David Stanton
Question:17 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address the accommodation needs of a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25333/11]
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 16, inclusive, answered orally.
School Accommodation
I can confirm to the Deputy that I am aware of the accommodation needs of the school to which he refers.
My Department is in the process of acquiring, subject to planning, a site in Midleton which is suitable for the construction of a new school building.
Last June, planning permission was received for a school building on the site. However, the grant has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála and the appeal's outcome is awaited.
The Deputy will understand that it would not be appropriate for me to anticipate a decision being made by An Bord Pleanála. However, whatever the outcome of the planning process, my Department will continue to work to provide a permanent accommodation solution for the school in question.
School Curriculum
Billy Kelleher
Question:18 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the concerns expressed regarding the teaching of maths and the standards achieved in the State examinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25220/11]
In relation to concerns regarding the teaching of mathematics, I expect to receive shortly full figures from a Teaching Council survey of the qualifications of mathematics teachers in second level schools. Initial indications from the schools which have responded, approximately one third, are that some 68% of maths teachers are fully qualified to do so, 29% have undergone some studies in maths and 2% have no third level qualifications/studies in maths. A tender to provide a post-graduate course to the last two groups is due to issue shortly.
On the question of standards, I am not happy with the level of uptake at higher level mathematics. Project Maths which was introduced in all schools in September 2010 aims, inter alia, to increase uptake at higher level. I note that the uptake of higher level at junior certificate level was 52% among candidates who sat Project Maths in the Project school as opposed to 45.6% nationally. This is a positive trend.
School Textbooks
Pearse Doherty
Question:19 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the discussions he has had with the publishers of school text books; and the measures that are being implemented to reduce the cost of books for parents of children attending primary and post primary schools. [25101/11]
I recently met with educational book publishers, representatives of parents' organisations and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul regarding the cost of textbooks. Subsequently, the publishers devised a voluntary Code of Practice and, while I welcome the Code, I believe that more should be done to reduce the price of textbooks.
Accordingly, I have proposed to the publishers: that the price of the most popular textbooks should be reduced; that a significant discount should be given to schools which purchase in bulk; that the practice of combining a textbook and workbook in a single volume should be ended; that support materials should be provided to teachers online; and that unnecessary revisions to textbooks should be avoided.
While respecting that the publishers are private companies not under the control of my Department, I intend to meet with them again to progress these issues.
Departmental Agency
Willie O'Dea
Question:20 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made to date in relation to the establishment of SOLAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25235/11]
In July the Government announced the establishment of SOLAS as one of the key elements in the future development of the Further Education and Training sector. The SOLAS Implementation Group has been established to implement the announced changes in the sector. I am chairing the Group and its membership includes the Department of Education and Skills, FÁS and the Irish Vocational Education Association.
The group has met twice and progress has been made in discussions on the key elements of the Action Plan including the Organisational Mission, Structure, Staffing, Funding and Legislation for the new authority.
The SOLAS Implementation Group will prepare an Action Plan to implement the changes required and report to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Jobs on progress in the Autumn. The draft Action Plan will also be the subject of consultation with interested stakeholders before being finalised and published.
Educational Projects
Sean Fleming
Question:21 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made to date in relation to Project Maths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25217/11]
As the Deputy is aware, Project Maths is a major programme of reform in mathematics in second level schools, which is designed to encourage better understanding of mathematics.
Project Maths began in 24 project schools in September 2008. Strands 1 and 2 began in all schools in September 2010 for first examination in 2012 at Leaving Certificate and 2013 at Junior Certificate. Strands 3 and 4 will begin in 2011, and strand 5 will start in 2012.
In Leaving Certificate 2011 candidates in the Project schools had, at ordinary and higher levels, a higher proportion at A/B/C grades, and a lower proportion at E/F/NG. Trends in relation to candidates who sat Project Maths at Junior Cycle in 2011 broadly mirror those of the Leaving Certificate Project Maths candidates.
I am heartened to note a higher level take up rate of 52% among Project School candidates which compares favourably to the national rate of take up of 45.6% at Junior Certificate.
Vocational Education Committees
Barry Cowen
Question:22 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made to date in relation to the rationalisation of vocational education committees; the likely timescale for the implementation of the necessary legislation; when the new headquarters for each new VEC entity will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25213/11]
Earlier this year, the Government decided to maintain the reduction in the overall number of VECs from 33 to 16 decided by the previous Government, to revise the configuration of VECs and to approve in principle the consolidation of the existing VEC legislation.
I hope to have the approval of the Government within a matter of weeks for the publication of the General Scheme of an Education and Training Boards Bill and its referral to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education. I believe the Committee can perform a very useful role in relation to this important piece of legislation. When the Committee has finished its work drafting of the bill can be finalised with a view to having it introduced to the Dáil and Seanad early in 2012.
I am currently giving consideration to the question of where the headquarters of the new entities will be located. The outcome of these deliberations will be announced in the coming period.
School Curriculum
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:23 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views that the teaching of history plays a vital part in the literacy and numeracy strategy currently being implemented as part of the school curriculum and that it is essential in developing critical and analytical based independent thinking. [25108/11]
The literacy and numeracy strategy acknowledges the importance of applying literacy and numeracy across the curriculum, including in learning history which, I agree, promotes both critical and analytical thinking.
The Deputy's question may arise in the context of debate in relation to junior cycle reform. The NCCA's mandate includes reviewing the current junior certificate and advising on the scope for reform which would provide for a more active learning experience for students, the promotion of deeper understanding, creativity and innovation. I hope to receive the Council's advice shortly on how all aspects of students' learning can be improved at junior cycle including the critical and analytical skills identified by the Deputy. I am determined that we will use these reforms as a blueprint for improvement, not least in literacy and numeracy, and I believe that teaching and learning history will continue to play a very important role in our schools, both primary and post-primary.
School Accommodation
David Stanton
Question:24 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the proposals, if any, being considered by him to improve primary and second level school accommodation in Carrigtwohill, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25332/11]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Carrigtwohill/Midleton area has been identified by my Department as one of the areas where, due to demographic changes, it is projected that there will be a requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years.
In this context, I have recently announced that 20 new primary and 20 new post primary schools are to be established nationally in the next six years to meet the needs of our growing population. Of these new schools one primary and one post primary will be established in the Carrigtwohill/Midleton area.
In addition to these new schools, it may be necessary to extend the capacity of many existing schools to meet the demand for increased pupil places. In that regard, my Department has been in contact with both primary schools and the post-primary school in the Carrigtwohill area concerning their accommodation position.
Residential Institutions Redress Scheme
Michael Colreavy
Question:25 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the statutory fund will be accessible to persons who did not receive compensation from the redress fund; and if not, the measures that he will put in place to provide supports and services to those abused in State owned or supported institutions but did not seek or receive moneys from the Redress Board due to ill health, inability to travel or trauma. [25098/11]
The Statutory Fund will focus solely on victims of residential institutional abuse, with eligibility being confined to those who received an award from the Redress Board or an award following a court decision or settlement who would otherwise have received an award from the Redress Board. Over 13,000 victims have received awards from the Redress Board to date and the Board has a further 530 applications to process and some 1,740 late applications to consider.
Those who did not apply to the Redress Board or who applied and did not receive an award will not be eligible for assistance from the Fund. Having considered this matter carefully I am satisfied that it is the correct approach, with the focus of the Statutory Fund being on those former residents who have successfully completed the redress process.
Those former residents not eligible for assistance from the Fund can continue to avail of the National Counselling Service and the Family Tracing Service.
School Curriculum
Niall Collins
Question:26 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to concerns in relation to the status of history as a subject for the junior certificate curriculum in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25212/11]
The NCCA has been asked to review the junior certificate and advise on the scope for reform designed to strengthen literacy and numeracy, embed key skills, promote active learning and enhanced creativity and innovation, and ensure appropriate ways of generating evidence of learning. Concerns have also been raised about curriculum overload, and rote learning.
I am aware that teachers of history have raised concerns that their subjects will no longer be compulsory. I believe that students should have as wide a choice as is feasible in their schools given the overall level of student demand and interest, the teaching resources available, and the qualifications profile of staff. They should also acquire a range of knowledge, essential skills and values which will contribute to lifelong learning, and effective social and economic participation. The importance of history in promoting critical analysis skills, interculturalism, an understanding of human development, democracy, past and current world issues, and the skills for an environmentally sustainable life are fully appreciated. I will be guided by the NCCA's advice in this matter.
Education Sector
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:27 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he has examined and identified the quality, scale and skills requirement at all levels in the education sector in the future; if discussions have taken place with industry and academia with a view to identifying how best to meet any such requirements emerging; his proposals to meet such requirements in the short, medium to long term with particular reference to the recognition of the major role to be played by education towards economic recovery and future development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25252/11]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:122 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he has consulted with business sectors with a view to ensuring the availability of an ongoing supply of graduates with appropriate skills with particular reference to targeting the areas most likely to be affected by competition from other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25600/11]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:123 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he has had discussions with primary, second level and third level authorities with the object of ensuring that the current educational focus is sufficiently progressive to provide for the requirements of industry and commercial sectors in both manufacturing and services in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25601/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 122 and 123 together.
The education and training system has a central role to play in the development of workforce and entrepreneurship skills and through the provision of the research and innovation system which will foster economic growth, enterprise development and the creation of future employment opportunities.
The enterprise sector is represented on the statutory agencies responsible for curriculum reform and assessment, quality assurance and policy advice across the education system and on the boards of VECs, Institutes of Technology and FÁS. Direct advice and input from industry also informs the development of education policy on an ongoing basis. Examples include the NCCA consultation processes on curriculum reform and assessment, and the process to develop the new national strategy on higher education.
The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) also plays a key role in advising on the future skills needs of enterprise. Its reports are disseminated directly to education and training providers and provide a valuable input to the development and amendment of course curricula. EGFSN research and engagement between higher education providers and industry informed the development and selection of part-time higher education programmes for unemployed people being funded through the Springboard programme launched as part of the Governments Jobs Initiative. My Department and the Higher Education Authority, in collaboration with the Secretariat to the EGFSN are also working closely with representatives of the ICT industry to develop further responses to specific skills needs that have been identified by that sector.
State Examinations
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:28 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the fact that there has been a 16% increase in the number of students studying history at leaving certificate level since 2006; and if making the subject optional at junior certificate will only undermine this development. [25107/11]
Martin Ferris
Question:32 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on making history and geography optional for students aged 12 years as part of proposals to reform the junior certificate examination. [25106/11]
Sandra McLellan
Question:33 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied that his Department carried out a proper consultation process with subject associations, particularly in relation to home economics, which is specifically referred to the NCCA process report. [25109/11]
Gerry Adams
Question:45 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consult with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government about the long-term implications, both financially and culturally, should reform of the junior certificate lead to a reduction in the number of history and geography students graduating from schools and third level institutions. [25091/11]
Martin Ferris
Question:48 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding and the projected timeframe for changes that are being considered for the reform of the junior certificate examination. [25105/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 32, 33, 45 and 48 together.
The NCCA has been asked to review the junior certificate and advise on the scope for reform designed to strengthen literacy and numeracy, embed key skills, promote active learning and enhanced creativity and innovation, and ensure appropriate ways of generating evidence of learning. Concerns have also been raised about curriculum overload, and rote learning.
The Council has completed a public consultation process and has published a report on the consultation findings on its website www.ncca.ie. The consultation was conducted by the NCCA on foot of the publication of a discussion paper Innovation and Identity: Ideas for a new junior Cycle. There were several strands to the consultation and a high level of response was received. As the ideas discussed in the paper pertained to the junior cycle as a whole, the extent to which the consultation focused on subjects, the contents of subjects, and the work of subject associations was limited.
The Association of Teachers of Home Economics (ATHE) took a commendable and particular interest in the junior cycle developments. The Deputy CEO of the NCCA addressed their Annual Conference on the matter and encouraged the drafting of a submission to the consultation representing the views of the ATHE. That extensive submission was received and aspects of it are referred to directly in the NCCA's Consultation Report. In addition, a further submission was received from St. Angela's College, Sligo, which is the institution charged with the initial preparation of teachers of Home Economics.
The Council is currently finalising its advice to me on the direction of reform, in consultation with the partners in education. I understand that the Council is considering its advice at its meeting today. Following receipt of the detailed advice from the NCCA, the timeframe for reform will be clearer but I have already indicated that I want to see a cap put on the number of subjects examined from 2012.
I am aware that teachers of history have raised concerns that their subjects will no longer be compulsory in voluntary secondary schools. I believe that students should have as wide a choice as is feasible in their schools given the overall level of student demand and interest, the teaching resources available, and the qualifications profile of staff. The importance of history in promoting critical analysis skills, interculturalism, an understanding of human development, democracy, past and current world issues, and the skills for an environmentally sustainable life are fully appreciated. I will be guided by the NCCA's advice in this matter.
Education Sector Funding
Sandra McLellan
Question:29 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will increase funding for the education sector to the level of the OECD average of 6% of GDP. [25110/11]
The funding allocation for the Education Sector for 2012 and for future years will be determined in the context of the overall Estimates and Budgetary process, a key element of which will be the results of the Comprehensive Reviews of Expenditure (CRE) undertaken by all Government Departments. It is not, therefore, possible at this stage to predict what the allocation for my Department, and its relationship to GDP, will be.
Residential Institutions Redress Scheme
Brendan Smith
Question:30 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if consultations with all interested groups are complete in relation to the establishment of a statutory fund to support the needs of former residents of residential institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25240/11]
I had a very constructive meeting with groups representing survivors of residential institutional abuse on 22nd July last, when we discussed the Government's approach to the proposed Statutory Fund to support the needs of victims of residential institutional abuse. The Government is proceeding with the drafting of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Bill on the basis of the General Scheme prepared by my Department, which followed extensive consultations with survivors of residential abuse and the groups which support them, together with a public consultation process. The General Scheme of the Bill and a Report on the Consultation Process are available on my Department's website as is a copy of the minutes of the meeting of 22 July.
At that meeting I invited submissions in relation to the proposals set out in the General Scheme. A number of responses have been received which are being considered as the drafting of the Bill continues.
Proposed Legislation
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:31 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills the safeguards to be included in the legislation governing the implementation of the statutory trust fund that will ensure transparency and openness in its implementation; and his views that lessons can be learnt from the operation of the redress fund in which a number of victims’ groups and survivors of abuse raised important concerns about a perceived lack of accountability. [25095/11]
The General Scheme of the Bill to establish the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund proposes the objects of the Statutory Fund to include the optimal disbursement of the available resources to meet the needs of survivors having regard to the principles of equity, consistency and transparency. While the General Scheme specifies the approved services for the purposes of the Fund, it provides that the Fund will determine the extent of, and conditions attaching to, the provision of these approved services. The Fund will determine and publish the criteria by reference to which it will make decisions on applications to it.
It is proposed that the Fund will be a corporate body whose Board shall comprise 7 members, including 2 former residents and which will publish an annual report. Its accounts will be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General while its chief executive will be accountable to the Public Accounts Committee and other Oireachtas Committees. It is also proposed that the Fund will be subject to the Freedom of Information and Ombudsman legislation.
I am satisfied that the proposed arrangements will ensure transparency and openness.
The Redress Board operates pursuant to the Residential Institutions Redress Act, 2002 to provide fair and reasonable awards to persons who suffered abuse as children while resident in scheduled institutions, on an ex-gratia basis, involving no finding of fault or declaration of liability. The Board, which is wholly independent in the performance of its functions, makes awards in accordance with the framework set out in Towards Redress and Recovery, the report of the independent Compensation Advisory Committee which advised on the appropriate levels of compensation. Independent legal advice is available to applicants and the vast majority chose to avail of this. It is open to each applicant to accept or reject an award made by the Board and the Review Committee provides an appeal mechanism by which an applicant can seek to have his/her award reviewed.
Questions Nos. 32 and 33 answered with Question No. 28.
Special Educational Needs
Catherine Murphy
Question:34 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills when it is intended to allocate the remaining special needs assistants; the number of requests from schools seeking SNA support; the number already allocated to primary and second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25331/11]
The Deputy will be aware 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.
Having considered all of the applications for SNA support which have been received from mainstream primary and post primary schools, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has now advised all mainstream schools of their SNA allocations for the 2011/12 school year, taking into account the number of valid applications for SNA support and the assessed care needs of the children concerned. SNA provision in special schools is currently being reviewed.
As not all applications for SNA support can be made in advance of the school year, in order to prudently manage this valuable but limited resource, the NCSE and my Department decided that 475 of the 10,575 posts should be retained in order to allocate them over the coming school year in cases such as emergency, appeals, acquired injuries or new school entrants with special needs care. Approximately 10,100 whole time equivalent (WTE) SNA posts have therefore been allocated to date.
6,030 WTE posts have been allocated to primary schools, 1,974 to post primary schools and 2,028 to special schools (including special schools for autism). In addition, there are 60 early child care workers posts which are included under the cap on SNA posts. The NCSE intends to publish details of all of the Special Needs Assistant allocations which they have made to schools to date, for the 2011/12 school year. This will be available on the NCSE website shortly at www.ncse.ie.
The NCSE has capacity to increase SNA allocations for schools from the retained pool of 475 posts. However, as these posts have to last for the school year the NCSE must manage the allocation of any additional posts in a measured and prioritised manner. The care needs of pupils for whom any new applications are being made must be assessed in the context of the existing levels of SNA support available to the school.
It is expected that schools, before requesting any review of their SNA provision, will be in a position to demonstrate that they have made every effort to manage their allocation of SNA posts to best effect.
Residential Institutions Statutory Fund
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:35 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will give assurances that the statutory trust fund will not be used to replicate existing services that are in place to deal with persons seeking assistance on housing, welfare, and other social issues. [25096/11]
The proposals contained in the General Scheme of the proposed Residential Institutions Statutory Fund, which has been published on my Department's website, have been drawn up following extensive consultation with survivors of residential institutional abuse and the groups which support them, together with a public consultation process. The Government has decided that the Fund should target resources at services to support survivors' needs and as drafted the General Scheme provides for approved services to include, counselling, psychological support services and mental health services together with such health and personal social services, educational services and housing services as the Fund may determine. Further services can be prescribed as appropriate.
It is intended that the services supported by the Fund will be complementary to survivors' statutory entitlements. The Fund will work closely with public authorities so as to ensure that former residents can access publicly available services.
Departmental Expenditure
Michael McGrath
Question:36 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the expenditure profile, both current and capital, for his Department for 2011 up to the end of August; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25228/11]
Overall expenditure on the Education & Skills Vote of €5,251 million to end-August 2011 was running €66 million, or less than 1.2%, behind Profile. Current Expenditure of €4,977 million was running €71 million behind profile while Capital Expenditure of €274 million was €5 million ahead of profile. At the same time last year overall expenditure was also running some 1.2% (€65 million) behind Profile.
The situation regarding expenditure will be monitored very closely by my Department over the remaining months of this year.
Third Level Sector Staff
Brian Stanley
Question:37 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reverse the controls imposed on universities and third level colleges under the revised employment control framework that applies absolute limits to the numbers and grades of staff in teaching, research and administration that is impeding the development and search for knowledge in a modern and diverse society. [25113/11]
The economic circumstances of the country are such that the staffing moratorium introduced across the public sector by the previous Government in 2009 has to be maintained.
The higher education sector has been given significant latitude within this moratorium relative to other areas of public expenditure. The Employment Control Framework introduced for the sector aims to provide institutions with a greater flexibility around recruitment, on the basis of meeting a required overall reduction in posts.
A 6% reduction in numbers was required over the 2009-2010 period, and this was achieved. A renewed framework covering the 2011 to 2014 period was agreed earlier this year and requires a significantly smaller reduction in posts funded out of core Exchequer grants over this period. It provides institutions with considerable flexibility to fill vacancies, recruit additional staff and make promotions, subject to the requirements of the Framework. Furthermore, the Framework allows for significant increases in the number of fully funded research posts, in recognition of the importance of research activity to future economic development. Institutions are also free to recruit into other posts that are fully funded from external revenue streams.
It should also be noted that the framework for the current period was reviewed by myself and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on taking office following representations from the sector. A number of clarifications and changes were agreed, including the removal of a ceiling on research and non-Exchequer funded posts, and a revised ECF issued in June.
School Staffing
Catherine Murphy
Question:38 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to relax the public service embargo to employ qualified mathematics teachers when it is shown that schools are not adequately resourced to teach higher level mathematics; if not, the arrangements that will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25206/11]
The Teaching Council has recently carried out a survey of post-primary schools to ascertain the qualifications of maths teachers. The results of the survey shows that a significant majority, 68%, of teachers teaching maths in 258 schools are fully qualified to do so, that 29% have undergone some studies in maths and only 2% have no third level qualifications/studies in maths.
The Teaching Council has now asked schools which have not completed the earlier survey to do so by 26th September.
Providing for high quality teaching and learning of mathematics is of key strategic importance to the State. As part of the Government's overall strategy to improve the teaching and learning of maths in schools, my Department is currently making arrangements for the provision of a new training programme for maths teachers. It will provide unqualified maths teachers with the opportunity to upskill their knowledge of mathematics and study the strategies best suited to the new Project Maths syllabuses.
Despite the current restrictions on recruitment to the public sector, teacher vacancies are continuing to be filled. Recruitment of teachers is a matter for individual schools and schools have been directed by my Department, as far as practicable, to appoint only appropriately qualified and registered teachers.
The appointment and deployment of teachers within schools is also a matter for schools themselves.
Special Educational Needs
Noel Harrington
Question:39 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider the needs of a person (details supplied) in County Cork to enable their child to have access to a special needs assistant for the full working hours of the school day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25201/11]
The Deputy will be aware 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.
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, 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.
The NCSE issued a circular to all schools advising of the allocation process for the 2011/2012 school year. A key feature of the amended scheme is to provide for an annual allocation of Special Needs Assistant support to eligible schools.
The NCSE has now advised all mainstream schools, including the school referred to by the Deputy in Bantry, of their SNA allocation for the current school year, taking into account the care needs of qualifying pupils attending the school.
I wish to clarify that the recruitment and deployment of SNAs within schools are matters for the individual Principal/Board of Management. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated. It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.
The NCSE will advise schools early in the new school year of a process to review allocation decisions to ensure that correct procedures were followed and that they comply with my Department's policy. The merits of individual allocation decisions will not be open to appeal under this mechanism.
It will be expected that schools, before requesting a review, will be in a position to demonstrate that they have made every effort to manage their allocation of SNA posts to best effect.
Departmental Reviews
Peadar Tóibín
Question:40 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the review of small rural schools; the number of submissions that have been received to date in 2011; when the review is expected to conclude; and the list of schools on a county basis which are listed for closure. [25118/11]
A value for money review on small primary schools is currently under way in my Department. This review is part of the normal review processes undertaken by all Departments on an annual basis on selected areas of expenditure and is being conducted in line with the standard procedure for value for money reviews. These procedures require that the views of stakeholders be obtained. In this regard, public consultations were conducted earlier this year and a total of 1,065 responses were received. The review is expected to be completed by the end of the year and a report should be available to me then. At that stage I will consider the outcomes and proposals of the review.
Special Educational Needs
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:41 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he expects to meet in full or in part the ongoing educational requirements of children with special needs in view of the importance of ensuring that such children have ready access to education facilities in line with their requirements in order that they, in the future, can have a reasonable chance of contributing to the economy and their own independence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25253/11]
Firstly, I wish to reiterate this Government's commitment to the provision of resources for children with special educational needs.
The Programme for Government sets out that education will be a priority for this Government and that we will endeavour to protect and enhance the educational experience of children, young people and students.
Approximately 15% of the entire budget of my Department — some €1.3 billion — will be spent in support of children with Special Educational Needs this year. This provision is in line with expenditure in 2010 and shows that despite the current economic difficulties, funding for special education has not been cut.
This Government is committed to the protection of frontline services for pupils with special educational needs. 10,575 whole time equivalent (wte) Special Needs Assistant (SNA) posts are being provided for primary, post-primary and special schools for the coming school year in order to support the care needs of pupils with disabilities. This represents an increase over the December 2010 position where 10,543 posts were provided. Unlike other areas of the public sector SNA vacancies can be filled up to the approved number.
Approximately 9,950 learning support/resource teacher posts, including those provided under the General Allocation Model, are also being provided in primary & post primary schools in order to provide additional teaching support to pupils with special educational needs. This represents an increase of approximately 350 whole time equivalent posts over last year's allocation.
Over 1,000 teachers are also being provided for in special schools providing teaching to pupils with various disabilities at much reduced pupil: teacher ratios, for example the autism PTR is 6:1 and the moderate general learning disability PTR is 8:1.
Enhanced levels of school capitation are payable to most special schools and special classes and special School Transport arrangements for pupils with disabilities are provided at a cost of over €60m per year.
Approximately €1.3m is also provided annually to schools for assistive technology support.
Early educational intervention is provided for children with autism from 2½ years of age. There are now 56 early intervention classes for children with autism attached to mainstream schools that are funded by the Department. Funding is also provided through the home tuition programme for children with autism aged from 2 ½ years to 5 who are unable to access an early intervention class.
An extended school year is also currently available for pupils who have either a severe/profound general learning disability or who have autism.
The continued commitment of this Government to special education provision, at a time when savings are being required across a range of expenditure areas, will ensure that children with special educational needs can continue to have access to educational facilities in line with their requirements.
National Literacy Strategy
Peadar Tóibín
Question:42 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the national literacy strategy for children and young persons; if every school will be required to have a literacy action plan in place for the new school term; and the supports that have been made available to teaching staff to help them deliver the action plan. [25117/11]
I published Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life, the National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy among Children and Young People 2011-2020, on 8 July. Good progress has already been made on implementing the early actions identified in the Strategy.
One of the key actions in the Strategy is to require all schools to engage in robust self evaluation and put in place a three-year school improvement plan which includes specific targets for the promotion and improvement of literacy and numeracy. Schools will be required to put these plans in place by the end of the 2012-13 school year as outlined in the Strategy. Robust school self-evaluation will enable schools to identify strengths and areas for development in their own work and will focus particularly on literacy and numeracy. Arising from school self-evaluation, schools will be enabled to draw up targets and actions for improvement which will be included in their School Improvement Plans.
The Inspectorate of my Department is finalising draft materials to support the implementation of school self-evaluation. These materials will be in addition to Looking at Our School — Primary and Looking at Our School — Post-primary which are already available on the website of my Department. The additional new sample materials will be in pilot use in a selected sample of primary and post-primary schools later this year. Inspectors will be working with the staffs of these schools to refine the materials and develop self-evaluation practices in the schools. In addition, members of the Inspectorate and staff from the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) will be providing inputs on school self-evaluation to teachers and school leaders at various professional development networks during this school year.
A range of professional development courses in literacy and numeracy were provided to teachers over the summer vacation period. Over 10,400 teachers completed summer in-service courses in literacy, over 1,270 teachers completed courses in numeracy and mathematics and a further 1,230 teachers completed courses in Irish. The PDST will be providing further courses to teachers in these areas in the course of this school year.
Schools Building Projects
Brendan Griffin
Question:43 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) in County Kerry is a priority for the Department; if he will proceed to construction without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25205/11]
The school to which the Deputy refers was included in the Ministerial announcement of January 2011. This school project is one where a brief will be formulated and the appointment of a Design Team will commence in 2011.
The project brief for this particular school has been reviewed and agreed with the School Authorities. The next step will entail the appointment of a Design Team and this process is expected to commence shortly.
All large scale building projects, including this project, will be considered within the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. In light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the provision of permanent accommodation for this school at this time.
The current status of all projects on the school building programme, including this project, may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this will be updated regularly throughout the year.
Adult Education
Brian Stanley
Question:44 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention will be drawn to the problems being experienced by persons participating in the apprentice finishing scheme and who are being prevented from finishing their training in a trade. [25114/11]
I understand that, in order to qualify for the award of the FETAC Advanced Certificate — Craft, apprentices are required to:—
Be registered as an apprentice for a period of at least four years.
Have successfully completed Phase 1 to Phase 7 of their apprenticeships.
Have completed a statutory period of 4 years (208 weeks) in employment since date of registration, as apprentices in their registered trade with FÁS-approved employers.
In order to ensure that apprentices are given as many opportunities as possible to support the timely completion of their apprenticeship, FÁS has taken a number of initiatives to enable registered redundant apprentices to progress and finish their apprenticeships: —
Change in Progression Rules — Redundant apprentices are now permitted to progress to their next Off-the-Job Phase of their apprenticeships even though they have not yet completed their previous on-the-job Phase.
Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme 2011 — FÁS is providing a temporary Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme whereby FÁS approved employers in the public and private sectors will provide redundant apprentices with training and assessment on-the-job at Phase 3, Phase 5 and Phase 7 of their apprenticeships. The maximum period of placement is 26 weeks at Phase 3 or 26 weeks at Phase 5 or 12 weeks at Phase 7.
