Vol. 741 No. 3
57 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans for implementing the new literacy and numeracy strategy as it applies to the preschool and early education sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26061/11]
The Literacy and Numeracy Strategy was launched by my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, in July of this year. The Strategy's publication is a milestone in the development of the early years sector in Ireland, as it recognises the central role played by experiences in early childhood in the development of literacy and numeracy skills.
Early intervention is crucial and the Strategy provides for a range of actions to support pre-school children and their families, to be undertaken by my Department. These actions include encouraging and supporting the upskilling of early childhood care and education (ECCE) practitioners. A key element of this will be to support the implementation of the Workforce Development Plan by the Early Years 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.
As the Free Preschool Year has just completed its first full year of operation, we have also begun to collect data on the scope and nature of practice in ECCE settings. A number of research and development activities are planned to inform the optimum strategies through which to progress the objectives of the literacy and numeracy strategy in early childhood settings.
58 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her priorities with respect to youth organisations, youth affairs and youth work generally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26087/11]
My Department provides a range of funding schemes, programmes and supports to the youth sector. These include the Youth Service Grant Scheme, the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund and certain other provisions including the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme, Youth Information Centres, European Youth in Action Programme (administered by Léargas — The Exchange Bureau) and Gaisce — the President's Award.
Funding of €60.954m is available from my Department to support the delivery of a range of youth work programmes and services for all young people, including those from disadvantaged communities, by the voluntary youth work sector. Youth work programmes and services are delivered to young participants in the various programmes by some 1,100 youth work staff and by a volunteer base of over 60,000. As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I am committed to the development of a new youth policy framework which my Department is currently progressing. Through this work a clear policy framework will emerge that will aim to enhance the development, participation and support of young people.
I intend that the policy framework will also facilitate and promote co-ordination and coherence across departments and services and will set out the priorities, rationale and criteria for future funding programmes. It will also accommodate issues relevant to young people within the 10-24 age range in informal or out-of-school settings that fall within the remit of my Department. The overall aim will be to clarify and enhance coherence, connectivity, coordination and delivery in youth services and related out-of-schools services for young people and to ensure such provision is both quality and outcomes based.
Ensuring quality service delivery is an ongoing priority for me. My Department is at present progressing two quality standards initiatives in the youth area that will help ensure an improvement in good practice, that services are outcomes focussed and that the young people involved are deriving the maximum benefit from being involved. The developmental and supportive nature of the National Quality Standards Framework for youth work (NQSF), introduced in January 2011 on a phased and incremental basis, gives youth organisations and services the opportunity to articulate their youth work practice through a structured framework and to review, assess and continually develop this practice. The NQSF applies to all staff-led youth work organisations, services, projects and programmes funded by the Youth Affairs Unit of my Department.
In addition to setting national standards for "staff-led" youth work projects and organisations, my Department, having consulted widely with young people, volunteers, youth work staff and the National Youth Work Advisory Committee, is now finalising a set of best-practice standards for volunteer-led youth clubs and groups. The overall aim of these standards will be to support some 1,580 clubs with some 89,000 members in creating and providing quality developmental programmes and activities for young people in safe and supportive environments and to ensure that there is a connection and continuity with the standards that exist for staff-led youth provision.
59 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to extend the Murphy commission to examine the record of further Catholic dioceses in regard to child protection practices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26050/11]
The Commission of Investigation has completed its work. Separately the HSE is finalising a national audit of child protection policies, procedures and practices in each Catholic diocese. I am advised that the report of this audit is at an advanced stage and that the HSE hopes to submit the report to me by the end of October. The need for follow up action will be informed by the findings of the national audit.
The HSE's National Director, Mr. Gordon Jeyes, is also at my request engaging directly with the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church on a programme of action designed to ensure that the Catholic Church is responding properly and comprehensively to all child protection concerns. Mr. Jeyes will report formally to me on progress in this regard.
60 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the discussions she has had with representative bodies of professions for whom it will be obligatory to report under the upcoming mandatory reporting of child abuse legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26042/11]
The Government has committed, as a priority, to the introduction of legislation to underpin Children First. The objective will be to ensure the greater protection of children by raising societal awareness of child abuse and the need to better safeguard children.
It is my intention that the legislation will reflect a broad based approach to compliance with obligations extending beyond reporting to one of safeguarding children at risk. My Department is working closely with the Office of the Attorney General in developing the best legislative means to underpin Children First. My Department will also be working with other relevant Government Departments and agencies, including professional regulatory bodies in formulating legislative proposals. With regard to relevant professional regulatory bodies, my Department has written to these bodies seeking their input and meetings are in the process of being arranged.
I am particularly interested in benefiting from the experience of these bodies with the implementation of the Children First Guidelines over the last decade. This experience will inform the implementation of the recently published revised Guidance and the Children First legislation which is planned to further strengthen implementation. I would hope that the legislative proposals which I will bring forward in this regard enjoy widespread support in the interests of protecting vulnerable children.
61 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to set up a child and family support agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26081/11]
I recently established the Task Force on the Child and Family Support Agency under the chairmanship of Ms Maureen Lynott. The inaugural meeting took place on September 15th last, and the second meeting was held just last week.
The Task Force will advise my Department in regard to the necessary transition programme to establish a Child and Family Support Agency, and will base its work on best practice in child welfare, family support and public administration; consistent with the Government's public sector reform agenda.
