivity is a deplorable situation for the soldier and his family. The Red Cross has been refused access to him, his family cannot send letters to him, and they have received no confirmation that he is still alive since 2009. Ireland, along with our EU partners, has repeatedly called for his release without delay, most recently at the European Council last week, which issued a Declaration demanding his immediate release. Last week I discussed Sergeant Shalit's case with the Israeli Ambassador, and made a statement reiterating the Government's call for his immediate release.
Gilad Shalit was kidnapped by Hamas, an organisation with which the Government has no channel of communication. Hamas is listed as a terrorist organisation by the EU, and, accordingly, there is no contact at any level between Irish officials and representatives of Hamas.
There have been periodic reports that a prisoner swap deal between Israel and Hamas, conducted through third parties, would lead to the imminent release of Sergeant Shalit. Regrettably, this has not yet proved to be the case. It is my sincere hope that Gilad Shalit will soon be released and can return to his family in Israel."
Further to that reply, I have not raised this matter separately with the Palestinian Representative, as Sgt. Shalit is being held in Gaza, which is not under the control of the Palestinian Authority. Palestinian President Abbas has on numerous occasions expressed the hope that Sgt. Shalit could be released. While there may be some hope that the recent reconciliation agreement between the Palestinian factions might help create the conditions for his release, one should be careful of false optimism in this regard. The capture and captivity of Sgt. Shalit took place before the break between the factions, when the PA still had some partial control of Gaza.
Human Rights Issues
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:64 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether it was appropriate for the Irish Ambassador to Saudi Arabia (details supplied) to attend a Royal College of Surgeons Ireland awards ceremony in Bahrain on 13 June last alongside the Prime Minister of Bahrain, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, at a time when human rights organisations and a growing number of medical professionals here are challenging the Bahraini regime on the arrest and detention of doctors, some of them fellows of the RCSI and who carried out part of their training in Irish hospitals. [19058/11]
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:65 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether the attendance of the Irish Ambassador to Saudi Arabia (details supplied) at a Royal College of Surgeons Ireland awards ceremony in Bahrain on 13 June last alongside the Prime Minister of Bahrain, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, was inappropriate; and the disciplinary action taken. [19059/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 65 together.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to questions 60 and 71 answered on 21st June 2011, the reply of which is below. The Deputy should be aware that the Prime Minister of Bahrain did not attend the graduation ceremony.
I think that it is important to distinguish between the involvement of the Royal College of Surgeons in the training of Bahraini medical personnel, which I would regard as entirely positive, and the detention of medical personnel by the Bahraini authorities, about which I have made clear the Government's concerns.
The Irish Ambassador to Saudi Arabia attended the RCSI graduation ceremony in Bahrain on 13 June, in response to an invitation from the RCSI. He did so however in a private capacity as he is not yet formally accredited to Bahrain, pending the finalisation of bilateral accreditation procedures.
As he is not yet able to make formal representations directly to the authorities in Bahrain, Ambassador Holohan met yesterday with the Bahraini Ambassador in Riyadh to inform him of my own deep concerns, already expressed in this House on a number of occasions, and those of the Irish Government and people in relation to recent events. The Ambassador also used the occasion to urge the Bahraini Ambassador to convey immediately to his authorities that all those who are charged with nothing more than peaceful protest should be released without further delay.
The Government's clear stance on current developments in Bahrain will continue to be conveyed in the fullest terms to the Bahraini authorities on all appropriate occasions, through our Embassy in Riyadh and all other appropriate channels.
In relation to the RCSI, whose graduates receive degrees awarded by the NUI, I have already made clear previously that the Royal College of Surgeons' provision of educational services in Bahrain and elsewhere is primarily an operational issue for the RCSI.
The RCSI is a private third-level institution which has its own relationships in Bahrain and which decides for itself the extent to which it wishes to comment on developments there. However, it also has to be acknowledged that the RCSI has been involved on a commercial basis in Bahrain for some years now and that the medical campus and facilities which it operates represent a very substantial investment which is of direct economic relevance to this country. I would further like to say that I regard the activities of the RCSI in assisting with the training of foreign medical personnel overseas as a highly worthwhile activity through which the College makes a significant contribution to the quality of life of millions of people around the world.
By way of clarification, I would point out that Ambassador Holohan's attendance at the RCSI's ceremony in Bahrain was fully consistent with his official functions as our Ambassador designate to Bahrain. He is described as being present in a "private" capacity because he has yet to present credentials in Bahrain and to be recognised as our Ambassador by the Bahraini authorities, not because he was operating outside his official responsibilities. Ambassador Holohan's presence was intended to support the activities of the RCSI which, as the Deputy acknowledges, trained a number of those who are victims of the action taken by the Bahraini authorities.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:66 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he held any private engagements with the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland to establish the reason that organisation has not spoken out publicly to condemn the outrageous arrest and detention of doctors, some of them fellows of the RCSI and who carried out part of their training in Irish hospitals. [19060/11]
My Department has had ongoing contacts with the RCSI in recent weeks in relation to the situation in Bahrain. Senior officials have met with RCSI Chief Executive, Professor Cathal Kelly, to discuss the matter and I will meet with representatives of the RCSI next week to discuss the situation further.
As I have already stated in replies to previous questions, I think it is important to distinguish between the involvement of the Royal College of Surgeons in the training of Bahraini medical personnel, which is entirely positive, and the detention of medical personnel by the Bahraini authorities, about which I have made clear the Government's concerns.
The RCSI is a private third-level institution which has its own relationships in Bahrain and which decides for itself the extent to which it wishes to comment on developments there. However, it also has to be acknowledged that the RCSI has been involved on a commercial basis in Bahrain for some years now and that the medical campus and facilities which it operates represent a very substantial investment which is of direct economic relevance to this country. I would further add that I regard the activities of the RCSI in assisting with the training of foreign medical personnel overseas as a highly worthwhile activity through which the College makes a significant contribution to the quality of life of millions of people around the world. The RCSI, as an educational provider, also has a responsibility to all of its students and ensuring they are able to complete their medical training.
I have already stated clearly on a number of occasions my serious concerns 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. The Government wishes 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, and access for independent observers to the ongoing legal proceedings. In that regard, I welcome the establishment of an independent international commission to investigate the allegations of human rights violations in recent months in Bahrain. I regard this as a step in the right direction that will hopefully help uncover the truth about recent events. I look forward to the independent commission being able to carry out its work freely.
The Government's clear stance on the situation in Bahrain will continue to be conveyed in the fullest terms to the Bahraini authorities on all appropriate occasions, through our Embassy in Riyadh and all other appropriate channels.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:67 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he has taken to inquire into allegations that the Irish aid ship, the MV Saoirse, has been sabotaged, risking the lives of Irish citizens at sea and preventing most of the crew from completing their mission of humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people of Gaza. [19086/11]
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:68 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has been in contact with the Turkish authorities to inquire about their investigation into allegations that the Irish aid ship, the MV Saoirse, has been sabotaged. [19088/11]
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:69 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has been in contact with his counterpart, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to demand if Israeli intelligence agents acting on behalf of the Israeli state were responsible for this alleged sabotage that endangered the lives of Irish citizens. [19090/11]
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:70 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has contacted the Israeli ambassador to deal with the allegations that the Israeli state was responsible for an act of sabotage on the MV Saoirse that put the lives of Irish citizens at risk. [19091/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 to 70, inclusive, together.
On 30 June, the intending Irish participants in the Gaza flotilla announced that their vessel, the MV Saoirse, had incurred damage to its propeller shaft which would prevent it from taking part in the flotilla. They made clear their view that the boat had been subject to sabotage while in port and posted details and images of the damage on their website which they claimed substantiated this allegation.
Responding to this announcement, I stated publicly that the investigation of any complaint made by the owners or operators of the vessel was primarily a matter for investigation by the authorities in Turkey, where the boat was moored. At the same time, I also made clear that if it was found that the boat had been sabotaged, then this would be a matter of very serious concern, particularly as it was suggested that the damage sustained by the MV Saoirse would have put at risk the lives of those aboard had it sailed from port. This remains my position.
Officials of my Department and the Irish Embassy in Ankara have kept in touch with the flotilla organisers, the intending participants and the local Turkish authorities. I understand that a spokesman for the Turkish Foreign Ministry has indicated that the authorities, who have inspected the vessel, do not believe that sabotage took place in this instance.
If the situation changes and clear finding be made that sabotage did occur, I will consider what steps might be appropriate. As of now, however, no such finding has been made.
Motor Taxation
Jack Wall
Question:71 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance his views on a submission (details supplied) regarding vehicle registration tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19133/11]
I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that under Section 130 of the Finance Act 1992 (as amended) a "Mechanically propelled vehicle means a vehicle that
(a) has been designed and constructed for road use
(b) is, at the time of declaration for registration, in compliance with any measures taken to give effect in the State to any act of the European Communities relating to the approximation of the laws of Member States in respect of type-approval for the type of vehicle concerned,
(c) is intended or adapted for propulsion by a mechanical means, or by electrical means or by a partly mechanical and a partly electrical means and
(d) is capable of achieving vehicle propulsion at the time of registration, to the satisfaction of the Commissioners
including a motor-cycle but not including a tramcar or other vehicle running on permanent rails (or a vehicle including a cycle with an attachment for propelling it by mechanical power not exceeding 400 kilogrammes in weight unladen adapted and used for invalids."
If a vehicle does not meet the above conditions VRT is not payable. However, once the vehicle becomes "a mechanically propelled vehicle" VRT is chargeable.
It should be pointed out that unregistered vehicles may only be stored and sold by Authorised Traders.
In relation to the vehicle in question, and from the details given, if this vehicle was capable of vehicle propulsion at the time of entry into the State VRT is due from that date.
When the vehicle in question is presented for registration the amount of VRT due will be determined by when the vehicle entered the State.
Unregistered vehicles may not be held/stored by Non-Authorised Traders if it is capable of vehicle propulsion but not being used on the road.
All documentation in relation to the vehicle must accompany the vehicle at the time the vehicle is presented for registration. (www.revenue.ie/en/tax/vrt/vrt-guide.html).
Tax Code
Robert Dowds
Question:72 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance if a tax credit facility exists for a sub-contractor where they have already paid staff and tax and they have not been paid by the main contractor for whom work has been done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19010/11]
The position is that a tax credit facility is not available in the circumstances outlined by the Deputy. The question of payment or non-payment between a contractor and sub-contractor for work done under a construction or other contract is entirely a matter between the contracting parties concerned.
State Borrowing
Peter Mathews
Question:73 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Finance the interest rates paid on each drawdown from the European Financial Stability Facility and European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism; the cost to the EFSF and EFSM of raising funds for each of these drawdowns on the open market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19079/11]
To date, Ireland's nominal borrowings from the European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism and the European Financial Stability Facility under the EU-IMF Programme amount to €15.6 billion. Details of these loans, and the yields on the corresponding bonds issued by the EFSM and the EFSF, as supplied by the NTMA to my Department, are set out in the following table:
|
Lender |
Nominal Loan amount —€ billion |
Amount Disbursed — € billion |
Date of Draw down |
Maturity from date of receipt. |
Interest Rate including all costs & Credit Enhancements2 |
Yield of corresponding EFSM and EFSF Bonds |
|
EFSMSee note 1 |
€5.00 |
€4.973 |
12-Jan-11 |
4 years 11 months |
5.54% |
2.589% yield |
|
€3.40 |
€3.39 |
24-Mar-11 |
7 years |
6.21% |
3.257% yield |
|
|
€3.00 |
€2.986 |
31-May-11 |
10 years |
6.48% |
3.532% yield |
|
|
EFSM — totals/weighted average |
€11.4 |
€11.35 |
6.87 years |
5.99% |
3.04% yield |
|
|
3.00% yield |
€4.201 |
€3.592 |
01-Feb-11 |
5 years 6 months |
5.90% |
2.89% yield |
|
Overall Totals / Weighted Averages |
€15.60 |
€14.94 |
6.51 years |
5.96% |
1. This is the loan amount. The disbursement made available to the Exchequer from the EFSF is €3.592 billion after credit enhancement measures. This credit enhancement is to ensure that the EFSF retains its top AAA credit rating and, thereby, minimizes the cost of funds it borrows. Under the only EFSF loan to Ireland to date, €0.6 billion was retained thereby reducing the cash available to Ireland to €3.592 billion. The retained amount is the present value of the margin of 247 basis points over the life of the loan.
2. This takes account of the margins for EFSF and EFSM loans, along with the cost of service fees and, in the case of the EFSF, credit enhancement measures (see Note 2 below.)
Note 1: EFSM loans are priced on the basis of the borrowing rate on the bonds sold by the European Commission plus a margin of 292.5 basis points. The total interest costs also include issuances costs incurred by the Commission.
Note 2: The interest rate on EFSF loans is calculated as the borrowing rate payable by the EFSF on the bonds it has sold, plus a margin of 247 basis points. However, in its current form, the EFSF is required to undertake a number of credit enhancement measures to ensure it maintains the highest possible rating from the credit rating agencies. These measures include a Loan Specific Cash Buffer and the prepayment of the margin due on the loan. Under the Loan Specific Cash Buffer measure, the EFSF retains and invests a portion of monies it raises from the bonds it has issued to fund a specific loan. The borrower has to pay the difference between the yield on the bond issued and the return earned by the EFSF from its investment of this money. The prepayment of the margin of 247 basis points is done on a net present value basis. Accordingly, the interest rate payable by the borrower over the term of the loan only relates to cost of funds borne by the EFSF. This structure is unwieldy and agreement has been reached to amend it, including the pricing mechanism, and this will end the requirement for a Loan Specific Cash Buffer and the prepayment of the entire margin. Legislation is being prepared for the Oireachtas to ratify these amendments.
Tax Collection
Finian McGrath
Question:74 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a matter in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [19081/11]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the person in question is in receipt of a disability pension from her former employer, which is taxable. In order to bring the person's tax affairs up to date, Revenue will write to the taxpayer shortly to clarify the position.
Financial Services Regulation
Michael McGrath
Question:75 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance when he will publish the reports by Ernst and Young and McCann Fitzgerald on corporate governance issues at Irish Nationwide Building Society. [19100/11]
Michael McGrath
Question:78 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance when he expects to receive a final report from the directors of Irish Nationwide on lending practices at the society. [19119/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 78 together.
Following the State's investment of capital into Irish Nationwide Building Society, the Board of the Society was asked to identify and address the "legacy issues" of the Society and to co-operate with, where relevant, the appropriate regulatory or other authorities. To assist them in this work, the INBS Board engaged Ernst and Young and McCann Fitzgerald, and initial reports from these organizations were provided to the INBS Board in 2010. Following additional work on this matter, a further report was presented to the Board of the Society in June 2011.
Following recent discussions with the NTMA, to whom certain of my banking functions are currently delegated, the Board of the newly merged Anglo/INBS (Irish Bank Resolution Corporation) has undertaken to advance particular items raised in the recent report to the INBS Board. However, in view of the sensitive nature of the reports and their potential, if made public, to prejudice any future actions that may arise, I do not propose to publish the reports referred to at this time.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the above process is without prejudice to any investigation or action that the Central Bank, as independent regulator of credit institutions, may take on any relevant matter and that copies of the reports referred to above have also been provided to the Central Bank.
Tax Code
Jim Daly
Question:76 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Finance if he is in receipt of correspondence from persons (details supplied) in County Cork regarding his policy on classifying alcohol intermediate products in line with that in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19109/11]
Jim Daly
Question:77 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Finance when a decision will be issued on an application to the Revenue Commissioner in respect of a person (details supplied) for a liquor classification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19115/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 77 together.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the alcohol product produced by the company in question has been determined to be subject to the rate of Alcohol Products Tax that applies to spirits.