Competency Determination Mechanism — FÁS will be introducing shortly a Competency Determination Scheme for the trades of Brick & Stonelaying, Carpentry & Joinery, Electrical, Plastering and Plumbing. This scheme is for redundant apprentices who have successfully completed Phases 1 to 7 of their apprenticeships, but who do not meet the requirement of having completed the statutory 4 years (208 weeks) in employment.
Redundant apprentices who pass the competency assessment will receive an exemption from this requirement thereby enabling them to complete their apprenticeships and qualify for the award of the FETAC Advanced Certificate — Craft. Competency assessments are being scheduled in September 2011.
Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme Redundant apprentices who have successfully completed Phase 1 to Phase 7 (or Phase 7 Equivalent assessments) of their apprenticeships excluding the trades of Brick & Stonelaying, Carpentry & Joinery, Electrical, Plastering and Plumbing but who have not completed the statutory 4 years in employment as apprentices may be granted an exemption from this requirement by validating their competence under the Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme. FÁS will invite eligible redundant apprentices to submit a portfolio of evidence of trade related work experience gained at home and/or abroad and/or trade related further training and/or education undertaken during periods of redundancy. The granting of exemptions is based solely on the portfolios of evidence submitted to the Redundant Apprentice Accreditation Committee. Redundant apprentices who re granted an exemption will be considered to have completed their Apprenticeships and thereby qualify for the award of the FETAC Advanced Certificate — Craft.
Certificate in Craft Transferable Skills — FÁS and the HEA with the Institutes of Technology have developed a post Phase 6 programme for redundant apprentices who wish to access a programme at 3rd level in the Institutes of Technology. Redundant Apprentices who successfully complete this programme will receive a HETAC Special Award Level 3, 30 ECTS Credits. This award should entitle apprentices to enter year 2 of a relevant Higher Certificate (level 6) and in some particular cases may gain entry to Ordinary Degree Programmes Level 7. Redundant Apprentices will be required to complete the Phase 7 equivalence and can submit in their portfolio of evidence for the Award of the Advanced Certificate Craft. The Certificate in Craft Transferable Skills (optional) will be offered by the Institutes of Technology in Term 1 — 2011/2012.
Refresher Programme for Redundant Referred Apprentices — To assist referred apprentices who wish to progress, FÁS and the Institutes of Technology have developed a short duration programme to prepare redundant apprentices to repeat their outstanding assessments, and this programme will be offered by the Institutes of Technology in Term 1 — 2011/2012.
Léargas has provided support to FÁS for apprentices to complete on-the-job training with assessment with employers in Germany and Finland. In the period 2009/2010, over 100 apprentices have undertaken this programme and FÁS has received approval for a further 43 redundant apprentice placement in 2011/2012
Conversion Programme — Electrical / Plumbing — FÁS has developed a Conversion Programme for redundant Electrical and Plumbing apprentices who have worked primarily in the Construction Sector to undertake additional training in modules associated with the Manufacturing and Facility Maintenance Sectors. The pilot programme provides a combination of off and on-the-job training in a FÁS Training Centre with work experience in the Manufacturing and Facility Maintenance Sectors
My Department along with FÁS will continue to explore ways to support and assist apprentices progress and finish their apprenticeships.
Question No. 45 answered with Question No. 28.
Special Educational Needs
Dessie Ellis
Question:46 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will implement the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act in order to ensure inclusive education practices that are underpinned by a series of statutory rights in order that children with special education needs receive an education in an inclusive environment and achieve outcomes in accordance with their abilities. [25104/11]
The Deputy will be aware that a number of sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act have already been commenced.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) made recommendations which suggested that additional investment over a period of years of up to €235m per annum, across the education and health sectors, would be required to fully implement the EPSEN Act. My Department's opinion is that the level of investment required would be greater than that envisaged in the NCSE report.
In the light of the very difficult economic situation, and these significant costs, the previous Government deferred the full implementation of EPSEN.
Given the costs involved and current fiscal constraints, addressing this issue will be very challenging. I will be considering how we can develop a plan to implement the objectives of the EPSEN Act so as to deliver improved educational outcomes for students with special needs.
Departmental Reports
Derek Keating
Question:47 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Education and Skills the name and number of external reports that were commissioned by his Department from 1997 to 2000 in tabular form; the cost of each one of these external reports; if these external reports were given out to tender; the name of the person or company who was commissioned for these external reports; his views of the benefits that these external reports served the public interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21414/11]
For the Deputy's information, the following list of reports for the years in question (1997-2000) was compiled in response to previous parliamentary questions tabled some years ago. Of the fifty two reports commissioned during this timeframe, thirty four were implemented in full, a further 7 were partially implemented and some others were noted as project specific. Accordingly it would be reasonable to assume that the advice and recommendations provided by the reports assisted the Department in the development of policies and procedures for the benefit of the Department and the wider education sector.
Note: The totals for 1997-2000 inclusive are given in Irish Punts £
|
Purpose |
Cost |
|
|
Commission on Points System |
Examination of Points System |
£108,709.00 |
|
Coopers & Lybrand |
Review of Financial Guidelines, Accounting & Auditing Practices in |
£22,796.00 |
|
Primary & Voluntary Secondary Schools |
||
|
Dermot Rochford |
Review of functions and administrative staffing/organisational structures in amalgamating vocational education committees |
£10,229.00 |
|
Dr. Maurice Bric |
Humanities and Social Sciences Research: A Case for a Research Council |
£4,500.00 |
|
Hay Management |
Preparation of Competency Model for Director, National Centre for Technology in Education |
£1,815.00 |
|
The Learning Organisation |
Schools IT 2000 Project |
£14,228.00 |
|
West Dublin Education Centre |
Report on the future development of Primary Education in Mallow |
£2,929.00 |
|
Total |
£165,206.00 |
|
Purpose |
Cost |
|
|
Ad-hoc Advisory Group |
Report on Task Force on the Supply of Technicians |
£254,640.00 |
|
ARCLINE |
Archival Work — EDP & An Gum |
£26,620.00 |
|
CIRCA Group |
Implementation of Public Services Mngt Act, 1997 |
£20,631.00 |
|
Dermot Rochford |
KVEC Amalgamation |
£9,190.00 |
|
Dr. Seamus O hUallachain |
Expenditure Review of Instituid Teangeolaiochta Eireann |
£2,500.00 |
|
Frank Pignatelli |
Schools Points Based System of Priority |
£23,782.60 |
|
NUI — Maynooth |
Adult Education — Green Paper |
£34,000.00 |
|
Price Waterhouse |
Value for Money Assignment |
£6,504.00 |
|
Prospectus |
Business Planning Process |
£6,045.00 |
|
Sean Nolan |
Irish Academy for the Performing Arts |
£2,500.00 |
|
WRC Social & Economic Consultants |
Women’s Education Initiative |
£20,100.00 |
|
Total |
£406,512.60 |
|
Purpose |
Cost |
|
|
ARCLINE |
Archival Records — EDP & An Gum |
£70,210.00 |
|
Deloitte & Touche |
Organisational Review of the Department |
£25,477.00 |
|
Economics Dept -UCD |
To assess both quantitatively and qualitatively the social and economic contribution of the proposals contained in the Department of Education & Science’s initial outline of priority needs for the National Development Plan and Community Support Framework for the period 2000 — 2006 |
£4,750.00 |
|
Ernst & Young |
Review of Structures in the Building Unit |
£10,605.00 |
|
Prospectus |
Business Planning — Review of Special Education Unit |
£69,824.00 |
|
WRC Social & Economic Consultants |
Review of VTOS |
£17,480.00 |
|
WRC Social & Economic Consultants |
Women’s Education Initiative |
£20,100.00 |
|
Total |
£218,446.00 |
|
Purpose |
Cost |
|
|
C.Sheffield |
Employee Assistance Service Review |
£4,090.00 |
|
CRC, Trinity College |
Evaluation of Early School Leavers Initiative |
£52,810.89 |
|
CRC, Trinity College |
Preparation of National Youth Work Development Plan |
£54,300.00 |
|
Crowleys — DFK |
ESF verification report |
£70,654.81 |
|
Deloitte & Touche |
Organisational review |
£35,214.00 |
|
Dermot Rochford |
Staffing resource and organisational needs of NQAI, HETAC and FETAC |
£14,336.08 |
|
Dermot Rochford |
Staffing needs of admin office in Tourism College, Killybegs |
£4,089.90 |
|
Eileen Costello |
Consultancy — Inventory System |
£1,625.00 |
|
ERC, St. Pat’s Drumcondra |
Research on 8 — 15 Early School Leaver Initiative |
£111,117.00 |
|
Ernst & Young |
Review of Work in the Building Unit DES |
£15,137.00 |
|
Eustace Patterson Ltd |
Review of Gaisce |
£15,157.00 |
|
Farrell Grant Sparks |
Report on Tralee IT under Section 20 of RTC Act 1992 |
£32,017.18 |
|
Farrell Grant Sparks/ A & L Goodbody |
Pilot PPP Education Projects (Five PPP Schools and Cork School of Music) |
£103,665.99 |
|
Lesley Dee |
Orchard Cope Foundation |
£5,075.00 |
|
Noel Lindsay |
Saving & loan fund for adult & continuing education |
£2,000.00 |
|
NUI — Maynooth |
Adult Education — Green & White Papers |
£35,000.00 |
|
Oliver Freaney & Co |
3rd Level Finance accountancy |
£19,950.00 |
|
Philip Lee Solicitors |
Consultancy -Vet School |
£2,934.25 |
|
Prospectus |
Business Planning and Partnership in DES |
£17,949.00 |
|
Prospectus |
Review of Special Education |
£26,645.00 |
|
Prospectus |
Staff survey on internal communications |
£23,262.00 |
|
Sean Cromien |
Review of Department of Education operations & structures |
£16,500.00 |
|
Todd Architects |
Masterplan — Portlaoise |
£59,508.00 |
|
Tony Bromwell |
Review of Safety Procedures in Lisnagry, Co.Limerick |
£3,534.00 |
|
WRC Social & Economic Consultants |
Review of VTOS |
£11,654.00 |
|
WRC Social & Economic Consultants |
Women’s Education Initiative |
£20,100.00 |
|
WRC Social & Economic Consultants |
Improving Effectiveness of VTOS |
£29,140.00 |
|
Total |
£787,466.10 |
Question No. 48 answered with Question No. 28.
Residential Institutions Redress Scheme
Jonathan O'Brien
Question:49 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding his efforts to ensure religious institutions meet half the compensation costs to victims of abuse in residential institutions, the cost of which is estimated at €1.36 billion; and the measures that are in place to deal with religious orders that have placed 47 religious schools under the management and operation of the Le Chéile Schools Trust. [25093/11]
On 22nd July last I met with representatives of many of the 18 congregations who were party to the 2002 Indemnity Agreement. At that meeting I expressed my disappointment that their offers fall well short of the €680m contribution required to realise a 50:50 share of the costs of the response to residential institutional abuse. I sought their agreement to a legal mechanism which would ensure that title to school infrastructure properties would be transferred to the State, at the State's request, and that title to such properties could not be altered, whether by sale on the open market or by transfer into any Trust arrangement, without the prior consent of my Department. I will shortly be meeting with some individual congregations and I will continue to pursue the realisation of the 50:50 target contribution with the congregations involved.
School Uniforms
Pearse Doherty
Question:50 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures that are being implemented to reduce the cost of school uniforms; and if proposals to allow parents the opportunity to buy generic uniforms and sew on crests are being implemented. [25102/11]
In accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school.
Individual school authorities are responsible for the drawing up of a school policy in relation to the wearing of school uniforms. However, my Department recommends that the formulation of such a school policy should allow for prior consultation with teachers, parents and pupils where appropriate and enable any concerns about the issue of cost to be raised and considered. In this regard, I would support the type of proposal suggested by the Deputy as a means of reducing the cost for parents of school uniforms.
Middle East Peace Process
Brendan Griffin
Question:51 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views in the event of a UN vote on statehood for Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25350/11]
President Abbas last week announced his intention to apply to the Security Council for full membership of the UN. The decision to grant full entry as a UN member state is solely a decision for the Security Council, of which Ireland is not currently a member. The Palestinian decision to seek some form of recognition at the UN is understandable, borne as it is out of frustration at the complete inertia in the peace process over the past twelve months — and, indeed, for many years. I believe that the Palestinians are fully entitled to make their case at the UN, given that the UN has been centrally involved for many years in efforts to promote a peaceful, negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Arab conflict.
The Government supports the basic right of the Palestinian people to the establishment of a sovereign State. Indeed, this has been the position of successive Irish Governments for three decades. I will obviously consider carefully the terms of any draft Resolution which may eventually be presented to the General Assembly by the Palestinians, though this is unlikely to be for some weeks yet. I can say at this stage that, in line with our long established and principled position on the Middle East Peace Process, we would be favourably disposed towards any reasonably worded proposal eventually tabled which kept open a clear perspective towards the resumption of substantive negotiations while also seeking to enhance Palestinian status at the UN through the granting of Observer State status.
Regardless of the outcome of discussions at the UN this week which still remains to be determined, the reality is that Palestinians will still have to negotiate with Israel to achieve a state on the ground. President Abbas has made clear his willingness to engage in serious negotiations with Israel to achieve the objective of statehood through a comprehensive agreement. In my discussions this week in New York with a range of partners, I have stressed that the essential priority must remain the resumption of direct negotiations.
Overseas Development Aid
Michael McGrath
Question:52 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount of money given by Irish Aid to each Irish non-governmental organisation for the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2010 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25390/11]
The Government's aid programme, which is managed by Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is sharply focused on the fight against global poverty and hunger. Co-operation with development Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) represents a very important element of the aid programme. Ireland has consistently channelled a higher proportion of its overall development assistance through NGOs than most other international donors, reflecting the longstanding strong support of the Irish people for the work of Irish aid agencies and missionaries. In 2010, the Government, through Irish Aid, provided over €111 million in funding to Irish development NGOs. In 2007, over €126 million was provided;in 2006, over €109 million;and in 2005, over €74 million. Funding to the NGOs is provided to support their long term development work and for emergency and humanitarian assistance, and work on development education.
The following is an outline of all Irish Aid funding provided to Irish NGOs in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2010.
|
NGO |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2010 |
|
80:20 Educating & Acting for a better world |
€167,517 |
€195,000 |
€354,540 |
€380,234 |
|
Action Aid |
€936,000 |
€1,107,486 |
€1,526,553 |
€850,000 |
|
AFRI Ltd — Action from Ireland |
€33,400 |
€93,000 |
€113,254 |
€63,700 |
|
Africa Solidarity Centre |
€21,200 |
€28,600 |
€42,000 |
€9,000 |
|
AIDLINK |
€43,864 |
€853,184 |
€894,440 |
€960,000 |
|
AIDS Partnership Africa |
€51,300 |
€30,000 |
€473,098 |
€127,191 |
|
AKIDWA |
€24,000 |
|||
|
Amawele Ltd |
€14,000 |
|||
|
Amnesty International Irish Section |
€74,020 |
€74,000 |
€112,000 |
€116,200 |
|
ASHA Community Health & Development Society |
€69,358 |
|||
|
ASTI General Fund |
€10,619 |
€9,600 |
||
|
Ballyfermot Travellers’ Action |
€12,000 |
|||
|
Banúlacht |
€95,672 |
€95,000 |
€147,000 |
€101,849 |
|
Bawnogue Womens Development Group |
€8,000 |
|||
|
Bóthar Ltd. |
€66,000 |
€100,000 |
||
|
Burma Action Ireland |
€21,310 |
€10,800 |
€79,619 |
€2,800 |
|
Camara Education Ltd. |
€50,000 |
€208,640 |
€400,000 |
|
|
Centre for Global Education |
€107,000 |
€83,000 |
€99,682 |
|
|
Child Aid Ireland |
€6,818 |
|||
|
Childfund Ireland |
€202,500 |
€592,350 |
€1,054,510 |
€692,000 |
|
Children in Crossfire |
€1,166,405 |
€1,138,244 |
€1,006,968 |
|
|
Christian Aid Ireland |
€3,083,982 |
€2,856,600 |
€3,411,483 |
€3,302,134 |
|
Christian Blind Mission Ireland |
€765,310 |
€581,013 |
€778,594 |
|
|
Church Mission Society Ireland |
€115,000 |
€330,358 |
€447,583 |
€495,856 |
|
Comber Romanian Orphange Appeal |
€135,000 |
€200,000 |
||
|
Comhlámh |
€395,819 |
€771,940 |
€782,511 |
€674,813 |
|
Concern Worldwide |
€22,403,956 |
€27,271,990 |
€29,493,559 |
€24,227,880 |
|
Cork Omdurman Partnership |
€25,000 |
|||
|
Cradle Ltd |
€9,602 |
|||
|
Crosslinks |
€235,000 |
€263,989 |
€101,899 |
|
|
Debt & Development Coalition |
€42,000 |
€49,000 |
€33,600 |
|
|
Dóchas |
€129,558 |
€199,320 |
€240,000 |
€242,964 |
|
ECO-UNESCO |
€10,400 |
€6,822 |
€50,000 |
€45,000 |
|
Edith Wilkins Foundation |
€30,000 |
€123,000 |
€40,000 |
€51,000 |
|
EILInterculteral Learning |
€33,400 |
€24,000 |
||
|
Electric Aid |
€50,950 |
|||
|
Ethical Development Action |
€8,000 |
|||
|
Foundation Romanian Children’s |
€190,650 |
|||
|
Friends in Ireland |
€192,598 |
€171,639 |
||
|
Friends of Hospice Uganda (Ireland) |
€57,500 |
€191,500 |
€170,500 |
€298,368 |
|
Friends of Londiani Ireland |
€62,025 |
€77,531 |
€193,400 |
|
|
Friends of the Earth Ireland |
€40,000 |
€18,400 |
||
|
Front Line |
€116,500 |
€393,078 |
€383,986 |
€450,000 |
|
Galway One World Centre |
€89,200 |
€110,000 |
€120,000 |
€117,853 |
|
Galway Youth Federation |
€18,384 |
|||
|
Glencree Centre for Reconciliation |
€12,000 |
€38,500 |
€48,000 |
€250,000 |
|
GOAL |
€16,434,291 |
€17,487,885 |
€18,689,700 |
€17,378,321 |
|
Gorta |
€126,519 |
€150,000 |
||
|
Habitat for Humanity Ireland |
€258,500 |
€188,345 |
€175,836 |
|
|
Haven Community Foundation |
€100,000 |
|||
|
Hope Foundation |
€260,000 |
€260,000 |
€69,994 |
|
|
Housing for Boaco |
€50,000 |
|||
|
ICTU Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Global Solidarity Campaign) |
€75,000 |
€75,000 |
€93,000 |
|
|
IDEA — Irish Development Education Association |
€44,000 |
€94,830 |
€180,000 |
|
|
International Service Ireland |
€404,257 |
€572,776 |
||
|
Interserve Ireland |
€405,257 |
€302,000 |
€25,586 |
|
|
Irish Fair Trade Network |
€1,143,189 |
€1,400,000 |
€3,920,000 |
|
|
Irish Family Planning Association |
€21,064 |
€41,266 |
€208,876 |
|
|
Irish Friends of Albania |
€175,000 |
€162,000 |
€54,720 |
|
|
Irish Sudanese Solidarity Group |
€5,000 |
€5,000 |
||
|
Jampa Ling Trust |
€30,751 |
|||
|
KADE -Kerry Action for Development Education |
€144,800 |
€107,600 |
€100,400 |
€113,000 |
|
Latin America Solidarity Centre |
€41,600 |
€76,420 |
€72,420 |
€88,000 |
|
Latin American Street Children Organisation |
€105,000 |
€105,000 |
€80,360 |
|
|
Law Society of Ireland |
€56,395 |
€70,500 |
||
|
LEPRA Ireland |
€109,877 |
€223,776 |
€87,567 |
|
|
Leprosy Mission Ireland |
€150,000 |
€392,705 |
€516,990 |
€587,778 |
|
Link Community Development |
€77,619 |
€328,287 |
€156,381 |
|
|
Livability Ireland/John Grooms |
€66,250 |
€189,206 |
||
|
LORETO Education Trust Co. Ltd |
€20,000 |
|||
|
Louisburgh Community Project |
€7,958 |
€7,489 |
€7,500 |
€10,000 |
|
Lourdes Youth & Community Services |
€145,000 |
€135,000 |
€164,826 |
|
|
Louth Youth Federation |
€12,000 |
€19,472 |
||
|
Mayfield Community Arts Centre |
€40,000 |
€62,000 |
€60,000 |
€80,000 |
|
Medecins Sans Frontiers |
€1,005,000 |
€2,028,289 |
€1,900,010 |
€1,325,000 |
|
Mermaid Country Wicklow Arts Centre |
€2,500 |
|||
|
Methodist Missionary Society |
€162,800 |
€174,680 |
||
|
Misean cara -formerly Irish Missionary Resource Services |
€1,200,000 |
€14,007,500 |
€16,000,000 |
€16,000,000 |
|
National Council YMCA Irl |
€50,000 |
€50,000 |
€50,000 |
€85,000 |
|
National Youth Council of Ireland |
€217,850 |
€290,366 |
€205,000 |
|
|
National Youth Federation |
€16,000 |
|||
|
Nepal Leprosy Trust |
€30,000 |
€129,346 |
€19,500 |
|
|
Niall Mellon Township Challenge |
€2,500,000 |
|||
|
Northside Learning Hub |
€3,000 |
|||
|
ORBIS |
€200,000 |
€200,000 |
||
|
Oxfam Ireland |
€2,205,200 |
€435,000 |
€3,605,426 |
€2,277,503 |
|
Pavee Point Youth Project |
€18,233 |
|||
|
People in Aid |
€50,000 |
€50,000 |
||
|
Peru Solidarity Forum |
€128,270 |
|||
|
PLAN International Ireland |
€282,080 |
€365,579 |
€1,359,370 |
€1,839,992 |
|
Playing for Life Ltd |
€134,900 |
|||
|
Poetry Ireland |
€29,407 |
€34,000 |
€18,400 |
|
|
Power4good Ireland Ltd |
€145,565 |
€125,827 |
||
|
Presbyterian Church in Ireland |
€111,250 |
€67,975 |
€143,650 |
|
|
Progressio Ireland |
€258,400 |
€851,430 |
€672,636 |
€700,000 |
|
Protea Education Development Programme |
€48,510 |
€15,000 |
€114,732 |
|
|
Realt Africa Teaching Programme |
€4,800 |
|||
|
Realta Global AIDS Foundation |
€60,300 |
|||
|
Right to Sight |
€35,060 |
€100,000 |
||
|
Samaritan’s Purse Ireland |
€163,056 |
|||
|
Schools Across Borders |
€70,900 |
|||
|
Self Help Africa (SHA) |
€2,565,000 |
€3,062,192 |
€4,001,900 |
€2,802,500 |
|
SERVE in Solidarity Ireland |
€264,923 |
€288,623 |
€147,336 |
|
|
Shanty Educational Project Ltd |
€62,500 |
€65,000 |
€45,500 |
|
|
Sight Savers International |
€399,247 |
€400,000 |
€780,000 |
|
|
Skillshare International Ireland |
€232,711 |
€172,000 |
€646,186 |
€16,000 |
|
Social + Health Education Project |
€103,868 |
€113,822 |
||
|
Social Innovations Foundation |
€25,000 |
€55,000 |
||
|
South Inner City Community |
€82,200 |
|||
|
Special Olympics Ireland |
€6,000 |
€77,000 |
||
|
Sponsor an African Scholar |
€15,000 |
|||
|
Street Children of Bucharest |
€193,752 |
|||
|
SUAS Educational Development |
€278,939 |
€90,000 |
€300,000 |
€110,000 |
|
Sustainable Ireland Co-operation |
€27,800 |
|||
|
Teachers for China |
€45,000 |
|||
|
The Mary Robinson Foundation |
€80,000 |
|||
|
The Rose Project |
€115,000 |
€231,868 |
€200,000 |
|
|
The Support Africa Foundation |
€100,000 |
|||
|
The West Cork Scrapstore |
€8,000 |
€10,666 |
€18,400 |
€16,000 |
|
To Russia with Love |
€96,000 |
|||
|
Tools for Solidarity |
€55,720 |
€11,653 |
||
|
TRAIDLINKS |
€784,000 |
€400,000 |
€450,000 |
|
|
Transparency Int. Ireland |
€3,200 |
€22,000 |
€10,000 |
|
|
Trócaire |
€15,228,005 |
€22,258,791 |
€19,777,967 |
€18,851,727 |
|
Twinning the Kingdoms Ltd |
€10,000 |
|||
|
Valid Nutrition |
€425,000 |
€525,000 |
||
|
Value Added In Africa |
€15,800 |
|||
|
VITA-Refugee Trust International |
€400,000 |
€595,000 |
€700,000 |
|
|
Voluntary Service International |
€13,800 |
€20,632 |
€24,408 |
€21,320 |
|
Volunteer Missionary Movement |
€4,000 |
|||
|
Volunteers in Irish Veterinary Assistance — VIVA |
€2,500 |
€32,340 |
||
|
VSO Ireland Limited |
€996,585 |
€1,133,805 |
€812,873 |
€960,000 |
|
War On Want NI |
€30,000 |
€411,596 |
€400,000 |
€400,000 |
|
Waterford One World Centre |
€95,000 |
€105,000 |
€126,500 |
|
|
Waterford Youth Arts |
€9,600 |
€12,752 |
||
|
WEST PAPUA ACTION |
€10,800 |
€11,560 |
||
|
Wingspread |
€39,000 |
|||
|
World Vision Ireland |
€1,962,158 |
€2,335,887 |
€3,922,806 |
€2,292,519 |
|
TOTAL |
€74,383,727 |
€109,198,006 |
€126,131,707 |
€111,398,250 |
Ministerial Staff
Michael McGrath
Question:53 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the names and salaries of every special adviser appointed by every Cabinet member and Minister of State since the new Government came to office on 9 March 2011; and if he will give the same details for any other advisers appointed. [26119/11]
Three Special Advisers have been appointed to advise me in my capacity as Tánaiste and also as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, as follows:
|
Name |
Office |
Annual salary |
Date of appointment |
|
Mark Garrett |
Office of the Tánaiste |
€168,000 |
10 March 2011 |
|
Colm O’Reardon |
Office of the Tánaiste |
€155,000 |
10 March 2011 |
|
Jean O’Mahony |
Office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade |
€80,051 |
10 March 2011 |
Neither of the two Ministers of State appointed to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has appointed a Special Adviser.
Motor Vehicle Registration
Jim Daly
Question:54 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Finance the reason a delay of 12 days is occurring at the Applus centre in Cork to process VRT payments thus putting substantial numbers of car sales at risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25422/11]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they have been assured by Applus that there are no delays in processing VRT payments at their centres in Cork. In order to register an unregistered vehicle (or one previously registered outside the State) an appointment must be made with the NCTS (Applus), within 7 days of its entry into the State, to have a pre-registration examination of the vehicle carried out. The registration process must be completed and VRT paid at the NCTS (Applus) Centre within 30 days of the arrival of the vehicle in the State. Once the vehicle is registered within the 30 day period there are no liabilities to any late charges that may arise.
In the case of motor dealers the Revenue Commissioners introduced a pre- inspection system in March 2011 whereby authorised motor dealers can register vehicles previously registered outside the State via ROS (Revenue's online service). This allows for vehicles to be pre-inspected by the NCTS prior to being sold by the motor dealer. Following an examination of the vehicle's documentation by NCTS the vehicle details are recorded on ROS and the dealer can then register the vehicle and pay the VRT at the point of sale of the vehicle. Information on this system is available at: http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/vrt/information-for-traders.html.
To avail of this service a motor dealer must register for ROS. Assistance on this is available from the ROS Helpdesk at 1890 201 106 or email: roshelp@revenue.ie.
Credit Union Sector
Luke 'Ming' Flanagan
Question:55 Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will give details of the strategy to underpin the solvency and viability of the credit union sector that was presented to the European Commission, the ECB and the IMF; the further discussions with the staff of the European Commission, the ECB and the IMF that will be necessary to clarify some aspects of the restructuring of credit unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25442/11]
The strategy to which the Deputy refers was prepared in line with Ireland's targets under the EU/ECB/IMF Programme of Support for Ireland and presented to the EU Authorities and the IMF on 30 May 2011. This strategy continues to be subject to further discussion with the Troika and as a result it has not been presented to Government and will, for the time being, remain a confidential document. The Government recognises the importance of credit unions as a volunteer cooperative movement and the distinction between them and other financial institutions. The Terms of Reference for the Commission on Credit Unions is to review the future of the movement and make recommendations in relation to the most effective regulatory structure for it. This will take into account its not-for-profit mandate, its volunteer ethos and community focus, while paying due regard to the need to fully protect depositors' savings and financial stability. The Commission will be providing me, as Minister for Finance, with its final report by the end of March 2012.