In relation to the Agency it has been asked to:
Propose a vision and the principles to guide operations;
Advise on the appropriate service responsibilities, and the delivery of same;
Review existing financial, staffing and corporate resources; and propose a methodology for resource allocation;
Propose an organisational design and operating child welfare and protection service model;
Prepare a detailed implementation plan;
Identify the main priorities and core relationships required;
Oversee the implementation and monitor progress, pending establishment of the Agency.
The Task Force is currently finalising a detailed work programme and has established a number of sub-groups to assist it in its work. It is envisaged that the Task Force will meet on a fortnightly basis with sub-groups meeting in between. The Task Force's work will inform preparations for the new Agency, including the drafting of legislation.
62 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the Health Information and Quality Authority standards for oversight of the Health Service Executive child protection services will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26076/11]
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has convened a Standards Advisory Group to advise on the development of National Standards for the Protection and Welfare of Children. The Advisory Group, which comprises a wide representation of people from the health and social care sector has met several times and will continue to advise HIQA on the draft standards, prior to a wider public consultation. The draft standards will then be amended based on feedback received from the consultation and the final draft standards will be forwarded to me for approval early next year.
63 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she liaises with other Departments in respect of the problem of youth homelessness; the joint initiatives under way, if any; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26074/11]
80 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will report on progress made in the implementation of the youth homelessness strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26075/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 80 together.
My Department, together with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and service providers engaged in addressing the problem of youth homelessness met at the end of May, to assess and review the current demand for services, the progress made to date under the Youth Homelessness Strategy 2001 and the need to address any outstanding service deficits. This workshop was very beneficial in getting the views of stakeholders and arising out of the priorities identified on the day, work will commence shortly on a high level review of the 2001 strategy. This review will form the basis for the development of an implementation framework to address youth homelessness over the next 5 years.
It is appropriate that some ten years after the National Strategy for Youth Homelessness was developed in 2001, we review progress and set new targets. A review of progress in 2008 by the HSE in conjunction with other agencies found that significant progress had been made, especially in interagency co-operation, early prevention and an ‘out of hours' service. A standardised system is in place whereby gardaí can access an appropriate place of safety for children found to be at risk out of hours under Section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991. The service is designed to ensure that children presenting as ‘at risk' outside of normal working hours are provided with an appropriate emergency place of safety, thereby reducing or eliminating social admissions of children in an acute hospital setting.
In addition, a pilot out-of-hours social work service is being tested in two locations as provided for in the Implementation Plan published following the Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse.
It is acknowledged that there remain serious information deficits with regard to the number of children accessing services. Work is under way to improve the quality of information on the number of young people under 18 years who are homeless, and to establish what areas of the service are working well and where further improvements are needed. The review now being undertaken by my Department will address these requirements.
64 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to her previous parliamentary question reply of 12 July 2011, the progress she has made in conjunction with the Department of Justice and Equality in establishing the promised missing children’s hotline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26078/11]
The introduction of a missing children's hotline has been the subject of discussions between my Department, other Government Departments and prospective service providers including NGOs. The notification of a missing child is a matter for the Garda Síochána, and accordingly I am in contact with my colleague Mr Alan Shatter TD, Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence in seeking to jointly achieve the establishment of this service.
In the current financial it is essential that the most economic approach possible is taken to providing any service. I would hope that a partnership approach can achieve a cost effective solution to the implementation of this important initiative and my Department is committed to seeking to achieve this outcome.
65 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the plans she has to tackle child poverty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26066/11]
Tackling child poverty is a priority for Government and a key goal of the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007- 2016, coordinated by the Department of Social Protection. Children are more likely to be poor if they are living in lone parent households with low labour market participation and dependant on income support. The Government programme sets out a framework to achieve real and sustainable economic growth, increase employment and protect the most vulnerable in society.
As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, improving children's outcomes is a key objective. Early childhood care and education programmes, in particular those that are aimed at low income families, are important priorities in my Department to enhance children's opportunities for social and educational development and to support parents undertaking training and participating in employment. The network of 107 family resource centres that are funded by the Family Support Agency, under the remit of my Department, also have an important role in this regard. These programmes will inform the Government's plans to develop an area based approach to child poverty.
My priority, as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, is to enhance the role of early intervention and support programmes for the most vulnerable children and their families in the context of the new Child and Family Support Services Agency.
My Department works closely with other departments and agencies with shared objectives to secure better outcomes for children and young people. In particular, my Department works closely with the Department of Social Protection which is charged with the development of appropriate social protection policies, including in respect of children affected by poverty. My Department is represented on the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare established by the Minister for Social Protection to examine issues to do with the interactions of the tax and welfare systems so that they provide good incentives for parents to take up and remain in work and thereby contribute to the reduction of poverty and child poverty, in particular.
66 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the action she is taking in respect of the provision of aftercare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26073/11]
Section 45 of the Childcare Act 1991 places a statutory duty on the HSE to form a view in relation to each person leaving care as to whether there is a "need for assistance" and if it forms such a view to provide services in accordance with the section and subject to resources and that all young people who have had a care history with the HSE, be it foster care, residential care or high support, are entitled to an Aftercare Service based on their assessed needs. The core eligible age range for aftercare is 18 years and up to 21 years which can extend until the completion of a course of education in which he/she is engaged up to the age of 23 years of age. A total of 1,051 young people were in receipt of aftercare nationally at March 2011. The breakdown between male and female was 46% and 54% respectively.