An application from the company for Binding Tariff Information for customs purposes in respect of the product is under examination by the Revenue Commissioners and I understand that a decision on the matter will be communicated to the company shortly.
I have received correspondence concerning this matter and will respond to it in due course.
Question No. 78 answered with Question No. 75.
Liquor Licences
Sean Conlan
Question:79 Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the denial by the National Excise Licensing Office of a liquor licence to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19123/11]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the last licence held by the taxpayer expired on the 30th September 2009 and was not renewed by him during the twelve month period ending 30th September 2010. A visit by a Revenue Official on the 8th September 2010 established that there was no licence in place and the taxpayer was advised to renew his licence on or before 30th September 2010. The National Excise Licence Office did not receive either an application or monies for this licence. The licence has therefore lapsed. The National Excise Licence Office cannot issue a licence to the taxpayer until the taxpayer produces a valid Court Certificate to them. The Revenue Commissioners do not have discretion in this regard.
Tax Code
Seamus Healy
Question:80 Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Finance if the new reduced 9% VAT rate will be extended to cover the laundry and dry cleaning industry which is a main service provider to the tourism industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19136/11]
VAT is charged on the supply of goods and services, and the rate applying is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. While many tourist related services were made subject to a new temporary lower reduced VAT rate of 9% from 1 July, it is not possible to extend this treatment to the goods and services that remain subject to the 13.5% rate. This arises from the fact that many of the goods and services to which Ireland applies a reduced rate of VAT, including dry cleaning and laundry services, have their basis under an EU derogation that provides that as we applied a reduced rate to these items on 1 January 1991, we are entitled to continue applying that reduced rate to those items. However, this continuation of reduced rate application is conditional on the rate being no less than 12%. These are known as ‘parked' items, and are provided for under Article 118 of the EU VAT Directive. As laundry and dry cleaning services are such parked items, it is not possible for Ireland to apply the rate of 9% to them.
It is also for this reason that the Jobs Initiative introduced a 9% VAT rate in respect of tourist activities such as restaurant and hotel accommodation services, while other tourist activities such as tour guide services and the short-term hire of cars, boats, caravans and mobile homes remain liable to VAT at the 13.5%. However, it should be noted that in the majority of EU Member States dry cleaning and laundry services apply at their standard VAT rate of up to 25% in some cases, compared to 13.5% in Ireland.
Property Raffles
Kevin Humphreys
Question:81 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance the legal restrictions and tax implications that may apply to a property owner who may wish to dispose of their home by public raffle through sale of individual tickets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19205/11]
The legal restrictions that might apply to a property owner disposing of her/his home by public raffle are a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality, who states that it would not be appropriate to offer advice or comment; the parties should instead seek their own legal advice on the matter. However, the Minister informs me that, in the event of a raffle being regarded as a lottery, then the provisions of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956, as amended, may apply. Under that Act, a lottery may take place only if granted a licence. A licence may be granted only where the lottery is in aid of a charitable or philanthropic cause. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, depending on the facts and circumstances involved, there are alternative possible tax charges on a person organizing a public raffle to dispose of his/her home.
First, a charge to capital gains tax may arise on any gain from disposing of a property by way of a lottery or raffle. The net proceeds or profits from the lottery would be regarded as the sale consideration for the property and this amount less the original cost of purchasing the property (and any allowable costs) is the amount on which capital gains tax would be charged. The rate of capital gains tax is currently 25 per cent.
If the property had been the principal private residence of the person making the disposal, then principal private residence relief may be available. Where the dwelling has always been the person's principal private residence, the entire gain is exempt from capital gains tax. Where the dwelling was not always the person's principal private residence, the amount of the gain that is exempt is be calculated by reference to the ratio of the period of occupancy as a principal private residence to the full period of ownership
Second, depending on the precise circumstances involved, the raffle may be viewed as a trading venture, in which case the profits would fall within the charge to income tax. This second treatment is more likely to apply if there are indications that the raffle generates profits in excess of what the dwelling might have been expected to sell for if sold on the open market in the usual way.
If the facts and circumstances were such as to indicate that the raffle is a trading venture, the property is treated as disposed of by the owner to the lottery and becomes trading stock of the lottery at a value equal to the market value of the residence at that time. The person disposing of the dwelling is chargeable to capital gains tax on any gain arising. If the dwelling is the person's principal private residence, he or she may be entitled to principal private residence relief as set out above. However any profits from the lottery, after expenses, above the market value of the house at the time it became trading stock, will be chargeable to income tax at the organiser's marginal income tax rate. There is an exemption from Income Tax in respect of the income element of the lottery profits, but only if the lottery has a licence under Part IV of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956 (section 216 Taxes Consolidation Act 1997).
Tax Reliefs
Kevin Humphreys
Question:82 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide the cost of mortgage interest relief for the financial year 2010; the projected cost for 2011; the cost to his Department to date in 2011; if he will provide a regional breakdown of the figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19222/11]
I assume that Deputy is referring to mortgage interest relief in respect of principal private residences. On that basis, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the cost to the Exchequer of mortgage interest relief by way of tax relief at source (TRS) in 2010 was €375 million and in the six months to the end of June 2011 is €178 million. The cost for the full year of 2011 is provisionally estimated at €400 million.
A regional breakdown of tax relief provided at source could not be identified without carrying out a significant development of the Revenue Commissioners' TRS computer system.
Kevin Humphreys
Question:83 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide the cost of rent relief for the financial year 2010; the projected cost for 2011; the cost to his Department to date in 2011; if he will provide a regional breakdown of the figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19223/11]
Section 473 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 provides tax relief at the standard rate to individuals who pay for private rented accommodation that is used as their sole or main residence. The level of rent qualifying for rent relief depends on an individual's marital status and age. In Budget 2011, it was announced that rent relief was being withdrawn on a phased basis. No new claimants are allowed from 7 December 2010 and existing claimants will continue to receive the relief on a reducing basis, with a complete cessation of the relief from 2018. The maximum tax credit available under the scheme in 2011 is €1,280/€640 per annum for a married couple/individual over 55 years of age and €640/€320 for a married couple/individual under 55 years of age.
The most recent year for which the necessary detailed information is available regarding the cost of rent relief is the income tax year 2008, in which the cost to the Exchequer is estimated at approximately €93 million for those claimants under 55 years of age and €4 million for those claimants over 55 years of age.
An estimated breakdown of the figures on a geographical basis is available on the basis of "bailiwick", meaning, in this case, the jurisdiction or boundaries within which Revenue Sheriffs, County Registrars or their officers operate for the purposes of enforcement of tax debt and which equates geographically with "county".
On this basis the estimated cost of rent relief for those claimants under 55 years of age and for those claimants over 55 years of age are as set out in the following tables.
The figures for the total costs of rent relief mentioned in this reply are higher than the total amounts of tax credits indicated in the tables being provided with this reply. This is due to the fact that the figures now being provided in the table represent about 95 per cent of all income tax returns expected for 2008, while the cost figures supplied above were, in accordance with normal practice, grossed-up at aggregate level to adjust for this 5% incompleteness.
A basis for providing a projected costs in 2011 and 2011 is not available at this time.
|
Rent relief credit for aged over 55 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Bailiwick |
Number of Cases |
Amount € |
|
Carlow |
26 |
18,661 |
|
Cavan |
28 |
18,186 |
|
Clare |
61 |
44,868 |
|
Donegal |
38 |
27,972 |
|
Galway |
218 |
158,966 |
|
Kerry |
137 |
93,625 |
|
Kildare |
152 |
130,791 |
|
Kilkenny |
73 |
51,401 |
|
Laois |
17 |
13,706 |
|
Leitrim |
34 |
21,737 |
|
Limerick |
138 |
99,559 |
|
Longford |
19 |
13,724 |
|
Louth |
69 |
51,131 |
|
Mayo |
48 |
33,538 |
|
Meath |
86 |
65,979 |
|
Monaghan |
27 |
18,638 |
|
Offaly |
133 |
92,143 |
|
Roscommon |
17 |
13,465 |
|
Sligo |
40 |
29,662 |
|
Tipperary |
73 |
60,649 |
|
Waterford |
68 |
51,821 |
|
Westmeath |
195 |
142,095 |
|
Wexford |
83 |
62,022 |
|
Wicklow |
108 |
96,824 |
|
Dublin City |
1,699 |
1,322,422 |
|
Dublin County |
699 |
606,204 |
|
Cork City |
218 |
164,304 |
|
Cork County |
205 |
179,011 |
|
Other |
79 |
71,516 |
|
All |
4,788 |
3,754,621 |
|
Rent relief credit for aged under 55 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Bailiwick |
Number of Cases |
Amount € |
|
Carlow |
1,276 |
558,482 |
|
Cavan |
1,592 |
682,532 |
|
Clare |
3,039 |
1,247,557 |
|
Donegal |
1,295 |
515,239 |
|
Galway |
11,112 |
4,538,852 |
|
Kerry |
5,067 |
2,060,364 |
|
Kildare |
6,679 |
2,979,713 |
|
Kilkenny |
2,796 |
1,231,030 |
|
Laois |
781 |
342,125 |
|
Leitrim |
1,108 |
503,898 |
|
Limerick |
5,590 |
2,364,633 |
|
Longford |
865 |
383,923 |
|
Louth |
2,200 |
956,368 |
|
Mayo |
2,421 |
964,576 |
|
Meath |
3,605 |
1,640,950 |
|
Monaghan |
829 |
360,655 |
|
Offaly |
1,940 |
884,156 |
|
Roscommon |
710 |
287,200 |
|
Sligo |
2,018 |
819,471 |
|
Tipperary |
2,576 |
1,113,523 |
|
Waterford |
2,773 |
1,139,221 |
|
Westmeath |
7,007 |
2,794,341 |
|
Wexford |
2,671 |
1,149,962 |
|
Wicklow |
3,393 |
1,507,734 |
|
Dublin City |
79,794 |
33,758,684 |
|
Dublin County |
33,582 |
14,716,932 |
|
Cork City |
9,546 |
4,074,676 |
|
Cork County |
8,916 |
3,858,108 |
|
Other |
2,398 |
1,033,208 |
|
All |
207,579 |
88,468,113 |
School Transport
John O'Mahony
Question:84 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a family (details supplied) in County Mayo have to pay €200 per child for school transport when children getting on at the same pickup point have to pay only €50 per child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19014/11]
The changes to school transport services relating to the Closed School Rule 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.
One of the changes, which will be implemented from September 2011, involves the uniform application of the distance eligibility criterion to all pupils travelling under the Primary School Transport Scheme. This means that children residing less than 3.2 kilometres from their school of attendance will be deemed ineligible for school transport.
This change to school transport provision means that the distance eligibility criterion of 3.2 kilometres will be applied uniformly and equitably on a national basis.
Children who are not eligible, under the terms of the scheme, may apply for concessionary transport subject to a number of conditions including the payment of a charge which is currently set at €200 per annum. There is no exemption from this charge.
Schools Building Projects
Pearse Doherty
Question:85 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a school extension (details supplied) will proceed to construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19016/11]
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension/refurbishment including a GP Room, toilets and ancillary accommodation.
In accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects, the project for this school has been assigned a Band 3 rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including this project, is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
In the interim, my Department sanctioned devolved funding earlier this year to facilitate the building of a permanent additional mainstream classroom and learning support/resource room. I understand that building works will commence on site later this month. My Department has also recently approved funding for the replacement of a boiler at the school.
School Transport
James Bannon
Question:86 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has been refused transport costs to take them to school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19046/11]
Under the terms of my Department's School Transport scheme, children with special educational needs are eligible for free school transport if they are attending the nearest recognised: mainstream school, special class / special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet their special educational needs under Department of Education and Skills criteria.
The child, referred to by the Deputy, is not attending the nearest mainstream school, special class/special school or unit that is, or can be resourced to meet the child's special educational needs under my Department's criteria.
Therefore, this child is not eligible for school transport under the terms of the scheme.
Teachers’ Remuneration
Patrick Deering
Question:87 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a special needs teacher (details supplied) in County Carlow will be paid the special needs allowance. [19047/11]
This allowance is payable to teachers with specified qualifications working in designated special needs positions. An application from the teacher concerned for payment of this allowance has not been received by my Department. An application form may be obtained by contacting the Teacher/SNA Terms and Conditions Section of my Department.
School Services Staff
Kevin Humphreys
Question:88 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of chaplains employed by him in schools; if he will provide a county breakdown of the locations at which they are employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19048/11]
Kevin Humphreys
Question:93 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of school chaplains employed by him; and the cost of same on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19106/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 93 together.
Chaplain posts are allocated in respect of Community and Comprehensive Schools and designated Community Colleges. The breakdown requested on a county basis is set out below.
There are currently 147 whole time equivalent posts allocated in respect of chaplaincy services at a cost of almost €9 million for the 2010/2011 school year.
|
County |
No. of Chaplains |
|
Carlow |
1 |
|
Cavan |
2 |
|
Clare |
6 |
|
Cork |
22 |
|
Donegal |
12 |
|
Dublin |
37 |
|
Galway |
7 |
|
Kerry |
6 |
|
Kildare |
6 |
|
Kilkenny |
2 |
|
Laois |
3 |
|
Leitrim |
3 |
|
Limerick |
10 |
|
Longford |
2 |
|
Louth |
1 |
|
Mayo |
3 |
|
Meath |
7 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
|
Offaly |
3 |
|
Roscommon |
2 |
|
Sligo |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
3 |
|
Waterford |
3 |
|
Westmeath |
1 |
|
Wexford |
2 |
|
Wicklow |
1 |
Higher Education Grants
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:89 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he considers it fair that 700 students in County Donegal and thousands across the State are facing a cut in their student support income due to the fact that the non-adjacent rate of grant was increased from 24 km to 45 km in the last budget; and if he will reverse this cut. [19066/11]
I regret that the economic circumstances of the country are such that I am not in a position to reverse or alter any of the changes to the student grant measures announced in Budget 2011 by the previous Fianna Fáil — Green Party Government. These changes included an increase in the qualifying distance criterion for the non-adjacent rate of grant.
I understand the concerns of students with regard to the changes to the student grant schemes for the 2011/12 academic year and I will take account of these in considering any future changes as part of the budgetary process for 2012 and beyond, having regard to the position of the public finances.
Special Educational Needs
Gerry Adams
Question:90 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools in County Louth and east County Meath which have been affected by cutbacks in the provision of special needs assistants; if he will list those schools; the number of SNAs those schools had in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and the number they will have from September. [19070/11]
I wish to inform the Deputy that 10,575 whole time equivalent (WTE) posts are being provided for SNA support for the coming school year. This is a significant number of posts and unlike other areas of the public sector vacancies are being filled up to this number.
It is considered that with equitable and careful management and distribution of these resources that there should be sufficient posts to provide access to SNA support for all children who require such care support to attend school, in accordance with Departmental criteria.
I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. This now includes a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of SNA posts.
The NCSE has issued a circular to all schools advising of the allocation process for the 2011/2012 school year. A key feature of the amended scheme will be to provide for an annual allocation of Special Needs Assistant support to eligible schools.
The NCSE asked schools to submit all applications for SNA support to them by 18th March, 2011 and are currently in the process of informing schools of their annual SNA allocation for the coming school year. As this process is ongoing, it is not possible to provide details of the level of allocation of SNAs in any given area. The information requested by the Deputy regarding the breakdown of posts in particular areas, for previous school years, is not readily available within my Department.