Any restructuring process will take account of the interim report of the Commission on Credit Unions. The Commission is on target to present its Interim Report me by end-September 2011. It is anticipated that this will feed into the legislation to be submitted by end-December 2011.
State Banking Sector
Peter Mathews
Question:56 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Finance if a person is legally entitled to be provided with the full details of all repayments they have made on their mortgage for the past 30 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25446/11]
The duties of a mortgage lender to supply documents and information to a borrower are set out in section 130 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995. That section provides that 'a mortgage lender shall, in respect of a housing loan, issue to the borrower:
(a) at the time the loan is made, or as soon as may be practicable thereafter a copy of the mortgage deed (including any contract relating thereto) which copy shall be additional to any copy of such mortgage deed issued to his legal representative, and
(b) a statement of the total amount outstanding on the loan on a specified date occurring not more than one year after the making of the loan and at intervals of not more than one year thereafter until the loan is fully repaid, such statement being issued as soon as practicable after the date specified.
In addition, under Data Protection legislation, a person is entitled to receive a copy of all personal data held on him/her. If a lending institution holds the details of repayments made on a loan in an accessible format, then the borrower is entitled to seek and receive such data. There is no obligation, however, on the lending institution to hold such data for a period longer than 6 years.
Tax Code
Peter Mathews
Question:57 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Finance the time limit that applies to claim back VAT for business purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25449/11]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a claim for a refund or repayment of VAT must be made within 4 years after the end of the taxable period to which it relates.
Andrew Doyle
Question:58 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider a reduction in the VAT rate from 21% to 9% in budget 2012 for labour intensive crafts as requested by the Irish musical instrument makers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25472/11]
The VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. Under the VAT Directive Member States may only apply the reduced VAT rate to those goods and services which are listed under Annex III of the VAT Directive. I understand that the major sectors within the Irish craft industry are pottery, glass, jewellery, textiles and furniture. Annex III does not provide for a reduced rate of VAT to be applied to these goods, or to musical instruments, which are consequentially subject to the standard VAT rate of 21%.
Fiscal Policy
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:59 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the expected deficit on the current side of budget 2012 net of bank bailout and interest payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25479/11]
The majority of the banking-related expenditure, including Promissory Note payments and the recapitalisations undertaken in July, is classified as non-voted capital expenditure and does not therefore impact upon the current budget balance. However, the cost of borrowing to fund these payments is captured under debt interest costs which are classified as non-voted current expenditure. The most recently published forecasts in respect of budgetary aggregates were those contained in April's Stability Programme Update (SPU). The projected current budget deficit for 2011 published in the SPU was just over €12 billion. If projected Exchequer debt interest costs of €4.6 billion are factored out, the projected current budget deficit would have been forecast at approximately €7.4 billion. If the forecast receipts from the bank guarantee scheme, which are collected under non-tax revenue as a current receipt, were also stripped out, then the current budget deficit would have been projected at €8.2 billion.
Revised economic and fiscal forecasts, taking account of the most recent data including the recently agreed reductions in our Programme borrowing costs, will be published in the Pre-Budget Outlook next month.
Banks Recapitalisation
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:60 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance his intentions on the paying down of promissory notes for Anglo Irish Bank; the steps he is taking to significantly decrease these payments and the burden on the national budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25480/11]
Michael McGrath
Question:82 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on the current promissory note structure in respect of the recapitalisation of Anglo Irish Bank; if he will provide details of the changes he is seeking; the steps he has taken in that regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25516/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 82 together.
Promissory notes were provided as consideration for the capital introduced by the State into Anglo. Under the terms of the Anglo (including INBS) promissory notes the State has an obligation to make annual repayments of €3.1 billion per annum. Furthermore the interest rates on the promissory notes, which were set by reference to government yields at the time of issue, are relatively high with a weighted interest rate, after the interest holiday, of circa 8%. While the State has budgeted to meet both the interest and cash requirements I keep the Promissory Notes under review to see if they can be re-engineered in a better way for the State. Any re-engineering would have to be completed in a manner which does not impact on the capital position of Anglo. This may or may not be feasible.
I had the opportunity to meet with President Trichet on the margins of the Ecofin meeting in Poland on Saturday, 17th September. President Trichet was very complimentary of the progress being made by Ireland and he noted the narrowing of bond spreads that had taken place, which he would not wish to see put at risk.
I mentioned to President Trichet, and in a separate meeting with Commissioner Rehn, the situation in relation to the Promissory Notes. I proposed that our technical experts get together to examine the technical aspects and the implications of any potential changes. They were agreeable to this on the basis that there is clearly no commitment on their part upfront. We are now proceeding on that basis.
Irish Bank Resolution Corporation
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:61 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the number of legal actions, and the purpose of each legal action, currently being undertaken by the new Irish Bank Resolution Corporation comprised of the former Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society in Ireland, the UK and the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25481/11]
As the Deputy is aware the Board of the bank is responsible for the day to day operation of the bank including legal proceedings in normal course. Notwithstanding this the bank has informed me that there are a significant number of legal proceedings in existence that have been initiated by and issued across the recently combined entity, including legal proceedings in Ireland, the UK, and the US. At present, there are approximately 800sets of proceedings issued by the Bank, a large number of which relate to proceedings in connection with the former INBS residential mortgage portfolio. The remainder relate primarily to commercial and personal debt recovery and enforcement, and proceedings against solicitors for breach of undertakings.
The bank has emphasised, in relation to residential mortgage portfolio, that the number of proceedings represents a mix of primary residential and buy to let properties and that it is expected that only a small proportion of such cases will result in repossession. Many of these proceedings are ongoing for some time and there is a marked slowdown in the number of new proceedings since the introduction of the Code of Practice for Mortgage Lenders.
Banking Sector
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:62 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the bankers salary cap in relation to the search for a new chief executive officer for the Allied Irish Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25482/11]
Michael McGrath
Question:70 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of his contacts in recent weeks with AIB in relation to the appointment of a new chief executive; if the bank has requested permission to award a salary in excess of €500,000 to the new chief executive; and his views on the appropriate salary that should be paid. [25499/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 70 together.
As I have stated in reply to previous questions on this subject, I am keen that a successful outcome regarding the appointment of a new CEO at AIB is achieved shortly as that bank is a fundamental part of the announced Government strategy to restructure the banking sector and any proposed appointee would play a pivotal part in this process. Additionally, I am anxious that the situation whereby the Executive Chairman of AIB combines both positions of Chairman and CEO is resolved.
The Executive Chairman of AIB has kept my Department apprised of developments in the search for a new appointment.
I have, within the last few days, received a formal proposal from AIB for a remuneration package for the post of CEO which includes a request for a base salary to be paid in excess of the Government agreed cap of €500,000.
However, it is the view of the Government that a compelling case would have to be made for the Government to consider setting aside this cap taking account of the recent decision on the pay ceilings for CEOs of Semi States and Senior Public Sector posts and the need for social solidarity to be shown by all individuals and sectors for the good of the nation and its recovery from the present challenging circumstances.
I will examine the AIB request in that context.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:63 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the ongoing merger between EBS and AIB; if EBS corporate governance structures and culture are going to be maintained after the merger has fully taken place; if he is concerned about the significant reduction in the mutual model in Irish banking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25483/11]
The legal merger of AIB and EBS was completed on 1st July 2011. Since then, AIB and EBS have been working in close collaboration to gain a fuller understanding of the EBS business operating model, its products and services, its technology infrastructure, the capabilities of its people and its culture. The two institutions, in discussion with my officials, are also in the process of considering the various options for integrating the two businesses, with a particular emphasis on sustaining the current customer proposition and ensuring the retention and growth of customer deposits in light of the commitments of both AIB and EBS to reduce their loan to deposit ratios significantly over time. These discussions are still ongoing and will be communicated publicly by the banks in due course, once the respective boards and executive management teams have concluded their strategic review. EBS is operating under a separate banking licence from the Central Bank of Ireland and all of the necessary governance structures required by that licence are being maintained. In terms of culture, EBS maintains significant expertise, practices and processes from which the wider AIB organisation can learn. AIB have informed me that they will look to harness these capabilities across the bank as they develop their integration plans for the two businesses.
The banking crisis has clearly demonstrated that the legacy banking model in Ireland was fundamentally flawed and was not fit for purpose. The radical restructuring of the banking system I announced on 31 March 2011 was designed to create, over both the short and long term, a banking system which can facilitate the needs to the Irish economy as the country emerges from this unprecedented period of turbulence. The merger of EBS with AIB to form one of the two pillar banks in the domestic economy is a vital part of this restructuring process and was necessary to stabilise the financial system. As the Irish economy returns to growth it is imperative that a right sized and competitive banking system emerges which is able to meet the demands of the economy. In time, there would appear to be no reason why the traditional mutual model could not play a role in this system provided such institutions are appropriately managed and controlled.
Banking Sector Regulation
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:64 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied with the current mortgage lending rules in terms of allowing potentially viable mortgage holders to buy their own homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25484/11]
The decision on whether or not to grant a mortgage to a borrower must remain a commercial decision for the lending institution concerned. It is important that each lending institution is allowed to assess properly and independently the risks that it is considering when deciding whether or not to approve a mortgage. Mortgage lending must be undertaken on a sustainable and prudential basis by financial institutions and conform fully with the regulatory requirements, both in relation to the financial institution itself and also the safeguarding of the borrower's interests. When providing a product or service to a customer, a financial institution must comply with the ‘Knowing the Customer’ and ‘Suitability Provisions’ of the Consumer Protection Code, issued by the Central Bank. This process involves, inter alia, gathering relevant information from the customer about his/her financial situation, individual circumstances and needs.
Based on this information, the financial institution is required to complete a ‘ Suitability Process’, where only products suitable to that particular customer are offered. While affordability is a prime component of suitability, a fuller consideration of a customer’s individual circumstances and needs would be required in order to comply with the suitability provisions of the Code.
In this regard, when assessing suitability — in relation to mortgage products — the Central Bank is of the opinion that factors such as employment, income and repayment capacity, purpose of borrowing, type and length of loan, plans for early redemption, attitude to fixed/variable interest, age, savings track record should be considered. As suitability is specific to the circumstances and needs of each individual customer, financial institutions should be satisfied that written statements reflect an assessment of each customer's specific circumstances and needs, thereby meeting the ‘ Knowing the Customer’ requirements of the Consumer Protection Code.
The Consumer Protection Code may be accessed at www.centralbank.ie.
Industrial Relations
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:65 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the consultation taking place with AIB staff and their representatives in relation to the proposed programme of job cuts that have been proposed by AIB management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25485/11]
The Deputy will be aware that the issue he seeks information on is an operational matter for the board and management of the bank. I am informed by the bank they have been in discussions with staff representatives since November 2010 on a range of issues including contractual pay and job security/severance terms. These negotiations have been conducted in both the UK and Republic of Ireland and were the subject of recommendations from two mediators in April 2011.
Discussions following the Mediators' recommendation failed to resolve outstanding issues and matters were referred to the Labour Relations Commission in July 2011. Failure to agree was recorded and the parties were encouraged to consider moving to the next stage of the agreed procedures, an independent third party. However, the formal consultation process with the unions in relation to redundancies has not yet commenced. I am informed by the bank that they will engage with the unions when it has finalised its plans and can provide detailed information on the timing and numbers involved.
Banking Sector Regulation
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:66 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he is taking any steps to ensure that the national pillar banks are sufficiently lending to small and medium businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25486/11]
Michael McCarthy
Question:97 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Finance the way he proposes to boost demand for credit among small and medium enterprises following the recent reports from the Credit Review Office and the euro area bank lending survey which highlight a continuing weakness in credit demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25611/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 97 together.
The restructuring of the domestic banking sector creates capacity for the pillar banks to lend in excess of €30 billion over the next three years in SME and other important sectors. This is in excess of Central Bank estimates of the likely demand for SME and mortgage credit over this period. Both pillar banks are concentrating on the Irish economy and need to issue credit to make profits and rebuild their balance sheets.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Government has imposed lending targets on the two domestic pillar banks for the three calendar years, 2011 to 2013. Both banks will be required to sanction lending of at least €3 billion this year, €3.5 billion next year and €4 billion in 2013 for new or increased credit facilities to SMEs.
I have written to both pillar banks asking them to provide me with their plans to ensure that the 2011 target is achieved. This is particularly relevant given the comments contained in the fifth quarterly report of the Credit Review Office, which stated that "it will be a challenge for each of the banks to reach their €3bn sanction target for new and restructured facilities in the current year." On the issue more generally of the demand for credit, my Department is in the process of commissioning an independent survey of the demand for credit within the SME sector. The outcome will provide the necessary information to better inform Government policy in this important sector of the Irish economy.
It is vital that the banks continue to make credit available to support economic recovery. However, it is not in the interest of the banks, businesses or the economy for finance to be provided unless the business is viable and has the capacity to meet the interest payments and repay the sum borrowed.
Customs and Excise Operations
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:67 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the quantity of illegal cigarettes that have been seized by Revenue so far this year by weight and value; the steps being taken to address the ongoing problem of illegal smuggling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25487/11]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that for the period January to August 2011 a total of 77.9m cigarettes with a retail value of approximately €32.8m and 6,683 kgs of tobacco with a retail value of approximately €2.4m have been seized. I am further informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax, and for tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco products, that the strategies employed by Revenue to tackle this illicit trade are multi-faceted. They include ongoing analysis of the nature and extent of the problem, developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, ongoing review of operational policies, development of analytics and deployment of detection technologies, optimum deployment of resources at point of importation and internally to intercept the contraband product and to prosecute those involved.
Interception at the point of importation is achieved through a combination of risk analysis, profiling, intelligence, and the screening of cargo, vehicles, baggage and postal packages. Revenue enforcement officers also target this illicit trade at the post-importation level by carrying out intelligence-based operations and random checks at retail outlets, markets and private and commercial premises. Revenue also carries out regular multi-agency operations, particularly in relation to large maritime importations and in checks at inland markets.
They have established a high level internal group, chaired at Commissioner level, to examine the risks related to tobacco products tax and to oversee and optimise the detection of counterfeit and contraband tobacco products. This group has promoted a number of initiatives aimed at counteracting the illicit trade in tobacco. These include adoption of a comprehensive tobacco strategy and action plan.
Revenue continually reviews and updates their strategies and in July 2010, Revenue launched a series of nationwide tobacco ‘blitz'- type operations, which concentrated additional Revenue resources at ports, airports and at various inland retail points, including markets for the purpose of identifying illicit tobacco products. To date, Revenue has conducted seven tobacco ‘blitz' operations that have resulted in the seizure of in excess of 33.2m cigarettes. Another two large-scale nationwide operations are scheduled to take place during the last quarter of 2011. In addition to this, there is a programme of Regional level ‘blitz'-type operations that target markets and other distribution points.
Exchequer Savings
Michael McGrath
Question:68 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the estimated savings for Ireland, for each of the years 2012, 2013 and 2014, arising from the anticipated reduction in the interest rate on funds available from the European Financial Stability Fund, European Financial Stability Mechanism and the bilateral loans; the interest rates he expects Ireland will now be charged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25497/11]
Michael McGrath
Question:69 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance when the interest rate reductions on funds drawn down under the European Financial Stability Facility and the European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism will take effect; the date to which they will be backdated; the estimated saving for Ireland in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25498/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 69 together.
Not all the details are finalised yet, so the following figures could change. However, I am informed by the NTMA that, on reasonable assumptions, projected estimated savings from the EFSF and EFSM, including the bilateral loan from the UK, from 2011 to 2014 on a General Government Balance basis are as follows:
|
Year |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
|
€m |
365 |
875 |
1,110 |
1,180 |
In general, for the EFSF and EFSM, the actual interest rates charged will be based on the cost of funds which they experience in the capital markets and are subsequently passed on to borrowing Member States.
All of the details governing the reductions in the various interest rates have not been finalised. The European Commission has adopted proposals that the maturity of the loans Ireland will receive from the EFSM will be increased from the current weighted average life of 7½ years to 12½ years. Loans from the EFSF are expected to have a minimum maturity of at least 15 years and the details of how this will be achieved have not yet been agreed. These longer maturities will, on balance, have significant benefits for Ireland but the change in maturities will also affect the interest rate charged.
As regards the effective date for the reductions and the issue of backdating, the position by funding source is set out below:
EFSM — The Commission has adopted a proposal to amend the Implementing Decision 2011/77/EU on granting Union financial assistance to Ireland that would reduce the margin of 292.5 basis points to zero and apply it to all loans. It is expected that this proposal will be presented for approval at the ECOFIN meeting on 4 October 2011.
EFSF —In the first instance, the Amendment to the EFSF Framework Agreement must be ratified by all euro-area Member States. The European Financial Stability Facility and Euro Area Loan Facility (Amendment) Bill 2011 was before the Dáil on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week and scheduled to be considered by the Seanad today. When it is enacted, Ireland will confirm its ratification of the Amendment to the EFSF Framework Agreement. Several other Member States have already ratified it and the rest have agreed to complete their national procedures by early to mid October. Once it has been ratified by all Member States, our Loan Facility Agreement will be amended to implement the interest rate reduction and provide for longer maturities. This requires the unanimous consent of all Guarantor Member States.
The issue of whether or not the reduction in the interest rate on EFSF loans would apply to tranches already disbursed was discussed during the recent informal meeting of Finance Ministers in Poland. Following that discussion, I announced that it would apply to all loans including the one already disbursed to us in February 2011. However, I also explained that the prepaid margin we had to incur upfront could not be returned to us until the loan matures in July 2016. It should be noted that the Amendment to the EFSF Framework Agreement does away with the need for prepaid margins on future loans.
Bilateral loans:
The UK has already announced that it will reduce the margin on its loan to Ireland to be in line with that of the EFSF. It is expected that this will be implemented at around the same time as the other reductions take place. The first drawdown under our bilateral loan agreement with the UK will take place shortly
Sweden and Denmark — the loan agreements are yet to be finalised.
Question No. 70 answered with Question No. 62.
Eligible Liabilities Guarantee Scheme
Michael McGrath
Question:71 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on the future of the eligible liabilities guarantee scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25500/11]
The issuance window under the Eligible Liabilities Guarantee or ELG Scheme currently runs until 31 December 2011. The guarantee covers both eligible debt and deposits and facilitates access to funding for the ELG banks. The state authorities are examining market conditions and bank funding and will assess the necessity for the continuation of the guarantee.
If I am advised that an extension of the issuance window is warranted I will seek state aid approval from the EU Commission. I would also need to consult with the ECB on any proposal for amendments to the ELG Scheme. Thereafter, I would place a draft statutory instrument before both Houses of the Oireachtas for approval well in advance of 31 December to enable the issuance period in the Scheme to be extended.
I want to reaffirm that debt and fixed term deposits issued during the relevant issuance windows continue to be guaranteed for the duration of the term of the debt or deposits regardless of what happens to the ELG issuance window in the future. Finally, I wish to clarify that customer deposits up to Eur 100,000 are guaranteed under a different guarantee scheme called the Deposit Guarantee Scheme (DGS) and there is no end date on that guarantee.
Consultancy Contracts
Michael McGrath
Question:72 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details, including the value and the name of the beneficiary, of any contract awarded by him or any public body directly under his control for public relations, communications and consultancy services from 9 March 2011 to date in 2011. [25501/11]
I take it that the Deputy is referring solely to public relations costs and not to advertising costs that would be incurred by my Department in the normal course of business, such as entries into telephone directories, the placing of advertisements in national newspapers, recruitment advertising, advertising associated with the national development plans, e-tenders etc. In the period in question my Department, the Appeals Commissioners and Revenue have awarded no contracts in relation to public relations, communications or consultancy services. The table below details the spend for public relations, communications and consultancy services from 9 March 2011 to date, for the agencies under my aegis:—
|
Date of Award |
Name of Company |
Value of Contract |
Brief Description of Contract |
|
11 March 2011 |
David Rainey |
€31,601 |
Property Valuation Consultancy in respect of NAMA |
|
20 April 2011 |
Mr Tom Walsh, Broadband Consultant |
€15,125 |
Technical advice in the context of the examination on the National Broadband Scheme |
|
20 May 2011 |
Productive Personnel Ltd |
€4,500 |
Technical advice in relation to an examination of the performance management and development system |
|
24 March 2011 |
Philip Lee Solicitors |
€48,599 |
Review of NAMA due diligence |
|
Date of Award |
Name of Company |
Value of Contract |
Brief Description of Contract |
|
24 March 2011 |
Philip Lee Solicitors |
€48,599 |
Review of NAMA due diligence |
|
9 March 2011 |
Arthur Cox |
Both awards were for a period of three (3) years and services are drawn down as and when required. Arthur Cox have received payments of approximately €1.36 million in respect of the period 9 March to date under these arrangements. A&L Goodbody and Matheson Ormsby Prentice have not received any payments to date under these arrangements. |
Following a competitive tender process, NTMA awarded a contract to a single legal consultant (Arthur Cox), to provide general legal services on an ad hoc basis to the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) Banking Unit1. This contract was awarded on the basis of discounted hourly rates. |
|
9 March 2011 |
Legal Panel (A&L Goodbody, Arthur Cox and Matheson Ormsby Prentice). |
As above |
Following a competitive tender process, the NTMA appointed a panel of legal consultants (A&L Goodbody, Arthur Cox and Matheson Ormsby Prentice) under a framework agreement to provide specific legal services to the NTMA Banking Unit*. This appointment of the panel was on the basis of discounted hourly rates and/or fixed fees where appropriate. |
|
6 April 2011 |
Davy Corporate Finance |
€42,500 |
Valuation of the holdings of the National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) in unlisted preference shares of the Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland plc and Allied Irish Banks plc |
|
15 April 2011 |
Goldman Sachs |
Fees up to €7.8 million may be payable depending on completion of transactions and performance. |
Financial advisor to the NTMA Banking Unit* for liability management exercises and capital raising transactions in respect of BOI, AIB, ILP, EBS, INBS and Anglo. |
|
15 April |
KPMG |
Overall contract amount dependent on amount of services provided based on hourly rate. |
Provision of tax consultancy services for National Asset Management Agency (NAMA). |
|
29 April 2011 |
PWC |
€35,000 |
Accounting advice to NTMA Banking Unit* in relation to issue of contingent capital instruments by AIB, EBS, BOI, ILP. |
|
16 May 2011 |
McKinsey |
€2.55 million |
Advisor to NTMA Banking Unit* on matters relating to Anglo/INBS (including the merger of Anglo and INBS and the disposal of the US loan book). |
|
24 May 2011 |
Tibus |
€40,500 |
Design and implementation of updated websites for NTMA, NAMA, State Claims Agency, National Development Finance Agency and NPRF. |
|
26 May 2011 |
PWC |
€25,000 |
Advices to Clinical Indemnity Scheme for State Claims Agency. |
|
17 June 2011 |
Colin Maltby |
€38,000 plus €3,000 expenses incurred up to end September 2011. |
Advisor in respect of the sale of part of the NPRF’s global private equity portfolio. |
|
30 June 2011 |
DKM Economic Consultants |
€42,000 |
To undertake an economic study for NAMA of the potential impact of the proposed Deferred Consideration Mortgage Initiative. |
|
11 July 2011 |
Amárach Research |
€15,800 |
To carry out market research for NAMA on theDeferred Consideration Mortgage Initiative. |
|
12 July 2011 |
System Dynamics |
€12,375. (Note: this contract was terminated after 3.5 days of consultancy drawdown. Consequently a total of €1,732.50 was spent on this contract.) |
A 25 day contract to provide Microsoft Sharepoint Development Services for the integration of the NAMA Portfolio Management System and the NAMA Document Management System (DMS). |
|
10 August 2011 |
Towers Watson |
Overall contract amount dependent on amount of services provided. |
Two year contract in place for provision of HR services. |
|
1 September 2011 |
Version1 |
€78,000 |
A six month contract to provide Technical Project Management Services (Test Management) for the NAMA Portfolio Management System. |
|
21 September 2011 |
DNM |
€14,000 |
A 20 day contract to provide Microsoft SharePoint and .NET Development Services for the integration of the NAMA Portfolio Management System and the NAMA Document Management System (DMS). |
*The Deputy should note that certain advisory expenses incurred in relation to the capital raising measures (including the liability management exercises) will be recovered from the covered institutions in due course. Also from 5 August 2011, the banking responsibilities of the NTMA have transferred to my Department.
Diplomatic Representation
Michael McGrath
Question:73 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the meeting he held with the head of the European Central Bank, Mr. Jean Claude Trichet, in Poland on 17 September 2011; the matters discussed affecting Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25503/11]
I had the opportunity to meet with President Trichet on the margins of the Ecofin meeting in Poland on Saturday, 17th September. I raised with him the issue of the burden sharing with the senior unguaranteed bondholders in Anglo Irish Bank. This was unresolved business and I pressed the case for such burden sharing. However, President Trichet was of the strong view that such action was not in the interests of Ireland or the Euro Area, particularly given the challenges facing the euro area at this time and the contagion that we witnessed recently that has affected Italy and Spain. Commissioner Rehn also made the same point on this issue when I met him at a separate meeting on Saturday.
President Trichet was very complimentary of the progress being made by Ireland and he noted the narrowing of bond spreads that had taken place, which he would not wish to see put at risk. I noted the points he made and I said I would report back to Government on the discussion.
I also mentioned to President Trichet, and in the separate meeting with Commissioner Rehn, the situation in relation to the Promissory Notes. These Promissory Notes are amounts due from the State to Anglo Irish Bank as consideration for the capital provided in 2010. While the State has budgeted to meet both the interest and cash requirements I am eager to have the Promissory Notes examined to see if they can be re-engineered in a better way for the State, for example, by lengthening their maturity and reducing their interest rate on them. This re-engineering would have to be completed in a manner which does not impact on the capital position of Anglo. This may or may not be feasible. I proposed that our experts get together to examine the technical aspects and the implications of any potential changes. They were agreeable to this on the basis that there is clearly no commitment on their part upfront. We are now proceeding on that basis.
Departmental Agencies
Michael McGrath
Question:74 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he has given his approval to the establishment of NewERA as a non-statutory body in the National Treasury Management Agency; if so, if he will provide details of the way that this will work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25504/11]
I expect that an announcement on the establishment of and the practical arrangements for NewERA will be made shortly.
National Asset Management Agency
Michael McGrath
Question:75 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he approves of the incentivisation arrangements the National Asset Management Agency is entering with developers whereby NAMA allows developers to share in any additional return or profit beyond the amount NAMA has paid for the developer’s loan plus an allowance for NAMA’s expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25505/11]
The National Asset Management Agency has been established as a body corporate and is independent in the performance of its functions under the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009. NAMA has a Board of Directors and a commercial remit under the legislation to manage its portfolio of over €70 billion and it has to consider, on a case-by-case basis, the overhead costs associated with leaving a debtor in place to manage his business at an agreed salary level versus the commercial alternative of appointing an insolvency expert.
The Chairman of NAMA recently explained that the agency is regularly faced with having to make difficult choices between working with a developer on his loans or foreclosing through the appointment of a receiver. The agency is charged with maximising the commercial return to the taxpayer — its job is to make the highest amount it can on the loans it is handling. In each case, the option selected by NAMA is that which is likely to generate the higher return for the taxpayer.
The following incentivisation example has been provided to me by NAMA. Where NAMA has paid €50m for a debtor's loans which aggregate to €100m nominal value, NAMA might set a minimum repayment target of €55m for the debtor. If, say, by year 7, the debtor reaches that minimum repayment target, an incentive arrangement will apply whereby thereafter, the debtor will be allowed to retain 10% of any excess sum realised. If a total of €60m is realized, therefore, this is an excess of €5m over the minimum target and the debtor retains €500,000. In such a case NAMA's profit will be €9.5m over the amount paid for the debtor's loans. This of course is an example and different repayment targets will apply to different borrowers depending on the particular circumstances of each case. It should be noted that the key factor in determining what NAMA pays for any debtor's aggregate debt is the current market value of the underlying property securing that debt. Therefore, if NAMA pays €50m for the loans, as in the example, it is likely that the value of the underlying property is of the same order.
Sometimes NAMA engaging with a borrower will seem unpalatable. The economic reality, however, demands that NAMA fulfils its mandate and recovers as much money as it possibly can for the taxpayer and, in this, I fully support the efforts of the Board.
Banks Recapitalisation
Michael McGrath
Question:76 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to any interest among private equity investors in taking a minority shareholding in AIB as outlined recently to the Oireachtas finance committee by the bank chairman, Mr. David Hodginkson; his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25507/11]
I am aware that AIB has held initial, preliminary meetings with equity investors who have indicated an interest in potentially acquiring a stake in AIB. Following these discussions, I am informed by the bank that they expect investors will require more visibility on the bank's performance, particularly its asset quality, before discussions move beyond the preliminary and exploratory stage. In light of current market conditions the bank's expectations are that this required visibility is only likely to be during the course of 2012 at the earliest.