Aftercare provision incorporates advice, guidance and practical support. An individual holistic needs assessment identifies a young persons need for accommodation, financial support, social network support and training and education. One of the key features of Aftercare support is to advocate on behalf of young people to promote their development as a fulfilled adult in their community. The most important requirements for young people leaving care are for secure, suitable accommodation as well as further education, employment or training.
The HSE National Aftercare Service is underpinned by a National Policy and Procedures Document which has been developed in cooperation with the key stakeholders including the voluntary sector agencies involved in Aftercare provision and my Department. The policy commits to promoting and achieving the best outcomes for young people leaving care and in ensuring consistency of support to these young people.
The HSE National Policy on Aftercare is being rolled out nationally under the watch of the HSE's Aftercare Implementation Group, which includes representation from the HSE, mental health, family service and disability service, as well as representation from the voluntary sector and a young persons representative from Empowering People in Care (EPIC).
I am acutely aware of the challenges facing the aftercare service, the need for information required to plan the services; the need for consistency across all areas; the need to follow up with young people who may at first reject its services and the need to link in with adult services as necessary. To accommodate such challenges funding was reviewed in 2011 to support the recruitment of ten additional aftercare workers. Additionally funding was provided to EPIC to develop a national advocacy and support service for young people in care, leaving care and aftercare.
67 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the public service recruitment moratorium is currently being applied to the hiring of additional social workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26043/11]
The approved Employment Control Framework for the HSE exempts social worker posts from the current moratorium on recruitment and the filling of vacancies.
An additional 60 social workers are due to be recruited by the HSE in 2011. In reviewing its overall appointment and recruitment the HSE, last week, prioritised some key development posts and decided to process the recruitment of these staff with a view to their taking up employment before the end of the year. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that 60 additional social workers have been prioritised and included in this category of staff. This means that the HSE has confirmed that it will be in a position to finalise the recruitment of the additional social workers between now and the end of the year
68 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans for the reform of the funding structure for youth organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25939/11]
71 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will expand on her plans for the funding of youth services in view of her recent comments at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children that she has plans for rationalisation and streaming of youth services. [26068/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 71 together.
My Department provides a range of funding schemes, programmes and supports to the youth sector. These include the Youth Service Grant Scheme, the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund and certain other provisions including the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme, Youth Information Centres, European Youth in Action Programme (administered by Léargas — The Exchange Bureau) and Gaisce the President's Award.
This funding supports the delivery of a range of youth work programmes and services for all young people, including those from disadvantaged communities, by the voluntary youth sector. Youth work programmes and services are delivered to young participants in the various programmes by some 1,100 youth work staff and by a volunteer base of over 60,000. The main objectives of the Youth Affairs Unit in my Department are to develop and implement coherent, coordinated and relevant youth policies and strategies to support the youth sector in providing effective non-formal education and developmental opportunities for young people through which they can enhance and develop their personal and social skills and competencies.
To support this work, the Youth Affairs Unit of my Department has a budget in 2011 of €60.154m on current expenditure and €0.8m on capital expenditure. In the context of the Government's Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, and in the context of the development of a youth policy framework that is currently being progressed, my Department is reviewing the allocation of funding with a view to ensuring more efficient management and value for money as well as ensuring that the funding provided is both quality and outcomes focussed. It is intended, in particular, to review the current spread of funding available across multiple sub-heads and schemes which reflect responsibilities having historically been allocated across a number of Government Departments and which may be unnecessarily complicated in the context of the new Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
69 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the plans she has to examine the impact of consumerism and the media on children; the action she has in mind in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26063/11]
78 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the forthcoming national children’s strategy 2012 to 2017 will include a commitment to develop a comprehensive national plan for early childhood care and education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26000/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 78 together.
My Department is developing a new strategy for children and young people. The strategy will build on Our Children — Their Lives, Ireland’s first children’s strategy which was published in 2000 and it will cover the period from 2012 to 2017.
The new strategy is being developed in a holistic way to comprehend the continuum of the life course from infancy, through early and middle childhood, to adolescence through to early adulthood, in keeping with my Department's responsibilities for children and young people. The strategy will have a specific focus on the aspects of growth and development that are unique to each time period and the policies and services that need to be prioritised at each stage to secure good outcomes for children and young people.
The new strategy for children and young people will be the overarching framework under which policy and services for children and young people will be developed and implemented in the State. Early childhood care and education is a key commitment in the Government for National Recovery programme. The future direction of early childhood care and education policy is set out in recent policy commitments developed by my Department with the Department of Education and Skills such as the free preschool year in Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme, Síolta, and Aistear, the Workforce Development Plan for the early education sector and the recently launched National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy. I intend to build on these initiatives in formulating a national plan for the development of early childhood care and education.
It is clear from both the research evidence and what children and young people have to say that there are a number of new and emerging issues which are impacting upon their lives. Prominent social policy concerns relate to childhood obesity and child poverty and it is evident that aspects of consumerism are impacting on children's experience of growing up. Children and young people participating in Dáil na nÓg have voiced their concerns about being negatively represented in the media and they have spoken about the pressures they experience to conform to idealised body images portrayed in media. The impact of consumerism, in its various forms, has been identified for further investigation in my Department's work to improve data and research on children lives. The development of the new children and young people's strategy provides an opportunity to focus on these issues and how they may be addressed to improve the experience of growing up in Ireland for this and future generations of children.