School Staffing
Brendan Smith
Question:91 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the staffing requirements of a primary school (details supplied) in Dublin 24 will be given further detailed and urgent consideration in view of the concerns of the board of management and the principal in relation to the proposed reduction in staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19084/11]
My Department has been in correspondence with the schools referred to by the Deputy regarding the staffing requirements for 2011/12. I understand the concerns raised by the board of management and the principal have now been addressed.
National Framework of Qualifications
Jerry Buttimer
Question:92 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he recognises any qualification provided by an institute (details supplied); if so, when he began to recognise these qualifications; if he recognises such qualifications as being equivalent to any level of the national framework of qualifications; if he does not now recognise any qualification provided by the institute has he previously recognised any qualifications provided by this institute; in view of the fact that in material previously published by the institute it stated that the graduateship of the institute is recognised by his Department as being the professional equivalent of a primary degree, the contact or correspondence that there has there been between him and the institute in relation to this statement which would justify the institute making such a claim. [19097/11]
Awards made by the provider referred to by the Deputy are not recognised by my Department, whether as equivalent to a particular level of the National Framework of Qualifications or otherwise, and never have been recognised by my Department. Furthermore I am not aware of any contact or correspondence between my Department and the provider concerned regarding the equivalence of their awards.
The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) is the body with statutory responsibility for the National Framework of Qualifications, and in order to have their awards included in, or aligned with, the Framework the provider concerned would have to make an application to the NQAI. Their awards are not currently included in, or aligned with, the Framework and they have not been in contact with the NQAI in this regard.
Question No. 93 answered with Question No. 88.
School Transport
Ciaran Lynch
Question:94 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Skills the consideration that has been given to the concerns of the Church of Ireland community in regard to the school transportation review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19127/11]
I take it that the Deputy is referring to the changes to the Primary School Transport Scheme announced in the 2011 Budget by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government which derive from recommendations in the Value for Money Review of the scheme.
Under the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for school transport if they reside 3.2 kilometres or more from and are attending their nearest national school, as determined by my Department, having regard to ethos and language.
The decisions announced in the Budget cover the uniform application of the distance requirement, cessation of the Closed/Central School Rule (CSR), the minimum number of eligible children required to establish and retain services and the introduction of charges for eligible primary pupils. As is currently the position, families of eligible pupils, for whom there is no school transport service available, may apply for the remote area grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements.
It is essential to stress that the wider context within which all these changes are taking place, is a situation of the most serious financial difficulties. Under the four year recovery plan, there is a requirement to deliver savings of €17 million on the school transport budget and these measures are an integral part of this.
John Browne
Question:95 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify the standing of the school transport agreements signed on the amalgamation of national schools, in view of recently announced changes in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19138/11]
Changes to school transport services relating to the Closed School Rule 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.
I wish to inform the Deputy that school transport arrangements under the Closed School Rule originated from the last major amalgamation of schools in the late 1960's. Under the Closed School Rule, transport is generally provided to the school of amalgamation for pupils who reside in a closed school area.
However, over the course of the last forty two years, many parts of Ireland have experienced changes in population, the number of schools in an area may have increased and private transport is more widely available.
My Department must always seek to ensure that every service that is funded by the public is operated in a manner that delivers for pupils, parents and taxpayers alike.
Vocational Education Committees
Derek Keating
Question:96 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of additional places for mature students and post-leaving certificate students that are being made available for this coming academic year in the vocational education committee colleges; if he will list the colleges in tabular form; if he will indicate the courses that will have extra places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19194/11]
As part of the Government's Jobs Initiative, an additional 1,000 Further Education Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) and 3,000 Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) places were announced, to be prioritised for the unemployed. These additional places will be available from September.
The PLC and BTEI programmes are open to all adults over 16 years of age.
The breakdown of these allocations is in the following tables. Further distribution of these places to their schools/colleges is a matter for individual VECs. The operation of particular courses is also a matter for VECs and the schools and Colleges under their remit.
|
Allocations of additional PLC Places |
|
|
Co. Carlow VEC |
20 |
|
Co. Cavan VEC |
60 |
|
Co. Clare VEC |
10 |
|
City of Cork VEC |
20 |
|
Co. Cork VEC |
30 |
|
City of Dublin VEC |
60 |
|
Co. Dublin VEC |
30 |
|
Dún Laoghaire VEC |
55 |
|
City of Galway VEC |
60 |
|
Co. Galway VEC |
20 |
|
Co. Kerry VEC |
60 |
|
Co. Kilkenny VEC |
30 |
|
City of Limerick VEC |
30 |
|
Co. Limerick VEC |
20 |
|
Co. Louth VEC |
60 |
|
Co. Mayo VEC |
60 |
|
Co. Meath VEC |
60 |
|
Co. Monaghan VEC |
60 |
|
Co. Offaly VEC |
20 |
|
Co. Sligo VEC |
60 |
|
Co. Tipperary NR VEC |
30 |
|
Co. Tipperary SR VEC |
20 |
|
City of Waterford VEC |
20 |
|
Co. Westmeath VEC |
30 |
|
Co. Wicklow VEC |
60 |
|
Jesus and Mary Secondary School, Enniscrone |
15 |
|
Allocations of additional BTEI Places |
|
|
CARLOW |
42 |
|
CAVAN |
53 |
|
CLARE |
90 |
|
CORK CITY |
72 |
|
CORK COUNTY |
81 |
|
DONEGAL |
100 |
|
DUBLIN CITY |
419 |
|
DÚN LAOGHAIRE |
38 |
|
DUBLIN COUNTY |
300 |
|
GALWAY CITY |
67 |
|
GALWAY COUNTY |
121 |
|
KERRY |
115 |
|
KILDARE |
69 |
|
KILKENNY |
99 |
|
LAOIS |
54 |
|
LEITRIM |
40 |
|
LIMERICK CITY |
48 |
|
LIMERICK COUNTY |
93 |
|
LONGFORD |
48 |
|
LOUTH |
42 |
|
MAYO |
111 |
|
MEATH |
195 |
|
MONAGHAN |
58 |
|
OFFALY |
62 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
27 |
|
SLIGO |
45 |
|
TIPPERARY NORTH |
52 |
|
TIPPERARY SOUTH |
100 |
|
WATERFORD CITY |
73 |
|
WATERFORD COUNTY |
75 |
|
WESTMEATH |
49 |
|
WEXFORD |
90 |
|
WICKLOW |
72 |
State Examinations
David Stanton
Question:97 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills, further to Parliamentary Question No. 75 of 23 June 2011, if he will provide details of the colleges that provide a second chance entrance examination for students wishing to study science and engineering and who have failed higher level mathematics; if he will provide details of the colleges which formerly offered such an option but have now ceased this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19198/11]
Academic matters including the admissions criteria for entry to higher education institutions are legally a matter for the institutions themselves. However, I have been informed that the following universities and Institutes of Technology operate a second chance examination aimed at students who do not fulfil the matriculation requirements in Mathematics through their Leaving Certificate results:—
NUI Maynooth (for engineering courses)
University of Limerick (for science and engineering courses)
NUI Galway (for engineering courses)
Cork Institute of Technology for engineering
Dublin Institute of Technology for engineering.
I have also been informed that Waterford Institute of Technology has proposals to operate a second chance exam in 2011 for first time.
Higher education institutions have academic autonomy on matters of course provision and admission criteria.
Departmental Staff
Barry Cowen
Question:98 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to increase the number of arts education organisers around the country; his further plans to improve this crucial service in view of the amalgamation of vocational education committees. [16607/11]
The post of Arts Education Officer is comprehended by the public sector staffing moratorium and there are no plans to expand the programme. The Arts Education Programme is available in a number of VECs and funds educational initiatives for adults, particularly those participating in Further Education, to encourage and develop an appreciation of the arts.
Flood Relief
Pat Breen
Question:99 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the person who has responsibility for a matter in the national grid areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19093/11]
I understand that the Deputy is referring to the matter of the embankments at Killadysert and Ballynacally, which were formerly maintained by the Land Commission. Following the abolition of that body, the Public Trustee, an official in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food, administers a fund that was intended to provide for maintenance of the former Land Commission embankments. In practice, however, there is little, if any, funds remaining for maintenance of any of these structures. Maintenance works have in some places been carried out on these embankments by the relevant landowners.
Following representations on behalf of property owners, the Office of Public Works (OPW) undertook a study in relation to the feasibility of upgrading the former Land Commission embankments in these areas, and having the control and management for same transferred to the OPW. The study report of March, 2009 concluded that it would not be economically feasible for the OPW to upgrade these embankments to the required standard and take any in charge, having regard to demands on OPW for priority flood mitigation works at other locations. I have arranged for a copy of the report to be sent to the Deputy.
In 2009, the OPW introduced the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Studies Scheme to provide funding to Local Authorities to address localised flood problems where a solution had been identified or could be readily identified. The Scheme has been continued for 2010 and 2011. In 2010, Clare County Council submitted a funding application under the scheme to repair 130m of the embankment at Ballycorrick, Ballynacally and €46,800 was subsequently allocated to the Council for this project. It is open to the Council to submit further applications for works to the embankments at the locations concerned. If further applications are received, they will be considered in light of the scheme criteria and having regard to the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.
Work Permits
James Bannon
Question:100 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding a work permit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19044/11]
My Department processes applications in respect of the different types of employment permits — Green Cards Permits, Work Permits, Spousal/Dependant Permits and Intra-company Transfer Permits. Applications are processed in date of receipt order by Permit Type and in line with the Employment Permits Act 2006. I wish to advise the Deputy that the Employment Permits Section is currently processing this specific application and was in contact with the employer on the 4th July 2011 requesting some additional information in relation to this case. On receipt of that information a decision will be made on this application.
Question No. 101 withdrawn.
Job Creation
Dominic Hannigan
Question:102 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps each of the State agencies under his aegis are taking to promote job creation in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19199/11]
Job creation is central to our economic recovery and the Programme for Government has job creation at its core. The role of my Department is to ensure that we have the right policies in place that will support and grow our enterprise base in order to facilitate job creation. The Jobs Initiative announced in May focuses our limited resources on measures that offer the greatest potential for expansion and employment creation in the domestic economy. Additionally, it has a significant focus on tourism, and the reduction in the VAT Rate, along with the abolition of the travel tax will provide an important stimulus to tourism businesses in Co. Meath and around the Country.
The programmes supported by my Department and its agencies will be critical in achieving economic growth through promoting the export potential of enterprise in Ireland and driving our Smart Economy. The allocation of €508 million in funding for 2011 will ensure that the core programmes of the enterprise agencies are sustained and targeted as well as driving investment in research and development. This investment in the Enterprise Development agencies will drive recovery in the economy by facilitating the winning of foreign direct investments, the growth of indigenous exports and the creation of sustainable jobs.
The primary role of IDA Ireland is the attraction of high quality Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Ireland. An integral and fundamental element of this role is the agency's mandate to promote sustainable and balanced regional development. In this context, IDA Ireland will continue to target Greenfield and expansion projects in Financial Services and International Services and ICT for the Meath area. The agency will also work with its existing client base in the County to expand their presence.
An availability of premises is one of the important attractions in encouraging FDI to Ireland. In Meath, IDA Ireland has 28 hectares (70 acres) of serviced industrial lands available at IDA Navan Business Park where six projects are located. Additionally there is a new 24 hectares (60 acre) Business Park at Donore, Drogheda, which is actually located in Co. Meath. The financial services company — ‘International Fund Services' employs 210 people at this location. In addition, Generali which is one of the world's largest insurance companies, have developed three business functions in Navan which today employ over 250 staff. Generali announced a 30 job expansion plan in 2010 which is linked with a major new investment involving the construction of a new 23,000 sq.ft. office facility. This will open in Autumn 2011.
Enterprise Ireland will continue to support job creation through a number of interventions, such as supporting the establishment and growth of high potential start-up companies and supporting companies to target new opportunities in overseas markets. Enterprise Ireland has 175 client companies in Meath employing 4,109 people on a full time basis and 689 on a contract or part-time basis. Since 2008 Enterprise Ireland has made payments of approximately €9.5m to its clients in the County. This funding has helped companies to retain and create employment, to explore new markets for innovative products and services and build innovation capacity.
In 2010, sixteen innovation vouchers were awarded to companies in Meath to the value of €80,000. These vouchers allow small Irish companies to access innovative solutions provided by third level colleges. Enterprise Ireland co-ordinates business start up workshops on a nationwide basis, called EnterpriseSTART. It is delivered for potential entrepreneurs with a desire to start technology or knowledge intensive businesses with good export potential. A workshop will be held in Ashbourne towards the end of July.
The Meath County Enterprise Board (CEB) provides support for small businesses with 10 employees or fewer in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level, with priority being given to manufacturing and internationally traded services. CEBs recognise that business growth and job creation are inherent considerations in their activities. While their primary function is to promote enterprise, CEBs can support individuals, firms and community groups provided they have the capacity to achieve commercial viability which is vital to job creation.
In 2010, Meath CEB provided €230,515 in financial assistance to 32 projects and provided training to 366 participants. In addition, there were 883 jobs existing in CEB assisted enterprises at the end of 2010. During 2011, Meath CEB will continue to be actively involved in the area of economic development and will ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development.
Industrial Development
Dominic Hannigan
Question:103 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs in companies currently in County Meath that are being supported by Industrial Development Authority grants; the companies involved and their location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19200/11]
At present there are 15 IDA Ireland supported companies in Meath employing approximately 735 staff in permanent positions and an additional 116 staff in other positions. This data is broken down by town, in the tabular statement.
Note
The above figures exclude the 210 staff employed by International Fund Services at Donore, Drogheda — though located in Co. Meath, these have been recorded by the Forfas Annual Labour Survey in the Co. Louth returns. Additionally, a management buy-out of IDA client company De Royal in Kells in 2009 saw the jobs reclassified in Enterprise Ireland rather than IDA job figures. The company currently employs close to 300 staff in Kells.
|
Company |
Location |
Sector |
Nationality |
|
Doosan Infracore Co Ltd |
Slane |
Metals and Engineering |
UK |
|
Europ Assistance Holdings Ltd |
Navan |
Insurance Call Centre |
UK |
|
International Paper/SIACA |
Ashbourne |
Paper and Printing |
US |
|
Irish Industrial Explosives Ltd |
Enfield |
Explosives |
France |
|
Welch-Allyn Ltd |
Navan |
Medical Devices |
US |
|
Alltech Biotechnologies |
Dunboyne |
Biotechnology |
US |
|
Generali International Ltd |
Navan |
Investment Fund Management |
US |
|
PNC International |
Navan |
Financial Services |
US |
|
Generali Pan Europe |
Navan |
Fund Management |
Italy |
|
Trimfold Envelopes |
Trim |
Stationery |
United Kingdom |
|
Pickerings Lifts Limited |
Dunboyne |
Lift Components |
UK |
|
Wetzel |
Ashbourne |
Metals and Engineering |
Germany |
|
Franklin Pharmaceuticals Limited |
Trim |
Pharmaceuticals |
Netherlands |
|
Nivalis Limited |
Ashbourne |
CD Packaging |
China |
|
Kum |
Trim |
Plastics |
Germany |
IDA's Strategy for County Meath is as follows:
To progress the development of a knowledge economy in order that the county can compete both nationally and internationally for foreign direct investment.
To continue to target Greenfield and Expansion projects in Financial Services and International Services and ICT for the Meath area.
To encourage increased cooperation between foreign direct investment companies and the third level institutions, for example, University College Maynooth.
To work with the existing client base in the county and to expand their presence there.
To work with Local Authorities and relevant infrastructure providers to influence the delivery of appropriate infrastructure to the county.
To utilize resources of institutions both within and outside the county in presenting the advantages of Navan and Co. Meath as a location, for example, NUI Maynooth, Navan Chamber of Commerce, Meath County Council/Economic Development Manager, Eircom/Enet and so forth.