At present, AIB is undergoing a significant restructuring process and as one of the two pillar banks in the domestic economy it is natural that investors will seek to have preliminary discussions with both the bank and the State in order to better understand the underlying performance and value of the AIB franchise. The recent transaction completed by the State with private investors in Bank of Ireland demonstrates that international money managers remain optimistic over the outlook for the Irish economy. As and when any concrete interest is expressed by external investors in making an investment in AIB it will be carefully evaluated by my staff and the bank to ensure that taxpayers' interests are protected at all times.
Fiscal Policy
Michael McGrath
Question:77 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he has finalised a date for the publication of the pre-budget outlook and medium term fiscal plan in October; if he intends to brief Opposition spokespersons in advance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25508/11]
Michael McGrath
Question:78 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the planned new multi-annual fiscal plan due to be published with the pre-budget outlook in October will deal with the period January 2012 to December 2014 or the period January 2012 to December 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25509/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 78 together.
The Pre-Budget Outlook will be published in October although a precise date has not yet been set. The revised economic and fiscal forecasts which will be contained in the Pre-Budget Outlook will take account of the latest available data including the CSO's Quarter Two National Accounts and the end-September Exchequer Returns. The multi-annual fiscal projections which will be published in the Pre-Budget Outlook will cover the period 2012 to 2015.
Sovereign Bonds
Michael McGrath
Question:79 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the value of Irish Government bonds purchased by the ECB over the past number of months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25511/11]
My Department does not have the information sought by the Deputy. The vast majority of Irish sovereign bonds are held by institutional investors in the Euroclear clearing and settlement system, generally in a nominee account structure which does not permit the identification of the beneficial owners. This is standard market practice in the sovereign bond markets.
While the Central Bank of Ireland maintains a register of Irish Government bonds, the bonds held by Euroclear, representing 99.74% of Irish Government bonds in issue, are registered in one omnibus account in the Central Bank's register and details of the bond transactions relating to those bonds are held by Euroclear. All transactions in relation to the remaining 0.26% of Irish Government bonds are made through the Central Bank and information regarding individual holders is treated as confidential. I might add that my understanding is that the ECB releases figures only for its total purchases of sovereign bonds under its Securities market Programme and does not release information on bond purchases in individual markets.
Banking Sector Regulation
Michael McGrath
Question:80 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance when he and the Central Bank received a copy of the corporate governance report into Irish Nationwide Building Society; the actions he has taken since; if any further investigations, including criminal, are required and when he intends to publish the report. [25512/11]
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 cooperate 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 organisations 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 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.
European Central Bank
Michael McGrath
Question:81 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he, acting on behalf of the Irish Government and independently of the Irish Central Bank Governor, has made his views known to the European Central Bank about its interest rate policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25513/11]
The determination of interest rate policy is solely a matter for the Governing Council of the European Central Bank, which is independent in these matters. It would not, therefore, be appropriate for me to intervene in that process.
Question No. 82 answered with Question No. 60.
National Asset Management Agency
Michael McGrath
Question:83 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the National Asset Management Agency has yet initiated any legal proceedings to reverse the transfer of assets by NAMA debtors to spouses or other family members; if he will provide details of the number of such transfers which have been reversed voluntarily by NAMA debtors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25519/11]
At a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, the Chief Executive of NAMA pointed out that, having been through the business plans of debtors which account for close to 75% of NAMA debt, he does not consider that there is a ‘huge pot of gold' that can be recovered through legal proceedings to reverse asset transfers by NAMA debtors. I am informed by NAMA, however, that most of the debtors who engaged in such transfers are co-operating with it as regards a voluntary reversal of asset transfers.
As negotiations are ongoing with many debtors and assets are being re-valued at current prices, it is not yet possible to determine the final valuation of reversed asset transfers. In a number of cases where debtors are refusing to co-operate, it has been necessary for NAMA to adopt a number of approaches, depending on the legal advice received in each particular case. This may involve the pursuit of personal guarantees through the courts and, in some cases, will require litigation to reverse asset transfers where the original intention appears to have been to place the assets concerned beyond the reach of NAMA.
Michael McGrath
Question:84 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of loans in value terms in the National Asset Management Agency that are currently described as performing loans, and if he will define if that means paying interest, capital or both. [25520/11]
The NAMA Quarterly Report for Q1 of 2011 states that 23% of loans (by value) are performing. Performing loans are defined in the Report as loans which are not in arrears because interest and principal is being received in line with contractual obligations or where, if there are arrears, they are outstanding for less than 30 days. The NAMA Quarterly Report for Q2 is scheduled to be delivered to me by the end of this month and I will thereafter arrange for it to be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Michael McGrath
Question:85 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the National Asset Management Agency has sought to invoke any personal guarantees in respect of its debtors in the courts. [25521/11]
NAMA has confirmed to me that it is engaged in a number of such proceedings but is constrained from commenting in specific detail as these matters are before the courts.
Michael McGrath
Question:86 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if any persons in the National Treasury Management Agency, including National Asset Management Agency, have taken a reduction in basic pay since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25522/11]
The overall remuneration of NTMA senior management has been reduced very substantially this year due to their waiving of the performance-related element of their remuneration in respect of 2010. The public sector pension deduction provided for in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 applies to all NTMA staff. While the NTMA was not subject to the general reductions in salaries provided for in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009, in 2010 it secured a reduction of some 8% in overall payroll costs, on a like-for-like basis compared with the previous year, through a reduction in the performance-related element of overall remuneration. In 2011, it secured a further reduction of almost 3% in overall payroll costs, again on a like-for-like basis.
Staff recruited by the NTMA and assigned to the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) in 2010 and 2011 have been recruited on specified-purpose contracts — their term of employment lasts for as long as NAMA requires their particular function.
It is my intention to examine the approach to remuneration in the NTMA in more detail in the coming months following consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. I will then see what changes, if any, might be appropriate in relation to the remuneration of all staff in the NTMA, having regard to the changing economic circumstances of the State and the need for transparency in public expenditure.
State Banking Sector
Michael McGrath
Question:87 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he or any agency acting on his behalf, has completed an examination of the severance arrangements contained in contracts of employment in respect of senior executives currently employed by State-supported banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25523/11]
Michael McGrath
Question:95 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the review of remuneration practices at the covered financial institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25550/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 95 together.
As alluded to by the Deputy in his questions, a review of remuneration policies and practices by each of the covered institutions is underway. As part of that review, the institutions were asked to consider measures that could be taken to realign staff expectations with regard to remuneration and benefits in the current economic environment and financial circumstances of the banks. An analysis of severance arrangements is also part of the review.
The review exercise is ongoing. I fully recognise that there is a real public interest in the levels of remuneration at the covered institutions and I will endeavour to have this completed in the shortest timeframe possible with a view to putting the information into the public domain.
National Asset Management Agency
Michael McGrath
Question:88 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the highest salary amount sanctioned by the National Asset Management Agency for payment to one of its debtors, including full details of the elements of the remuneration package approved, such as company car and other benefits in kind, and any other information deemed relevant. [25524/11]
Michael McGrath
Question:89 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of instances in which the National Asset Management Agency has approved salaries in excess of €100,000 in respect of its debtors, including full details of the elements of the remuneration packages approved, such as company car and other benefits in kind, and any other information deemed relevant. [25525/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 89 together.
I understand from NAMA that, as part of its business plan agreements with debtors, it normally looks for and obtains a reduction of 50%-75% in overhead costs and that any remuneration paid to debtors is payable from this much-reduced budget. The Chairman of NAMA has recently stated that the majority of debtor remuneration packages fall into the €75,000 to €100,000 range, including all benefits-in-kind. I understand that, in two cases, the debtor's remuneration package approved by NAMA, as part of the budget for overheads, exceeded €100,000 and that the highest is in the order of €200,000.
The Chairman also pointed out that NAMA is faced with a choice in the case of any particular debtor as to whether it uses the knowledge and experience of the debtor to optimise the realised value of property assets or whether it is more cost-effective to use the services of receivers or other insolvency professionals. Where NAMA decides that the most cost-effective approach is the former, it takes a large number of factors into account before approving a remuneration package. These include the debtor's knowledge of the assets, the overall value of the assets, his experience, NAMA's view of the extent to which he can add value and his level of cooperation with NAMA including, where applicable, voluntary reversal of asset transfers and the pledging of unencumbered assets.
National Recovery Plan
Michael McGrath
Question:90 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the current status of the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014 prepared by the previous Government; and if it can be regarded as his policy in view of the fact that the link to it appears on the homepage of his Department’s website. [25529/11]
As the Deputy is aware, the National Recovery Plan was published at the end of November of last year. It set out the previous Government's plan for a return to sustainable economic growth and the restoration of order to the public finances. It also formed the basis of the previous Government's negotiations with the EU/IMF/ECB Troika. The National Recovery Plan 2011-2014 is not a policy document of the current Government. Indeed, since coming to office, the current Government has successfully renegotiated a number of aspects of the Programme of Financial Support, including securing very significant reductions in our Programme borrowing costs. As the Deputy is also aware, my Department's website contains information on a numerous range of matters that relate to the work of the previous Government, including, for instance, the Budget documents going back for the last ten years. This is simply helpful for members of the public who wish to obtain access to documents of interest.
Employment Action Plan
Michael McGrath
Question:91 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance when he expects the jobs initiative, which took effect on 1 July 2011, to begin having a positive effect on the live register figures-CSO’s quarterly national household survey measure of unemployment. [25530/11]
The latest Quarterly National Household Survey data revealed that employment recorded its lowest quarter of contraction since the crisis began in Q2, as it continued to move towards stabilisation. Furthermore, 8 of the 14 economic sectors were net job creators over the second quarter, including the private sector as a whole. However, the data also confirmed that unemployment remains unacceptably high; in seasonally adjusted terms there were over 300,000 people unemployed in the quarter, resulting in an unemployment rate of 14.2 per cent. Subsequent months have seen an increase in the live register, and there were almost 470,000 people signing on in August. Reflecting seasonal factors this figure is expected to decline in the coming months, but will nevertheless remain at an elevated level. While the broad consensus, amongst the major international organisations and domestic forecasters, is that the Irish economy will return to annual growth this year, recovery in the labour market typically lags recovery in overall activity. As a result, net employment is expected to decline once again for this year as a whole, albeit at a much slower pace than in previous years, before gradually strengthening in the coming years.
This net figure represents gross flows into and out of employment in the various sectors and as a result it is very difficult to quantify the number of jobs that the Jobs Initiative will deliver. Anecdotal evidence, however, from the high value added tourism sector for example, would suggest that they are already having some positive impact in sustaining and generating employment.
Tax Yield
Michael McGrath
Question:92 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money collected to date on the pension levy introduced in the jobs initiative and the amount expected to be received by the end of 2011. [25531/11]
The yield of stamp duty to the Exchequer at the end of August from the levy on pension schemes introduced in section 4 of the Finance (No.2) Act 2011 was €140 million. This amount represents early payments of the total yield of €470 million expected for 2011 for which the due date for payment is 25 September.
Consumer Protection
Michael McGrath
Question:93 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if there are any plans to limit the number of unsolicited contacts made by financial institutions with debtors in respect of non-mortgage debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25542/11]
Last year, the Central Bank published a consultation paper on the ‘Review of the Consumer Protection Code' (the Code). The paper outlined new and amended requirements for regulated financial institutions when dealing with consumers, the purpose being to strengthen the existing consumer protection framework. A second consultation paper was issued in June 2011. In addition to the receipt of in excess of 90 submissions, the Central Bank consulted with the Consumer Advisory Group which was established under the Central Bank Reform Act 2010. It is expected that the revised Code will be signed off by the Central Bank Commission at the end of this month. The draft revised Code requires that contact with consumers in arrears is proportionate and not excessive and places limits on how often a regulated institution may contact consumers in arrears, with no more that three unsolicited communications permitted in any calendar month.
State Banking Sector
Michael McGrath
Question:94 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if any retiring executive at a State supported bank in the past three years has received a gift from the institution with a value in excess of €5,000; and if so, if he will provide the details of the institution, the beneficiary and the nature of the gift. [25544/11]
I am informed by the respective covered institutions that the information sought by the Deputy is as follows: Allied Irish Banks, Bank of Ireland, Irish Life & Permanent, Anglo Irish and Educational Building Society:
In response to the Deputy's enquiry their respective searches have not revealed any evidence of a gift with a value in excess of €5,000 being made to a retiring executive over the period.
Irish Nationwide Building Society:
INBS have informed me as above other than the presentation by them of a watch in April 2009 as a parting gift to the former head of the Society — the relevant details of which are already in the public domain.
Question No. 95 answered with Question No. 87.
Tax Code
Michael McGrath
Question:96 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the taxation of lump sums paid to retiring public servants and his plans to introduce changes in this area. [25578/11]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that two separate tax treatments can apply depending on the nature of the lump sums paid to a retiring individual. (These rules apply equally to all employees — public and private sectors).
Retirement lump sums paid under pension arrangements
The following arrangements apply to retirement lump sums paid under Revenue approved pension arrangements:
Lump sum amounts up to €200,000 are paid free of tax. They are also paid free of USC.
The portion of a lump sum between €200,001 and €575,000 is taxed on a ring-fenced basis at 20%. (This means that no tax credits or other tax reliefs can be set against this portion of the lump sum.) No USC is chargeable.
Any amount of a lump sum in excess of €575,000 is taxed at the individual's marginal rate of tax (credits and other tax reliefs are available). In this instance, USC is chargeable on the excess. These amounts are lifetime amounts with prior lump sums aggregating with later lump sums.
Termination lump sums
If a termination payment is not taxable at an individual's marginal rate of tax under the general rules applying to the employment income of individuals, then the payment is generally subject to the taxation rules set out in section 123 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. These rules tax termination payments that are not otherwise chargeable to income tax subject to a number of exemptions and reliefs. These exemptions and reliefs are set out in section 201 of, and Schedule 3 to, the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
The exemptions are —
A basic exemption from income tax of €10,160 plus €765 for every complete year of service; or
"Standard Capital Superannuation Benefit" (known as "SCSB"). This is an exemption equal to 1/15th of the individual's annual income (average of the last three years), for each year of employment less any tax-free lump sum which is received or receivable under any approved or statutory pension scheme.
It is open to the individual to choose whichever exemption is of most benefit.
The basic exemption from income tax as outlined above can be further increased by up to €10,000 if the individual is not a member of an occupational pension scheme. This enhancement can only be claimed if the individual has not made any claims in respect of a termination lump sum received in the previous 10 years.
These exemptions are subject to an overall lifetime tax-free limit of €200,000 with any amount received in excess of this amount subject to income tax at the individual's marginal rate of tax. USC also applies to the excess.
A further relief called "Top Slicing Relief" is available which reduces the marginal rate of tax on the taxable element of any termination lump sum to the average rate of income tax applying to that individual over the previous 3 tax years.
As the Deputy will know, a new single pension scheme for all new entrants to the public service is about to be legislated for. The new scheme brings public service pension terms more in line with private sector norms and makes a closer connection between the contribution levels and benefits received. It will change the calculation of benefits so that pensions are based on "career average" earnings rather than final salary on retirement. The minimum pension age for new public servants has also be increased from 65 to 66 and is linked to increases in the state pension age. As the new scheme is for new entrants, it will take some time before it has an impact on public servants retiring.
Question No. 97 answered with Question No. 66.
Educational Institutes
Peter Mathews
Question:98 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25368/11]
Peter Mathews
Question:99 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Education and Skills the protection provided in the case of a person (details supplied) under sections 43 to 47 of the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25369/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 99 together.
The governance and day to day activities of the Institute concerned are matters for which the management authorities of the Institute are responsible. My Department does not have any function in relation to its academic affairs or to decisions about the programmes of study that it provides. I understand that demand from students and resource availability are key factors in such decisions and it is not always possible to offer a particular programme in any given year.
I understand that each year of the programme in question leads to a distinct and separate level of certification which is awarded by the U.K based Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). The IMI is the internationally recognised professional association for individuals working in the motor industry. An individual who has successfully completed any of the three levels of the course would qualify for an appropriate award, Award (Level 1); Certificate (Level 2); Diploma (Level 3).
The Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999 provides that HETAC or FETAC shall not validate a programme of education and training or delegate authority to make an award in respect of a programme of education and training, where the programme concerned is of greater than three months duration and being provided on a commercial and profit-making basis, unless the provider has put in place arrangements for the protection for learners. As the programme concerned was not validated by HETAC or FETAC and does not lead to an award from either of those bodies, the protection for learners requirements set out in the 1999 Act does not apply in this case.
School Management
Simon Harris
Question:100 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on the placing of vending machines in schools at both primary and secondary level; if any restrictions on the installation of such machines are in place; the details of his policy on encouraging healthy eating in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25377/11]
In accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school.
It is a matter for each school to devise guidelines around the types of food that are available on the school premises and such policies should be driven by the needs and welfare of the pupils.
I am aware that many schools have, in cooperation with their parents' associations, developed healthy eating policies and I would encourage others to do so.
School Patronage
Simon Harris
Question:101 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills when patronage for a new school (details supplied) in County Wicklow will be announced; the deadline for applying to be patron body; when construction of this school will commence; when the school will open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25378/11]
In June this year, I announced that 20 new primary and 20 new post-primary schools are to be established in the next six years across a number of locations. This announcement included a proposal to establish a new school in the area referred to by the Deputy. My Department has recently informed patron bodies of these new schools to be established and has invited applications for patronage of same. The deadline for receipt of applications for patronage of new post-primary schools is Friday the 13th January 2012. Plans will be progressed for the delivery of accommodation for these schools.
The information in relation to where new primary and post-primary schools are required, the criteria for deciding on patronage and the invitation for patronage from interested parties is available on my Department's website, www.education.gov.ie.
School Staffing
Michelle Mulherin
Question:102 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of retired primary and secondary teachers in the public education system who returned to employment as substitute teachers or who supervised for State examinations for each of the years from 2006 to date in 2011. [25396/11]
Information regarding the numbers of primary and post primary retired teachers who returned to teaching from September 2007 to March 2011 by school year is outlined in the table below. I will arrange for the data in relation to the full 2010/2011 school year to be forwarded to the Deputy. The data for the 2011 / 12 school year is not available at this stage as teacher appointments to schools are not finalised.
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including organising the holding of examinations, determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted including the supervision of examinations and making arrangements for the marking of work presented for examination.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
FÁS Training Programmes
Michael McCarthy
Question:103 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for a FÁS course in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25420/11]
I understand from FÁS that an application has been received by FÁS from the employer of the person in question to register him as an apprentice Motor Mechanic. Applicants registering to the motor trade must pass a FÁS approved colour vision test which must be administered by an Optician, Medical Doctor and/or Optometrist.
I also understand from FÁS that the person in question failed to pass the colour vision test, that he has appealed to the nominated independent Medical Examiner and that the results of this appeal are pending.
Special Educational Needs
Peter Mathews
Question:104 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has plans to extend the hours allocated for a special needs assistant at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25462/11]
The Deputy will be aware 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 now advised all mainstream schools, including the school referred to by the Deputy in Meadowbrook, of their SNA allocation for the current school year, taking into account the care needs of qualifying pupils attending the school.
I wish to clarify that the recruitment and deployment of SNAs within schools are matters for the individual Principal/Board of Management. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated. It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.
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.
The NCSE will advise schools early in the new school year of any review process to review allocation decisions to ensure that correct procedures were followed and that they comply with my Department's policy. The merits of individual allocation decisions will not be open to appeal under this mechanism.
It will be expected that schools, before requesting a review, will be in a position to demonstrate that they have made every effort to manage their allocation of SNA posts to best effect.
Brendan Griffin
Question:105 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a home tuition grant will be made available to a child (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25467/11]
The Deputy will be aware that my Department's home tuition scheme provides funding to parents to provide education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for children awaiting a suitable educational placement and also to provide early educational intervention for pre-school children with autism.
Allocation of home tuition for the school year is subject to applicants meeting the eligibility criteria. My Department has no record of receiving a home tuition application for the child in question.
The Deputy will be aware that the NCSE is responsible for the provision of a range of educational services at local and national level for students with special educational needs. In particular, its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) co-ordinates special needs education provision at local level and arranges for the delivery of special educational services. The SENOs act as single points of contact for parents of students with special educational needs. Another specific function of the SENO is to identify appropriate educational placements for children with special educational needs and SENOs are a valuable source of support to parents who are actively sourcing a placement for their children.
School Staffing
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:106 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is concerned that a large number of trainee primary teachers have been unable to get their probationary year post and so cannot fully qualify as teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25477/11]
The Deputy will be aware that, despite the restrictions on recruitment to the public sector arising from the calamitous economic crisis our country is in, teacher vacancies are continuing to be filled.
Nevertheless, anecdotal evidence indicates that there is an over supply of teachers and that there are newly qualified teachers not yet holding teaching positions in schools, which will enable them to fulfil the requirements for full registration with the Teaching Council. The full extent of over supply is not yet known.
In light of concerns expressed by teaching unions, my Department has introduced a circular which obliges schools to recruit unemployed teachers ahead of retired ones, in an effort to ease the difficulties for those who cannot find work in the profession.
My Department is also engaged in discussion to extend the JobBridge National Internship Scheme to teachers and I hope to issue a circular to schools in the near future. This will provide newly qualified teachers with opportunities to undertake the necessary teaching duties to complete the process of probation and fulfil the requirements for full registration with the Teaching Council.
In light of the numbers of newly qualified teachers likely to enter the teaching profession and the expected availability of teaching positions, the Teaching Council has agreed that the minimum service requirement for registration probation purposes will be decreased from 170 days to 100 days for the school year 2011/12.
Special Educational Needs
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:107 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has now provided the pupils of a school (details supplied) with appropriate alternative educational facilities to the full satisfaction of the parents concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25478/11]
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for the provision of a range of educational services at local and national level for students with special educational needs. In particular, its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) co-ordinates special needs education provision at local level and arranges for the delivery of special educational services. The SENOs act as single points of contact for parents of students with special educational needs.
Another specific function of the SENO is to identify appropriate educational placements for children with special educational needs. SENOs are a valuable source of support to parents who are actively sourcing a placement for their children. The NCSE have been fully engaged in securing placements for the children in question. The NCSE has advised my Department that, irrespective of the assessed levels of ability of the children, there are placements available for these children. I also understand from my officials that the parents of the children have been advised of their placement options by the NCSE. It is now up to the parents of the children concerned to engage with the schools in question. I understand that a number of the parents are actively engaging with the schools in this context.
I also wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has approved additional home tuition for the children which will facilitate transitional arrangements when the school based placements have been accepted by the parents.
Schools Building Projects
Michael McGrath
Question:108 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the application for a new school building by a national school (details supplied) in County Cork. [25533/11]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the location of a new building for the school to which he refers is currently being finalised in the context of the overall school accommodation needs for the Carrigaline area. Among the options being considered is a site, the acquisition of which was recently agreed with the Local Authority, subject to planning permission, and for which a planning application will shortly be lodged. Once the location of the new school building has been determined, the school building project will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.
Michael McGrath
Question:109 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a planned extension to a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will set out a timeline for the completion of the project. [25534/11]
The Deputy will be aware from my previous response to him in July that this project is at an advanced stage of the tender process. Since July a number of technical issues have arisen in relation to access to the site. It is anticipated that these issues will be resolved by the project's Design Team in the coming weeks. Subject to no further issues arising, it is envisaged that the project will then progress to construction and will take circa 18 months to complete.
Michael McGrath
Question:110 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the provision of an extension for the existing special needs unit in a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork. [25536/11]
I am please to inform the Deputy that construction of the special needs unit commenced in August.
Michael McGrath
Question:111 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills, further to his announcement of 40 new schools on 27 June 2011, the next step in the process of developing a new second-level school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25538/11]
In June this year, I announced that 20 new primary and 20 new post-primary schools are to be established in the next six years across a number of locations. This announcement included a proposal to establish a new second-level school in the area referred to by the Deputy. My Department has recently informed patron bodies of these new schools to be established and has invited applications for patronage of same. The deadline for receipt of applications for patronage of new post-primary schools is Friday the 13th January 2012. Following receipt of applications from prospective patrons my Department officials will consider the applications in line with the recently announced criteria and prepare a report for consideration by the News Schools Establishment Group, who will in turn submit same for my consideration and decision.
Plans will be progressed for the delivery of accommodation for these schools.
The information in relation to where new primary and post-primary schools are required, the criteria for deciding on patronage and the invitation for patronage from interested parties is available on my Department's website, www.education.gov.ie.
Michael McGrath
Question:112 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the appointment of a design team for an extension to a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork. [25540/11]
The school to which the Deputy refers was included in the Ministerial announcement of January 2011. This school project is one where a brief will be formulated and the appointment of a Design Team will commence in 2011. My Department is currently liaising with the Patron of the school regarding site issues which need to be addressed before the project can progress further.
School Curriculum
Michael McGrath
Question:113 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is committed to retaining history as a compulsory subject at junior certificate level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25543/11]
The NCCA has been asked to review the junior certificate and advise on the scope for reform designed to strengthen literacy and numeracy, embed key skills, promote active learning and enhanced creativity and innovation, and ensure appropriate ways of generating evidence of learning. Concerns have also been raised about curriculum overload, and rote learning.
The Council has completed a public consultation process and is finalising its advice to me on the direction of reform, in consultation with the partners in education. I expect the Council's advice shortly.
I am aware that teachers of history have raised concerns that their subjects will no longer be compulsory in voluntary secondary schools. I believe that students should have as wide a choice as is feasible in their schools given the overall level of student demand and interest, the teaching resources available, and the qualifications profile of staff. The importance of history in promoting critical analysis skills, interculturalism, an understanding of human development, democracy, past and current world issues, and the skills for an environmentally sustainable life are fully appreciated. I will be guided by the NCCA's advice in this matter.
School Transport
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:114 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the conditions applying to the remote area grant for students attending primary and secondary schools; the rates of grant payable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25545/11]
Families of children who are eligible for school transport, but for whom no service is available, may apply for the Remote Area Grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements.
The rates of grant range from a family minimum of €1.30 per day to a maximum of €5.10 per day. Grants are paid annually on receipt of a completed Statement of Attendance Form. An application for school transport must precede an application for the Remote Area Grant.
Schools Building Projects
Michael McGrath
Question:115 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the appointment of a design team for a planned new school building (details supplied) in County Cork. [25546/11]
The school to which the Deputy refers was included in the Ministerial announcement of January 2011, where a brief will be formulated and the appointment of a Design Team will commence in 2011.
My Department is currently finalising the schedule of accommodation for the proposed new school, taking into account the level of specialist accommodation which will be required to cater for the special needs pupils in this school. When this brief is completed, the project will then be advanced to the next stage of the architectural planning process.
Departmental Correspondence
John McGuinness
Question:116 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the correspondence (details supplied) sent to him by Kilkenny City Vocational School Parents Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25560/11]
I can confirm that the correspondence referred to by the Deputy has been received by my Department. However, as the correspondence refers to a matter which is subject to ongoing legal proceedings I am not in a position to make a statement.
State Examinations
Frank Feighan
Question:117 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to assist the small number of second level schools or colleges who are consistently receiving a high failure rate in maths at leaving certificate and junior certificate level; if he has identified these schools; the support or remedial help that will be made available to these schools; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are many schools where there is a 100% pass and honours result in leaving and junior certificate maths. [25573/11]
I am aware that there are a range of issues in relation to Mathematics education generally. Project Maths, the new mathematics syllabus which is being introduced on a phased basis aims to address these difficulties. The syllabus is designed to transform teaching and learning of Mathematics, so that students will develop instrumental understanding (knowing how), relational understanding (knowing why), the ability to apply their knowledge and skills in familiar and unfamiliar contexts, and analytical and creative powers in mathematics. A key objective is to improve attainment levels in Maths and to encourage more students to take the subject at higher level.
Initial results from the Project Maths schools which are in the vanguard of implementation are encouraging. In 2011 at both Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate, the ABC rate in the Project Maths schools was higher at higher level than the national figures and there were improved EFNG rates at Ordinary level also. In the context of Project Maths, a national programme of professional development is under way for all Maths teachers and will continue to at least 2013. As part of this, intensive post graduate courses will be developed aimed at teachers who do not hold a major qualification in Maths.
I am aware that some schools do better than others. The SEC provides my Inspectorate with whole school result information to assist in the conduct of Whole School Evaluations through which school inspectors provide advice and guidance to schools. There is also a range of supports in place for schools through DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in our Schools). As the deputy will be aware, DEIS is designed to ensure that schools serving the most disadvantaged communities benefit from the maximum level of support available.
Supports under DEIS at post-primary level include:
access to Home School Community Liaison services
access to the School Completion Programme
enhanced guidance counselling provision
access to planning supports
provision for school library and librarian support in post primary schools with most disadvantage
access to the Junior Certificate School Programme and the Leaving Certificate Applied programme
Higher Education Grants
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:118 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which students already committed to third level courses are finding it difficult to remain in education due to cutbacks introduced by the previous Administration; if it might be possible to address any such issues with particular reference to those who may be forced to drop out of third level courses due to changes in the non-adjacent grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25596/11]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:120 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if any examination has been done regarding the total number of third level students who might be forced out of the education system in the wake of austerity measures introduced by the previous Administration; if he will examine any steps that could be taken to address such issues given the desirability of encouraging continued education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25598/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 120 together.