It is anticipated that the new children and young people's strategy will be published mid 2012.
70 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans for the reform of the system of care for unaccompanied minors seeking asylum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25940/11]
Unaccompanied minors seeking asylum are in need of care and protection under the Child Care Act, 1991 and are entitled to the same treatment and rights as indigenous young people. The immediate and the ongoing needs of separated children seeking asylum (SCSA) relating to accommodation, medical and social needs as well as their application for refugee status are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) in accordance with the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) and the Child Care Act, 1991. Where children are identified by An Garda Síochána, at the point of entry, the circumstances are investigated and if there are any concerns about the welfare of the child, they are placed into the care of the HSE.
The Implementation Plan on the Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, 2009, contained a commitment that the HSE would end the use of separately run hostels for separated children seeking asylum and accommodate children in mainstream care, on a par with other children in the care system. In accordance with this commitment, the HSE phased out hostel type care for separated children seeking asylum and since January 2011, hostels have not been used to accommodate unaccompanied minors. Instead each child is cared for in a registered care placement or equivalent.
The HSE has developed a national policy on the standards and services to be provided to separated children seeking asylum. The policy seeks to achieve equity and equality of services to separated children seeking asylum vis a vis indigenous or resident children and to ensure that there is no differentiation of care provision, care practices, care priorities, standards or protocols.
72 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of young persons who currently avail of aftercare, support for children in care after they turn 18 years of age; the way many aftercare workers are currently employed; the locations in which those workers are based; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26036/11]
In 2011, the Health Service Executive (HSE) commissioned a review of the capacity for alternative care services, including Aftercare services. An audit was undertaken last March and the HSE has provided the following information based on this audit.
A total of 1,051 young people were in receipt of aftercare nationally at March 2011. The breakdown between male and female was 46% and 54% respectively.
Aftercare provision incorporates advice, guidance and practical support. An individual holistic needs assessment identifies a young persons need for accommodation, financial support, social network support and training and education. One of the key features of Aftercare support is to advocate on behalf of young people to promote their development as a fulfilled adult in their community. The most important requirements for young people leaving care are for secure, suitable accommodation as well as further education, employment or training.
Finally, information on the numbers of aftercare workers employed and their location is not currently accessible and I am informed that the HSE is in the process of collecting this data.
73 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her role in ensuring there are adequate youth facilities throughout the country; if that includes carrying out an assessment of deficiencies; if she has or intends to open up dialogue with other Departments towards this aim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26013/11]
My Department provides a range of funding schemes, programmes and supports to the youth sector. These include the Youth Service Grant Scheme, the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund and certain other provisions including the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme, Youth Information Centres, European Youth in Action Programme (administered by Léargas — The Exchange Bureau) and Gaisce, the President's Award.
Funding of €60.954m is provided by my Department to support the delivery of a range of youth work programmes and services for all young people, including those from disadvantaged communities, by the voluntary youth work sector. Included within that sum is €0.8m for capital funding under the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund.
The Young People's Facilities and Services Funding (YPFSF) was established in 1998 to assist in the development of preventative strategies/initiatives in a targeted manner through the development of youth facilities, (including sport and recreational facilities) and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop. Applications for funding under the YPFSF are made through the relevant Development Group which determines the suitability of proposals against priorities identified for the area and funding is allocated to relevant projects taking account of this advice amongst other criteria.
The Fund is now under the remit of my Department and currently operates in 22 areas — 14 Local Drug Task Force areas, (12 in Dublin, Bray and Cork) and in Galway, Limerick, Waterford and the towns of Carlow, Athlone, Arklow, Dundalk and Wexford.
Since it was established in 1998, the Government has allocated approximately €201m under the Young Peoples Facilities & Services Fund (YPFSF) to assist in the development of youth facilities (including sport and recreational facilities) and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug abuse problem exists or has the potential to develop. Approximately €69m has been provided for capital developments, which include the building, upgrading, fit-out and refurbishment of over 220 youth and community facilities in the different target areas.
My Department is assisted in its assessment of the need for facilities for young people under the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund, by the National Assessment Committee which includes representatives of other Government Departments, community and voluntary representatives, a representative from Dublin City Council and from the City of Dublin Youth Services Board (CDYSB). The role of the NAC was to ensure that local plans and projects approved for funding addressed gaps in provision at local level.
In addition to funding provided through the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund, a national competitive youth café development scheme was initiated in 2010 with an allocation of approximately €1.6m from Dormant Accounts funds. Under the competitive scheme, which was operated for my Department by Pobal, a total of 48 existing youth cafés received funds to improve and augment existing facilities. These funds were paid out in early 2011. In a separate strand of the scheme development funding of up to €95,000 per location was awarded to a total of 16 new youth café projects. The latter will finance the opening of a completely new facility in each case and the 16 locations are spread throughout the country. The new facilities can be expected to come on stream gradually from late 2011 up to the end of 2012 depending on the scale of individual projects. Pobal will monitor progress on the delivery of each new facility and report back to my Department in due course. The scheme is an excellent example of a significant benefit being achieved for local communities from a relatively small amount of investment by the state.