The marketing of landbanks (IDA Navan and Donore Business Parks), Office and Industrial facilities.
This very active programme has already yielded results. Companies such as Lir Chocolates have relocated to the IDA business park in Navan and PNC, a leading financial services company, employs approximately 55 at a facility in Navan Town Centre.
Dominic Hannigan
Question:104 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the plans he has to develop innovation hubs in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19201/11]
I have been informed by Enterprise Ireland that the agency has 175 client companies in Meath employing 4,109 people on a full time basis and 689 on a contract/part-time basis. Since 2008 Enterprise Ireland has made payments of approximately €9.5m to clients in the county. This funding has helped companies to retain and create employment, to explore new markets for innovative products and services and build innovation capacity.
In 2010, 80 Innovation Vouchers were awarded to companies in Meath to the value of €400,000. These Vouchers allow small Irish companies to access innovative solutions provided by Third Level Colleges. The Voucher gives small companies the financial support to embark on a process of continuous innovation.
Enterprise Ireland co-ordinates business start up workshops on a nationwide basis called EnterpriseSTART. In the Dublin — Mid East region it is delivered over two afternoons for potential entrepreneurs with a desire to start technology or knowledge intensive businesses with good export potential. It provides them with an overview of what is required to start a business and tests their business idea. A workshop will be held in Ashbourne, Co Meath towards the end of July this year. It is anticipated that about 20 potential entrepreneurs will participate.
|
Meath |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
Number Of Plants |
175 |
178 |
177 |
175 |
|
Full Time Jobs |
4,899 |
4,630 |
4,183 |
4,109 |
|
Gains |
642 |
323 |
340 |
192 |
|
Losses |
-1,058 |
-592 |
-787 |
-266 |
|
Net Change |
-416 |
-269 |
-447 |
-74 |
|
Contract/Part Time Jobs |
395 |
483 |
559 |
689 |
Forfas Employment Figs 2010
The position in relation to IDA activities in County Meath is set out in a separate reply today to Deputy Hannigan.
School Meals Programme
Derek Keating
Question:105 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the school lunch programme to which every child here is entitled; if she will consider allowing each school to make its own arrangements for the management and purchase of school lunches; her views that there could be considerable savings to the State and less waste in the schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19197/11]
The school meals programme provides funding towards provision of food services for disadvantaged school children through two schemes. No scheme exists which provides school lunches for all pupils in the State. The first scheme is the statutory urban school meals scheme for primary schools which is operated by local authorities and part-financed by this Department. The role of this Department is confined to reimbursing local authorities and approving participation in the scheme. The second scheme is the non-statutory school meals local projects scheme which provides funding directly from this Department to primary schools, secondary schools and local groups and voluntary organisations which operate their own school meals projects.
Projects must be targeted at areas of disadvantage or at children with special needs. Priority for funding is currently given to schools which are part of the Department of Education & Skills' initiative for disadvantaged schools, ‘Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools' (DEIS). However, there is no automatic entitlement to funding and all applications are considered in light of the available budget for the Scheme.
Funding under this scheme is for food only, which must be of suitable quality and nutritional value, and prepared and consumed in an appropriate environment. Funding is provided for a range of meal types, including breakfasts, snacks, lunches and dinners. Maximum rates of payments apply for each meal type. The type and range of meals provided, as well as the method and logistics of supplying the meals, are decided by the individual local groups and schools that operate the projects. Schools and projects are obliged to ensure that wastage is minimised and that food is not purchased for absentee children.
Social Welfare Benefits
James Bannon
Question:106 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for back-to-school and communion and confirmation grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19045/11]
The administrative arrangements for the 2011 back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme differ from those that applied in previous years. For this year, the majority of back to school clothing and footwear allowance entitlements were fully automated with no application form required from customers. As the person in question was not one of the customers who received an automated payment they are required to complete an application form which is available for download from www.welfare.ie or by texting “Form BTSCFA”, followed by their name and address to 51909. The completed application form should be returned to Department of Social Protection, PO Box 131, Letterkenny, Co Donegal where a decision will be made in relation to their entitlement.
Under the supplementary allowance scheme an exceptional needs payment (ENP) may be made by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to help meet an essential, once-off cost which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment. Each application is determined by the HSE based on the particular circumstances of the case. Eligible people would normally be in receipt of a social welfare or HSE payment. The person concerned was refused an exceptional needs payment in respect of confirmation costs on 7 March 2011. She subsequently appealed the decision to the relevant appeals office in the HSE. The decision to refuse the exceptional needs payment was upheld by appeals officer.
Social Welfare Code
Gerry Adams
Question:107 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection the safeguards in place to ensure that retained firefighters are not discriminated against due to their need to be in employment that is in close proximity to the fire station they are based in and her views that a failure to ensure such safeguards are in place will lead to a serious diminution in the quality and the availability of retained fire fighters. [19071/11]
Issues relating to the Irish Fire Services are a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in the first instance. Part-time fire-fighters are entitled to the full range of social welfare benefits and allowances once they satisfy the statutory conditions of the scheme concerned. e.g. age, means, PRSI contributions, etc. Part-time fire-fighters are entitled to a jobseeker's payment in respect of days on which they are engaged in fire-fighting or training. They are, however, required to satisfy the statutory conditions for the receipt of a jobseeker's payment of being available for and genuinely seeking work.
Social Welfare Benefits
Heather Humphreys
Question:108 Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the length of time it is currently taking to process family income supplement reviews; her views that in the future it would be beneficial to have review forms issued earlier so that persons would not be left without payment for months; her plans to alleviate the current backlog with regard to family income supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19076/11]
The Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible. The average waiting time for family income supplement (FIS) renewals at the end of May is approximately 15 weeks. At the end of May, there were approximately 6,289 renewal applications awaiting approval. The volume of FIS renewals on hands and the delays in processing are a consequence of continued strong claim intake.
At present application forms for renewals are issued one month in advance of the expiry of the current payment. Applications for renewal of FIS are then processed in order of the date of expiry of the current payment and not by date of receipt of a completed renewal form. Earlier issue of the renewal application would not facilitate the collection of the most up to date customer information to ensure the fairest calculation of entitlement for the next 52 week payment period of FIS.
The Department has introduced a number of measures to address the efficiency of claim processing for FIS in light of the current waiting times:
Existing processes and procedures are reviewed on an ongoing basis with the explicit objective of reducing delays in claim processing;
The ongoing staffing requirement is being kept under review in light of the increased volumes of claims;
Additional temporary staff are being recruited to help reduce the backlog;
Overtime working is being judiciously applied;
Priority is being given to renewal claims to ensure restoration of payment as promptly as possible following review at renewal stage. These measures will, over time, lead to more efficient processing and reduce the number of claims on hand. The position is being closely monitored and kept under review by the Department.
Employment Support Services
Patrick O'Donovan
Question:109 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Limerick who has been seeking work for two years but, due to a means test, does not qualify for benefits or allowance, is eligible for the national internship scheme. [19102/11]
In order to be eligible to participate in JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme, an individual must:
currently be in receipt of a Jobseeker's Allowance/Jobseeker's Benefit or signing for credits on the Live Register, and
have been so for a total of 3 months or more in the last 6 months.
An individual who does not receive a Jobseeker's Allowance/Benefit payment may therefore be eligible to participate in the scheme provided that they are currently signing onto the Live Register for Social Insurance contribution credits and have been for at least three of the last 6 months.
Social Welfare Benefits
Anne Ferris
Question:110 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection if rent allowance will be reinstated as soon as possible in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19122/11]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that a formal decision has not yet been made on their application for rent supplement. The HSE further advised that the persons concerned have been requested to renegotiate the rent being charged by the landlord as it currently exceeds the maximum rent limit for their family size.
Brendan Griffin
Question:111 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry satisfies criteria to qualify for a position as a Tús worker in a company (details further supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19128/11]
The purpose of Tús is to focus on those people who are long-term unemployed. For this reason, eligibility is at present confined to those on the live register for 12 months and in receipt of jobseeker's allowance. These provisions are to ensure a targeted approach to those currently affected by long-term unemployment. Persons already in employment or engaged in community employment are not eligible for these positions. Eligible persons will be identified by the Department of Social Protection by applying the following conditions:
A person must be unemployed and in receipt of a jobseeker's payment for at least 12 months, and
Currently be in receipt of jobseeker's allowance, and
Be fully unemployed.
This person (details supplied) does not meet the eligibility criteria at present. The operation of the scheme, including eligibility criteria, will be kept under review and will inform the evaluation process in due course.
Seán Kenny
Question:112 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of one parent family payment; if she will provide a breakdown of the educational and or professional standards of these recipients; the average size of these families and the average age of children of such families. [19129/11]
Seán Kenny
Question:113 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of one parent family payment that have recently commenced or completed educational schemes such as the back to education scheme and the springboard programme; if these schemes have been full-time or part-time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19130/11]
Seán Kenny
Question:114 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of one parent family payment that have recently commenced or completed existing back to work schemes such as the work placement programme; if these schemes have been full time or part time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19131/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 to 114, inclusive, together.
The number of claimants receiving the One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) stood at 93,166 on 31 May, 2011. Some 98% of claimants are women. Recipients receive payments in respect of 154,172 child dependants.
Some 57% of OFP recipients have 1 child, 28% have 2 children, 10% have 3 children and 5% have 4 children or more. Some 90% of recipients have a youngest child aged 14 years or under, 80% have a youngest child aged 11 years or under, 61% have a youngest child aged 7 years or under and 33% have a youngest child aged 3 years or under.
Lone parents generally have significantly lower levels of education than married or ohabiting parents — 13% of them have no formal qualifications compared to just 6% of other parents and a further 27% of them have only lower secondary level qualifications compared to 15% of married or cohabiting parents. Lone parents are also a lot less likely to have a third-level qualification — only 18% fall into this category compared to 34% of other parents. 58% (or almost two-thirds) of lone parents only ever attain secondary level education and no higher.
Section 12 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2011 extends existing provisions requiring that new claimants for all social welfare payments, including OFP, can be obliged to provide a range of information for profiling and activation purposes to the existing stock of social welfare recipients. Such profiling of OFP recipients, when introduced, will provide information on the educational, skills and employment background of individual claimants and can be used to better target supports to help people to return to work, education or training. Additionally, the collation of information on an individual level and on a county-by-county basis to better identify the requirements of the different cohorts within the OFP population will enable the identification of supports that are available across the service provider network.
With regard to participation in employment, it is currently estimated that some 50% of OFP recipients are in employment. Some 6,500 recipients (or 7% of the current total number of claimants) are involved in Community Employment (CE) schemes.
The total number of participants on the Back-to-Education Allowance (BTEA) scheme during the 2010/2011 academic year was 25,032 — of which 2,589 were previously in receipt of the OFP. Of these, 1,207 were on the second level option and 1,382 were on the third level option.
The Springboard Programme is a Department of Education and Skills initiative. The application process for it is still open. Information will become available from that Department in due course.
The total number of participants on the Back-to-Work Allowance (BTWA) scheme as of 24 June, 2011, stood at 11,310 — of which 357 were previously in receipt of the OFP. Of these, 96 were employees and 261 were self-employed.
As of 4 July, 2011, there were a total of 42 participants on the Work Placement Programme who are in receipt of the OFP. Since the inception of this Programme in 2009, a total of 38 individuals, who were in receipt of the OFP, have successfully secured a work placement. Placements on the Work Placement Programme must span a minimum of 25 hours or a maximum of 40 hours per week.
Arts Plan
Gerald Nash
Question:115 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will consider engaging with Allied Irish Banks in an effort to encourage wider public access to their extensive and significant collection of art with a view to placing pieces on permanent display in public institutions including municipal galleries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19118/11]
Allied Irish Banks Plc has gathered a considerable collection of art. The Bank is actively engaged with my Department to review its lending policy and to explore other means by which the public might have greater access to the collection. My Department will continue with that process.
Tourism Promotion
Dominic Hannigan
Question:116 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps he, his Department and agencies under his aegis are taking to promote County Meath as a cultural and heritage tourist destination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19191/11]
Dominic Hannigan
Question:117 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the groups in County Meath that his Department or agencies under his aegis are supporting both through financial help and mentoring help; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19192/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 117 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, heritage and cultural tourism is acknowledged as a growing element of the tourism sector and is an area that could help to stimulate economic growth. Indeed, heritage and culture are key areas in attracting tourism to all of the counties in Ireland. In relation to the Deputy's specific query, my Department has been involved in a number of initiatives reflected below to promote Co. Meath as a cultural and heritage tourist destination. My Department has also supported the Irish language and Gaeltacht communities in Co. Meath.
In the area of arts and culture, my Department continues to work with Meath County Council in relation to the promotion of arts and culture in Co. Meath. The Deputy will of course be aware that the Arts Council, which is funded from my Department's Vote Group, is the State agency primarily charged with the promotion and funding of the arts at all levels throughout the country. Full details of the recipients in Co. Meath of financial supports provided by the Arts Council are available on that agency's website www.artscouncil.ie. It should be noted that funding of approximately €712,000 was provided by the Arts Council to a number of groups in Co. Meath during 2010.
In terms of promoting and developing the built and natural heritage in Co. Meath, I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department liaises with Meath County Council, Meath Tourism and Coillte on heritage matters on a regular basis. The Deputy will of course be aware of my Department's role recently in the development of the Girley Bog Loop Walk, which is approximately 5 km south-west of Kells.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Heritage Council, which is funded from my Department's Vote Group, has assisted a number of projects in Co. Meath. In 2011, the Heritage Council provided funding in the order of €188,600 to Trim Town Council, Meath County Council, Julianstown District Community Association and also to a number archaeologists in the county.
I can also confirm to the Deputy that my Department continues to promote knowledge and understanding of the county's archaeological heritage. The Trim Castle Monagraph will be published this year and will confirm Trim Castle as one of the major sites of its type in Ireland. I should also say that a Steering Committee has been established to oversee the drafting of a new Management Plan for the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site and I have invited local people and other interested parties to make submissions on the preparation of the new management plan.
The Deputy will also be aware that tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners under Section 482 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, subject to certain conditions, to the owner/occupier of an approved building (including surrounding garden) or an approved garden existing independently in respect of expenditure incurred on the repair, maintenance or restoration of the approved building or garden. A prerequisite of a successful application to the Revenue Commissioners is the issuing by me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, of a determination that the building and/or garden is/are intrinsically of significant scientific, historical, architectural, aesthetic or horticultural interest. Currently, there are 12 houses and 1 garden in County Meath, from a nationwide total of 242 properties, availing of Section 482 tax relief. Finally, the Deputy will of course be aware that the tourism industry is very important to the Gaeltacht economy. In this regard, my Department, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Foras na Gaeilge continue to provide supports to the Gaeltacht areas in Co. Meath. Comharchumann Ráth Chairn is the main community-based organisation in County Meath in receipt of financial support from Údarás na Gaeltachta.
The Gaeltacht areas of Rath Cairn and Baile Ghib also receive supports from my Department and from Údarás na Gaeltachta with regard to the use of the Irish language in these areas. Assistance is given to Naíonra Ráth Chairn and Naíonra Bhaile Ghib through Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta Teo. Support is also given to Club Óige Ráth Chairn through Óige na Gaeltachta Teo. Funding of €40,000 was paid to Glór na nGael in 2011 by my Department under Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Gaeilge (Irish Language Support Schemes). This voluntary Irish Language organisation is based in Ráth Cairn, Co Meath and has also been approved grant assistance of €548,861 by Foras na Gaeilge for 2011. An Foras has also approved grant assistance of €488,840 to Cumann na bhFiann, Baile an Uairnigh, for the current year. Clár na Leabhar Gaeilge, which has its headquarters in Rath Cairn, is also supported by Foras na Gaeilge.