I regret that the economic circumstances of the country are such that I am not in a position to reverse any of the changes to the student grant measures announced in Budget 2011 by the previous Fianna Fáil — Green Party Government. These changes included the removal of the automatic entitlement of mature students to the non-adjacent rate of grant and an increase in the qualifying distance criterion for the non-adjacent rate of grant.
From this September, students who reside 45 kilometres or more from their higher education institution will continue to be eligible for the higher, non-adjacent rate of grant. Those on particularly low incomes will also continue to receive a "top-up" in the special rate of grant. In addition, third level students in difficult financial circumstances will have access to the Student Assistance Fund. A study of progression in Irish Higher Education' — Oct 2010 looked at new entrants in 2007-8 and their progression into 2008-9. This report is a reference document that will inform policy and the development of interventions to improve rates of completion and graduation' in higher education.
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
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:119 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of children with special needs for whom facilities were reduced following the measures introduced by the previous Administration; the extent, if any, to which any alleviation can be offered which might address the issues arising within the financial constraints prevailing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25597/11]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:127 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the degree, if any, to which he can set aside any provision to meet requirements of the most serious cases of special needs which might not be anticipated in the context of previous budgetary projections with particular reference to addressing the needs of those children whose development might be impaired permanently as a result of the economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25606/11]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:128 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will examine the cases of those most severely affected by shortages in the facilities for children with special needs with a view to some alleviation measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25607/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119, 127 and 128 together.
This Government is committed to the protection of frontline services for pupils with special educational needs. 10,575 whole time equivalent (wte) Special Needs Assistant (SNA) posts are being provided for primary, post-primary and special schools for the coming school year in order to support the care needs of pupils with disabilities. This represents an increase over the December 2010 position where 10,543 posts were provided.
Approximately 9,950 learning support/resource teacher posts, including those provided under the General Allocation Model, are also being provided in primary & post primary schools in order to provide additional teaching support to pupils with special educational needs. This represents an increase of approximately 350 whole time equivalent posts over last year's allocation.
There has therefore not been a reduction in the overall level of resources being provided for children with special educational needs. The Deputy will be aware 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. Having considered all of the applications for SNA support which have been received from mainstream primary and post primary schools, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has now advised all mainstream schools of their SNA allocations for the 2011/12 school year, taking into account the number of valid applications for SNA support and the assessed care needs of the children concerned. SNA provision in special schools is currently being reviewed.
As not all applications for SNA support can be made in advance of the school year, in order to prudently manage this valuable but limited resource, the NCSE and my Department decided that 475 of the 10,575 posts should be retained in order to allocate them over the coming school year in cases such as emergency, appeals, acquired injuries or new school entrants with special needs care. The NCSE therefore has capacity to increase SNA provision for schools from the retained pool of 475 posts. However, as these posts have to last for the school year the NCSE must manage the allocation of any additional posts in a measured and prioritised manner. The care needs of pupils for whom any new applications are being made must be assessed in the context of the existing levels of SNA support available to the school. It is expected that schools, before requesting any review of their SNA provision, will be in a position to demonstrate that they have made every effort to manage their allocation of SNA posts to best effect.
In relation to the allocation of Resource Teaching hours, schools were asked to forward as soon as possible any outstanding applications, or additional outstanding materials to support incomplete applications, to the NCSE for consideration, but in any event by no later than 16 September 2011.
NCSE are now giving consideration with regard to the number of applications received, as to whether there is potential to revise the 90% allocation previously given to schools, and also the extent to which new Resource Teaching allocations can be made, taking into account the number of valid new applications received and in the context of my Departments Employment Control Framework obligations.
Question No. 120 answered with Question No. 118.
Schools Building Projects
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:121 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he expects to provide the most urgently required projects in the school building programme in the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25599/11]
My Department has identified a number of areas where, due to demographic changes, it is projected that there will be a requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years.
In this context, I have recently announced that 20 new primary and 20 new post primary schools are to be established nationally in the next six years to meet the needs of our growing population. In addition to these new schools, it may be necessary to extend the capacity of many existing schools to meet the demand for increased pupil places.
The current status of all projects on the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this will be updated regularly throughout the year.
Questions Nos. 122 and 123 answered with Question No. 27.
Jobs Initiative
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:124 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of training places with a likelihood of leading to employment so far created under the schemes operated by him; the extent to which this is in line with projections and requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25603/11]
My Department is delivering the majority of the additional training, education and work experience places (15,900) for the unemployed contained in the Jobs Initiative which was announced in May 2011 through the following programmes:
6,000 places on FÁS Specific Skills Training Courses
3,000 places on the Back to Education Initiative (FE)
1,000 places on Post Leaving Certificate Courses (FE)
5,900 places on the Springboard Initiative (HE)
In addition, 5,000 places are being made available through the National Internship Programme (JobBridge) which is being managed by the Department of Social Protection.
The Forfás Review of Labour Market Programmes published in February 2010 found that the most effective programmes for the unemployed were the Specific Skills Training programmes.
Springboard is a new higher education Fund which is being rolled out for the first time in 2011. It will provide free part-time higher education courses for unemployed people in areas of current and future skills needs as identified by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs.
My Department is now funding the provision of over 116,000 training places this year for the unemployed through FÁS, Skillnets and the Labour Market Activation Fund. (The Labour Market Activation Fund which was introduced in 2010, aims to stimulate innovation in the provision of training and activation measures for jobseekers seeking to up-skill and get back into work).
In addition, there are now 172,000 places available in the Further Education Sector and 162,000 places available in the Higher Education Sector which the unemployed may also access.
Significant progress has already been made towards meeting the objectives set out in the National Skills Strategy for the period to 2020. A priority for me as Minister for Training and Skills is to ensure the delivery of high quality training, education and activation services to the priority cohorts of the unemployed. The establishment of SOLAS will build on the respective strengths of the Further Education and Training sectors. I expect that SOLAS will ensure the provision of high quality further education and training programmes that will be responsive to the needs of learners, jobseekers and business.
School Staffing
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:125 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he expects to be in a position to ensure the retention of the required number of teachers at primary, second and third level, notwithstanding the possible retirements in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25604/11]
Teaching resources are allocated to schools on a school year basis. Schools will be permitted to fill vacancies that arise during the course of the current school year in allocated posts. The level of retirements in 2012 will become clearer after 1 December when teachers are required to give notice of their intention to retire. The position at third level operates somewhat differently in that individual institutions have considerable autonomy within an overall employment control and budgetary framework.
Similarly the precise position at third level will become clearer after 1 December and will inform how each institution will manage its staffing position.
Schools Refurbishment
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:126 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which funding is likely to be available in the coming year for refurbishment and extension at primary and second level schools throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25605/11]
At its meeting on 11 April 2011, the Government approved the preparation of a new capital investment framework for the period from 2012 to be prepared by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. This involves a review of the planned public capital programme in order to determine those programmes and projects that will best support economic recovery.
My Department has submitted a report to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on a proposed overall capital investment programme for the period 2012 to 2016 for consideration. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will in due course present a draft review to Government and at a later stage Government Departments will receive notification on their capital allocation for the coming years.
Until the new capital investment framework is in place, it is not possible to give an indication on the level of funding available to any particular element of the school building programme in 2012 or beyond. The necessity to ensure sufficient school places arising from increasing demographics and involving both new school buildings and extensions, will continue to be the priority for schools capital expenditure.
Questions Nos. 127 and 128 answered with Question No. 119.
Higher Education Grants
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:129 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if any assistance can be offered to alleviate hardship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25608/11]
I regret that the economic circumstances of the country are such that I am not in a position to reverse any of the changes to the student grant measures announced in Budget 2011 by the previous Fianna Fáil — Green Party Government.
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
Brendan Smith
Question:130 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has given further consideration to the need to appoint additional special needs assistants at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24, particularly in view of the continued concerns of the local school community in relation to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25614/11]
The Deputy will be aware 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.
Some 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.
The NCSE issued a circular to all schools advising of the allocation process for the 2011/2012 school year. A key feature of the amended scheme is to provide for an annual allocation of Special Needs Assistant support to eligible schools.
The NCSE has now advised all mainstream schools, including the school referred to by the Deputy in Tallaght, of their SNA allocation for the current school year, taking into account the care needs of qualifying pupils attending the school.
I wish to clarify that the recruitment and deployment of SNAs within schools are matters for the individual Principal/Board of Management. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated. It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.
The NCSE will advise schools early in the new school year of any review process to review allocation decisions to ensure that correct procedures were followed and that they comply with my Department's policy. The merits of individual allocation decisions will not be open to appeal under this mechanism.
It will be expected that schools, before requesting a review, will be in a position to demonstrate that they have made every effort to manage their allocation of SNA posts to best effect.
Ministerial Staff
Michael McGrath
Question:131 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the names and salaries of every special adviser appointed by every Cabinet member and Minister of State since the new Government came to office on 9 March 2011; and if he will give the same details for any other advisers appointed. [26117/11]
Since I was appointed as Minister for Education and Skills on 9 March 2011, I have appointed two special advisers as follows: Mr. John Walshe, Special Adviser on a salary €92,672 per annum and Ms. Deirdre Grant, Director of Communications (Special Adviser) on a salary €86,604 per annum.
National Lottery
Peter Mathews
Question:132 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a shop (details supplied) can become a lottery agent, in view of its location and footfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25450/11]
While I, as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, have overall responsibility for the National Lottery, the appointment of Lottery agents is a matter for the National Lottery Company. I have no role in day-to-day commercial decisions of this nature.
Retailers who wish to act as a Lottery agent are advised to contact the National Lottery Company directly.
Public Service Remuneration
Michael McGrath
Question:133 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide details of the salary and other elements of the remuneration package which will be paid to the new President of Ireland to be elected by the Irish people on 27 October 2011; if there are any plans to change the salary and remuneration package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25506/11]
Under the Presidential Establishment (Amendment) Act, 1973, the personal salary of the President is set at the rate paid to the Chief Justice plus ten per cent. In accordance with the Act, the salary of the current President is €325,507 p.a. The President also receives an allowance for entertainment and other expenses related to the Office of €317,434 p.a. The remuneration and allowances of the current President are protected under the Constitution by virtue of Article 12.11.3 which provides that the emoluments and allowances of the President shall not be reduced while in Office.
In line with my stated intention to provide for reduced salary rates applicable to new appointees to the Judiciary, I am also making provision for a reduced salary payable to the new President of Ireland following the forthcoming election. The new salary will be €249,014 p.a. and the necessary legislative amendment will be provided for in the forthcoming Single Pension Bill. The allowance for entertainment and other expenses related to the Office of President stands at €317,434 p.a (£250,000 p.a.) since 1998 and there are no proposals to amend it.
I acknowledge that notwithstanding the Constitutional protection afforded to the emoluments and allowances of the President while in Office, the current President has voluntarily waived sums due in respect of her entitlements under the legislation.
Michael McGrath
Question:134 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of civil servants across the Civil Service currently earning over €100,000, earning over €150,000, earning over €200,000 and earning over €250,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25510/11]
The number of civil servants across the civil service currently on pay scales over €100,000, €150,000, €200,000 and €250,000 is set out in the table below.
This is less than 2% of numbers serving.
|
Non Industrial Civil Servants End June 2011 |
Headcount |
|
Over €100,000 |
585 |
|
Over €150,000 |
48 |
|
Over €200,000 |
13 |
|
Over €250,000 |
0 |
|
Total |
646 |
These figures do not take account of the deduction of the pension levy which was introduced in March 2009.
Pension Provisions
Michael McGrath
Question:135 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the changes he intends to introduce in the area of pension and severance arrangements for retiring senior civil and public servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25514/11]
The matter of pension arrangements for retiring Secretaries General, heads of other State offices and non-commercial State agencies, is at present the subject of a review by my Department, following which I will bring forward proposals. This review is dealing with the terms of future appointments. The Government will be ensuring that the new terms reflect our changed economic circumstances.
The new single public service pension scheme will introduce a career averaging system, rather than one based on final salary. There is no provision in the scheme for enhanced exit terms for Secretaries-General. I will introduce legislation on this shortly.
It should be noted that Secretaries General have had their salaries cut from €285,000 to €214,000, which will have a significant impact on the superannuation benefits of those retiring after February 2012. Secretaries General have also taken a voluntary reduction of €14,000 to bring their salaries down to €200,000. Those retiring before end February 2012 will be subject to a reduction in their pension, which in the case of a Secretary General is around 10 per cent. Lump sums over €200,000 are also being taxed.
Michael McGrath
Question:136 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has compiled information on the deficits in the pension schemes of the full range of State bodies, including commercial and non-commercial State sponsored bodies and agencies; if so, if he will provide the full details available on the overall position; his response to such deficits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25515/11]
The vast majority of public service occupational pension schemes are financed on a pay-as-you-go basis with the annual cost of pensions being met from current revenue and therefore do not have funds. The commercial semi-state bodies do have pension funds as they are responsible for their own pension arrangements and funding. Deficits on pension funds are the responsibility of the State Companies in line with standard commercial practice. Details of the pension funds of individual State companies can be found in their Annual Report and Accounts. As Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I am generally required to consent to pension schemes made by these public sector bodies. The legal requirement usually arises from the founding statutes of the organisation in question. My role arises because of my responsibility for public service pension policy and for public service expenditure generally. In this context I seek to ensure that the terms granted by the commercial semi-state sector are not out of line, or likely to give rise to cost-increasing claims for similar terms elsewhere in the non-commercial public service.
Some of these commercial bodies may have funds which are failing to meet the minimum funding standard and it is for them in the first instance to put in place a credible funding plan to satisfy the Pensions Board that they are addressing these deficits, including increasing contributions and reducing benefits where necessary. Many of these bodies have been engaged in doing this over the past number of years.
Michael McGrath
Question:137 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a civil servant with less than 40 years’ service can avail of the provisions in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009 and retire before the end of February 2012 with their pension being based on their salary pre-reduction. [25612/11]
An established civil servant with less than 40 years service may avail of the provisions of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act, 2009 and retire before the end of the February 2012 so long as he/she fulfils the following provisions:
(i) has completed a qualifying service of a minimum of two calendar years and
(ii) has attained a minimum preserved pension age of 60 years if he/she took up employment before 1 April 2004, or 65 if he/she took up employment after 1 April 2004, when the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004 was introduced.
An established civil servant may also exercise the option to avail of cost neutral early retirement. Cost Neutral early retirement is a facility which allows qualifying officers who wish to retire up to ten years before minimum preserved pension age to apply to receive immediate payment of lump sum and pension, as an alternative to preserved benefits. The lump sum and pensions are reduced to make them the equivalent, in actuarial terms, of preserved benefits.
An unestablished civil servant with less than 40 years service may avail of the provisions of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act, 2009 and retire before the end of the February 2012 so long as he/she fulfils the following provisions: (i) has completed a qualifying service of a minimum of two calendar years and (ii) has attained a minimum preserved pension age of 65 years.
An unestablished civil servant may also exercise the option to avail of cost neutral early retirement. Cost Neutral early retirement is a facility which allows qualifying officers who wish to retire up to ten years before minimum preserved pension age to apply to receive immediate payment of lump sum and pension, as an alternative to preserved benefits. The lump sum and pensions are reduced to make them the equivalent, in actuarial terms, of preserved benefits.
Construction Contracts
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:138 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Construction Contracts Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25379/11]
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce new legislation to protect small building subcontractors that have been denied payments from bigger companies. In addition, you may be aware that the Construction Contracts Bill 2010 was introduced by Senator Feargal Quinn and passed Committee and remaining stages in the Seanad on 8 March 2011. It is now before the Dáil.
In this regard, my colleague Minister of State Mr Brian Hayes is working with Senator Quinn to continue a collaborative approach in regard to advancing the Bill. The Senator's Bill is a welcome initiative and I understand that Minister Hayes and Senator Quinn held a meeting with relevant stakeholders and opposition spokespersons on 28th June 2011.
In relation to the exemption of contracts below €200,000 from the Construction Contracts Bill 2010, I understand that the Senator pointed out in the Seanad that this threshold was proposed to reduce the administrative burden on contractors involved in smaller contracts.
I understand that the provision making the decision of an adjudicator non-binding where the dispute is referred to arbitration was included in the Senator's Bill to ensure that the State had the right to appeal a decision to protect the taxpayer.
These two concerns remain valid, nonetheless, and were highlighted by the consultation as matters that required further consideration. These issues have been examined in the Regulatory Impact Assessment of the Bill which is being finalised in my Department at present.
These steps will make it possible to bring proposals to Government about how to progress this legislation. It is intended to have the legislation progress in the Dáil in the current session.
It is important that a solution to the problem of non-payment in the construction sector must not place an unnecessary regulatory or cost burden on the parties to the dispute, other parties involved in the project, or the State.
Parental Leave
Joanna Tuffy
Question:139 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to extend parental leave to public servants similar to the leave for civil servants as per Circular 13/2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25389/11]
The statutory entitlements to Parental Leave are set out in the Parental Leave Act 1998 and the Parental Leave (Amendment) Act 2006.
All employers have to provide access to up to fourteen weeks unpaid leave for employees with children under eight years of age. The fourteen weeks can be spread over eight years by agreement, but the employer can insist that they are taken in blocks of at least six weeks.
The arrangements for parental leave for civil servants come within my area of responsibility. However, arrangements in other parts of the public service are the responsibility of the appropriate Minister.
Within the civil service the arrangements for parental leave are set out in the Circular 20/2008: Parental Leave in the Civil Service.
Circular 13/2010 amended Circular 20/2008 with effect from 1 September 2010. The amendment relates to an increase in the maximum age of the child in respect of whom employees may take parental leave from eight to thirteen years. In the case of an adopted child, where the child is eleven years or more but less than age thirteen, the parental leave must be taken within two years of the adoption order. In the case of a child with a disability, the age limit of sixteen years still applies.
The total amount of parental leave has not increased; it is the cut off point, the time by which the leave must be taken, that has been extended.
All other terms included in the previous Circular, 20/2008, continue to apply.
Consultancy Contracts
Michael McGrath
Question:140 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide details, including the value and the name of the beneficiary, of any contract awarded by him or any public body directly under his control for public relations, communications and consultancy services from 9 March 2011 to date in 2011. [25502/11]
I take it that the Deputy is referring solely to public relations costs and not to advertising costs that would be incurred by my Department in the normal course of business, such as entries into telephone directories, the placing of advertisements in national newspapers, recruitment advertising, advertising associated with the national development plans, e-tenders etc.
The table below details the spend for public relations, communications and consultancy services from 9 March 2011 to date, for both my Department and also for the agencies under my aegis:—
|
Date of Award |
Name of Company |
Value of Contract |
Brief Description of Contract |
|
May 2011 |
MKO Partners Ltd |
€35,819.80 |
External validation of the savings reported in respect of three sample initiatives under the Croke Park Agreement. This Review was undertaken under the auspices of the National Implementation Body. |
|
July 2011 |
Deloitte Ireland & Accenture |
€24,195 (plus VAT) per month |
Three month contract to assist with the development of a public sector reform plan |
|
Date of Award |
Name of Company |
Value of Contract |
Brief Description of Contract |
|
May 2011 |
The Media Group |
Total value of contract estimated at €10,000. |
Media/Public relations issues associated with the Dublin City Council revaluation. |
|
Date of Award |
Name of Company |
Value of Contract |
Brief Description of Contract |
|
April 2011 |
System Dynamics |
€16,000 |
Lotus Notes Development (I.T.) |
|
July 2011 |
Dr Brendan Williams |
€2,500 |
Analysis of case material for investigation |
|
August 2011 |
Eamonn Galligan |
€907.50 |
Consultancy in respect of planning & development regulations |
In the period in question the Office of Public Works, the Public Appointments Service, the Commission for Public Service Appointments and the State Lab, have awarded no contracts in relation to public relations, communications or consultancy services.
Departmental Agencies
Seán Kenny
Question:141 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of persons employed by the Industrial Development Agency Ireland and Enterprise Ireland by grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25366/11]
Between them IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland employ a total of 1,077 people. IDA employs 251 people, while Enterprise Ireland employs 826 people, which equates to 807.5 whole time equivalents. A breakdown of these numbers by grade, in respect of each of the agencies is set out in the attached tabular statements.
Tables showing the number and grades of staff employed by IDA and Enterprise Ireland
|
Job Title |
Number |
|
CEO |
1 |
|
Executive Director |
2 |
|
Divisional Manager |
5 |
|
Department Manager |
19 |
|
Section Manager |
63 |
|
Project Executive |
97 |
|
Assistant Project Executive |
29 |
|
Executive Assistant |
35 |
|
Total number of staff employed |
251 |
|
Job Title |
Number |
|
CEO |
1 |
|
Executive Director |
4 |
|
Divisional Manager |
12 |
|
Department Manager |
64 |
|
Senior Executive |
288.5 |
|
Executive |
140 |
|
Administrator |
102.5 |
|
Executive Asst. /Clerical Asst. |
81.5 |
|
Local overseas staff / overseas graduates |
114 |
|
Total W.T.E |
807.5 |
Banking Sector Investigations
Michael McGrath
Question:142 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he is satisfied that no additional resources are required by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement to expedite the investigations currently underway in respect of certain matters at Anglo Irish Bank; if he has sought and received such an assurance in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25527/11]
The investigation into events at Anglo Irish Bank is the most complex that the Director of Corporate Enforcement has ever undertaken and accordingly he has been assured by my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality that extra resources will be made available for this investigation if requested by him. My Department has not received any request for resources beyond those additional resources already provided to that Office.
Work Permits
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:143 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when a review will be completed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has applied for a work permit in respect of an employee with specialised skills, in view of the fact that evidence has already been submitted to address issues raised previously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25593/11]
My Department processes applications in respect of the different types of employment permits and all applications are processed in line with the Employment Permits Act 2006.
I wish to advise the Deputy that it is current Government policy to issue new employment permits only in respect of:
highly skilled, highly paid positions or;
non-EEA nationals who are already legally resident in the State on valid employment permits or;
where there is an officially recognized scarcity of workers of a particular type or qualification.
I am informed that there is no record of a valid application in this case. However, if the prospective employer or employee wishes to submit a completed application with all of the relevant attachments and fee, it will be considered on its own merits.
Departmental Schemes
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:144 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will review a matter (details supplied) regarding the job scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25628/11]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the Job Creation Initiative to deliver additional sustainable jobs, which was announced by the Taoiseach in May 2011. IDA Ireland was asked to work on a framework to give effect to the proposal within current Irish legislation and EU State Aid Rules and a procurement process is currently under way in relation to this initiative.
Ministerial Appointments
Michael McGrath
Question:145 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the name and salary of every special adviser appointed by every Cabinet member and Minister of State since the new Government came into office on 9 March 2011; and if he will give the same details for any other advisers appointed. [26121/11]
The following table identifies the Special Advisers appointed to my office since the new Government came to office on 9 March 2011:
|
Name |
Salary |
|
Mr. Conor Quinn |
€80,051 |
|
Mr. Ciaran Conlon |
€127,000 |
Social Welfare Benefits
Patrick O'Donovan
Question:146 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for mortgage interest supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [25455/11]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the mortgage interest supplement entitlement of the person concerned is under review. The HSE will inform the person concerned of its decision in due course.
Ciara Conway
Question:147 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Waterford who has been unemployed for two years, is dependent on their spouse’s invalidity pension and is not in receipt of a social welfare payment in their own name is eligible to apply to undertake a community employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25459/11]
Under the eligibility criteria for Community Employment, a qualified adult dependant of an eligible person who is currently in receipt of either Jobseeker's Assistance, or Jobseeker's Benefit, for 12 months or more, may avail of the spousal swap option. This involves the person exchanging his or her placement opportunity on the scheme with his or her adult qualified dependant. Unfortunately, this transfer arrangement does not apply to a qualified adult dependant of a person on Disability Allowance, Illness Benefit, Invalidity Pension or Blind Pension.
Departmental Schemes
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:148 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of positions or places already created under the JobBridge scheme; if particular inadequacies have been identified; her plans to address any issues arising; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25602/11]
As of Friday 16 September, a total of 2,471 internship opportunities with host organisations were approved and were available on the JobBridge website to be filled. In addition, to date 1,276 interns have commenced an internship under the JobBridge scheme. Of these, 583 individuals have converted their Work Placement Programme placement into a JobBridge internship.
The Department of Social Protection continues to monitor the operation of the JobBridge scheme and reviews the scheme and its eligibility criteria on an ongoing basis.
John Lyons
Question:149 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the entitlement of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin to avail of the JobBridge initiative. [25419/11]
It is not appropriate for me to comment on the social welfare status of a specific individual or whether they are eligible to participate in a specific labour market activation measure.
However, it should be noted that individuals who were previously in receipt of Disability Allowance and who transfer their payment to Jobseeker's Allowance/Benefits will have their period of time in receipt of Disability Allowance taken into account for the purposes of the three month qualifying period for JobBridge.
Social Welfare Payments
Jack Wall
Question:150 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection her views regarding a submission on winter fuel allowance; the actions he will take to address the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25421/11]
The national fuel allowance scheme assists householders on long-term social welfare payments with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. Fuel allowance is payable for 32 weeks and is currently benefiting over 380,000 people at an estimated annual cost of over €230 million. The payment rate is now €20 per week for all recipients. Help is also available for people with special or additional heating needs through the Heating Supplement and Exceptional Needs Payment Scheme under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme. In addition, electricity and gas allowances under the household benefits package, are payable throughout the year to over 390,000 pensioners, people with disabilities, and carer households towards their heating, light and cooking costs at an estimated overall scheme cost of €382 m in 2011.
There would be a number of difficulties in paying the fuel allowance as a lump sum for some recipients while others receive it as part of their weekly payment. If the payment were given in advance as a lump sum, there could be significant over-payments if a recipient's circumstances were to change during the payment season and they were to lose the entitlement. The lump sum payment might not be used for the purpose of fuel purchase leading to hardship at a later stage and recourse having to be made to supplementary welfare allowance payments. If it were paid in arrears, it obviously would create further budgeting difficulties.
Many oil companies provide facilities for making payment by monthly instalment over a period of time which allows people to plan and budget for fuel expenses. I am satisfied that this arrangement is sufficient to meet the needs of our customers.
Along with other Departments and agencies, my Department has been working with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on an Affordable Energy Strategy which will be published shortly. The most cost-effective means of protecting households from energy poverty in the long term is to reduce their consumption of energy through improving the thermal efficiency of the home. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has administered an energy efficiency programme for privately owned low income households (Warmer Homes) since 2001. Over 65,000 such households have benefited to date, with a further 15,000 expected to receive energy efficiency upgrades this year. A similar upgrade programme is also in place for local authority houses.
Social Welfare Benefits
Patrick O'Donovan
Question:151 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a redundancy claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when payment will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25423/11]
I can confirm that the notification of redundancy in respect of the individual concerned was received in the redundancy payments section on 19 July 2011 and is awaiting processing.
Social Welfare Appeals
Paul Connaughton
Question:152 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal for carer’s allowance will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if same will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25424/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13 August 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Social Welfare Benefits
Joe Costello
Question:153 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection her policy regarding rent supplement; if there is a policy to prevent proliferation of rent supplement properties on a street or in an area and if not if she will consider introducing such a policy; if there is a requirement that landlords in receipt of rent supplement are registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board and registered for tax purposes; the action she will take in respect of the high number of rent supplement properties, many of which are protected structures and the deteriorating state of properties (details supplied); the action that can be taken against tenants in receipt of rent supplement who engage in anti-social behaviour; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25435/11]
The purpose of rent supplement is to provide short-term income support to assist with reasonable accommodation costs of eligible people living in private rented accommodation who are unable to provide for their accommodation costs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from another source.
In general there is no limit or restriction on the proportion or number of people that may receive rent supplement in an area. However, Section 25 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007 provides that a payment of rent supplement can be refused in respect of accommodation which is situated in an area notified to the Minister for Social Protection by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, as being an area of regeneration.
Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, landlords are legally obliged to register tenancies with the PRTB. The Department is also working closely with the PRTB to ensure that all tenancies where rent supplement is in payment are registered with the PRTB. To that end, the Department provides details of new rent supplement payments to the PRTB to enable them identify tenancies that are not registered and to take any follow-up action necessary.
Landlords are legally obliged to register tenancies with the PRTB within one month from the start date of the tenancy or at a later date on payment of an increased fee. For this reason, it is not practicable for the Department to insist that a tenancy be registered with the PRTB before payment of rent supplement can be made. There are also instances where a rent supplement tenancy need not be registered with the PRTB, for example, in the case of renting a room in a house or where a premises is owner occupied.