75 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the mechanisms, legislatively and administratively, she proposes to take to prevent child sex abuse or other abuse of children or vulnerable persons; the timescale for putting in place such measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26014/11]
The Government is committed to fundamental reform and transformation of the delivery of our children and family services. A number of significant structural and legislative changes are key to effecting such reform. This includes the establishment of a new agency with dedicated responsibility for the delivery of child welfare and protection services, separate from the HSE and reporting directly to my Department. Work on the establishment of the agency is under way and will include the preparation of primary legislation to create the new agency.
The Government is also committed to the introduction of legislation to underpin Children First, the national guidance on the reporting and management of child welfare and protection concerns. The need for such legislation was also highlighted in the Implementation Plan prepared following the publication of the Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse. The Government is attaching a high priority to the preparation of this legislation. I am pleased to report that good progress is being made in this regard.
In July 2011, I published the new Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children on the 15th July, 2011 which gives direction to the identification, investigation, assessment, reporting, treatment and management of child abuse. I would hope that the implementation of both the revised Children First Guidance and the legislation which will underpin compliance will provide an opportunity to raise societal awareness of physical, sexual and emotional abuse and the need for everyone to play their part in protecting children.
In addition to the above, my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence is finalising legislation which will put the vetting of employees on a statutory footing and also allow for the sharing of soft information as part of the vetting process. The Minister is also progressing legislation on Withholding Information on Crimes against Children and Vulnerable Adults.
76 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will report on her meeting with the Special Needs Parents Association; the assurances she has given it; her plans to ensure the human rights of children with special needs will be protected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26070/11]
I am addressing the Special Needs Parents Association's Annual Conference on Saturday 1 October 2011.
77 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the further action that will be taken in response to the Cloyne report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26080/11]
Arising from the publication of the Report of the Commission of Investigation into the Diocese of Cloyne in July 2011, the Government committed to a series of measures designed to significantly strengthen the existing legislative, policy and practice framework in the area of child protection. The intention is to ensure that child abuse in Ireland, be it clerical, institutional, within or outside the family, is strongly and decisively tackled, and that children are properly safeguarded.
I am working closely with my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence on this agenda and we are making significant progress in this regard.
In July I launched the revised Children First National Guidance for the protection and welfare of children, and last week I launched the HSE’s accompanying ‘Child Welfare and Protection Practice Handbook’ for use by all social workers and other relevant practitioners. The Handbook complements the Children First Guidance and sets specific protocols for HSE social workers, gardaí and other front line staff in dealing with suspected abuse and neglect. The objective is to ensure that safe and effective child protection practices are operated across all organisations and sectors that work with children.
I have received Government approval to put the Children First Guidance on a statutory basis and my Department is currently working with the Office of the Attorney General in developing the necessary legislative approach. Children First will also be supported by an assurance framework which will include strong emphasis on inspection and the need to provide demonstrable evidence of implementation. In the case of the health sector, the remit of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is being expanded to include oversight of the HSE’s Child Protection services, including the operation of Children First. HIQA is currently developing standards to allow for inspection of the HSE’s child protection services.
My colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence is bringing forward legislation which will put the vetting of employees on a statutory footing and also allow for the sharing of soft information as part of the vetting process. Minister Shatter is also introducing legislation on the withholding of information relating to crimes committed against children and vulnerable adults.
The range of measures which I have described forms part, in my view, of a strong and necessary Government response to the Cloyne report, and one which must be complemented by the Church authorities having regard to the very serious failings identified by the Commission of Investigation. The HSE's National Director, Mr. Gordon Jeyes, is also at my request engaging directly with the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church on a programme of action designed to ensure that the Catholic Church is responding properly and comprehensively to all child protection concerns. Mr. Jeyes will report formally to me on progress in this regard.
It is important that the Church authorities' actions to safeguard children, like those of all organisations, are fully and transparently in conformity with the Children First Guidance and their own protocols. I understand in this regard that the National Board intends publishing its completed reviews of dioceses on an ongoing basis.
79 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she is satisfied that the level of staffing and resources will be in place to ensure the implementation of Children First; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26083/11]
In July 2011, I launched the revised Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children. The Guidance deals with the recognition, reporting and management of child safety concerns. It emphasises the need to safeguard and to protect children. Among these are that the safety and welfare of children is everyone's responsibility, that children will have safer lives where everyone is attentive to their well being. People who work with children across a range of areas understand their responsibility for safe practice and the reporting of concerns.
It is important to recognize that the original Children First Guidelines have now been in place for over a decade. These Guidelines have over the period been used by the key agencies and their staff involved in the care and protection of children.
It should be noted that the HSE as the statutory body responsible for promoting the welfare of children has in place a network of personnel to provide training, information and advice on the implementation of Children First. The HSE is currently providing a programme of information and training on the new Guidance across the country. This includes the publication of its Child Protection and Welfare Practice Handbook which I launched last week. This Handbook will facilitate implementation of the Children First Guidance and achieve greater consistency in child protection practice throughout the HSE. I am currently attending meetings with social work personnel in each of the four HSE regions to promote the Children First Guidance. An Garda Síochána are also in attendance at these meetings reflecting the close working relationship they have with the HSE in protecting children. The welcome from social workers at these meetings for the Handbook has been extremely positive. and its clear that the revised Guidance enjoys widespread support.
Beyond the HSE and An Garda Síochána the Children First Guidance has been disseminated widely, including for example to every school in the country.