Departmental Expenditure
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:118 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total cost to the State of the Fergus Cahill-Frontier Economics Limited report completed at the beginning of 2011 but as yet unpublished. [19003/11]
The independent analysis in relation to the electricity transmission assets was carried out by Frontier Economics Limited, which was appointed to carry out the analysis following a public procurement process.
The cost of the analysis was €178,500, excluding VAT. The cost was shared equally by the ESB and EirGrid and was not funded by my Department.
Proposed Legislation
Question:
119 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if legislation will be required to carry out a flood risk report in the preparation of the city and county development plans of local authorities; the date on which this will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19019/11]
My Department's Guidelines to Planning Authorities on the Planning System and Flood Risk Management, which were published on 30 November 2009, are aimed at ensuring a more consistent, rigorous and systematic approach to flood risk assessment and management in the planning system. The Guidelines were issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) which requires planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála to have regard to them in the performance of their functions. These measures have been further embedded in legislation through the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010.
As part of my statutory observation role in respect of development plans and local area plans, my Department is monitoring implementation of the Guidelines in conjunction with the relevant legislative provisions in the planning code, to determine, inter alia, whether the existing provisions continue to provide a sound basis for planning authorities to identify, assess and take appropriate steps to manage flood risk in a sustainable manner within their area.
Question:
120 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to amend the 2010 Planning and Development Act to allow for public submissions on zoning and to re-balance power towards elected representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19020/11]
It remains open to the public to make detailed submissions on zoning for consideration by the planning authority in respect of draft development plans and draft variations to such plans under sections 12 and 13 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), with similar provisions applying in the case of draft local area plans under section 20 of the Act.
Notwithstanding these provisions, under section 11 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended by section 8 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010), the manager's report, summarising issues raised in submissions or observations made to the planning authority in respect of its notice to review the existing development plan and prepare a new plan, is precluded from referring to any submission relating to a request or proposal for zoning of particular land for any purpose. This is to ensure that the manager's report is focused on strategic considerations and policies at this early stage of the development plan review process rather than on specific zoning proposals which can be made during the consultation period when the draft plan has been published.
In delivering on the specific commitments in the Programme for Government, I intend to keep the planning code under regular review to ensure that there continues to be adequate access and participation both by the public and by public representatives in decision-making and policy formulation.
Nuclear Safety
Gerry Adams
Question:121 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied that the Sellafield nuclear plant will be subject to EU-wide stress tests organised at a European level in view of the concern he has expressed on this issue and not subject solely to a domestic stress test organised at a British domestic level. [19024/11]
When I discussed nuclear safety matters with UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Chris Huhne, at a bilateral meeting earlier this year, I reiterated the Government's concerns about Sellafield and sought assurance that the nuclear safety stress tests, which were at that time being developed at EU level in response to the serious accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan in March, would be applied not only to the UK's power plants, but also to the Sellafield plant. The Secretary of State confirmed that this was his intention.
With the subsequent agreement of the stress test methodology at EU level in May, the UK Government again confirmed that the stress test will be applied not only to power plants, but to facilities in the nuclear fuel cycle, and that this includes Sellafield.
The European Commission and the European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group (ENSREG) developed the "stress tests" following a request from the European Council on 25 March 2011 in response to the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan. The "stress tests" will be conducted initially by the licensees of the facilities, who have the prime responsibility for safety. The national regulators of the fourteen EU Member States who currently operate nuclear power plants, and those neighbouring countries who also agreed to be part of the process, will then independently review the safety assessments for facilities within their own States. These national level reports will then be peer reviewed by teams comprised of representatives of other EU nuclear safety regulators. This peer review stage is in part intended to ensure the appropriate level of robustness and objectivity is applied to the "stress test" process.
Ireland is represented on ENSREG by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, which has contributed to the development of the "stress tests". It is intended that the stress test reports will be made public in accordance with national legislation and international obligations, provided that this does not jeopardise other interests (such as security). In the same way, it is also intended that the peer review results will be made public.
The current "stress tests" offer an opportunity to learn from what occurred at Fukushima, and to enhance nuclear safety provisions at national and international levels where necessary. In this context, we support the rigorous application of the stress tests at all nuclear facilities, transparency with regard to the results, and prompt follow-up actions where such are required to improve nuclear safety.
My Department, together with the RPII, will continue to monitor the implementation of the stress tests, including at Sellafield, and will carefully consider their outcomes as they become available. The accident at Fukushima serves to remind us that nuclear safety is a matter for nuclear and non-nuclear States alike. It is imperative that, where a State chooses to develop a nuclear power industry, this is done according to the highest international standards with respect to safety and environmental protection.
Building Regulations
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:122 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has been briefed by Dublin City Council on its investigation into alleged breaches of the Building Control Acts at a premises (details supplied) in Dublin 13; if he has been briefed on DCC’s private investigation into safety breaches at the premises; if he will provide a full report on both of those investigations; his views on the fact that local residents have received no updates from DCC on the findings of the investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19038/11]
The Building Regulations set out the legal requirements for the design and construction of new buildings, including houses, extensions and material alterations and certain changes of use of existing buildings. The related Technical Guidance Documents provide technical guidance on how to comply with the Regulations. Compliance with the Regulations is the responsibility of the owner or builder of a building. Enforcement of the Regulations is the responsibility of the 37 local building control authorities and, in the case of Priory Hall, responsibility rests with Dublin City Council who are empowered to carry out inspections and initiate enforcement proceedings, where considered necessary. I understand from Dublin City Council that investigations under the Building Control Acts are currently on-going in this case. Where building defects occur, their remediation is a matter for the parties concerned, namely the building owner, the relevant developer and the builder's insurers, in line with any contractual arrangements agreed between the parties.
As the Deputy will be aware, Dublin City Council has initiated legal proceedings in relation to compliance with planning permission and fire safety regulations; the enforcement proceedings are still before the courts. In addition, the Council, as a property owner in Priory Hall, commissioned a building survey in conjunction with other property owners in the complex who agreed to participate in the survey. The report has recently been submitted to the Council and copies forwarded to those owners who participated in the survey. The report is currently being considered by the Council.
Since taking up office I have prioritised the formulation of policy proposals that will enhance compliance with, and enforcement of, the building regulations. I am currently considering proposals to reform the building control system to include the introduction of mandatory certificates of compliance by builders and designers of buildings demonstrating that the statutory requirements of the Building Regulations have been met.
Local Authority Charges
Billy Timmins
Question:123 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding proposals to introduce water and property charges for persons who have built houses for themselves on acquired sites and installed at considerable cost, a sewerage puraflow system, a well and pump or pumphouse (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19101/11]
The EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland under its fiscal consolidation measures commits to the introduction of a property tax for 2012 and to an increase in the property tax for 2013. The Programme reflects the need, in the context of the State's overall financial position, to put the funding of locally delivered services on a sound financial footing, improve accountability and better align the cost of providing services with the demand for such services.
In light of the complex issues involved, a property tax, requiring a comprehensive property valuation system, would take time to introduce and accordingly, to meet the revenue measure in the EU/IMF Programme, I have already indicated my intention to introduce a household charge in 2012.
I will be bringing proposals to Government in the near future on the legislative and administrative requirements necessary to implement the household charge. The level at which the charge will be set and the applicability of exemptions to the charge will be considered by Government at that time and will be announced in due course. It is my intention that the revenues from the charge will support the provision of locally based services.
The Programme for Government provides for the introduction of a fair funding model to deliver clean and reliable water. The objective is to install water meters in households on public water supplies and move to a charging system based on usage above a free allowance. My Department is currently preparing a strategy to implement these proposals and further details will be made available when the Government has considered the proposals.
Constituency Boundaries
Gerry Adams
Question:124 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if, in the context of the new Constituency Commission to establish new Dáil constituency boundaries the Commission’s remit, will allow them to consider the creation of large multi-seat constituencies electing six or more Deputies. [19103/11]
The terms of reference of a Constituency Commission are set out in section 6 of the Electoral Act 1997. In relation to Dáil constituencies, section 6(2)(b) provides that each constituency shall return three, four or five members. I have no proposals to amend this element of the terms of reference.
Local Authority Grants
Gerald Nash
Question:125 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to regulations applied by local authorities requiring small, community based organisations to register for tax as a voluntary non-profit making organisation if they are to be in a position to benefit from small support grants known as the councillors allocation in certain local authorities (details supplied); his views that this requirement should be reassessed in view of its restrictive and overly bureaucratic nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19116/11]
Local authorities are required by regulations under Section 891(b) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 to provide details of relevant third party payments to the Revenue Commissioners on an annual basis. Compliance with the regulations is a matter for each individual local authority.
Proposed Legislation
Heather Humphreys
Question:126 Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the High Hedges Act 2011 which was recently enacted in Northern Ireland; his views that similar legislation would be of benefit here; his plans to enact similar legislation here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19121/11]
I have no plans at present to introduce specific legislation to regulate the permitted heights of hedges and trees in privately owned gardens. Planning legislation does not place restrictions on the height of hedges or trees nor does it make any particular provision for recognition of a right to light or remedy from any other nuisance which may be caused by trees in an urban residential area.
Complaints relating to matters such as trees or shrubs overhanging a property are normally addressed, where necessary, under civil law between the parties concerned.
Social and Affordable Housing
Noel Grealish
Question:127 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to change the Part 5 provisions relating to social and affordable housing or if the schemes will continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19206/11]
On 16 June I launched the Government's new housing policy statement which will serve as a framework for a sequence of legislative and policy initiatives in the short to medium term. Based on a number of fundamental principles and goals that will form the foundation of a substantial reform programme, the new framework for housing policy responds to current and emerging conditions in the housing sector, taking account of the dramatic cycle of rapid growth and sudden collapse in the residential property market. The centrepiece of the approach is to chart a way forward for housing policy in Ireland by placing greater emphasis on: choice; equity across housing tenures; and delivering quality outcomes for the resources invested.
The policy statement also announces the standing down of all affordable housing schemes, including shared ownership, in the context of a full review of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000. Affordable housing schemes were introduced to bridge the affordability gap that emerged during the boom years, preventing middle income households from realising their ownership aspirations. However, affordable housing did nothing to address the underlying problem — market overheating with an unsustainable gap between prices and incomes. Affordable housing was therefore a symptom of a market failure and not a solution to it.
In addition, affordability has eased to such an extent that there is little or no demand for affordable housing. Indeed, in recent years the challenge has been to deploy existing affordable stock productively rather than deliver new affordable housing. While there may be localised affordability challenges in the future, particularly in areas where supply is short and demand is likely to return relatively quickly, any such affordable housing scheme as may be necessary in the future will have a broader tenure focus than in the past.
The Government is committed to supporting access to home ownership for lower income households and a range of paths to home ownership will remain in place in that regard. These include the incremental purchase scheme, the availability of loan finance from local authorities for house purchase, including open market purchase, and the tenant purchase scheme.
Waste Management
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:128 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the full extent of the progress made to date in the remediation programme for the Kerdiffstown landfill site, County Kildare; the degree to which all unacceptable materials have been removed or are likely to be completed; the total expenditure to date; the further expenditure required if any; when the site will be restored in accordance with best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19207/11]
Following the completion of the fire fighting activity at the Kedriffstown facility on 25 February 2011, the fire services passed control of the site to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is now using powers under the Waste Management Acts to remediate the site and to put in place appropriate aftercare measures.
Remedial works are continuing at the site as part of a process that will take a number of years to complete. The next phase of the work involves a detailed site investigation which is being advanced over the period to end 2011, followed by detailed design of the full remediation works programme.
The EPA has established a Community Liaison Group, comprising the Agency itself, local residents (including members of the Clean Air Naas group), business representatives and Kildare County Council. The first meeting of the group was held on July, 2011 and included a site visit for group members and elected representatives from the area. A range of relevant information is available on the dedicated project website, www.kerdiffstowncleanup.ie, established by the EPA. Further information and updates will be posted to this site as the remedial project continues with a view to keeping the public fully informed on progress in a timely manner.
Payments totaling €2,262,389 have been made by my Department to date to support the work of Kildare County Council and the EPA at the Kerdiffstown facility. While further significant expenditure will arise, it is not possible to quantify this precisely as the costs involved will depend on a range of factors, including the quantities of waste, the approach to remediation required and the results of tendering processes.
Scéimeanna Uisce
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:129 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Comhshaoil, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiúil cén uair a cheadófar do Chomhairle Contae na Gaillimhe duine a fhostú in Inis Meáin, Árainn, le faireachán a dhéanamh ar an scéim uisce ar an oileán i bhfianaise na práinne atá ann go mbeidh an scéim uisce sin ag feidhmiú go sásúil; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [19092/11]
Tá an post, luaite sa cheist, ceadaithe cheana féin.
EU Funding
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:130 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has applied for or received any moneys or grants for the period 2007-2013 under the drug prevention and information programme of the European Parliament and European Council, which aims to build on the EU drugs strategy and action plans, the ultimate aim of which is to significantly reduce the social harm and health damage caused by the use of, and trade in, illicit drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19069/11]
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has neither applied for, nor received, any funding under the Drug Prevention and Information Programme of the European Parliament and European Council, DPIP, for the period 2007-2013.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:131 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has applied for any Daphne I, II, or III grants from the EU Commission, which aim to contribute to the protection of children, young persons and women against all forms of violence and to attain a high level of health protection, well-being and social cohesion; if his attention has been drawn to any Irish application which may have sought his backing since the fund was established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19077/11]
The Daphne Programme is a European Commission funding programme under the Commission's General Programme ‘Fundamental Rights and Justice'. The first Daphne Programme ran from 2000 to 2003 and was followed by Daphne II from 2004 to 2008. Daphne III is the latest programme, running from 2007 to 2013.
The specific objective of Daphne III is to contribute to the prevention of, and the fight against, all forms of violence occurring in the public or the private domain against children, young people and women, including sexual exploitation and trafficking in human beings, by taking preventive measures and by providing support and protection for victims and groups at risk.
The programme provides for three funding streams. One stream provides for the Commission's own initiatives, while a second stream provides for operating grants for non-governmental organisations operating in at least 12 member states in the sector covered by the grants. The third stream is the one which is most relevant to Irish organisations. This stream provides for action grants to non-state organisations for specific projects to be carried out in a one- or two-year period involving organisations in at least two member states.
Applications for funding are made by non-state organisations directly to the EU Commission. Government Departments are not eligible to apply for funding under the Daphne Programmes.
My Department has had involvement in a small number of projects. One such project was the establishment and operation of the Irish Observatory for Violence against Women which received co-funding from my Department during the first Daphne Programme. The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in my Department and the Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit of the Garda National Immigration Bureau participated as associated partners in an application for funding from Daphne III by the Dignity Project in April 2008. The Dignity Project was a two-year research project into international best practice for services to women victims of sexual exploitation and human trafficking, which concluded on 7 February 2011. The Dignity Project was coordinated by the Dublin Employment Pact and the Immigration Council of Ireland with international partners from Klaipeda in Lithuania, Glasgow in Scotland and Madrid in Spain.
More recently, Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, an Executive Office within my Department, agreed to provide information for a project involving Women's Aid and the Immigrant Council of Ireland. This project seeks to build the knowledge base regarding experiences of migrant women and intimate partner violence in the European Union and to build the capacity of law enforcement and law centres to improve their services to migrant women. The project is on a reserve list of projects for funding under the 2009 and 2010 call for proposals.