Over the years the Department has been working closely with the Revenue Commissioners to ensure that landlords who benefit from monies paid out under the rent supplement scheme comply with their obligations under the Taxes Acts. Section 7 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2010 provides that from 1st January 2011, rent supplement should not be payable in respect of a tenancy where the landlord:
i. has not provided the HSE with a Tax Reference Number in a prescribed form, or
ii. has not advised the HSE in a prescribed form that she/he has no Tax Reference Number and has not notified the HSE the reasons why she/he has no Tax Reference Number
The Taxes Acts place an obligation on the Department to provide the Revenue Commissioners with payment details relating to rent supplement on an annual basis. Section 7 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2010 will help ensure that those benefiting from the rent supplement scheme are tax compliant.
Responsibility for ensuring that a protected structure or any element that contributes to its special interest is not endangered is a matter for the owner/occupier of the building. It is a matter for the planning authority to take appropriate action if it considers that a protected structure is endangered.
Responsibility for setting and enforcing housing standards rests with the Local Authorities. However, accommodation occupied by rent supplement tenants should at least meet minimum housing standards. In consultation with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, S.I. No. 572 of 2006 and Section 25 of Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007 introduced the condition that allows the HSE to decide that a rent supplement may not be payable where it has been notified by a housing authority of the non-compliance with standards. This condition for rent supplement supports the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government Action Programme which aims to promote further improvement in private rented accommodation standards, including a review of the regulations and more effective enforcement.
Social Welfare legislation already provides the HSE with the authority to refuse payment of a rent supplement in the case of a person who has been required to deliver up possession of a dwelling provided by a housing authority or an approved body where the reasons for that requirement include anti-social behaviour or the interests of good estate management.
In the case of private rented accommodation, tenancy arrangements involve a contract between the landlord and tenant and tenant behaviour is a matter for the landlord in the first instance. There are a number of avenues open to landlords in such cases, including the mediation service for landlords and tenants operated by the Private Residential Tenancies Board and/or recourse to the Garda Síochána and/or the Courts in relation to the enforcement of the law in dealing with anti-social or criminal behaviour. If necessary, the landlord may seek termination of the tenancy which, if effected, would result in the termination of rent supplement.
Jobs Initiative
Luke 'Ming' Flanagan
Question:154 Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection his views that the promises given by her upon the launch of the JobBridge programme are now being broken (details supplied); JobBridge participants have been informed that their fuel allowance will now not be paid to them as they are part of the JobBridge programme; if she will verify that what was promised at the launch of the programme, and what is currently published on her Department’s website, is at odds to the reality of the way the programme is being implemented and that participants are losing secondary benefits, in particular, their fuel allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25441/11]
Participation on JobBridge should not affect an individual's secondary benefits provided that their underlying circumstances have not changed. I would ask the Deputy to provide me with further details of the particular case he is referring to so that my Department can investigate the issue.
Social Welfare Benefits
John Deasy
Question:155 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to review the back-to-education allowance to include qualifying persons who have previously held educational qualifications with which they are unable to obtain employment and who wish to re-train with the help of this scheme in an area where there are employment opportunities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25443/11]
The back to education allowance (BTEA) scheme is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to remove the barriers to participation in second and third level education by enabling eligible people on social welfare to continue to receive a payment while pursuing an approved full-time education course that leads to a higher qualification than that already held.
A person wishing to pursue BTEA will have to satisfy a number of conditions such as being a certain age, in receipt of a prescribed social welfare payment for a specified time period, pursuing a full time course of study leading to a recognised qualification in a recognised college and progressing in the level of education held by the client with reference to the national framework of qualifications among others.
Progression has always been a fundamental condition of BTEA. State support for education purposes is grounded on a student progressing from one qualification level to a higher one. This is necessary to ensure displacement does not occur, in that courses could be offered to students who are not progressing at the cost of students progressing from a lower education level. It should be noted that in 2010/2011 academic year, of the 25,032 participants supported through BTEA, 43% pursued second level courses. Furthermore, the scheme was never intended to be an alternative form of funding for people entering or re-entering the third level education system.
However, if a person wishes to pursue a part time education course they may be able to do so while still obtaining their jobseekers payment. They must apply at their local social welfare office and verify that participation on the course does not reduce their availability for work. In the case of jobseekers benefit, participation on a course does not grant any extension to the normal period for which jobseekers benefit is paid.
On May 10th, as part of the Government's Jobs Initiative, 20,900 new and additional places were announced in training, education and work experience programmes. As part of this initiative, a new fund, entitled Springboard, which is being managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills, provides education and training opportunities to support unemployed people. The primary objective of Springboard is to help unemployed people to remain as close as possible to the labour market by accessing part-time flexible higher education and training opportunities to upskill or reskill in areas where sustainable employment opportunities may arise as the economy recovers. The target group for this programme of over 200 courses includes unemployed people with a previous history of employment who already hold a higher level qualification at NFQ Levels 6 to 9, who may also require additional upskilling or reskilling in order to re-enter employment. By way of the part-time education option, unemployed people on jobseekers' payments will be facilitated in retaining their payment, subject to continuing entitlement, within the broader back to education framework.
FÁS, as the National Training Authority, anticipates the needs of, and responds to, a constantly changing labour market. It strives to do this through the provision of tailored training programmes that suit various needs and access to many training programmes is not determined by a person's welfare status. Through a regional network of 66 offices and 20 training centres, FÁS operates these training programmes including some in co-operation with community, voluntary and statutory organisations. Further information is available locally at these FÁS offices.
The BTEA, in conjunction with other employment support schemes, will be monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure that it continues to meet its objectives.
Joe Costello
Question:156 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reconsider and reinstate rent supplement to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25458/11]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) advised that it has received a claim for rent supplement from the person concerned. The HSE requested further information from the person concerned to process her application. The HSE will make a decision on her application when the requested information has been provided.
Unemployment Levels
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:157 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons registered as unemployed at the Coolock and Kilbarrack social welfare offices in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to-date in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25490/11]
According to the records of the Department, the following table gives the numbers of persons registered as unemployed at Coolock and Kilbarrack local offices from 2007 to date in 2011. The figures are from end December in each year from 2007 to 2010 and up to 26 August 2011.
|
Year |
Coolock |
Kilbarrack |
|
2007 |
2,288 |
2,148 |
|
2008 |
3,584 |
3,533 |
|
2009 |
5,150 |
5,237 |
|
2010 |
5,015 |
5,360 |
|
2011 |
5,299 |
5,685 |
Social Welfare Benefits
Jim Daly
Question:158 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25541/11]
An application for carer's allowance from the person in question was initially refused on the grounds that the Department's medical assessor expressed the opinion that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full time care and attention as prescribed in regulations. In addition, it was decided that the person in question does not satisfy the full time care requirement.
Following submission of further medical evidence in respect of the care recipient, the claim was reviewed and the decision to refuse the claim on medical grounds was reversed. In order to establish whether full time care and attention was being provided and whether all other conditions necessary for receipt of carer's allowance were satisfied, the file was sent to the department's investigative branch for investigation. Upon receipt of the inspector's report, the deciding officer decided that the person in question does not qualify for carer's allowance on the grounds that full time care is not being provided and for failure to supply information requested by the social welfare inspector. On 19 July 2011 the person in question was notified of this decision and the reasons for it. There is no record of an appeal by the applicant and the statutory period for submission of an appeal has now lapsed.
Social Welfare Appeals
John McGuinness
Question:159 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [25566/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 10 June 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Social Welfare Benefits
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:160 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if due consideration was given to the circumstances whereby jobseekers allowance was refused in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare whose spouse is employed but whose mortgage is on interest-only repayments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25583/11]
An application for jobseekers allowance from the person concerned was disallowed because his means were in excess of the scheduled limit on the basis of his wife's earnings. He may apply for mortgage interest supplement (which is means tested) to the community welfare officer at his local health centre in Kilmeague, Co. Kildare.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:161 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a bereavement grant might be payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25584/11]
A bereavement grant is a payment designed to assist families in dealing with death and funeral expenses. It is a once-off payment, based on PRSI contributions, made from the Social Insurance Fund (SIF). Means tested exceptional needs payments may be available under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme to those in need who have not made the required number of contributions to the SIF. To qualify for a bereavement grant, the person on whose insurance record the claim is based must have 156 PRSI contributions. Alternatively, they must have paid 26 PRSI contributions and a specified number of credited PRSI contributions.
The person concerned has insufficient PRSI contributions for payment of a bereavement grant, based solely on his Irish social insurance record.
Under EC Regulations, an application should be made to the Competent Authority where the insured person last paid a social insurance contribution. In this case, that is the Department of Work and Pensions in the UK as the person concerned has not paid PRSI in Ireland since 2003.
Ministerial Staff
Michael McGrath
Question:162 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the names and salaries of every special adviser appointed by every Cabinet member and Minister of State since the new Government came to office on 9 March 2011; and if she will give the same details for any other advisers appointed. [26123/11]
Since my appointment on 9 March 2011, I have appointed the following advisers — Edward Brophy, Special Adviser, was appointed with effect from 29 July 2011, on a salary of €127,796. Kathleen Barrington, Special Adviser (Press), was appointed with effect from 18 July 2011, on a salary scale of €80,051 — €98,424. There is no Minister of State attaching to my Department.
Irish Language
Dominic Hannigan
Question:163 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the effect the new funding stream from Foras Na Gaeilge called An Scéim Óige will have on the youth clubs that have been run by Coláiste na hFiann for 40 years; his plans to ensure the youth clubs continue to operate if the new funding stream is started; if this change of funding will affect the recently launched 20 year Irish language strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25352/11]
At the outset, it should be noted that Foras na Gaeilge is an agency of the North/South Language Body, An Foras Teanga, which is jointly funded by my Department and by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland. Decisions regarding An Foras Teanga are made by both Sponsor Departments under the auspices of the North/South Ministerial Council.
Foras na Gaeilge currently provides core funding to 19 Irish language organisations in both jurisdictions, including Cumann na bhFiann. Following an external review of the organisations, completed on behalf of Foras na Gaeilge, the North/South Ministerial Council agreed that the core funding arrangements be reconfigured to ensure a more streamlined and cost effective approach. The reconfiguration consists of moving from core funding for 19 organisations to a competitive funding model based on a portfolio of schemes requiring the delivery of various strategic priorities.
Draft schemes have been prepared by Foras na Gaeilge and following approval by the board of Foras na Gaeilge and by the Finance Ministers in both jurisdictions, these schemes will be brought to the North/South Ministerial Council for approval. Pending the introduction of the schemes, it has been agreed that interim core funding will continue to be provided to the 19 organisations to 30 June 2012.
The draft schemes include a Youth Scheme with the objectives of providing a range of youth services on an all-island basis and supporting groups/clubs that provide opportunities for young people to regularly use Irish in a social environment outside the school system. It will of course be open to Cumann na bhFiann to seek funding under the proposed Youth Scheme to continue its work with Irish language youth clubs.
Finally, the introduction of the proposed Youth Scheme is seen as complementary to the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030, given its emphasis on linking language learning to the informal use of Irish in recreational, cultural and other out-of-school activities.
Inland Waterways
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:164 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding farmers removing gravel from rivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25373/11]
I understand that works that could materially impact on rivers and river beds, such as the deepening or widening of the river bed, would require planning permission. Minor works, which would be considered to be maintenance works within the meaning of the Planning Acts, would not require planning permission. Policy in relation to planning issues is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.
Gravel extraction may pose potential threats to wildlife, habitats and protected species. In an area protected under the European Communities (Habitats) Regulations 1997 or the Wildlife Acts, and where planning permission is not required, such works may be a notifiable activity and might therefore require my consent. In cases where the works would disturb or destroy areas important for the otter, a licence may be required from my Department before such works could be undertaken. Individuals contemplating such activities should therefore contact officials from the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department before commencing such works.
I also understand that Inland Fisheries Ireland has powers and duties under the Fisheries Acts in relation to the protection of fish spawn, which could be affected by the removal of gravel. Policy in this regard is a matter for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
Ferry Services
Michael McCarthy
Question:165 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the unsuccessful tenderers for the recent awarding of the Heir Island ferry contract; if he will outline in detail the criteria the unsuccessful tenderers didn’t meet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25551/11]
Michael McCarthy
Question:166 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in relation to the recent awarding of the ferry contract for Heir Island off west Cork, the conditions required for the provision of a relief boat as part of the tender process; if it is required to be of a particular size; if it is required to be available for a minimum period of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25552/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the tendering process is not complete until the contract is awarded. With regard to information regarding the fulfilling of the award criteria, any party to the process may contact my Department where they will receive a full debriefing on their tender and their scores in relation to the criteria as outlined in the tender documents. With regard to the conditions required for the provision of a relief boat, the vessel must meet the requirements of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport for the transportation of passengers, including all provisions relating to seaworthiness and the certification thereof. The operator must also ensure that arrangements are in place to have a back-up vessel available when the main vessel is out of service.
Ministerial Staff
Michael McGrath
Question:167 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the names and salaries of every special adviser appointed by every Cabinet member and Minister of State since the new Government came to office on 9 March 2011; and if he will give the same details for any other advisers appointed. [26113/11]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht was established on 2 June 2011. My Department has received sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for the appointment of two Special Advisors. My officials are currently in contact with both individuals with a view to finalising specific contracts arrangements in line with the guidelines on staffing of Ministers' Offices issued earlier this year. No salary costs have been incurred by my Department to date, pending the finalising of these arrangements. It should be noted that Mr. Dinny McGinley, TD, has not appointed any Special Advisors.
Postal Services
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:168 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the importance of the rural post offices here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25402/11]
The operation of An Post's post office network is a matter for the board and management of the company and not one in which I have a statutory function. However, I do appreciate the importance of the rural post office infrastructure in particular. The Government's core policy goal for the postal sector is to ensure that Irish customers, both business and residential, enjoy competitively priced, high quality postal services. The Government is committed to a strong and viable An Post and supports its maintenance of the maximum number of economically viable post offices.
Decisions regarding the delivery of social welfare payments are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Social Protection.
Inland Waterways
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:169 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding farmers removing gravel from rivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25372/11]
I have no remit as regards the undertaking of such works. I understand this is a matter for the landowner and the relevant authorities, including the local authority, in each instance. Similarly Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has no remit other than how these works impact on fish spawning grounds or fish stocks. It is an offence under section 173 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 to disturb any spawning bed, bank or shallow where the spawn or fry of salmon, trout or eels may be.
Telecommunications Services
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:170 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he will take to improve broadband in rural areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25392/11]
The telecommunications market in Ireland has been fully liberalised since 1999 and, since then, has seen the steady growth and development of well-regulated competition in the provision of the full range of telecommunications products and services. The Government is not a player in this market and can only intervene in cases of market failure. The most significant intervention in this regard in the context of the Deputy's Question is the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) which has delivered broadband services to some 1,028 electoral districts countrywide.
Between the significant private and public sector investments over recent years all areas of the country now have access to at least a basic broadband service. In addition to the NBS the Rural Broadband Scheme, which recently closed for applications, aims to identify the remaining individual premises in rural Ireland, outside of the NBS areas that are unable to obtain a broadband service and to provide a basic broadband service to those premises, where requested.
The Verification Phase of the Scheme will commence very shortly. Under this phase efforts will be made to obtain a service for those who have applied under the Scheme from commercial Internet Service Providers under existing market terms. This part of the process should be carried out over the period October-January 2012. If internet service providers confirm that a particular applicant cannot be served at present, the Rural Broadband Scheme will seek to offer a service through whichever company is successful in bidding for the RBS procurement contract.
The procurement process is expected to commence toward the end of October and will aim to identify the preferred supplier. Pending contract negotiations a service provider will be appointed in early 2012. Rollout of the service under the Scheme is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:171 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding Eircom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25393/11]
The electronic communications market is, and has been since its liberalisation, a commercial competitive market. Thus, the provision of electronic communications services is a matter for those privately owned commercial sector service providers, regulated by the independent regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). While I would welcome continuous investment by all of the infrastructure owners in their networks, neither I nor ComReg has any role or function in their investment decisions. The Deputy may be aware that the company referred to in the question recently announced a commitment to a significant investment in upgrading their broadband network. Notwithstanding the above we will refer your concerns to eircom for direct attention.
Bord Gáis Bills
Dominic Hannigan
Question:172 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he will take to ensure that Bord Gáis continues to accept bonds from community welfare officers for persons who are in need of help when connecting to the gas grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25465/11]
The issue referred to by the Deputy is a day to day operational matter for Bord Gáis Éireann and one in which I have no statutory function.
I have asked Bord Gáis Éireann to write directly to the Deputy outlining its position on this matter.
Semi-State Companies
Michael McGrath
Question:173 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a list of the commercial semi-State companies under his remit whose chief executives have agreed to take a voluntary salary cut to bring them within the €250,000 salary cap announced by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25539/11]
My colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, announced the terms of a Government Decision for the introduction of pay ceilings for higher posts across the public service and for CEO posts in Commercial State Companies, in June 2011.
Energy Transmission Network
Frank Feighan
Question:174 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in relation to EirGrid lines and especially the Srannagh, Carrick-on-Shannon line to Sligo, the persons responsible for the following (details supplied). [25626/11]
I have no role in the planning and construction of individual transmission grid projects which is a day-to-day matter for EirGrid and ESB as the two State Bodies with statutory responsibilities for the national electricity transmission network infrastructure. Both bodies are responsible for ensuring that all relevant national, EU and international guidelines for health, safety and the environment are adhered to.
An Bórd Pleanála is the statutory entity responsible under the Strategic Infrastructure Act for planning decisions in relation to the transmission network.
The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland has specific statutory functions in relation to radiation.
Ministerial Staff
Michael McGrath
Question:175 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the names and salaries of every special adviser appointed by every Cabinet member and Minister of State since the new Government came to office on 9 March 2011; and if he will give the same details for any other advisers appointed. [26115/11]
The Government has appointed two Special Advisers on my behalf. Information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the Table below:
|
Name |
Date Appointed |
Annual Salary |
|
Mr. Finbarr O’Malley |
28 March 2011 |
€83,337 |
|
Mr. Simon Nugent |
11 April 2011 |
€97,200 |
Mortgage Interest Rates
Peter Mathews
Question:176 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to ensure that local authorities who are charging an interest rate of 12.5% under the income related housing purchase loan scheme are obliged to reschedule mortgages in distress at a lower interest rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25447/11]
Peter Mathews
Question:183 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he, or legislation, prevents local authorities from reducing the interest rate of 12.5% charged on income related housing purchase loan mortgages that are in distress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25448/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 183 together.
The fixed interest rates referred to reflect the cost of long-term funds prevailing at the time the loans were advanced and, like all fixed rate loans, are fixed for the life of the loan.
The costs of reducing the fixed rates on these loans would be substantial and would have to be borne by the Exchequer, the Housing Finance Agency or the relevant local authority.
It is important to note that borrowers on these particular fixed rate mortgages have been free, since 1980, to redeem such loans without any interest rate penalty and refinance them in the private sector. This represents a significant concession, having regard to the redemption penalties of up to six months interest or more, applied by commercial lending agencies in the event of early redemption of such mortgages.
Where any borrower, either from a local authority or from a private financial institution, is facing difficulties in meeting mortgage repayments, they should engage proactively and constructively with the lender to seek to achieve an agreed solution. The services of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service are also available to such borrowers and support is available through the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme.
In addition, my Department issued comprehensive guidance to local authorities on the treatment of mortgage arrears in March 2010. That guidance was closely based on the Central Bank's first statutory Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears to ensure that cases of local authority mortgage arrears are handled in a manner that is sympathetic to the needs of the particular household, while also protecting the position of the local authority concerned.
To reflect the content of the Central Bank's revised Code of Conduct — which replaced the previous code from 1 January 2011 and was informed by the deliberations of the Expert Group on Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt — my Department is currently preparing updated guidance to local authorities in consultation with the City and County Managers Association.
Leader Programmes
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:177 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government with regard to the highly successful Leader programme, if he will carry out a review to ensure the more timely delivery of funding and the streamlining of the application procedure and also funding for food type projects which were successful in the past should be restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25630/11]
There are 36 Local Action Groups contracted by my Department to deliver the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 and they are the principal decision makers with regard to projects approved for funding. As part of programme implementation the RDP is subject to continuous monitoring and evaluation and a full and comprehensive mid-term evaluation of the programme was conducted in 2010. My Department is addressing all of the recommendations of this evaluation which includes continued comprehensive support for the Local Action Groups implementing the programme while continuing to ensure value for money for all funding distributed through the RDP. EU regulatory compliance obligations require robust and comprehensive application and approval procedures; however, my Department works with Local Action Groups on an on-going basis to promote the efficient and effective delivery of the RDP.
Food and food-related business are a significant driver of enterprise activity in rural areas. These businesses require continued support to generate employment in rural Ireland. I and my Department continue to work with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in pursuing a solution that meets the EU regulatory requirements. We are also maintaining ongoing contacts with the European Commission on the matter. While it is my objective to find an appropriate solution in the context of our overall budgetary situation, it is important to recognise that €62 million is available this year for other eligible Axis 3 elements of the RDP.
Waste Management
Joanna Tuffy
Question:178 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the way money collected from the packaging levy is used; the proportion of same that goes to the green bin collection; the agencies through which this money is channelled; the rules in place regarding its expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25380/11]
Directive 94/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on packaging and packaging waste (the Packaging Directive) classifies items such as bottles, drink cans and containers as packaging.
While such packaging is not currently subject to a levy, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to drive a waste reduction programme as part of the overall policy in the area of a sustainable waste strategy. One of the possible elements of this waste reduction programme is the introduction of a levy on packaging.
I recently consulted with industry, other stakeholders and the public on a possible levy on packaging. This consultation closed on Friday 5 August 2011 and the submissions and comments received are currently being examined.
Environmental levies are currently in place on plastic bags and waste deposited to landfill. Revenues from these levies are paid into a ‘ring-fenced' Environment Fund and can be used to support activities that are of benefit to the environment. Details of expenditure from the Environment Fund are available in the published Environment Fund Annual Accounts. Copies up to and including 2009 are available from the Oireachtas library and are on my Department's website www.environ.ie.
Section 74(9) of the Waste Management Act 1996, as amended, specifies the purposes for which payments may be made from the Environment Fund. These include assistance in a range of areas such as:
schemes to prevent/reduce waste;
waste recovery activities;
research & development into waste management;
production, distribution or sale of products deemed to be less harmful to the environment than other similar products;
development of producer initiatives to prevent/reduce waste arising from their activities;
implementation of waste management plans;
enforcement of the provisions of any enactment relating to waste management, prevention of litter or protection of the environment;
partnership projects, that involve local authorities, to improve the quality of the environment for particular local communities;
promotion of awareness of the need to protect the environment, including national and regional campaigns;
promotion /support of education and training to assist achievement of campaign objectives;
resources (human or material) to enable education and training to be carried out;
initiatives undertaken by community groups and others for protection of the environment;
to facilitate, assist, support or promote initiatives undertaken by international organisations or other persons outside the State in respect of the protection of the environment or sustainable development or both;
and
such other purposes for protection of the environment as may be prescribed by the Minister in regulations.
Joanna Tuffy
Question:179 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the grants available to community groups to establish community waste and recycling projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25381/11]
My Department provides funding through the LA21 Environmental Partnership Fund to assist small scale, local, non-profit environmental projects aimed at increasing environmental awareness and developing sustainable communities. Community groups can apply for funding for a variety of environmental projects including those related to waste reduction, re-use and recycling and enhancing public awareness of these issues. Application for funding is made to local authorities who match the funding provided by the Department. The funding programme has operated since 1997 and has grown from year to year. Funding of €305,000 was provided in 2010 to 448 projects. The 2011 Fund will be announced shortly and community groups will be invited to submit proposals, for relevant projects, to their local authority. Departmental funds allocated to projects will be matched by a similar amount from the local authority. Eligible projects are those that will support and complement, at a local level, national environmental policies such as those on Waste, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Air, Water and Sustainable Development.
Community groups can also avail of support under the measures of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 that are managed by my Department. The Programme has an objective of supporting integrated approaches to the protection of the local heritage through a suite of related preservation actions, complemented by a range of initiatives designed to develop the sustainable economic contribution of the natural heritage. In this context, actions to support waste reduction can be supported, particularly those initiated through community effort. Anyone wishing to apply for this funding should contact their Local Development Company. The contact details for the 36 Local Development Companies contracted to deliver the RDP in Ireland can be found on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.
Community groups may also apply to bodies such as the County and City Enterprise boards for grant assistance towards commercially viable waste recycling projects.
Planning Issues
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:180 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on whether An Bord Pléanala should have representation from rural Ireland on the board itself in view of the interest of being fair when it comes to rural planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25385/11]
The Board of an Bord Pleanala comprises a Chairperson and up to 9 ordinary members. The appointment process, set out under sections 105 -107 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010 and Articles 56-65 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, require selections to be made by the Minister from nominees put forward by four representative panels of nominating bodies prescribed for this purpose.
Appointees to the Board do not represent their nominating body, but are appointed to provide, as a function of the Board, independent consideration of planning authorities' decisions submitted to the Board on appeal. I am satisfied that the current nomination and appointment processes are fair and transparent. Furthermore, as the legislative provisions underpinning these processes have only recently been endorsed by the Oireachtas, I have no proposals to make any further amendments at this time.
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:181 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on whether the sustainable rural housing guidelines for planning authorities should be re-visited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25387/11]
My Department's Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing (2005) are designed to achieve a balance between a good planning framework for rural housing and the local housing needs of those who are part of, or have links to, local rural communities. They elaborate on the physical development policies for rural areas as set out in the Government's National Spatial Strategy (2002) which, inter alia, promotes sustainable rural settlement as a key component of delivering more balanced regional development.
The Guidelines set out how planning authorities should frame their development plan policies for the different types of rural areas which may exist within the development plan area, such as rural areas close to large towns and cities or those suffering from population decline. They also provide guidance to planning authorities on dealing with planning applications for rural housing including consideration of issues such as access to appropriate wastewater treatment facilities, potential impacts of the development on groundwater, landscape, natural and cultural heritage and addressing road safety issues (e.g. frontage onto national roads).
I am satisfied that the Guidelines are being implemented effectively and fairly, and I will continue to keep them under review in this regard.
Security of the Elderly
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:182 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on whether senior alert scheme which allows financial support to elderly persons for the use of personal pendant alarms should be extended to cover the installation of house alarms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25431/11]
The Seniors Alert Scheme focuses mainly on the provision of monitored personal alert equipment. Personal alarms bring greater ease of mind to the user as they allow for direct two-way interaction with the monitoring station in the event of any concerns being raised by the user. They can also monitor many other features such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and other telecare devices.
I have no proposals to extend the scheme to cover house alarms.
Question No. 183 answered with Question No. 176.
Patrick O'Donovan
Question:184 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding an application in respect of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25451/11]
The organisation referred to in the Question registered with the Seniors Alert Scheme on 12 August 2011.
A request for application forms was received on 15 September and a response issued on 16 September 2011. Completed application forms have not been received in my Department as yet.
Social and Affordable Housing
Noel Grealish
Question:185 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there can be an exemption made in Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 to allow those who were in the rental accommodation scheme before changes in legislation came into force, to remain on the housing waiting list (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25457/11]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 21 of 15 September 2011 which sets out the position in this matter.
EU Regulations
Charlie McConalogue
Question:186 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress that he has made regarding the ongoing discussions between him and the European Commission regarding concerns that the EC has over article 28 of regulation 1698/2005 which allows for the adding value to agricultural and forestry products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25469/11]
The Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 is divided into 4 Axes. Axis 1 deals with the competitiveness of the agricultural sector and Axis 2 aims to improve the countryside and environment. The objectives of Axis 3 are to support the diversification of the rural economy and improve the quality of life in rural areas. Axis 4 provides support for the use of a "bottom-up" approach to development which ensures local people are involved in decision making, thereby facilitating sustainable development in a more inclusive way. In Ireland the LEADER approach is used to implement Axis 3 measures.
A significant number of projects funded under the previous Leader+ programme, 2000-2006, and under the diversification and business-creation measures of the current rural development programme, RDP, involve support for enterprise initiatives that add value to agrifood products. Basic agricultural products are listed in Annex 1 to the EC Treaty and are commonly called Annex 1 products. Under the main rural development regulation, support for adding value to Annex 1 products is facilitated under Axis 1 of the programme. Early this year, Ireland was notified by the European Commission that support for adding value to agrifood products is only allowable under Axis 1 and not under Axis 3 of the RDP. As a result, grant aid under Axis 3 of the RDP for this type of activity remains suspended.
Food and food-related business are a significant driver of enterprise activity in rural areas. These businesses require continued support as we look to ways to generate employment in rural Ireland. I and my Department continue to work with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in pursuing a solution that meets the regulatory requirements. We are also maintaining ongoing contacts with the European Commission on the matter. While it is my objective to find an appropriate solution in the context of our overall budgetary situation, it is important to recognise that €62 million is available this year for other eligible Axis 3 elements of the RDP.