The consistent implementation of the Children First Guidance in every sector is a priority. My Department is chairing an Inter Departmental Committee to oversee implementation of the Guidance across Government. I will be meeting this Committee in early October.
The Government has also committed, as a priority, to the introduction of legislation to underpin Children First. It is my intention that the legislation will reflect a broad based approach to compliance with obligations extending beyond reporting to one of safeguarding children at risk. The objective will be to ensure the greater protection of children by strengthening the existing system for reporting and responding to suspected child abuse.
81 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Taoiseach if he will provide details on the eight sectors that reported increases in employment in the latest quarterly national household survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25735/11]
The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of both employment and unemployment estimates for the State. The information the deputy referred to is presented in the table below. As with any sample survey, estimates from the QNHS are subject to sampling variability meaning that changes in the level of estimates of a relatively low order of magnitude may not be statistically significant. Another point to note is that, in the case of relatively large populations, such as the number of persons working in a sector of the economy, some level of movement is expected. To emphasise these points it can be noted that in recent years there has not been any quarter where decreases were recorded for all sectors despite the heavy loss in employment overall. Similarly during the period covering 2004 to 2007, a period when employment was growing rapidly, there was no quarter where increases were recorded for every sector. Therefore the CSO would caution against over-interpretation of short-term movements and rather suggest that a focus on the underlying trends be kept to the fore in any detailed analysis of the data. A clearer interpretation can be seen in the overall movement of the estimates of total employment. The quarterly fall of 3,200 in the seasonally adjusted employment series is the lowest reduction recorded since early 2008. To put that in context the highest quarterly reduction recorded in employment was a fall of 76,700 persons in the first quarter of 2009. We can similarly note that the rate of increase in unemployment has been slowing in recent quarters. With that noted, up to the second quarter of this year it remained the case that employment continued to fall and unemployment continued to rise. Future estimates from the QNHS, along with other estimates of economic activity, will be needed to allow us to draw conclusions about the ongoing state of the labour market.
|
Economic sector(NACE Rev. 2) |
Apr-Jun 09 |
Jul-Sep 09 |
Oct-Dec 09 |
Jan-Mar 10 |
Apr-Jun 10 |
Jul-Sep 10 |
Oct-Dec 10 |
Jan-Mar11 |
Apr-Jun11 |
|
|
All persons |
||||||||||
|
A |
Agriculture, forestry and fishing |
97.4 |
93.7 |
89.8 |
82.3 |
85.0 |
87.4 |
85.1 |
85.2 |
85.9 |
|
B-E |
Industry |
258.0 |
248.7 |
246.7 |
244.6 |
241.4 |
238.0 |
238.1 |
235.4 |
232.3 |
|
F |
Construction |
155.7 |
150.7 |
136.0 |
130.2 |
125.3 |
114.3 |
109.4 |
108.2 |
105.6 |
|
G |
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles |
277.8 |
270.3 |
266.6 |
267.5 |
268.7 |
268.4 |
268.2 |
262.8 |
264.9 |
|
H |
Transportation and storage |
94.9 |
95.6 |
93.4 |
92.8 |
90.0 |
91.4 |
95.8 |
93.9 |
95.0 |
|
I |
Accommodation and food service activities |
120.4 |
119.8 |
122.8 |
124.3 |
120.4 |
119.1 |
115.2 |
103.3 |
107.9 |
|
J |
Information and communication |
72.2 |
72.9 |
73.6 |
74.1 |
72.6 |
73.6 |
70.0 |
70.7 |
73.3 |
|
K-L |
Financial, insurance and real estate activities |
108.1 |
108.9 |
106.7 |
104.5 |
102.6 |
98.8 |
97.9 |
100.8 |
103.1 |
|
M |
Professional, scientific and technical activities |
102.3 |
102.0 |
103.2 |
102.1 |
100.5 |
97.3 |
97.9 |
102.5 |
101.7 |
|
N |
Administrative and support service activities |
65.3 |
65.8 |
63.3 |
59.9 |
60.7 |
58.7 |
59.9 |
62.7 |
65.4 |
|
O |
Public administration and defence; compulsory social security |
107.5 |
104.9 |
107.1 |
106.6 |
107.5 |
104.8 |
104.2 |
107.1 |
99.8 |
|
P |
Education |
148.4 |
145.5 |
144.8 |
146.5 |
148.0 |
155.4 |
149.2 |
147.7 |
144.9 |
|
Q |
Human health and social work activities |
228.0 |
231.4 |
233.3 |
234.3 |
235.1 |
235.0 |
233.8 |
232.8 |
238.0 |
|
R-U |
Other NACE activities |
100.4 |
101.2 |
101.4 |
98.5 |
99.8 |
99.9 |
99.3 |
103.9 |
98.9 |
|
Total Employment |
1,936.9 |
1,907.7 |
1,890.3 |
1,872.3 |
1,855.2 |
1,838.1 |
1,826.3 |
1,819.1 |
1,815.9 |
Reference period: q1=Jan-Mar q2=Apr-Jun, q3=Jul-Sep, q4=Oct-Dec.
Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.
|
(ILO) classified by NACE Rev. 2 Economic Sector, Q2 ‘09-Q2 '11- Quarterly change |
||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Economic sector(NACE Rev. 2) |
Apr-Jun 09 |
Jul-Sep 09 |
Oct-Dec 09 |
Jan-Mar 10 |
Apr-Jun 10 |
Jul-Sep 10 |
Oct-Dec 10 |
Jan-Mar 11 |
Apr-Jun 11 |
|
|
All persons |
||||||||||
|
A |
Agriculture, forestry and fishing |
-5.9 |
-3.7 |
-3.9 |
-7.5 |
2.7 |
2.4 |
-2.3 |
0.1 |
0.7 |
|
B-E |
Industry |
-9.0 |
-9.3 |
-2.0 |
-2.1 |
-3.2 |
-3.4 |
0.1 |
-2.7 |
-3.1 |
|
F |
Construction |
-25.9 |
-5.0 |
-14.7 |
-5.8 |
-4.9 |
-11.0 |
-4.9 |
-1.2 |
-2.6 |
|
G |
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles |
-6.4 |
-7.5 |
-3.7 |
0.9 |
1.2 |
-0.3 |
-0.2 |
-5.4 |
2.1 |
|
H |
Transportation and storage |
1.6 |
0.7 |
-2.2 |
-0.6 |
-2.8 |
1.4 |
4.4 |
-1.9 |
1.1 |
|
I |
Accommodation and food service activities |
1.6 |
-0.6 |
3.0 |
1.5 |
-3.9 |
-1.3 |
-3.9 |
-11.9 |
4.6 |
|
J |
Information and communication |
-0.3 |
0.7 |
0.7 |
0.5 |
-1.5 |
1.0 |
-3.6 |
0.7 |
2.6 |
|
K-L |
Financial, insurance and real estate activities |
3.5 |
0.8 |
-2.2 |
-2.2 |
-1.9 |
-3.8 |
-0.9 |
2.9 |
2.3 |
|
M |
Professional, scientific and technical activities |
-2.0 |
-0.3 |
1.2 |
-1.1 |
-1.6 |
-3.2 |
0.6 |
4.6 |
-0.8 |
|
N |
Administrative and support service activities |
-2.1 |
0.5 |
-2.5 |
-3.4 |
0.8 |
-2.0 |
1.2 |
2.8 |
2.7 |
|
O |
Public administration and defence; compulsory social security |
1.0 |
-2.6 |
2.2 |
-0.5 |
0.9 |
-2.7 |
-0.6 |
2.9 |
-7.3 |
|
P |
Education |
-0.9 |
-2.9 |
-0.7 |
1.7 |
1.5 |
7.4 |
-6.2 |
-1.5 |
-2.8 |
|
Q |
Human health and social work activities |
3.5 |
3.4 |
1.9 |
1.0 |
0.8 |
-0.1 |
-1.2 |
-1.0 |
5.2 |
|
R-U |
Other NACE activities |
-1.1 |
0.8 |
0.2 |
-2.9 |
1.3 |
0.1 |
-0.6 |
4.6 |
-5.0 |
|
Total Employment |
-43.2 |
-29.2 |
-17.4 |
-18.0 |
-17.1 |
-17.1 |
-11.8 |
-7.2 |
-3.2 |
Reference period: q1=Jan-Mar q2=Apr-Jun, q3=Jul-Sep, q4=Oct-Dec.
Source: Quarterly National Household Survey, Central Statistics Office.
82 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach the names and salaries of every special adviser appointed by him and the Minister of State in his Department since 9 March 2011; and if he will give the same details for any other advisers appointed. [26150/11]
The names and salaries of the Special Advisers I have appointed since 9th March 2011, are as follows:
|
Name and Grade |
Annual Salary |
|
Mark Kennelly, Chief of Staff |
€168,000 |
|
Andrew McDowell, Special Adviser |
€168,000 |
|
Paul O’Brien, Special Adviser |
€80,051 |
|
Angela Flanagan, Special Adviser |
€80,051 |
|
Mark O’Doherty, Special Adviser to Chief Whip |
€80,051 |
The total of the annual salaries for these 5 Special Advisers is €576,153. In January 2010, the total of the annual salaries for the 7 Special Advisers who were appointed by my predecessor was €974,496.
83 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if his Department has submitted a strategy statement to him, as specified under the 1997 Public Service Management Act; and if so, if he will publish this statement. [26407/11]
My Department has prepared a draft Strategy Statement for the period 2011-2014.
This draft will be the subject of further work, following discussions with me and to reflect the restructuring of my Department's role and responsibilities as I outlined to the House on 20 September, 2011.
The final strategy statement will be published.
84 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Taoiseach his plans to commemorate the centenary of 1916 and will he consider appointing an independent commission to consider a new national anthem and review national emblems such as those worn by the gardaí, the Defence Forces, the Fire Service, the Civil Defence and our offices of State. [26412/11]
A commemorative programme is being prepared to mark the centenary of 1916. I envisage that a draft framework of events will be submitted to Government for consideration in early 2012. There are no plans to appoint an Independent Commission to consider a new national anthem and review national emblems such as those worn by the Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, the Fire Service, the Civil Defence and our Offices of State.