Witness Protection Programme
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:132 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the budget allocated to the Garda witness protection programme for each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010, and to date in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19083/11]
The budget allocated to the Witness Security Programme is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Estimate Provision |
|
2008 |
€0.900 Million |
|
2009 |
€0.498 Million |
|
2010 |
€1.198 Million |
|
2011 |
€1.198 Million |
The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment in any way on the Witness Security Programme other than to say that it is a vital part of the Garda response to tackling gangland crime and terrorism and has been important in securing convictions in a number of cases.
Garda Deployment
Jerry Buttimer
Question:133 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí, other than those involved in immigration control, based at Cork, Dublin and Shannon Airports. [19099/11]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Cork, Dublin and Shannon Airports are policed by gardaí attached to the stations listed as follows. The personnel strength of these Garda stations as at the latest date for which figures are readily available is also listed.
|
Airport |
Garda Station |
Strength |
|
Cork |
Togher |
59 |
|
Dublin |
Dublin Airport |
25 |
|
Shannon |
Shannon |
61 |
Garda Vetting of Personnel
John O'Mahony
Question:134 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive Garda vetting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19009/11]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a vetting application in respect of the person to whom the Deputy refers was received by the Garda Central Vetting Unit and is in the course of being processed. A response will issue to the registered organisation involved in due course.
Questions Nos. 135 and 136 withdrawn.
Aquaculture Licences
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:137 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a management agreement for the licensing of aquaculture on Lough Foyle, County Donegal, to be operated by the Loughs Agency, will be concluded. [19061/11]
There are a number of complex policy issues associated with the proposed management agreement which are under active examination by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs and other Government Departments. This process is ongoing and every effort is being made to bring it to a conclusion as soon as possible.
Grant Payments
Jim Daly
Question:138 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will accommodate farmers who are successful under the dairy equipment scheme by allowing for a later date for completion and payment of these works than the proposed date of end of 2011 to allow for difficult planning, financial and construction processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19104/11]
Under the terms of the Dairy Equipment Scheme, successful applicants will have two years from the date of issue of approval to complete the investment works concerned.
The Deputy will be aware that it is a standard condition of all on-farm investment schemes that work must not have commenced prior to the issue of written approval by my Department.
Food Exports
Dominic Hannigan
Question:139 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of County Meath food companies that Bord Bia is promoting through its events in overseas markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19202/11]
Dominic Hannigan
Question:141 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will outline each of the individual initiatives he and the State agencies under his aegis are using to promote County Meath-based producers abroad and at home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19204/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 141 together.
As Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, I am committed to promoting quality Irish food. Ireland now exports food, drink and horticulture products to over 170 countries and Bord Bia, which is under my remit, has developed activities and services for companies focusing on the following strategic priorities:
Promoting Ireland — the Sustainable Food Island
Delivering business development initiatives to broaden export reach
Enhancing the position of Irish food, drink and horticulture on the Irish market
Driving consumer-focused innovation through market knowledge
Pursuing a repositioning and differentiation strategy for Irish meat
Supporting a dynamic and growth oriented small business sector.
It would not be effective to develop promotional services abroad based on differentiation by county. Companies from all counties participate in Bord Bia services. In most cases, market outlets in a county provide the most usual starting point for a food business. Over 350 small companies alone are clients of Bord Bia's Vantage programme, www.bordbiavantage.ie. My Department and Bord Bia have developed a code of good practice for farmers’ markets and I am pleased that Navan Town Centre Market was awarded the Banner in April.
In June I launched the first of a series of Regional Food Showcases to promote regional business to business trade in the food sector. The first, the South East Showcase, was held in Kilkenny, where 49 small companies showcased their food and drink products. Further events are being planned and will involve producers, buyers from the retail and food service sectors, a mapping of regional food opportunities and the launch of a regional directory of food companies. Regional and county food strengths were also on show at events such as BLOOM 2011, which was organised by Bord Bia and attracted 89,000 visitors to the show gardens, horticulture and artisan food village. The visit by Queen Elizabeth II was also used by my Department and Bord Bia to showcase the best of Irish food produce and the Deputy will be aware that Meath strawberries featured on the menu for the State dinner in Dublin Castle. This media coverage gives Irish food producers publicity and opportunities for business.
I can advise the Deputy that further information on all Bord Bia activities can be found on their website www.bordbia.ie.
Food Industry
Dominic Hannigan
Question:140 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will outline each of the individual initiatives both he and State agencies under his aegis are using to promote Irish local produce abroad and at home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19203/11]
I am fully committed to promoting quality Irish food at every opportunity both at home and abroad through actions of my Department and those of the State Bodies which come under my remit. The Deputy will be aware of the constraints that are applicable under EU rules, in that public funds may not be used to advertise primarily on the basis of origin.
In terms of developing new outlets, I am anxious to ensure that Irish producers have access to as many global markets as possible. In this regard, on-going efforts are being made by my Department, with the assistance of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to negotiate access for Irish produce to additional third country markets, and by Bord Bia working with industry to promote Irish produce and develop new market opportunities within Ireland, the EU and third countries.
The mission of Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, is to grow the success of a world class Irish food and horticulture industry by providing strategic market development, promotion and information services both at home and abroad for the sectors for which it has responsibility — Meat, Seafood and Horticulture. In order to deliver on its mission, Bord Bia's programmes and activities focus on the following strategic priorities:
Promoting Ireland — the Sustainable Food Island
Delivering business development initiatives to broaden export reach
Enhancing the position of Irish food, drink and horticulture on the Irish market
Driving consumer focused innovation through market knowledge
Pursuing a repositioning and differentiation strategy for Irish meat
Supporting a dynamic and growth oriented small business sector.
Bord Bia acts as a link between the Irish Food, Drink & Horticulture suppliers and existing and potential customers throughout the world. It is headquartered in Dublin, and has nine offices abroad which are focused on market intelligence, business development and promotion. They provide detailed information on the Irish food and drink industry to potential importers.
As an example of recent Home Market activities, in early June my Department and Bord Bia held the first in a series of Regional Food Showcases as part of an initiative to support a cross section of small and medium food producers in the South East Region, representing a wide range of food and drink products at various stages of development. This inaugural event took place in Kilkenny. Buyers from both the retail and food service sectors were present to view products, meet producers and hear findings of research into the South East food economy. A regional food directory of food companies in the South East counties was also launched at the event.
One of the principal routes to market for the artisan producer is the local Farmers' market. Between April and June, I awarded the Good Practice Standard Award to 37 Farmers' Markets. The Good Practice Standard is awarded jointly by my Department and Bord Bia. Farmers' Markets displaying the Good Practice Standard undertake to hold markets regularly, to stock a substantial proportion, ideally at least 50%, of local produce from the county or neighbouring counties and accommodate seasonal and local garden/allotment produce. This represents nearly a third of all the Farmers Markets currently in operation.
The visit by Queen Elizabeth II and President Barack Obama to Ireland in May this year was also used by my Department and Bord Bia to showcase the best of Irish food produce. This media coverage generated by both these events has now firmly placed Irish food producers on the global map, which has led to an explosion in export inquiries for artisan food.
Bloom 2011, held in early June, represented a further marketing opportunity for the promotion of Irish food. This year, the event featured an enhanced Food Village which saw a greater than ever display of Irish artisan food and niche products. By any standards, this was an excellent display in promoting local food at national level. I can advise the Deputy that further information on all Bord Bia activities can be found on their website: www.bordbia.ie.
Teagasc, another State Body under my Department's remit, contributes to the promotion of local food production by promoting to farmers the potential for them of adding another income stream and also the possibilities of creating extra jobs by adding value to their primary product and also by keeping more money circulating in the local community by encouraging producers to sell direct to the consumer via Farmers markets, Country markets, farm shops, box schemes and On line.
In recent years Teagasc has used the Options Programme to target diversification supports to farmers where there is a need and an interest.
This Teagasc programme takes the form of the delivery of:
Direct Selling of Farm Produced Local Products courses and modules.
Skills training courses on meat and dairy products for people starting up a micro food business
Food centres at Ashtown and Moorepark have food business courses for SME funded by the IDA, which involves start-up, design, packaging and a trouble shooting consultancy and mentoring service for small food companies that are aiming to eventually export their products.
Teagasc promotes and highlights their activities via national and local events both their own and others.
Question No. 141 answered with Question No. 139.
Departmental Programmes
Derek Keating
Question:142 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the cost to her Department for the school completion programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19196/11]
The School Completion Programme which encompasses both primary and post-primary levels, entails targeting individual children and young people of school-going age, both in and out of school, and arranging supports to address inequalities in education access, participation and outcomes. It is based on the project model with an integrated approach involving primary and post primary schools, parents and relevant statutory, voluntary and community agencies.
The School Completion Programme and Home School Community Liaison is now integrated under the National Education Welfare Board, responsibility for which transferred to my Department from the Department of Education and Skills. The full budget for the School Completion Programme transferred to my Department with effect from 2 June 2011.
The funding allocation for the School Completion Programme in 2011 is €30.256m, which supports 124 projects across 26 counties, involving 224 second level and 473 primary schools, specifically targeting 38,000 children and young people at risk of early school leaving.
Proposed Legislation
Kevin Humphreys
Question:143 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health his plans to bring the Bill to allow for means-testing for home care packages and measures to assess eligibility for community services before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19004/11]
The Department of Health, in consultation with the HSE, is currently preparing proposals to ensure that access to community services is provided on a nationally consistent and equitable basis having regard to each person's care needs and means. Various options are being considered at present, therefore, it is not possible to provide any further detail at the present time.
The Department is progressing the issue as quickly as possible, however, there are complex legal issues involved.
Cancer Screening Programme
Michael Moynihan
Question:144 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if the two-room colonoscopy suite, fully staffed, will proceed at Bantry General Hospital, County Cork, under the national cancer strategy programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19011/11]
Bantry General Hospital was not selected as one of the candidate colonoscopy screening units under the National Cancer Screening Service's National Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme, which will commence in 2012. Bantry General, however, similar to the other 21 hospitals not selected for that Programme, will continue to provide colonoscopies for patients.
Medical Cards
Martin Ferris
Question:145 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will have a decision on their medical card application. [19013/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
National Drugs Strategy
Jim Daly
Question:146 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will consider funding the supply of a premises in the west Cork area to an established successful organisation for the purpose of opening an addiction treatment clinic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19017/11]
In furtherance of the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016, the Department of Health administers a Premises Initiative Fund which provides capital funding to assist community based drug projects with their accommodation needs. In relation to the West Cork area, applications for funding capital projects should be made through the Southern Regional Drugs Task Force which is responsible for co-ordinating the regional drugs strategy. A total of €1m was available for capital projects this year, but it is fully committed. Consequently, there is no further funding available for other capital projects this year.
Medical Cards
Ciara Conway
Question:147 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health if he will review the decision of the Health Service Executive to refuse the application of a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19022/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Services
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:148 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if the eye unit in Limerick Regional Hospital is due to close on 11 July 2011; and if so the location at which a person (details supplied) will have their appointment [19036/11]
I have instructed the HSE not to withdraw any services from acute hospitals unless and until I receive a full briefing on the details of what is proposed, the alternative arrangements to be put in place, and the overall implications for patients.
The scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved. As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Health Services
James Bannon
Question:149 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the reason an allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford for travel to a monthly appointment with a consultant, has been cut from €50 to €25; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19043/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Hospital Staff
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:150 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health when the Health Service Executive will agree to the management of Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal, recruiting two consultant anaesthetists. [19055/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:151 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive will work with the management of Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal, to facilitate an application to the prospective funding programme to ensure that those in great pain who are awaiting joint replacement operations will not be not waiting for long periods for their operations. [19056/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Parliamentary Questions
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:152 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health his views on whether it is acceptable for a Deputy to wait more than two months for a response from the Health Service Executive to a written question sent to him and passed on to them. [19057/11]
The operation of the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE (PAD) allows for the centralised receipt, assignment and tracking of Parliamentary Questions within the HSE's extensive network of operations. More generally, PAD monitors overall performance in relation to the timely issue of replies and provides a central contact for all requests from Oireachtas members for information relating to matters within the statutory remit of the Executive. It reports on a regular basis to the Chief Executive Officer and his management team.
The Executive is very conscious of the need for prompt replies to Parliamentary Questions and there is regular liaison between my Department and the Executive in this regard. While the Executive attempts to answer all questions referred to it as quickly as possible, many of the questions submitted by Deputies request large and detailed amounts of statistical data on a variety of subjects which require input and coordination from all areas of the Executive.
Up to the end of June this year 1,072 Parliamentary Questions were referred to the HSE for Direct Reply. Of those 595 (55.5%) were answered on target within 15 days. Within a further 5 days 68 (6.3%) additional Questions were answered and a total of 750 (70%) were answered within 25 days. Some 70 (6.5%) Questions were unanswered after 31 days. Recently, the HSE has undertaken a number of initiatives to improve response times to Parliamentary Questions and to deal with other queries from members of the Oireachtas.
The Programme for Government contains a number of proposals to improve the handling of Parliamentary Questions, Adjournment Debates etc. It is expected that these initiatives will be progressed across all Government Departments in due course. Since taking office I have decided that Parliamentary Questions relating to operational issues of a national / regional scale or importance as well as high profile individual issues 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. If the Deputy provides me with details of the Parliamentary Question he is referring to I will follow it up with the HSE.
Pharmacy Services
Brendan Griffin
Question:153 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will reverse cuts relating to pharmacists in respect of refrigerated items in view of the cost of dispensing these medicines and in light of the fact that these products do not attract discounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19075/11]
My colleague, the Minister for Health, has signed the Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to Community Pharmacy Contractors) Regulations 2011. These regulations reduce certain payments made by the HSE to community pharmacy contractors with effect from 20 June 2011 and include a reduction in the wholesale mark-up on fridge items from 17.66% to 12%.
In making the regulations the Minister had regard to submissions made and views expressed during consultations; the nature of the services rendered by pharmacists and the general nature of expenses and commitments of pharmacists and the impact on the State's ability to continue to provide health services at existing levels if reductions were not made. The Minister for Health considers these rates of payment to be fair and reasonable. The Minister will carry out a review of the operation, effectiveness and impact of the new rates before the end of the year and all relevant stakeholders will be consulted as part of the review process.
Health Services
Finian McGrath
Question:154 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the advice and support available to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [19080/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Service Staff
Jerry Buttimer
Question:155 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health the date from which there has been no dedicated elder abuse officer in the southern region; when a dedicated elder abuse officer will be in place in the southern region; and, in the absence of a dedicated elder abuse officer, the person who will be responsible for monitoring and investigating reported elder abuse in the southern region. [19094/11]
The Dedicated Elder Abuse Officer (DEAO) post in the Health Service Executive (HSE) Southern Region became vacant in December 2010 when the former incumbent retired. e HSE has commenced the process of filling the position with the intention of filling the vacancy by the end of the year. Responsibility for the assessment and investigation of suspected cases of elder abuse rests with Senior Case Workers (Social Workers) in the HSE. Monitoring of referrals is carried out by the Senior Case Workers in association with their line managers, which is usually the General Manager for the Local Health Office.
Health Services
Jerry Buttimer
Question:156 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health the number of reported cases of elder abuse in the southern region in each quarter for the past five years, categorised by county and abuse type. [19095/11]
Accurate data on the number of elder abuse referrals to the Health Service Executive (HSE) is only available from 2008. The data for 2008 and subsequent years is contained in the HSE's annual Elder Abuse Services Reports which are published on the HSE's website. Each Report provides preliminary statistics on the referrals for that year, together with validated data for the previous year. A breakdown of the total number of referrals for the year by HSE Region and abuse type, is provided in the 2009 and 2010 Reports. In the case of the 2008 Report, due to the small number of referrals, information is not provided by abuse type at regional level. Data on referrals is not provided at county level, in any of the annual Reports, so as to protect the identity of the individuals at the centre of the allegation.