Water and Sewerage Schemes
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Question:187 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the actions taken by him to alleviate the problems many residents in the Killester area of Dublin North Central face with low water pressure during the harsh winter months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25470/11]
The operation, maintenance and management of the water supply are in this instance a matter for Dublin City Council and I have no function in the matter.
Building Regulations
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:188 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has received a copy of the report commissioned by Dublin City Council and prepared by the Hayes Higgins Partnership — Consulting Engineers, into alleged defects at the Priory Hall complex, Dublin 13; if he will make the report immediately available to Priory Hall residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25474/11]
Dublin City 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 on a fee paying basis. Any further action in relation to the issues which have arisen in regard to this development would be a matter for Dublin City Council, which my Department understands will deal with the situation as appropriate in line with the standard arrangements in place for the discharge of their statutory functions. My Department is aware that copies of the report have been forwarded to those owners who participated in the survey. The question of further dissemination of the report is a matter for Dublin City Council and the other property owners involved.
Departmental Bodies
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:189 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will fully report on the recent establishment of a working group on pyrite; if he will report on the members of the working group; the terms of reference of the working group; the target date for the group to report to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25475/11]
I refer to the replies to Questions 29, 101 and Priority Question 3 on 15 September 2011 which dealt comprehensively with this matter. I am in the process of setting up a panel of persons, with suitable expertise, to identify a way forward which I hope will facilitate a mediated solution between the parties involved. The panel will be chaired by Mr. Brendan Tuohy, a former senior public servant, and arrangements for the selection of the other members of the panel will be finalised this week. I have asked Mr. Tuohy to complete his work and submit a report to me by early in the New Year. The report will then be published. My Department will provide technical and administrative support to the panel in carrying out its work.
Local Authority Housing
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:190 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has received any proposal from Dublin City Council to amend the allocation system of the housing department in view of the number of persons on the council’s waiting list and the many applicants who have been more that five years on that list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25476/11]
Under section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, which came into operation on 14 June 2010, the making and amendment of an allocation scheme for social housing is a reserved function of the elected members of each housing authority. I understand that Dublin City Council adopted its current allocation scheme on 9 May 2011. I have not received any draft amendment to that scheme.
Planning Issues
Olivia Mitchell
Question:191 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the review of the national planning guidelines; if developments of the scale, for example, of a second company (details supplied) will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25616/11]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 24 of 15 September 2011 which sets out the position in this matter.
Emergency Planning
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:192 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will review the matter (details supplied) regarding locations of salt and grit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25629/11]
As Lead Government Department with responsibility for co-ordinating the emergency response to severe weather, my Department has finalised and published The Report on the Review of the Response to Exceptional Severe Weather Events of 2009-2010. The Report, which is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie, sets out the sequence of events as they occurred, draws various conclusions and makes recommendations to improve preparedness and increase resilience for future severe weather events. The Report recognises and acknowledges the very considerable community and voluntary contribution during the severe weather, and recommends that this should be fostered and encouraged as part of the overall response to future such events. It recommends that the good practice which has emerged in relation to making grit available at drop-points to local communities should be adopted as a consistent and standard practice by all local authorities and relevant guidance be prepared and disseminated.
Guidance is being prepared by my Department in conjunction with local authorities and will be issued shortly. The Report also makes recommendations in relation to salt stocks, which are to be used for keeping priority traffic routes open. The issues around legal liability of those acting in a voluntary capacity on behalf of the community are also under consideration.
Ministerial Staff
Michael McGrath
Question:193 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the names and salaries of every special adviser appointed by every cabinet member and Minister of State since the new Government came to office on 9 March 2011; and if he will give the same details for any other advisers appointed. [26118/11]
I appointed Ms Claire Langton as Special Adviser to my office with effect from 10 March 2011 with an annual salary of €80,051. My colleague, Minister of State Mr. Willie Penrose, appointed Mr. Aidan Culhane as his Special Adviser on 23 May 2011 with an annual salary of €80,051.
Crime Prevention
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:194 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether the community alert programme as operated by Muintir na Tíre should be reinvigorated and whether the national crime council should be re-established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25432/11]
The Community Alert programme is a voluntary community-based initiative in rural communities, set up in 1985 by Muintir na Tíre in association with the Garda authorities. It is dedicated in particular to improving the quality of life of vulnerable people in rural communities, especially the elderly, by crime prevention, neighbourliness and self-reliance, general community safety and well-being, accident prevention, promotion of personal safety and awareness of social inclusion. My Department provides financial support for the programme and has done so for some time.
The relationship between An Garda Síochána and Muintir na Tíre is formalised in a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations. The programme was given added impetus with the publication of a joint Muintir na Tíre/Garda strategy for the period 2007 to 2011, which was developed following a fundamental review of the programme by representatives of Muintir na Tíre, An Garda Síochána and the Community Alert development officers, which took account of the social and demographic changes that had taken place since 1985. One of the actions included in the Garda Policing Plan for 2011 is an evaluation of the Community Alert strategy, in the context of ensuring the protection of vulnerable persons and groups and a partnership approach to solving community problems. I am confident that the co-operation between Community Alert and An Garda Síochána will continue to benefit communities.
In line with Government policy as set out in the Programme for Government and the need to rationalise the functioning of publicly funded bodies generally, I have no plans to re-establish the National Crime Council. Since 2009, my Department has been engaged in a major consultation exercise leading to the production of a White Paper on Crime. The objective of the White Paper process is to provide a comprehensive framework for future crime policy in the form of a National Anti-Crime Strategy.
Garda Equipment
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:195 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of mobile intoxilyser machines in operation by the Garda traffic corps to monitor and detect drink driving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25491/11]
I informed by the Garda authorities that, while use is not made of mobile intoxilyser units (mobile evidential breath testing instruments), there are 1,005 roadside breath screening devices allocated across all Garda Divisions, which are used by members of An Garda Síochána to assist in forming an opinion whether a driver has consumed intoxicating liquor in excess of the legal limit. There are 64 evidential breath testing instruments installed and operational in Garda stations nationwide. I am advised that the Garda authorities are satisfied there are sufficient roadside breath screening devices to meet current operational needs. The availability and allocation of devices are kept under constant review by Garda management in consultation with the Medical Bureau of Road Safety.
Courts Service
Catherine Murphy
Question:196 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if, in view of the increased activity in the Courts Service, in areas such as judgment and the sheriff’s area generally, he is satisfied that there are adequate resources to deal in a timely way with cases; if there are parts of the country that are under more pressure than others; if so, his plans to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25358/11]
The execution of all court orders is a matter for the Sheriffs in accordance with the provisions of the Enforcement of Court Orders Act,1926, as amended. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that there was a 9% increase in the number of execution orders lodged with Sheriffs' offices throughout the country in 2010 and this trend appears to have continued into 2011. The Sheriff is assisted in the task of executing the orders by Court Messengers. The Courts Service has informed me that there are currently three vacancies for Court Messengers in Wexford, Cavan and Roscommon whose work is currently being undertaken by messengers in adjacent counties.
Following a request from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for a review of the role of the Court Messenger, the Courts Service is currently undertaking this review in consultation with Sheriffs and it is expected that the review will be completed in the next two months. The Courts Service has indicated that there are delays in some counties because of the increased volumes being received but these are being dealt with as quickly as possible in the context of the resources available.
Garda Operations
Seán Kenny
Question:197 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of alcohol seized by the Garda from persons drinking alcohol in public places for the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; the monetary value of the alcohol seized by gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25360/11]
I refer the Deputy to my answer to his Question No. 96 of yesterday's date.
Garda Stations
Seán Kenny
Question:198 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which the tender was put out to supply food to prisoners while in Garda custody; the name of the company that was awarded the contracts; the length of the contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25361/11]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is currently no general tender in place for the supply of food to persons in Garda custody. It is the responsibility of the station in which a person is detained to provide food to that person during the custody period.
I am further informed that a review of expenditure on meals for persons in custody was carried out by An Garda Síochána in late 2010. Following on from that review An Garda Síochána published a tender for such meals on the Government e-tenders website on 29 July, 2011, covering stations within the Dublin North Central Division as a pilot project. The closing date for the receipt of tenders was 20 September, 2011.
The Garda authorities have indicated that, following the conclusion of the Dublin North Central tender process, consideration will be given to going to the market in respect of the provision of meals for persons held in custody in other Garda Divisions.
Garda Operations
Seán Kenny
Question:199 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the powers and equipment available to gardaí when dealing with a vehicle which has tinted windows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25362/11]
I refer the Deputy to my answer to his Question No. 97 of yesterday's date.
Citizenship Applications
Peter Mathews
Question:200 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 694 of 14 September 2011, the expected residency and citizenship status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 18; the full extent of any outstanding requirements; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25382/11]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the position remains as stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question 694 on 14 September, 2011, namely, that an application for a certificate of naturalisation was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in September 2008. The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
On the processing of naturalisation applications generally, the Deputy may be aware that I have introduced a series of measures within my Department to provide for speedier processing of citizenship applications to bring about a substantial reduction in the processing timescale and in particular to address the backlog of applications awaiting a decision.
In relation to the correspondence to which the Deputy refers, if he wishes to email his query to INIS again using the Oireachtas Mail facility my officials will respond to any other issues raised that have yet to be addressed.
Legal Costs
Michael McGrath
Question:201 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current estimated cost to the Exchequer of the various legal cases regarding the case of a person (details supplied). [25394/11]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the person concerned has brought several legal challenges before the courts in this State as well as a case before the European Court of Human Rights. This involved in excess of 20 Court appearances. The person referred to was unsuccessful in all of those cases and therefore the State has not made any contribution to her legal costs.
The information sought by the Deputy, in as much as it is available, is being compiled and will be communicated to him in due course.
Legislative Programme
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:202 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the Criminal Law Defence and Dwelling Bill 2010, which was published in July 2010, will be enacted by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25397/11]
The Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Bill 2010 was restored to the Order Paper in March to be proceeded with at Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann. As the Deputy will appreciate, it is not possible for me to give a definitive date for when the Bill will be enacted as this will depend on its progress through both Houses of the Oireachtas.
Legal Profession
Anne Ferris
Question:203 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if any barristers have been disbarred in the history of the State; if so, the number of same per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25398/11]
I refer the Deputy to my response to Question No. 708 of 14 September 2011 in which I indicated that King's Inns had informed me that no barrister has been disbarred in the last ten years. I am awaiting data predating the last ten years from King's Inns and I will arrange to have the material forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.
Sale of Scrap Metal
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:204 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the need to develop a strategy for the monitoring of the sale of scrap metal to ensure that only legitimate products are traded and to reduce the theft of metal from farmyards, businesses, private properties and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25433/11]
I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy again as soon as the report is to hand.
Garda Vetting of Personnel
Sean Fleming
Question:205 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide the list of organisations here registered with the Garda Central Vetting Unit which employ or engage persons who in the course of their work will have substantial, unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25439/11]
Sean Fleming
Question:206 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the arrangements in place to enable organisations to register with the Garda Central Vetting Unit; if it is a self-registration process; if there is a mechanism in place to ensure that all organisations that should register actually do so; if there is a procedure in place to follow up organisations that should register but fail to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25454/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 205 and 206 together.
The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides employment vetting for approximately 19,000 organisations in Ireland, who are registered with the GCVU and which employ personnel to work in a full-time, part time, voluntary or student capacity with children and/or vulnerable adults. The procedure is also conducted for fostering and the Adoption Board.
The service provided is continually being extended, on a phased-basis, to those organisations seeking registration.
The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be practicable by way of answer to a Parliamentary Question to provide details in relation to approximately 19,000 organisations but if the Deputy has any questions in relation to a specific organisation, I will be happy to respond to him. I can tell the Deputy that, in broad terms, the groups which are registered with the GCVU include;
State and Local Government organisations
Religious Institutions
Children's Organisations
Primary, Secondary Schools and the Third Level Sector.
Transport Companies providing school transport to primary and second level students.
Crèches and pre-school organisations
Youth organisations
Sporting organisations
Disability organisations
The Health Sector
In addition, a large number of other voluntary groups providing services to children or vulnerable adults are also registered.
There is currently no statutory obligation on organisations to register with the GCVU. In July 2011, I obtained Government approval for a draft scheme of a "National Vetting Bureau Bill 2011". The scheme provides a statutory framework for vetting procedures. It will provide that organisations dealing with children and vulnerable adults must register with the National Vetting Bureau which will be established under the Bill and will take over from the GCVU. It is hoped to publish the Bill in the fourth quarter of 2011
Travel Documents
Catherine Byrne
Question:207 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the way a person (details supplied) can proceed with an application for a temporary Irish travel document, in view of the extenuating circumstances in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25473/11]
I am informed by the Irish Immigration and Naturalisation Service (INIS) that the person concerned was recently afforded temporary permission to remain in the State valid until 02 July 2014. The holding of this type of immigration status does not obligate INIS to issue a travel document and any decision to do so is discretionary. I should point out that a temporary travel document is normally only granted in exceptional circumstances, for example, to go abroad for urgent medical treatment or other humanitarian reasons, and where the applicant is not in a position to obtain a passport or other equivalent document from his or her own authorities.
The person concerned has previously held an Irish temporary travel document initially issued on 03 September 2007 that was renewed on at least two subsequent occasions to allow the person procure their national passport. I am advised that INIS has written to the person concerned this week with regard to the possible facilitation of his request to be issued with a further temporary travel document. A reply is awaited.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may also be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
Garda Stations
Simon Harris
Question:208 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations in a garda division (details supplied); the number of gardaí attached to each of these stations; the annual cost of running these stations in terms of utilities, maintenance and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25495/11]
The allocation of resources, including personnel, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in consultation with his senior management team. I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are 19 Garda stations in the Division referred to by the Deputy. The strength of each Garda station in the Division as at 31 August 2011, the latest date for which figures are available, is set out in the table below.
|
District |
Number |
|
Baltinglass District |
|
|
Baltinglass |
36 |
|
Blessington |
17 |
|
Carnew |
4 |
|
Donard |
1 |
|
Dunlavin |
2 |
|
Hollywood |
1 |
|
Shillelagh |
1 |
|
Tinahely |
2 |
|
Bray District |
|
|
Bray |
127 |
|
Enniskerry |
6 |
|
Greystones |
35 |
|
Newtownmountkennedy |
4 |
|
Wicklow District |
|
|
Arklow |
35 |
|
Ashford |
11 |
|
Aughrim |
2 |
|
Avoca |
3 |
|
Rathdrum |
5 |
|
Roundwood |
4 |
|
Wicklow |
48 |
|
Total |
344 |
With regard to the annual cost of running these stations, in terms of utilities, I am informed that the lowest level at which costs are assigned under the Garda Vote is at District level and therefore it is not possible to provide expenditure figures in relation to individual stations. However, the total annual cost of utilities and cleaning in 2010 for the Districts that are attached to the Wicklow Division were as follows:
|
District |
|
|
Baltinglass |
€94,576 |
|
Bray |
€169,887 |
|
Wicklow |
€86,107 |
|
Total |
€350,570 |
I am further advised that the total annual cost of maintenance for Garda stations in the Wicklow Garda Division in 2010 was €219,473.
Garda Investigations
Michael McGrath
Question:209 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied that no additional resources are required by the Garda to expedite the investigations currently under way in respect of certain matters at Anglo Irish Bank; if he has sought and received such an assurance in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25526/11]
Michael McGrath
Question:210 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of files that have been forwarded by the Garda to the Director of Public Prosecutions in respect of the Anglo Irish Bank investigations; the number of files still under progress by the gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25528/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 210 together.
I attach the highest priority to the full investigation of white collar crime and bringing the perpetrators of such crime to justice to the greatest extent possible. I have expressed, both before and since my appointment as Minister, my unhappiness with the protracted nature of the investigations. I do not intend this as any criticism of investigators and prosecutors, who face tough challenges as a result of the complexities of the matters being investigated. At the same time, I am concerned to ensure that I do not say anything that could prejudice any possible prosecutions or any court hearing. It is imperative that such investigations are conducted in a thorough, methodical and comprehensive manner, so as to ensure that account is taken of all pertinent matters. If this is not done, there is a risk that any prosecutions that may proceed would be jeopardised.
On becoming Minister, I sought and received assurances that there were sufficient resources available to the investigations. I am informed by the Garda authorities that they remain satisfied that sufficient personnel and technical expertise is available to assist in the various aspects of the ongoing investigation. I can assure the Deputy that this Government will continue to provide sustained support for the investigation in terms of resources, as well as the necessary legislative and administrative supports, and that if those involved in the investigations believe at any stage that additional resources are required that will be responded to.
All members of An Garda Síochána allocated to this investigation have previous experience in the investigation of fraud related offences. The investigation is augmented by experienced investigators from the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. There is close co-operation and ongoing liaison between An Garda Síochána and the OSCE, and ten members of An Garda Síochána are currently on secondment to the OSCE.
I am informed that two comprehensive investigation files were submitted by the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation to the Law Officers in December, 2010. In addition, a supplementary investigation file was submitted in May. The files remain under consideration by the DPP, and his directions are awaited. The investigation by An Garda Síochána and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement is ongoing in respect of both these investigations and of other complaints. I understand that it is intended to submit further files to the DPP in the near future.
Citizenship Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:211 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a decision is likely to be made in respect of an application for naturalisation in the case of person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25585/11]
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in April 2010. The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
Residency Permits
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:212 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress made to date in the determination of residency entitlement in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25586/11]
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person concerned arrived in the State on 5th February, 2007 and applied for asylum on 8th February, 2007. However, it was established that the person concerned had been recognised as a refugee in another EU Member State. The Refugee Applications Commissioner made a decision in accordance with the provisions of Section 17(4) of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) i.e. that the person concerned was a person to whom a declaration of refugee status could not be given. This decision was conveyed to the person concerned by letter dated 12th June, 2007.
The case of the person concerned was examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was also given to representations submitted on his behalf for permission to remain in the State. On 14th August, 2008 a Deportation Order was made in respect of him. The person concerned instituted Judicial Review proceedings on 9th September, 2008 challenging Section 17(4) of the Refugee Act 1996 and also the Deportation Order made in respect of him and accordingly, as the matter is sub judice, I do not propose to comment further.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
Refugee Status
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:213 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the history to date in respect of residency and naturalisation entitlement in view of the fact that stamp 4 has been withdrawn in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 who has lived in this country for more than 11 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25587/11]
The person concerned claimed asylum in the State on25 November 1998, had hisclaim examined by the Asylum Division of my Department but was refused refugee status. Following an appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal recommended that heshould be recognised as a refugee.
Based on this recommendation, the person concerned was advised of the decision to issue him with a formal declaration of refugee status by letter dated 13 July 2001. This communication also advised the person concerned of the rights and entitlements accompanying refugee status in the State. The person concerned continues to hold the status of refugee in the State.
I have been advised that the applicant left the country on 7 September 2009 and did not return until 30 July 2011. During this time, his Garda National Immigration Bureau card expired on 31 July 2010. Furthermore, his 1951 UNHCR travel document expired on 10 August 2011. He has not presented to the Garda National Immigration Bureau to renew his registration since his return to the country.
The person in question has not made an application for Naturalisation. I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
Deportation Orders
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:214 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the degree to which he might be prepared to review the decision to deport in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15, in view of the fact that they have family commitments here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25588/11]
The person concerned is a failed asylum applicant, having claimed asylum in the State in November, 2003. His asylum claim was investigated by the Offices of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, both of whom concluded that the person concerned did not meet the criteria for recognition as a refugee. Against this background, I am satisfied that the asylum claim of the person concerned was fairly and comprehensively examined before a decision to refuse it was arrived at. I am equally satisfied that the representations submitted by and on behalf of the person concerned, for consideration under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), were given the fullest consideration under all the relevant headings before a decision was taken to make a Deportation Order in respect of him, on 2nd December, 2005. Overall, I am satisfied that the decision taken to deport the person concerned is justified.
The person concerned remains the subject of a Deportation Order. The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State. As the person concerned has not yet left the State, the enforcement of the Deportation Order is now an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
Asylum Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:215 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress made to date in the matter of determination of residency and citizenship entitlement in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25589/11]
I refer the Deputy to my Reply to Parliamentary Question No. 85 of Thursday, 26th May, 2011 — as set out. The position is unchanged since then.
Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 29th September, 2008, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against her. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome. In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision, and the consequences of the decision, will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
The Deputy should note that as the person concerned has not established a right of legal residency in the State, the issue of an application for citizenship does not arise at this time. I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
Departmental Correspondence
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:216 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who did not receive correspondence indicated in the context of a reply to a recent parliamentary question and did not sign any such correspondence; if it might be possible to reissue the subject documents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25590/11]
The Deputy's Question refers to a reply I gave to a recent Parliamentary Question in relation to the case of the person concerned. However, it is not clear what specific Parliamentary Question the Deputy is referring to. In the absence of specific information in this regard, I am unable to provide the Deputy with a substantive response to his current Question.
It is open to the Deputy to revert with the number and date of the earlier Parliamentary Question he is referring to and upon receipt of this information I will endeavour to provide the Deputy with a detailed response. I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
Residency Permits
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:217 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a long-term residency visa can be issued in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25591/11]
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that no application for Long Term Residency from the person referred to by the Deputy has been received. If the person concerned has been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/working visa conditions, he may apply to the Long Term Residency Unit of INIS for a five year residency extension.
I would remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
Ministerial Staff
Michael McGrath
Question:218 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the names and salaries of every special adviser appointed by every Cabinet member and Minister of State since the new Government came to office on 9 March 2011; and if he will give the same details for any other advisers appointed. [26122/11]
In my capacity as Minster for Justice and Equality I have appointed Ms Jane Lehane and Mr Thomas Cooney as my Special Advisers. They are both paid at the Principal Officer Standard Scale (€80,051 — €98,424).
Defence Forces Personnel
Seán Kenny
Question:219 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons currently in the Air Corps and Naval Service by rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25367/11]
The following table shows the number of persons in the Air Corps and Naval Service by rank, as at 31 August 2011, the latest date for which figures are available. Overall numbers in the Permanent Defence Force, including numbers serving in the air corps and naval service, are subject to ongoing control and monitoring on a monthly basis to ensure compliance within the overall parameters and controls set by Government for the sector. Number of persons in the Air Corps and Naval Service by rank at 31 August 2011.
|
Rank |
Air Corps |
Naval Service |
|
Major General |
1 |
0 |
|
Brigadier General |
1 |
1 |
|
Colonel |
2 |
2 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
13 |
11 |
|
Commandant |
29 |
38 |
|
Captain |
66 |
64 |
|
Lieutenant |
35 |
39 |
|
Sergeant Major |
5 |
5 |
|
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant |
4 |
5 |
|
Company Sergeant |
39 |
58 |
|
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
11 |
14 |
|
Sergeant |
124 |
193 |
|
Corporal |
177 |
177 |
|
Privates |
276 |
382 |
|
Cadets |
3 |
16 |
|
Total |
786 |
1,005 |
Ministerial Staff
Michael McGrath
Question:220 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the names and salaries of every special adviser appointed by every Cabinet member and Minister of State since the new Government came to office on 9 March 2011; and if he will give the same details for any other advisers appointed. [26116/11]
I have not appointed any special advisors in my role as Minister for Defence. Similarly, no special advisors have been appointed by Mr. Paul Kehoe T.D. in his role as Minister of State at the Department of Defence.
Raw Milk Products
Dominic Hannigan
Question:221 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the total number of illnesses and or deaths of persons conclusively linked to the consumption of raw milk since 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25624/11]
Dominic Hannigan
Question:228 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 587 of 21 July 2011, if he will publish the evidence that was quoted in same as his Department having in its possession, that shows raw milk consumption is a danger to food safety and public health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25617/11]
Dominic Hannigan
Question:229 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the difference in the risk analysis between legally permitted foods manufactured from raw milk, specifically, soft cheese, butter or yoghurt in comparison to raw liquid milk; if he will provide documentation on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25618/11]
Dominic Hannigan
Question:230 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will reconsider the question of production and sale of raw milk under a licence system; if he will consider working with stakeholders on a pilot system incorporating geographically dispersed producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25619/11]
Dominic Hannigan
Question:231 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide details of the numbers of illnesses and or deaths conclusively associated with the consumption of raw milk since 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25620/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 228 to 231, inclusive, together.
My Department's dairy science and veterinary experts and the independent scientific committee of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland have strongly advised that there are serious health risks associated with drinking raw milk. Disease risks include TB, Brucellosis, E. coli O157, Campylobacter and Salmonella. There have been incidents of these in Ireland and other countries in recent years. Resulting illnesses can be serious and on occasion fatal.
The proposed ban on the sale of raw milk for direct human consumption is not new. Sale of raw cows milk was banned for many years (from 1997 till 2006) by my Department; and previously by most local authorities. The ban lapsed due to a change in EU legislation in 2006.
It is important to note in this context that the ban will not apply to making cheese using raw milk. The cheese making process takes time and this provides an opportunity to withdraw product from sale in the event of a problem arising with the source milk. The cheese making process also prevents growth of pathogens and in some cases encourages slow decline in numbers of some pathogens.
A number of artisan food producers are pasteurising raw whole milk and are licensed by my Department in this regard. These artisans are very successfully marketing liquid whole milk, ice cream, different flavoured yoghurts and artisan farmhouse cheeses. I am advised by the FSAI that meaningful differences in nutritional value between pasteurised and unpasteurised milk have not been demonstrated and these artisans clearly show that pasteurised whole milk can be used in the manufacture of safe and quality dairy products.
Regulation allowing sale of raw milk for direct human consumption, on a restricted basis, would be difficult and costly to implement and would still not eliminate the serious health risks.
There is no formal system for notifying disease outbreaks related to the consumption of raw milk. It is not possible therefore to provide exact numbers of illnesses or deaths related to consumption of raw milk. However, I have been advised by the FSAI of a number of cases in Ireland in recent years which have resulted in serious health problems.
The FSAI recommends therefore that the sale of unpasteurised milk from all farm animals which is intended for direct human consumption should be prohibited; and advises that the most effective way to protect public health is to ensure that such milk is pasteurised.
The prevalence of TB in herds in Ireland puts us in a different position to most other Member States in the EU where the disease has been eradicated. It is inappropriate that Ireland should adopt the same approach to the consumption of raw milk as countries that do not have the same difficulty with TB and therefore have no associated risk.
The ban will not apply to the consumption of raw milk which has not been placed on the market — e.g. a dairy farmer drinking milk from his/her own cows. Such a ban is not possible under the law and in any event would be unenforceable. However, it is recommended to avoid this practice for health reasons.
Ireland exports over €2bn worth of dairy products each year; and is the leading producer of infant formula with about 15% of the world market. Any food scare associated with raw Irish milk could have major implications for our dairy industry. The recent E. coli outbreak in Germany, resulting in 46 deaths, 782 cases of HUS (haemolytic uraemic syndrome, a serious kidney condition) and 3,128 known cases of VTEC, indicates the scale of possible risks associated with raw food.
In all the circumstances I am satisfied that a ban on the sale of raw milk for direct human consumption is justified.
Section 54 of the Health Act of 1947 has been identified as the appropriate primary legislation for the renewal of the ban and it is intended to bring forward a Statutory Instrument under that Act for signature by the Minister for Health. The latest indicative timeframe for the introduction of the S.I. is end 2011, which includes allowance for a 3-month EU notification period.
Farm Inspections
Jim Daly
Question:222 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 21694 of 20 July 2011, the reason an inspector has not yet called to a person (details supplied) to clarify outstanding issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25353/11]
An Inspector of my Department visited the farm of the person named on 6 September 2011 and conducted the necessary inspection, the results of which are currently being finalised. It is expected that the person named will shortly be formally notified, in writing, of the outcome of the inspection.
Inland Waterways
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:223 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding farmers removing gravel from rivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25374/11]
The matter raised does not fall within the remit of my Department.
Meat Exports
Dominic Hannigan
Question:224 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to increase the amount of exports of Irish meat and meat produce to the BRIC countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25434/11]
My Department, together with Bord Bia and the Department of Foreign Affairs, continues to place the highest priority on ensuring and developing market access to markets worldwide for Irish food products including increasing our exports of meat and meat produce to the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India & China) countries.
Russia is currently our main market for beef exports outside of the EU and is a particularly important outlet for beef offals. Russia is also a significant market for Irish pigmeat exports as is China. My Department, together with Bord Bia and the Department of Foreign Affairs are actively trying to help Irish companies to develop new opportunities in these countries and I myself recently met with representatives of Chinese pigmeat industry who came on a visit to Ireland in order to develop trade links. We are also actively seeking to gain access to the Chinese market for Irish beef and we are expecting a visit from a high level group from China in the near future which should help us to advance this objective. I also intend to travel to China myself on a trade mission later this year.