The HSE Reports and data can be found as follows:
2008 Report is available at
http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Publications/services/Older/OpenYourEyesServiceDevelopments2008.pdf
Data on the referrals for the HSE South can be found at para 5.3.1 page 27.
2009 Report is available at
http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Publications/services/Older/openyoureyes.pdf
Data on the referrals for the HSE South by abuse type can be found at on page 39, fig 3.
2010 Report is available at
http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Find_a_Service/Older_People_Services/Elder_Abuse/Resources1/elderabluse%20report2010.pdf
Data on the referrals for the HSE South by abuse type can be found on page 36, fig 3.
Commencing in December 2010, the HSE provides information on Performance and tivity Indicators on elder abuse to the Department on a quarterly basis, through its Supplementary Reports. These Reports provide preliminary data on referrals for the previous quarter, broken down by HSE Area by the four most common forms of abuse. These are psychological abuse, financial abuse, neglect and physical abuse. HSE Supplementary Reports are published on the HSE's Website on an on-going basis and can be found as follows:—
October to December 2010 referrals
http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Publications/corporate/performancereports/December_2010_Supplementary_Report.pdf
Data on the referrals for the HSE South by abuse type can be found on Page 23. January to March 2011 referrals http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Publications/corporate/performancereports/April_2011_Supplementary_Report.pdf
Data on the referrals for the HSE South by abuse type can be found on Page 38.
Jerry Buttimer
Question:157 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health if he will furnish for each quarter in the past four years details of the number of persons, categorised by level of dependency, in receipt of long-stay care in both State-run and privately-operated facilities and the average cost to the State per patient categorised by level of dependency for providing such care in both State-run and privately-operated facilities. [19096/11]
Unfortunately, the level of detail requested by the Deputy is not available. The Department of Health carries out a survey of long-stay units each year. The aim of the survey is to provide statistics on the number of beds available for long-term care, how these beds are used and the types of residents who occupy these beds. The results of the surveys are used to prepare the Long-Stay Activity Statistics Reports which are published on the Department's website.
The Long-Stay Activity Statistics for 2005-2008 (the most recent years available) provide the following information in respect of the Percentage Distribution of Patients Resident by Level of Dependency in long-term care as at the 31st December each year.
|
Table B6 — Long-Stay Units by Category: Percentage Distribution of Patients Resident by Level of Dependency |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Region |
Low Dependency |
Medium Dependency |
High Dependency |
Maximum Dependency |
Total |
|
HSE Extended Care Unit |
5.7 |
14.4 |
31.9 |
48.1 |
100% |
|
HSE Welfare Home |
12.3 |
18 |
27.4 |
42.3 |
100% |
|
Voluntary Home |
9.8 |
16.6 |
28.1 |
45.5 |
100% |
|
Voluntary Welfare Home |
30.9 |
26.8 |
19.2 |
23.1 |
100% |
|
Private Nursing Home |
8.6 |
18.5 |
32.9 |
40 |
100% |
|
Total |
8.9% |
17.3% |
31.2% |
42.6% |
100% |
|
Table B6 — Long-Stay Units by Category: Percentage Distribution of Patients Resident by Level of Dependency |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Region |
Low Dependency |
Medium Dependency |
High Dependency |
Maximum Dependency |
Total |
|
HSE Extended Care Unit |
4.7 |
14.5 |
33.2 |
47.6 |
100% |
|
HSE Welfare Home |
14.2 |
18.5 |
27 |
40.3 |
100% |
|
Voluntary Home |
10 |
19.3 |
26.7 |
43.9 |
100% |
|
Voluntary Welfare Home |
40.6 |
24.8 |
25.2 |
9.4 |
100% |
|
Private Nursing Home |
8.1 |
20.9 |
31.6 |
39.4 |
100% |
|
Total |
8.3% |
19.1% |
31.3% |
41.4% |
100% |
|
Table B6 — Long-Stay Units by Category: Percentage Distribution of Patients Resident by Level of Dependency |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Region |
Low Dependency |
Medium Dependency |
High Dependency |
Maximum Dependency |
Total |
|
HSE Extended Care Unit |
3.7 |
14.6 |
30.2 |
51.5 |
100% |
|
HSE Welfare Home |
13.4 |
19.5 |
24.1 |
43 |
100% |
|
Voluntary Home |
11.5 |
18.8 |
34.9 |
34.9 |
100% |
|
Voluntary Welfare Home |
45.2 |
29.7 |
16.1 |
9 |
100% |
|
Private Nursing Home |
9.5 |
23.7 |
34 |
32.8 |
100% |
|
Total |
8.8% |
20.9% |
32.3% |
38% |
100% |
|
Table B6 — Long-Stay Units by Category: Percentage Distribution of Patients Resident by Level of Dependency |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Region |
Low Dependency |
Medium Dependency |
High Dependency |
Maximum Dependency |
Total |
|
HSE Extended Care Unit |
4.3 |
14.3 |
29.1 |
52.3 |
100% |
|
HSE Welfare Home |
12.9 |
26.7 |
22.9 |
37.5 |
100% |
|
Voluntary Home |
10.1 |
16.5 |
37 |
36.4 |
100% |
|
Voluntary Welfare Home |
23.9 |
28.9 |
25.8 |
21.4 |
100% |
|
Private Nursing Home |
10.9 |
24.6 |
31.9 |
32.5 |
100% |
|
Total |
9.6% |
21.7% |
31.2% |
37.5% |
100% |
The cost of care for each nursing home that is participating in the Nursing Homes Support Scheme is published on the HSE's website at: http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Find_a_Service/Older_People_Services/nhss/. At present, the weighted average cost of care is approximately €1,275 in a public nursing home and €900 in a private nursing home.
Hospital Services
Michael Lowry
Question:158 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health his views on issues in respect of Nenagh General Hospital, County Tipperary; the effect that the lack of non-consultant hospital doctors will have on the hospital, most notably on the intensive care and accident and emergency units (details supplied); if he will give assurances regarding the security of these units; the effect that the lack of non-consultant hospital doctors will have on Limerick Regional Hospital, most notably on the accident and emergency department; if he will give assurances regarding the security of such into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19105/11]
I am committed to ensuring that acute hospital services at national, regional and local level are provided in a clinically appropriate and efficient manner. In particular I want to ensure that as many services as possible can be provided safely in smaller, local hospitals. I have also made it clear that patient safety must be the overriding priority. I want patients to be treated at the lowest level of complexity that is safe, timely, and efficient and as near to home as possible. However, ongoing reform of the system will require some changes in how care is delivered in some locations across our health system.
I am conscious of the Deputy's concern in relation to the retention of services at the hospitals in the Mid West Region that he refers to in advance of the next rotation of Non-Consultant Hospitals Doctors (NCHDs). The position is, however, that the shortage of suitable NCHDs is an issue in many European countries. In this context I am working with the HSE and other stakeholders to ensure the filling of as many as possible of some 475 NCHD posts which are due to be filled from 11th July 2011. The HSE conducted an extensive recruitment drive in India and Pakistan in recent months and succeeded in identifying 439 potential candidates for NCHD positions in Ireland. I have held meetings involving my Department, the Medical Council, medical training bodies and the HSE with a view to identifying measures to facilitate the appointment of suitably-qualified doctors from abroad. Drafting of a Bill to amend the Medical Practitioners Act, 2007, to enable the Medical Council to register doctors in supervised posts for a defined period, is being finalised.
The HSE is focusing on addressing particular staffing issues in a number of hospitals including in the Mid West Region particularly Limerick Regional given that it provides the regional 24 hour seven day week ED service. The HSE has assured me that this service will continue to be provided. Notwithstanding this, it is unlikely that all NCHD vacancies nationally can be filled by 11th July. Hospital management are working with Clinical Directors in a planned way to devise contingency arrangements which can be implemented, if required, to ensure that any resulting impact on services is minimised and that safe delivery of hospital services is assured.
Departmental Funding
Gerald Nash
Question:159 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health if he will meet with the cross-party Oireachtas group established to support the work of the organisation assisting the alleged victims of a struck-off medical practitioner (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19107/11]
Gerald Nash
Question:160 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue in respect of a funding application made by a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19110/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 160 together.
Due to scheduling constraints I am not in a position to meet with the Cross-Party group at the current time. I intend, however, to consider a meeting at a later date.
I understand that the issue of funding for Dignity 4 Patients has been of particular concern to the Cross-Party group and I am pleased to be in a position to state that this week I have approved a grant, on a once-off basis, of €69,000 from my Department's allocation of National Lottery funds to Dignity 4 Patients. The funding is to go towards the cost of providing an office, a website, a helpline and office administration for the organisation. Dignity 4 Patients also received a grant in 2010 of almost €172,000 from my Department's National Lottery funds. This was given towards the cost of providing information and support to victims of abuse wishing to attend the Drogheda Review which completed its work last year.
Hospital Services
Gerald Nash
Question:161 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health his plans for the provision of services at the Louth County Hospital, Dundalk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19112/11]
I am committed to ensuring that acute hospital services at national, regional and local level are provided in a clinically appropriate and efficient manner. In particular I want to ensure that as many services as possible can be provided safely in smaller, local hospitals. I have also made it clear that patient safety must be the overriding priority. I want patients to be treated at the lowest level of complexity that is safe, timely, and efficient and as near to home as possible.
Smaller hospitals should be a key part of an integrated hospital service in their regions, providing as wide a range of services as possible, close to the local community. They should be the corner stone of local provision, with clear links to other services. They should provide a range of diagnostics and expanded elective day surgery and medical procedures. These should transfer from the larger hospitals, freeing these facilities up for more complex work.
There is particular focus on diagnostic and day service provision in Louth County Hospital, with a number of services currently provided in the hospital including an elderly day assessment service which is receiving nine new referrals weekly, elective endoscopy, medical, surgical, orthopaedic and antenatal outpatient clinics. The services also include radiology, laboratory and gynaecology day services and colposcopy screening. The local emergency department sees 88% of patients under 35 minutes and the average length of stay is less than 1 hour. Daily attendances average at between 25-30 patients. Within Louth County Hospital there are currently also eight stroke rehabilitation beds operational. In-patients in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda with a diagnosis of stroke are currently referred to this unit for ongoing rehabilitation. Refurbishment of this facility commenced in March 2011and on completion will include a dedicated allied health professional rehabilitation facility and an independent living area. The phased opening of the remaining beds, 11 in total, is planned in the context of the Acute Medicine Programme which forms part of the Clinical Strategy and Programmes 2011.
Project teams have been established to progress with the development of plans for both the orthopaedic rehabilitation and medical palliative in-patient beds. A phased opening of ten palliative care beds is due later this year. These initiatives are closely linked to the development of the Community Response Team, Louth who have an agenda for hospital admission avoidance and early discharge. This Team was established in February 2011 and currently they are in receipt of six referrals daily from ward areas.
Mattie McGrath
Question:162 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when the required surgery will take place at Waterford Regional Hospital in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [19113/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Hospital Procedures
Peadar Tóibín
Question:163 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health in view of a number of reports commissioned into services in Our Lady’s Hospital Navan, County Meath, among them the Peyton Report, if the reports are complete; if he has read these reports; the findings of these reports; when these reports will be published; and the decision that will be made on the back of these reports [19117/11]
A review, commissioned by the HSE, is currently underway into four surgical laparoscopic cases with poor outcomes at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan. The review is chaired by Mr. Rodney Peyton and is nearing completion.
Since 2005, on foot of concerns regarding patient safety, the HSE has also commissioned four other reviews into the Department of Surgery in Navan. The HSE has accepted all of the recommendations of these reviews and in line with these recommendations a series of steps were taken to limit potential surgical risk. I have been advised by the HSE that two of the reports have not been published as the findings have been disputed and are subject to High Court proceedings. I have asked the HSE if the other two reports can be made available to the Deputy.
These reports identified those services that can be safely delivered in Our Lady's Hospital, Navan and the need for the surgical services at Navan to be integrated into a larger department of surgery. Many of the recommendations from these reports have already been implemented as follows:
(i) transfer of ambulance bourne trauma,
(ii) increased clinical supervision in the Emergency Department and
(iii) no major surgical procedures have been undertaken in the hospital since 2005 (minor and intermediate surgery only carried out at the Hospital).
The establishment is currently underway of an overall Louth/Meath joint Department of Surgery with unified governance arrangements from each Hospital site.
The HSE must always take appropriate measures in light of all review reports recommendations. This is particularly important with HIQA reports and I would highlight the recent Ennis and Mallow reports as being very significant.
Hospital Services
Ciaran Lynch
Question:164 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be given an appointment at the orthopaedic unit at Cork University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19126/11]
The scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved. As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Jack Wall
Question:165 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the reason a complaints procedure cannot be concluded and the position of the application for a health procedure of this person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19134/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Health Services
Finian McGrath
Question:166 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the advice and assistance available in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [19193/11]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Water Fluoridation
Seán Kyne
Question:167 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health the procedure followed for the fluoridation of public water supplies; if it is carried out by a commercial entity; if so, the tender process followed; the value and duration of the contract. [19195/11]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) is the body charged with the fluoridation of public water supplies, as provided for in the Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act 1960. Local authorities undertake fluoridation on an agency basis for the HSE. The current supplier of hydrofluosilicic acid, the chemical used for fluoridating water, was selected following a formal EU tendering process. The contract began on 1 November 2009 for a minimum period of 36 months with the option to extend by a further 24 months. In 2010 the HSE spent approximately €4.78 million on fluoridation, of which approximately €1.36 million was spent on hydrofluorosilicic acid.
Sports Capital Programme
Timmy Dooley
Question:168 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his proposals regarding the sports capital programme and for the funding that was provided to his Department under budget 2011. [18899/11]
Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, funding is allocated towards the provision of sports facilities at national, regional and local level. It is the primary vehicle for promoting the development of sports and recreational facilities in Ireland. The Programme has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland with improved facilities in virtually every village, town and city. The facilities funded range from new equipment for the smallest clubs, to regional multi-sport centres and national centres of sporting excellence.
Over 7,400 projects providing a range of essential sports facilities have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998 bringing the total allocation in that time to over €739 million. These grants continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring the provision of modern, high quality facilities around Ireland that attract more people to participate in sporting activities. While no new round of the Programme has been advertised since 2008 the Programme is still very active with €33m provided in 2011 to fund existing allocations.
The Programme for Government provides that "In future sports funding should prioritise projects which further greater participation in sport on a local and national level." This will be a central focus of any new round of the Programme.I am looking at the options available to me with regard to a new Programme within the present financial constraints, but no decision has been made about the timing of future rounds of the Programme.
Taxi Regulations
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:169 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason there is no representative of self-employed, full-time taxi drivers on the new taxi review body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19000/11]
In my announcements of the 8th and 24th June respectively I have clarified the terms of reference of the Taxi Regulation Review and the membership of the review Steering Group.
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, the review will enable the necessary further reforms of the sector to allow consumers to have confidence in the taxi system while also ensuring that legitimate and competent operators and drivers can be rewarded fairly by operating under a regulatory framework that is adequately enforced. The review will address a wide range of issues relating to the taxi sector including the current regulatory policy and practices, licensing systems, enforcement and future dialogue with the taxi sector.
In my view, the wide ranging membership of the Review Steering Group will allow an appropriate contribution from stakeholders, including dispatch operators, taxi drivers, consumers as well as the regulatory and enforcement agencies. I should add that the consultation on the review extends to all interested parties and stakeholders through an invitation for written submission to be made before the end of July.
Road Traffic Offences
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:170 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a European Commission draft directive on facilitating the cross border exchange of information on road safety related traffic offences that is due to be voted on 6 July 2011; if he is considering opting out of this directive; the reasons Ireland will not adopt this proposed life-saving directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19041/11]
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:171 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in the context of the proposed European Commission draft directive on facilitating the cross border exchange of information on road safety related traffic offences, he has compiled any information on the percentage of Irish licence holders abroad and foreign licence holders here who have been involved in serious and fatal collisions, or been convicted of a dangerous driving offence, or escaped prosecution or penalty points because they held a licence from outside the jurisdiction from where the offence took place; if he and his colleagues across the EU are considering any measures apart from the draft directive on the exchange of information to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19042/11]
I propose to take Question Nos. 170 and 171 together.
Ireland acknowledges the considerable achievement by all concerned in moving this dossier forward, through detailed examination of the text and engagement in developing and putting forward compromise proposals. While the statistics referred to by the Deputy are not available, we believe that, besides facilitating the administration of penalties, the measure should also induce more cautious driving behaviour by raising awareness among drivers of the rules applied in other Member States and the consequences of breaking those rules.
The proposed Directive is to be made under Title V of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) — Area of Freedom, Security and Justice. Measures adopted under this Title are subject to Protocol (No. 21) on the position of Ireland and the UK, in respect of the area of Freedom, Security and Justice, which exempts Ireland from their application.
Ireland was not in a position to opt into the proposed Directive, under the terms of Protocol (No. 21), prior to the expiry of the three month deadline pursuant to Title V, due to the dissolution of the last Dáil and the General Election. The terms of the Directive were agreed in December last and approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas is required for opting-in within the three month period.
I will, however, give careful consideration to opting into the completed measure subsequent to its adoption. A decision to opt in at that time will be referred for approval to both Houses of the Oireachtas.
Road Network
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:172 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received an application to fund a new bridge at Cockhill outside of Buncrana, County Donegal. [19064/11]
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, including bridges, is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads and bridges are funded from local authorities own resources and are supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
A total of €439.676 million is being provided to local authorities this year in regional and local road grants. This funding includes the additional allocation of €60 million provided in May this year by the Government under the jobs initiative. From this allocation, Donegal County Council has been allocated a total of €27,257,928.
In August last year, the National Roads Authority invited applications from local authorities for funding under the Specific Improvement Grants Scheme. Donegal County Council submitted 15 projects for consideration for funding in 2011 under this grant category. However a proposal for Cockhill Bridge was not among the applications submitted.
Donegal County Council did make a subsequent separate proposal to my Department for funding for the Cockhill Bridge earlier this year. However, at that stage all the 2011 Specific Improvement Grant moneys had been fully allocated. It is open to Donegal County Council to prioritise this project and to submit it among its proposals for funding in 2012 under the Specific Improvement Grants Scheme, when applications are sought in due course.
Sports Funding
Sandra McLellan
Question:173 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the sports inclusion disability officer positions under the sports partnerships scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19111/11]
The matter raised is an operational one for the Irish Sports Council. I have referred the Deputy's Question to the agency for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Road Network
Jack Wall
Question:174 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a submission (details supplied); the actions taken to address this matter; if compensation will be paid to the applicant for the problems that the new roadway has created for them in regard to flooding and the reduction in value of their land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19135/11]
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with section 19 of the Roads Act. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
Rail Services
Liam Twomey
Question:175 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ascertain from CIE whether the journey time for the train between Rosslare, County Wexford and Dublin can be reduced if the standing time at railway stations was reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18711/11]
The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Liam Twomey
Question:176 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had discussions with CIE on the savings that have been achieved by having no ticket checkers on trains; the steps that have been taken to reduce fare evasion because of this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18712/11]
The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Questions Nos. 177 to 181, inclusive, answered with Question No. 46.
Questions Nos. 182 and 183 answered with Question No. 56.
Regional Airports
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:184 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the various State supports for each of the airports throughout the country can be reviewed collectively with a view to an endeavour to retain a reasonable quality of service throughout; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19215/11]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:185 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport notwithstanding the current economic situation, the degree to which an economic evaluation has been done into the running costs and or requirements in respect of the various regional airports throughout the country; if he will enter into discussions with the relevant authorities with a view to maintaining sufficient services to ensure that the various regions are not unnecessarily disadvantaged in the current economic crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19216/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 185 together.
A Value for Money (VFM) Review on Exchequer Support for the Regional Airports Programme has already been completed and was published by the previous Government last January. Its purpose was to evaluate past Exchequer expenditure against the Regional Airports Programme objectives and to examine the scope for achieving those objectives more efficiently and effectively in the future. The Review assessed all the regional airports throughout the country. It recommended that funding for the PSO air services between Dublin and the regional airports at Sligo, Ireland West (Knock), Galway, Kerry and Derry be discontinued when current contracts end in July 2011 and that operational and capital expenditure funding be discontinued for Sligo and Galway airports.
These recommendations took into account changes in EU legislation, airport performances, the substantial investment in surface transport, overlapping catchment areas, the requirement to make best use of scarce Exchequer resources, and the implications for the regional tourism and business sectors.
In the circumstances, I have no plans to have further cost benefit assessments carried out in relation to the regional airports. Moreover, the recent decision taken by this Government on funding for the regional airports is broadly in line with the Review's recommendations.
In that regard, I have secured Government approval for additional funding to be made available to all six regional airports in 2011, including Galway and Sligo, reversing the cut in funding made by the last Government. However, I will not be able to provide operational or capital funding to Galway or Sligo airports from 2012 onwards.
This decision is necessary to make best use of scarce Exchequer resources and to ensure the efficient use of taxpayers' money. The Government is aware of the implications for both Galway and Sligo Airports in making this decision. Clearly, in the current economic difficulties, it is not business as usual and unpopular decisions must be made. I believe that in continuing to support the other four regional airports beyond 2011, we will ensure that Ireland has a sufficient network of regional airports, while taking into account significant improvement in the road network, short journey times by road and rail and the reduction in passengers flying domestically. The combination of improved surface transport, together with a more consolidated air service network to the regional airports and the three State airports, provides the necessary transport access to underpin Ireland's economic recovery and sustainable development into the future.
I would urge Galway and Sligo Airports, as privately owned entities, to use the opportunity provided by the additional funding in 2011 to engage with various parties, including business interests, investors and local authorities, to secure their ongoing viability in some form. My Department will work with those airports over the coming months to ensure the close out of Exchequer support in an orderly way.
National Lottery Funding
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:186 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total number of applications received by county for grant aid from the proceeds of the National Lottery or similar funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19217/11]
I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to applications under the Sports Capital Programme, which is part funded from the proceeds of the National Lottery.
As the Deputy will be aware there have been no new calls for applications under the Sports Capital Programme since 2008 when 1,453 applications were received. The table sets out the breakdown of the 2008 applications by county.
|
County |
Applications |
|
Carlow |
19 |
|
Cavan |
22 |
|
Clare |
61 |
|
Cork |
163 |
|
Donegal |
63 |
|
Dublin |
196 |
|
Galway |
112 |
|
Kerry |
82 |
|
Kildare |
44 |
|
Kilkenny |
36 |
|
Laois |
30 |
|
Leitrim |
25 |
|
Limerick |
77 |
|
Longford |
27 |
|
Louth |
39 |
|
Mayo |
59 |
|
Meath |
45 |
|
Monaghan |
32 |
|
Offaly |
25 |
|
Roscommon |
33 |
|
Sligo |
23 |
|
Tipperary |
64 |
|
Waterford |
41 |
|
Westmeath |
31 |
|
Wexford |
65 |
|
Wicklow |
39 |
Departmental Funding
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:187 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will set out the various allocations of funding made by him directly or arising from recommendations to or through his Department to statutory or voluntary bodies, groups or agencies on a county basis in each of the past four months to date in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19218/11]
Exchequer funding provided under Vote 32 to my Department is in large part paid over to to a range of agencies which are instrumental in achieving the objectives of my Department. The agencies avail of the funding to meet their direct administration requirements but also, in most cases to assign funds, to other bodies or projects.
Information in relation to the individual Subheads and the amounts provided can be found in the Revised Estimates Volume for Public Services published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. My Department's financial management system does not cater for comprehensive reporting of expenditure on a county basis.
Ministerial Meetings
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:188 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has had discussions with boards, directors or executives of the various bodies, groups or agencies subordinate to his Department with a view to compliance with Government policy directives; the degree to which agreement has been reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19219/11]
Since my appointment as Minister, I have met with the vast majority of the agencies under the aegis of my Department and I will meet with the remaining ones over the coming months. In addition I met collectively with the Chairs and Chief Executives in Dublin Castle on 8 April 2011 at which I set out Government policy on a range of issues. In doing so, I set out my expectation that such policies are adhered to by all of the agencies.
Taxi Regulations
Dessie Ellis
Question:189 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the purpose of the new roof ID for taxis being brought on stream in August; and the way it will achieve this aim. [19224/11]
The regulation of the taxi industry, including the system for taxi identification, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009.
I understand that roof sign stickers which identify the county in which small public service vehicle (SPSV) operators are licensed to operate are being introduced as a response to consultation with industry representative groups, the Taxi Advisory Committee and the Gardaí. The purpose of the introduction of this new requirement is to make it easier for both consumers and enforcement officers to check that the driver of a vehicle is licensed to operate in a particular area.
I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my Office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
However, I would just like to add that the future of enforcement and matters such as roof and car IDs will be looked at by the taxi review group and it will be making future recommendations on this matter.
Dessie Ellis
Question:190 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans for the convening of the taxi review steering group. [19225/11]
The first meeting of the Taxi Regulation Review Steering Group was held yesterday. I also refer the Deputy to my announcements of the 8th and 24th June respectively which set out the terms of reference of the review and the membership of the Steering Group. Both announcements are available on my Department's website (www.dttas.ie).
Public Transport
Dessie Ellis
Question:191 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions he has had with his Northern counterpart and the relevant service providers to address the fact that cross-Border bus tickets cannot be purchased online; his views on this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19226/11]
The issue raised is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Rural Transport Services
Dessie Ellis
Question:192 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is undertaking to fulfil the programme for Government commitment to retaining and expanding the rural transport network system. [19227/11]
There is a recognition within the Programme for Government of the importance of the Rural Transport Programme. My Department is currently exploring efficiencies that can be made by bringing together aspects of the HSE transport arrangements, schools transport, the Rural Transport Programme and other transport services. A pilot scheme study has been carried out, which I will publish shortly.
A Value for Money and Policy Review of the Rural Transport Programme has now been completed. I have received a copy of this report, which I also intend to publish later this year following consideration by Government. I will be incorporating the findings of both the Value for Money review and of the pilot scheme into the plans for the future of the rural transport programme.
Public Transport
Dessie Ellis
Question:193 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the decision-making process in respect of metro north, BXD, DART underground and the DART extension. [19228/11]
As the Deputy is aware, the Government recently announced a comprehensive review of capital spending which is now underway. The review will examine capital proposals across all sectors of the economy to establish a set of priority projects and programmes that will support economic recovery and provide new employment opportunities. The results will form the basis of a new National Development Plan.
My Department is reviewing all existing transport projects and programmes as part of this process. A major priority will be to ensure funding to protect and maintain investment made to date and to ensure continured high safety standards. This will of necessity restrict the funding for new projects with only those offering the highest return having any prospect of being prioritised.
As part of the review process all agencies funded by my Department were requested to make submissions supporting their programmes and setting priorities in a scenario of reduced allocations. Submissions have been received from the National Transport Authority, Railway Procurement Agency and Iarnród Éireann in relation to public transport projects. These submissions are being examined by my officials and they will inform my Department's conclusions on the capital review. The outcome of the review on major projects should be available in September.
Dessie Ellis
Question:194 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to make rail and bus travel more attractive to commuters in view of the obvious benefits of reducing road congestion. [19229/11]
The last decade has seen substantial levels of capital investment in transport infrastructure to improve our public transport network throughout the country. It will clearly not be possible to maintain this level of investment in the period ahead, given the difficult budgetary and economic challenges we now face. That is not to say however that progress cannot be made in encouraging people to make the switch from the private car to public transport. Despite the reduced sums available for capital and current expenditure, this Government will, continue to prioritise the role of public transport. More targeted but less expenditure intensive measures can make a real difference.
The introduction of real time passenger information project (RTPI) and the development of a National Integrated Journey Planner will improve the experience of users of bus public transport. In addition to these measures, the Integrated Ticketing project will soon be delivered making it easier for commuters to switch easily between bus,rail and luas on one ticket. Work on quality bus corridors and green routes throughout the country will continue as a priority in the period ahead in order to allow the bus to compete strongly on journey times when compared with the private car. We will also continue to invest in the improvement of rail stations and bus stops to make commuting a more pleasant experience.
The above are value for money measures that support the use of the overall public transport system and enhance the accessibility, convenience, and attractiveness of the public transport offering.
Appointments to State Boards
Dessie Ellis
Question:195 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans regarding the reappointment of the board of the Dublin Airport Authority when this matter arises. [19230/11]
I appoint directors to the board of the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the State Airports Act 2004 and Section 22 of the Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Act 1998, as amended by paragraph 9 of the Schedule to the Act of 2004, as the need arises. There are thirteen director positions on the board of the DAA, four of whom are Worker Directors. Currently the position of Chairperson is vacant and six director posts fall due to be filled before the end of the year. I will be appointing a new Chairperson in the near future and will make the other appointments as the vacancies arise.
Public Transport
Dessie Ellis
Question:196 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase the State subvention for Dublin Bus. [19231/11]
In 2011 Dublin Bus will receive, through the National Transport Authority, an estimated €72.4 million in Exchequer subvention. In the current fiscal environment increased Exchequer funding is not realistic, rather there will be reductions. I support a continuation of the efforts by the company to improve its efficiency and reduce the costs of providing Public Service Obligation services is required.
Air Services
Dessie Ellis
Question:197 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made in developing new routes to Irish airports. [19232/11]
The market for air services in the European Union is fully liberalised so it is a matter for the airlines themselves to decide what routes they will serve based on their own commercial judgements. The Government is encouraging the airlines to deliver more tourists to Ireland. The quid pro quo for this will be the suspension of the travel tax and my officials and I have been in discussions with the airlines and the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) about this initiative over recent weeks.
The DAA and regional airports actively pursue airlines to open new routes. In addition, the DAA offer discounts on airport charges for new routes in some case for 5 years. Tourism Ireland supports airports and airlines in meeting a portion of the cost for marketing new routes. I regularly meet airline executives to encourage them to open new routes and increase capacity. I was pleased to launch the new Dublin to Charlotte route recently.
Some proposals for additional capacity and new routes have been put forward and these proposals are being examined by my Department and by external consultants to assess their potential and impact. I will consider the outcome of that assessment before making a recommendation to my Cabinet colleagues on whether or not to suspend the tax. The recent enactment of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 2011 has provided the legislative basis for the suspension of the air travel tax if we decide to do so.
Cycle Facilities
Dessie Ellis
Question:198 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the development of a city bicycles scheme for Galway and other cities. [19233/11]
I have sought the views of the National Transport Authority on potential mechanisms to expand the current Dublin Bikes scheme and to facilitate the introduction of similar public bike schemes to other cities. I look forward to considering the Authority's views as an input to formulating my approach to this matter.
State Airports
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:199 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the latest figures available on a monthly basis for the numbers of US troops landing at Shannon Airport. [13736/11]
The subject matter of this particular question, i.e. the number of the numbers of US troops that land at Shannon Airport, is the responsibility of the Dublin Airport Authority, and I have referred the question to that body for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten days.