Brazil is one of our main competitors on overseas markets and there are currently no opportunities to export Irish meat or meat produce to Brazil. Likewise with India, there are technical barriers which effectively prevent the exportation of Irish meat to that country. The securing of access to these markets in the future will be an issue for the WTO negotiations.
Grant Payments
Michael Creed
Question:225 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not yet received the balancing payment under their REP scheme 4 application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25461/11]
The person named commenced REPS 4 in June 2008 and has received full payment for the first two years of their contract. In addition, 75% of the second year payment issued for the amount of €6,221.18 on 7th April 2011. An area based discrepancy was subsequently discovered following a cross check between the Single Payment Scheme application for 2010 from the person named and the REPS agri-environmental plan. This discrepancy has resulted in the imposition of a penalty and a delay in processing the final 25% payment under REPS 4 for 2010.
My Department is currently making arrangements to process outstanding payments to farmers of the 25% due in respect of 2010 in the cases where penalties were incurred and I expect payments to commence in these cases in October.
Frank Feighan
Question:226 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment for REP scheme 4 will issue to a person (details supplied). [25572/11]
The person named commenced REPS 4 in May 2008 and has received full payment for the first two years of their contract.
In addition, 75% of the third year payment issued for the amount of €5,361.00 on 3rd March 2011. An area based discrepancy was subsequently discovered following a cross check between the Single Payment Scheme application for 2010 from the person named and the REPS agri-environmental plan. This discrepancy has resulted in the imposition of a penalty and a delay in processing the final 25% payment under REPS 4 for 2010.
My Department is currently making arrangements to process outstanding payments to farmers of the 25% due in respect of 2010 in the cases where penalties were incurred and I expect payments to commence in these cases in October.
Herd Intermingling
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:227 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 783 and 784 of 14 September 2011, if clarification can be given as to whether the land in question was occupied by animals from different herds, bearing different herd numbers originating in different locations at the same time during the period 1989 to date in 2011; if specific portions of the land were dedicated for occupancy by any such animals; if it is permissible for animals from different herds to inter-mingle in such situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25592/11]
Under the rules governing the allocation of herdnumbers, a herd must be maintained separately without intermixing of stock from other herds. There is no evidence available to my Department in respect of the period October 2007 to-date that any portion of the land in question was occupied by animals from different herds. The files relating to the period prior to October 2007 have been archived and it is not possible for me to provide any information in respect of that period in the time available. I will write to the Deputy when this information becomes available.
Questions Nos. 228 to 231, inclusive, answered with Question No. 221.
Agri-Environment Options Scheme
Frank Feighan
Question:232 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will confirm that a person (details supplied) is included in REP scheme 4. [25622/11]
An application for entry into the Agri-Environment Options Scheme 2011 (rather than REPS 4) was received from the person named by my Department on 16th May 2011. All applications received are currently being checked and successful applicants will be notified in writing of approvals before the end of this month. Unsuccessful applicants will similarly be notified and will be offered the opportunity to appeal any decision.
Ministerial Staff
Michael McGrath
Question:233 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the names and salaries of every special adviser appointed by every Cabinet member and Minister of State since the new Government came to office on 9 March 2011; and if he will give the same details for any other advisers appointed. [26112/11]
In response to the Deputy's question, I have detailed below the information requested in respect of the two Special Advisors employed in my Department since 9 March 2011.
|
Name |
Salary p.a. |
|
Fergal Leamy Employed: 9/3/2011-9/9/2011 |
€130,000 |
|
Aine Kilroy |
€80,051 |
Preschool Services
Terence Flanagan
Question:234 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the continuation of the preschool year (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25357/11]
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme was introduced in January 2010 and provides a free preschool year to all eligible children in the year before commencing primary school. Almost every preschool service in the State is participating in the programme ensuring that it is available to children in all areas, and 63,000 children, or 94% of the eligible age cohort, availed of the programme in the 2010/11 preschool year. In 2011, the ECCE programme is expected to cost €166 million.
Services participating in the ECCE programme are required to provide age-appropriate activities and programmes to children within the Síolta framework for early learning. They are also encouraged to implement the Aistear curriculum which has been developed for children aged from birth to 6 years. The ECCE programme is universally available, free of charge, to all preschool children and I believe this is critical to ensuring equality of access and school readiness.
While I understand that some parents may have concerns about the future provision of the ECCE programme, given the current economic difficulties, I would like to assure you of the Government's ongoing commitment to early childhood care and education.
Preschool services currently participating in the programme have a legal contractual agreement up to the end of August 2012 and planning is already underway for the September 2012/August 2014 period of the programme. Having said this, you will appreciate that all programme funding is considered in the context of the annual estimates and budgetary process and it is not possible to give a specific guarantee in advance of these discussions.
Clearly resources are scarce. However, my objective is to incrementally develop the ECCE programme over the term of this Government. A key element of this will be to support implementation of the Workforce Development Plan, by the Early Education Policy Unit of the Department of Education and Skills, which is co-located within my Department. The Workforce Development Plan provides a framework for ensuring that personnel working in the ECCE sector have access to accredited training, enabling quality and standards in ECCE services to be continuously improved.
From May of this year, my Department has been working with two major voluntary child care organisations to provide subsidised on-line accredited training courses to staff working within ECCE services. I hope to continue this initiative in 2012, by supporting training modules which have a specific focus on educating children with special needs and children with literacy and numeracy difficulties. In addition, I will be collaborating closely with my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, in implementing the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy. Early intervention is crucial and the Strategy provides for a range of actions to support preschool children and their families, to be undertaken by my Department.
The current arrangements within the Health Service Executive (HSE) for the provision of support services to preschool children with special needs is being examined by the Office of Disability and Mental Health in the Department of Health, and my Department will continue to liaise with that Office. In addition, I have asked officials in my Department to examine various options for additional provision or improvements to the ECCE programme, in particular for marginalised groups, including children with special needs.
Ministerial Staff
Michael McGrath
Question:235 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the names and salaries of every special adviser appointed by every Cabinet member and Minister of State since the new Government came to office on 9 March 2011; and if she will give the same details for any other advisers appointed. [26114/11]
The information requested by the Deputy in respect of my Department is set out below:
|
Name |
Whole time equivalent |
Annual Salary |
|
Marion Mannion |
1.0 |
€80,051 |
|
Jennifer Carroll Mac Neill |
0.5 |
€40,025 |
|
William Lavelle |
0.5 |
€40,025 |
All of the above appointments were made in line with the guidelines on Ministerial Appointments issued by the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform.
Proposed Legislation
Joe Costello
Question:236 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health if the new legislation proposed by him to allow pharmacists to administer the flu vaccine also makes provision for pharmaceutical assistants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25356/11]
New regulations are being drafted at present which will place beyond doubt the right of registered pharmacists to administer seasonal influenza vaccination to patients.
Prior to the Pharmacy Act 2007 pharmaceutical assistants were permitted to act on behalf of a registered pharmacist during the pharmacist's temporary absence. This legacy entitlement has been continued in the Pharmacy Act 2007 for those persons who were pharmaceutical assistants before commencement of the 2007 Act. In contrast to registered pharmacists, pharmaceutical assistants are not subject to statutory fitness to practice requirements and disciplinary sanctions, and therefore cannot be held personally accountable or restricted from practise for professional misconduct or poor professional performance. In addition, the Act places no legal obligation on pharmaceutical assistants to undertake continuing professional development to ensure that they continue to be competent and fit to be registered. Other health professionals involved in the administration of vaccines to patients, i.e. medical practitioners and nurses, are subject to fitness to practice and disciplinary sanction in the event of professional misconduct.
As a consequence, it is not proposed that the regulations relating to the administration of seasonal flu vaccine will extend to pharmaceutical assistants.
Hospital Services
Billy Timmins
Question:237 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding services at a hospital (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25376/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Health Services
Brendan Griffin
Question:238 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the reason home help hours have been cut in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; if same will be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25383/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Brendan Griffin
Question:239 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if home help hours will be increased for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25384/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Cancer Screening Programme
Joe Higgins
Question:240 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Health if persons over 69 years are being excluded from the rectal screening programme; if so, the medical grounds for this exclusion; and if this is related to budget constraints. [25400/11]
Preparatory work on a national colorectal cancer screening programme commenced in early 2010 and the programme is expected to be introduced in mid-2012. In the initial phase, screening will be offered to men and women aged between 60 and 69 years; there are estimated to be just over 400,000 people in this age group. It is intended to extend the programme to include all those aged 55 to 74, as resources and capacity allow.
Based on expected uptake rates and incidence, it is estimated that around 6,000 colonoscopies will take place each year within the screening programme in this initial phase, and preparations are focused on building up resources and capacity to meet this additional need. The phased implementation of the programme will allow for capacity to be built up gradually before it is extended to the full 55-74 year age group.
Colorectal cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among both men and women in Ireland. On average 2,270 new cases are diagnosed each year and around 900 people die of the disease. In Ireland, incidence is highest in those aged 55-74. Within that cohort, half of all cancers are diagnosed in men and women in the 60 to 69 age group and according to advice from the National Cancer Screening Service, it is this group that will benefit most, from a population perspective, in the initial phase.
Long-Term Illness Scheme
Catherine Murphy
Question:241 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the reason the condition myasthenia gravis is not currently recognised by the Health Service Executive in relation to the long-term illness scheme; his plans to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25401/11]
Catherine Murphy
Question:244 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will add myasthenia gravis to the long-term illness scheme; if not, the reason for same; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25430/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 244 together.
Myasthenia Gravis is not one of the conditions prescribed by the Minister for Health for the purposes of the Long Term Illness Scheme. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the scheme. However, the terms of the scheme will be reviewed in the context of the Government's proposals for Universal Health Insurance and free GP care at the point of delivery.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme no individual or family pays more than €120 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.
In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations.
Catherine Murphy
Question:242 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he intends to include inflammatory bowel disease and its variants on the long-term illness scheme; if not, the reason for same; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25425/11]
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme. However, the terms of the scheme will be reviewed in the context of the Government's proposals for Universal Health Insurance and free GP care at the point of delivery.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme no individual or family pays more than €120 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.
In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations.
Medical Cards
Joanna Tuffy
Question:243 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health the reason a medical card was withdrawn from a person (details supplied); if he will consider a review of the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25429/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Question No. 244 answered with Question No. 241.
General Medical Services Scheme
Catherine Murphy
Question:245 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will change the requirement on general medical service card holders to seek a new prescription each month in order that it can be brought into line with the less stringent requirement on long term illness card holders, who are only required to submit themselves to a clinical review once every six months, thus minimising general practitioners workloads and reducing the burden on patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25436/11]
A repeat prescription facility was introduced to the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme in March 1991.
Under this facility, prescriptions for certain drugs and medicines may be renewed on a three monthly, rather than a monthly, basis. Patients who are stabilized on their medication do not need to visit their General Practitioner (GP) every month in order to have their prescriptions renewed. The facility to change prescriptions from monthly to quarterly for suitable patients provides efficiencies for GPs and patients, by reducing unnecessary consultations and journeys to the surgery and pharmacy.
Hospital Accommodation
Jim Daly
Question:246 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health when he will complete his review of the proposed bed closures at Mount Carmel Hospital, Clonakilty, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25438/11]
During a visit to the region in April 2011, my colleague, Minister Reilly, took the opportunity to visit Clonakilty Community Hospital, to inform himself on the range of services provided at the hospital, the rationale for the reduction in long stay beds at the hospital and the potential impact of this decision. Minister Reilly also met with the Clonakilty Hospital Action Group in May 2011.
The Department is currently considering the future of HSE Provision of Residential Care for Older People. This review will consider the position of all HSE residential facilities for Older People in terms of meeting the National Standards and Regulations. It will also consider local demographic pressures and the extent of existing public and private provision, with a view to developing an overall strategy on how the Executive should continue to provide this service in view of current budgetary and other pressures. I should make it clear, however, that, providing quality and safe care for our long stay residents will have to remain at the heart of these considerations.
Garda Vetting of Personnel
Sean Fleming
Question:247 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm if all recent appointments of junior hospital doctors who in the course of their work will have substantial unsupervised access to children and or vulnerable adults received vetting from the Garda Central Vetting Unit and if this is not the case to outline the provisions to allow persons to be without Garda vetting in view of the fact that arrangements are in place with the Health Service Executive to expedite the processing of very urgent applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25440/11]
The appointment, including arrangements for obtaining Garda Vetting, of junior hospital doctors in the Health Service Executive is a matter for the Executive. My officials have asked the HSE for the information sought by the Deputy and I have instructed them to forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
All new employees of the HSE, at any grade, and not just those dealing with vulnerable clients, are subject to Garda Vetting. The Health Service Executive policy on Garda Vetting sets out its procedures. Paragraph 3.2 provides, where a candidate is urgently required to take up duty and the relevant forms have not been returned from the Garda Central Vetting Unit, that the candidate may be allowed to take up duty once the relevant Business Manager certifies in writing that the candidate will not have unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults. This is on the basis that the candidate has signed relevant Declarations and sufficient reference/background checks have been received.
My officials will forward to the Deputy a copy of the Health Service Executive policy on Garda Vetting.
Health Services
Catherine Murphy
Question:248 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of agencies that applied for the expression of interest for the enhanced home support and personal care services for older persons; the number that subsequently tendered for the provision of these services; his plans to approve further agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25444/11]
Catherine Murphy
Question:249 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the involvement families have in the selection of the agencies that provide enhanced homecare packages; in the event that families are not satisfied with the care given, the options that are available to them to change the agency; his plans to make further changes to the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25445/11]
Catherine Murphy
Question:251 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of those who tendered to provide care for the enhanced and homecare package that have been approved since the tendering process commenced in April; the number by location; if he is satisfied the system is working adequately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25463/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 248, 249 and 251 together.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Denis Naughten
Question:250 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25460/11]
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.
Question No. 251 answered with Question No. 248.
Departmental Reports
Luke 'Ming' Flanagan
Question:252 Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will furnish the titles and dates of publication of all reports produced by the expert body on fluorides and health, both those made available to the public and not; if he will also make available the names and details, qualifications and so on, of those who are current members of the expert body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25464/11]
The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health has published three reports:
Action Plan (2005)
Progress Report 2004-2008 (2009)
Code of Practice on the Fluoridation of Drinking Water (2007)
In May 2008, the Expert Body commissioned an audit of all water treatment plants nationally to assess compliance with the Code of Practice on the Fluoridation of Drinking Water (2007). The audit report will be published shortly.
The published reports and a range of information, including details of its membership and position statements, are available on its website, www.fluoridesandhealth.ie.
Departmental Expenditure
Andrew Doyle
Question:253 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health the amount, not percentages, of the health budget allocated to mental health in the years 1990, 2000, 2010 and in 2011; and the amount of the mental health budget allocated and spent in delivering mental health services in primary care, excluding services provided by psychiatric secondary services in the community [25471/11]
The following table provides details from the Revised Book of Estimates for the Public Services of non-capital expenditure on mental health for the years requested:
|
Year |
Mental Health Non-Capital Expenditure |
|
€m |
|
|
1990 |
0.210 |
|
2000 |
0.434 |
|
2010 |
0.977 |
|
2011 |
0.920 |
Approximately 60% of the Primary Care Teams in operation have mental health personnel either on the team or have direct linkages with mental health services and up to 90% of mental health problems are dealt with at primary care level. However the HSE is not currently able to extrapolate the cost of providing these mental health services from within the overall primary care budget, as budgets are not tracked by care group and, because for example, a wide range of services provided to patients by GPs in their surgeries, are not reported to the HSE.
Eating Disorders
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:254 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he has had any discussions with the health insurance providers on the inclusion of public and private services to treat eating disorders within health insurance packages; if he has asked the health insurance providers to review their policies in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25488/11]
I have not had any discussions with health insurance providers in relation to this matter. However, each private health insurance provider in the Irish market has the right to determine how much capacity in any particular area is purchased by them to deliver the services required by their customers. Health insurance contracts must provide a certain minimum level of cover prescribed in the relevant regulations. Beyond that, it is not the role of the Minister for Health to direct private health insurers as to which services or facilities they cover. This is a commercial decision for the insurers themselves.
The national policy document for mental health ‘A Vision for Change' sets out the framework for the development of mental health services generally. HSE services for people with eating disorders are embedded in the Community Mental Health Teams and with Primary Care.
The HSE has developed a Mental Health in Primary Care accredited training programme for primary care practitioners with Dublin City University. The skills included in this programme are designed to enhance the capacity of primary care to recognise, assess and treat a range of mental illnesses within the primary care setting. As individuals with Eating Disorders frequently present to the primary care practitioner with complications of their condition, early intervention at this level greatly improves outcomes.
Community based Adult Mental Health Services receive referrals from Primary Care and provide assessment and treatment to individuals with eating disorders. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Teams provide a similar role for their cohort of referrals.
Where the individual's psychiatric or medical needs are more acute, in-patient admission is offered within the local psychiatric services or acute medical care where necessary.
Following the recommendation of the Consultant Psychiatrist, the HSE can and has worked with service providers in the independent sector to provide specialised care, on an in-patient and/or an out-patient basis. In a limited number of cases, referrals to specialised eating disorder services in Dublin or the UK can be clinically recommended and supported in appropriate circumstances subject of course to the necessary resources being available.
Mental Health Services
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:255 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if the male and female acute units at St. Ita’s Hospital, Portrane, County Dublin, were closed on 31 August 2011; if so, the alternative care arrangements put in place for patients of the acute units; if he will also provide a full update of the planned replacement unit at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; when the building will commence; its planned opening date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25489/11]
The acute male and female units at St Ita's Hospital, Portrane closed by 18 September, 2011, in line with the condition attached to the registration of St Ita's, by the Mental Health Commission. Patients have transferred temporarily to St Vincent's Hospital, Fairview and Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, or other more appropriate services depending on their individual care plans. In patient admissions for the North Dublin Mental Health Service have also temporarily transferred to St Vincent's, and Connolly Hospitals.
The HSE proposes to refurbish the existing admissions unit at St. Ita's and work is scheduled to be completed by 31 January, 2012. When complete, and subject to the approval of the Mental Health Commission, the temporary units will revert to St. Ita's Hospital, pending completion of a new purpose built acute in-patient psychiatric facility for North Dublin. This new unit is currently being developed at Beaumont Hospital and planning permission has been approved, contracts are signed and construction work is due to commence shortly. This new unit is expected to be fitted out and ready for occupancy in early 2013.
Consultancy Contracts
Marcella Corcoran Kennedy
Question:256 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a detailed breakdown of all retired Health Service Executive personnel on full pensions who are now in consultancy contracts with the HSE or his Department in all sections and in each county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25494/11]
Pat Harvey (former CEO of the North Western Health Board) serves as Chair of the Health Sector Implementation Body on the Public Service Agreement and his fee in this regard is paid by my Department.
The Health Service Executive has advised that, as at 25 July 2011, there were five retired HSE personnel on pensions who were in consultancy contracts as follows:
|
HSE Area |
Number of staff |
Service Provided |
|
HSE West |
1 |
Strategic and Operational expertise in the development and operation of a nursing home in Sligo |
|
1 |
Chairing of Dental Enquiry Review for Mayo PCCC |
|
|
1 |
Review of case of a child in care. This review was commissioned by HSE West and the National Child Care Office (Co. Galway) |
|
|
HSE Dublin North East |
2 |
(i) Engineer with Specialist Engineering Knowledge in Louth Meath Hospital Group.(ii) Expert advice in Accreditation/INAB Procedures (Laboratory) for Louth Meath Hospital Group |
|
Total |
5 |
Mental Health Services
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:257 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding psychiatric services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25496/11]
Under the Employment Control Framework for the Health Sector, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has discretion to make exceptions to the general moratorium on recruitment in the public service in order to maintain essential services. Such exceptions must of necessity be kept to a minimum so that the targeted employment reductions and consequential payroll savings are met. The Framework also provides that certain posts are exempted from the moratorium including a number of psychiatric nurse vacancies (up to 100 posts can be created where they are required to support the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change'). In July 2011, the HSE made the decision to pause recruitment due to its serious budgetary situation. Notwithstanding this pause, exceptions are still being made to address critical service risk.
Services for People with Disabilities
John McGuinness
Question:258 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a motorised wheelchair will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny and if he will expedite the matter. [25558/11]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Services
John McGuinness
Question:259 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an early date for an assessment will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [25561/11]
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.
Medical Cards
John McGuinness
Question:260 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an application now under appeal for a medical card will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [25564/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme
Frank Feighan
Question:261 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health if fair deal payment will issue to a family on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Longford. [25570/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Hospital Services
Brendan Smith
Question:262 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that the present level of services at the minor injuries unit in Monaghan General Hospital will be retained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25575/11]
The HSE is planning to change the opening time of the Minor Injuries Unit at Monaghan to an 8 hour 5 day service and expects that this will take effect from October. This change is to be viewed as a temporary measure and will be reviewed in 2012.
The change in the opening times of the Monaghan MIU is the direct result of the current budgetary and financial position facing the health system. The HSE has reviewed other possible options to save money and/or increase revenue, but has concluded that they would not generate sufficient savings in the short term.
I have emphasised to the HSE the need to ensure that the impact of such changes to patients is minimised and that all changes are fully communicated. I understand that arrangements, which include staff redeployments and a communications plan, are being put in place by the HSE in relation to this change.
Brendan Smith
Question:263 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date on the proposal to establish a medical assessment unit at Monaghan General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25576/11]
A representative group has been established by the HSE to undertake the clinical and financial feasibility study on such a development. Terms of reference have been agreed and I understand that the group is due to commence its work in October. The timeframe for completion of the project is 6 weeks from commencement.
National Lottery Funding
Pat Breen
Question:264 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for National Lottery funding in respect of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25577/11]
My Department has received an application for funding from the 2011 National Lottery allocation from the organisation in question. This is one of a large number currently being assessed by my Department. The Deputy will be informed of the outcome of the application as soon as a decision has been made.
Care of the Elderly
Noel Grealish
Question:265 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health his plans regarding a nursing home (details supplied) in County Galway; if he will retain the nursing home as a community residential facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25579/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Hospital Services
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:266 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a procedure will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25594/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:267 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when provision can be made for an MRI scan without charge in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare, a medical card holder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25595/11]
I understand the clinic referred to in this question is a private clinic. I have no role in relation to personal appointments to such a clinic. Should the patient referred to wish to have an appointment within the public health system she should contact her GP.
Medical Cards
Joanna Tuffy
Question:268 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health if statistics are available regarding patients, diagnosed with cancer, who applied for medical cards or GP cards in the past 12 months; if so, if he will provide details of the number whose applications have been refused on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25615/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Food Poisoning Related Illnesses
Dominic Hannigan
Question:269 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide data on the total number of food poisoning related illnesses reported here since 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25623/11]
The list of notifiable diseases in Ireland was amended in 2004, the data pre and post that date will differ with respect to which notifiable diseases could be included under "food poisoning".
The table below shows the annual number since 2001 of cases of selected notifiable diseases that are most likely to be transmitted by food. The Deputy will notice that since 2004, specific notifiable categories are included in place of the general term of "food poisoning" as used in the previous three years.
|
Notifiable disease |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
Bacillus cereus food-borne infection or intoxication |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|||
|
Foodborne Botulism |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|||
|
Campylobacter infection |
1685 |
1796 |
1811 |
1879 |
1736 |
1807 |
1661 |
|||
|
Clostridium perfringens (type A) food-borne disease |
5 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|||
|
Food Poisoning (bacterial other than salmonella) |
1219 |
1394 |
1623 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Listeriosis |
11 |
12 |
7 |
21 |
13 |
10 |
10 |
|||
|
Salmonellosis |
428 |
369 |
449 |
415 |
345 |
422 |
456 |
449 |
333 |
356 |
|
Shigellosis |
28 |
26 |
36 |
56 |
36 |
53 |
43 |
75 |
70 |
60 |
|
Staphylococcal food poisoning |
3 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|||
|
Trichinosis |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||
|
Yersiniosis |
6 |
3 |
1 |
7 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|||
|
Total |
1675 |
1789 |
2108 |
2182 |
2199 |
2295 |
2408 |
2279 |
2226 |
2090 |
Mortality Statistics
Dominic Hannigan
Question:270 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health the number of deaths from smoking related illnesses since 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25625/11]
The disaggregation of mortality data for the purpose of deriving the number of smoking-related deaths may not always exclude deaths that are not tobacco-related. Bearing this in mind, it is currently estimated that approximately 5,200 deaths per annum are attributable to smoking.
Ministerial Staff
Michael McGrath
Question:271 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the names and salaries of every special adviser appointed by every cabinet member and Minister of State since the new Government came to office on 9 March 2011; and if he will give the same details for any other advisers appointed. [26120/11]
Since 09 March 2011, I have appointed Mr Mark Costigan as Press Adviser and Mr Sean Faughnan as Special Adviser, both on the Principal Officer (Standard) salary level which ranges from €80,051 to €92,672. Ms Maev-Ann Wren has been appointed as Special Adviser to Minister of State Shortall, on a half time basis and at 50% of the Principal Officer (Standard) scale.
A Government Order will shortly be sought regarding Mr Faughnan's and Ms Wren's appointments.
Sports Capital Programme
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:272 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the allocation of funds in respect of a project (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25351/11]
The club in question has received funding of almost €300,000 under the Sports Capital Programme since 2000. All grant allocations have been drawn down in full by the club.
It will be open to the club to apply for funding under any new round of the Sports Capital Programme. No decision has yet been made about the timing of further rounds of the Programme.
Departmental Schemes
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:273 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that additional funds are allocated for 2012 local improvement scheme work (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25388/11]
The Local Improvements Scheme provides funding for non-public roads and the maintenance and improvement of these roads is in the first instance a matter for the relevant landowner. The Government is undertaking a review of expenditure for the period 2012 to 2016. When my Department's provision for these years is known and the internal allocations within my Department are decided, I will then be in a position to decide what schemes will continue to receive support from the limited funds available to me.
Road Safety
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:274 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the practice of having a standard deduction of around 17.5% from the actual recorded breath to alcohol reading of a motorist who has been breathalysed for driving over the limit; his views on whether this is out of sync with best international road safety practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25492/11]
The deduction from actual recorded breath readings is a matter for the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS). I have referred the Question to the MBRS for direct response to the Deputy.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Departmental Expenditure
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:275 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent on Metro North to date; the stage spending, planning and works on the Metro North project are at in view of the current expenditure review that is due this month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25493/11]
The total expenditure made available by my Department under the current procurement process for the Metro North project is €150.99 million. This expenditure is broken down as follows:
|
€million |
|
|
Development, design and procurement |
63.51 |
|
Railway Order & Statutory Approval |
15.92 |
|
Advance Enabling Works |
45.89 |
|
Land and property acquisition |
25.67 |
|
Total |
150.99 |
The Railway Order for Metro North became enforceable in December 2010 and is valid for 10 years. As part of the Order, An Bord Pleanala (ABP) decided that the depot for Metro North should be re-located and an application for a separate Order for the depot was submitted to ABP in May 2011. A decision by ABP is anticipated by the end of this year.
As a general point with regard to monies spent on the planning of transport projects, the last government decided to spend huge amounts of money planning road and rail projects without being sure that the money would be in place to construct those projects. I have changed this policy and have instructed both the National Roads Authority, the National Transport Authority and Railway Procurement Agency to rein in spending on planning and preparatory works. I do not believe that it is appropriate to continue to spend millions of euros planning projects when we do not know if we can fund them.
With regard to the Capital Spending Review, Metro North is being procured as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) and two bidders have been shortlisted. However a significant Exchequer contribution is also required. The successful awarding of a major PPP contract involving private funding is challenging at any time but is particularly challenging in current circumstances where Ireland has been the subject of intervention by the IMF/EU. Until financial credibility is restored the international debt funding market will be reluctant to lend funds to finance projects in Ireland, the repayment of which is ultimately dependant on the state.
The level of funding available for public transport investment from 2012 to 2016 will be dependent on the outcome of the capital expenditure review. A major consideration for transport investment over the next five years will be the need to prioritise funding to protect investment made to date and to maintain high safety standards.
The outcome of the review should be available in the next few weeks. Until the review is completed it would be premature for me to comment further in relation to individual projects.
Coast Guard Service
Michael McGrath
Question:276 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a planned building project (details supplied) in County Cork under his aegis. [25535/11]
The Office of Public Works placed a contract for the construction of a new Coast Guard station in Crosshaven, Co. Cork on 3rd August 2011. The contractor is now on site and the project is expected to be completed in 12 months.
Ministerial Staff
Michael McGrath
Question:277 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the names and salaries of every special adviser appointed by every cabinet member and Minister of State since the new Government came to office on 9 March 2011; and if he will give the same details for any other advisers appointed. [26124/11]
The names of the two special advisors in my Department are Mr. Nick Miller and Mr. Brian Murphy.
The remuneration of Mr. Brian Murphy is still being finalised and Mr. Miller's salary is €80,051 per annum.