85 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Taoiseach notwithstanding Civil Service circular No. 28, if he will provide a list of the current pay of each senior civil servant from higher executive officer to Secretary General in his Department, broken down by grade; the pension entitlements of each and any other emoluments they are entitled to receive upon reaching retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26413/11]
The pay scales for each civil servant working in my Department from Higher Executive Officer level to Secretary General level, are detailed in the following table.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is responsible for determining the precise pension entitlements of each officer in my Department. Generally, under the terms of the Civil Service Superannuation Schemes, retiring staff are entitled to a lump sum payment and a retirement pension which is based on their length of service and final pensionable remuneration. Further details regarding retirement benefits for civil servants are available at www.cspensions.gov.ie.
Retiring staff receive a retirement lump sum of 3/80ths of pensionable remuneration for each year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 1½ times pensionable remuneration. In general, staff who were recruited prior to April 1995 and pay the modified rate of PRSI receive a pension of 1/80th of pensionable remuneration per year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 40 years. Staff who were recruited after April 1995, receive a pension which is integrated with the State Pension (Contributory). The formula for the calculation of the pension is 1/200th of pensionable remuneration up to 3 1/3rd times the State Pension, and 1/80th for pensionable remuneration in excess of this limit, per year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 40 years. TLAC retirement terms may be applied to retiring Secretaries General, subject to certain conditions. Those terms are currently under review for future appointees.
|
Grade |
No. of staff on this payscale |
Minimum and maximum point of payscale |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
€200,000 |
|
Second Secretary General |
1 |
€180,000 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
2 |
€127,296 — €146,191 |
|
Principal Officer (higher scale pre ’95) |
4 |
€85,957 — €105,429 |
|
Principal Officer (standard scale pre ’95) |
4 |
€80,051 — €98,424 |
|
Assistant Principal (higher scale pre’ 95) |
15 (including 7 w/s) |
€67,913 — €84,296 |
|
Assistant Principal (higher scale post 95) |
1 w/s |
€71,359 — €88,598 |
|
Assistant Principal (standard scale pre’ 95) |
4 (including 1 w/s) |
€61,966 — €76,768 |
|
Assistant Principal (standard scale post’ 95) |
1 |
€65,185 — €80,678 |
|
Higher Executive Officer (Higher scale) pre 95 |
9 (including 1 w/s) |
€46,426 — €57,251 |
|
Higher Executive Officer (standard scale) pre 95 |
13 (including 5 w/s) |
€43,816 — €55,415 |
|
Higher Executive Officer (standard scale) post 95 |
4 (including 1 w/s) |
€46,081 — €58,294 |
|
Administrative Officer (higher scale post 95) |
1 |
€40,734 — €57,251 |
|
Administrative Officer (standard scale post 95) |
4 |
€31,619 — €55,415 |
Notes:
1; W/S = Work sharing
2; A small number of staff also receive allowances in addition to their salary (e.g. private secretary allowance)
86 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the mechanisms in place to monitor the way Irish Government overseas aid is spent by the recipient governments and non-governmental organisations; the overseas aid expenditure by the Irish Government over the past five years; the terms and conditions applied to the granting of aid to respective governments and NGO’s; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25674/11]
The Government is strongly committed to Ireland's overseas aid programme, which is a central element in our foreign policy. The programme is recognised internationally for its strong focus on the fight against poverty and hunger, and its concentration on the poorest countries and communities of sub-Saharan Africa. The amounts provided for Ireland's Official Development Assistance (ODA) over the past five years are as follows:
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
€871 million |
€921 million |
€722 million |
€676 million |
€659 million |
These figures include the funds administered by Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which manages the Government's aid programme, as well as contributions to international development by other Government Departments and Ireland's share of the EU development cooperation budget.
As Minister of State with responsibility for the development programme, I am very conscious of the need to ensure that development aid reaches its intended beneficiaries and that it makes a real difference in the lives of the poorest people. We deliver our aid programme in cooperation with Governments, local communities, NGOs, and key multilateral partners including the UN and EU. Ireland will play a strong role, in cooperation with our partners, at the forthcoming international meeting on Aid Effectiveness, which I will attend in Busan, Korea in November. In reviewing the aid programme most recently, in 2009, the OECD noted that Ireland is an international leader in making aid more effective. I am determined that we will build on that reputation at Busan.
Irish Aid is strongly focused on development results, identifying specific objectives and results against which all programmes are assessed and evaluated. All development aid funding is disbursed in line with these specific objectives. Proposals are rigorously appraised by Irish Aid staff as well as by an independent external Programme Appraisal and Evaluation Group using a number of criteria, including quality of intended impact, sustainability, cost effectiveness and efficiency in the use of resources. Where funds are provided to Non-Governmental Organisations, it is a fundamental condition that annual audited accounts are provided to us.
Programmes in receipt of funding from Irish Aid are subject to regular internal and external monitoring to ensure that the intended objectives and goals are being accomplished. These arrangements ensure that Ireland's development funding reaches those most in need, and supports the improvement of national systems of accounting and auditing in the countries where we work.
Irish Aid programmes are evaluated and audited by independent experts as well as by Irish Aid's Evaluation and Audit Unit. The Unit's work is also reviewed by the independent Audit Committee of my Department. These evaluations and audits provide assurance that funds are used for the purposes intended and have a particular focus on poverty reduction outcomes and value for money.
The OECD has found that "the structure of Irish Aid's programme ensures that the capacity and policy benefits of programme aid are achieved whilst improvements in the quality and accountability of public financial management together with rigorous oversight ensure that Irish funds are correctly used."
While we are working in some of the most difficult environments in the world, I am satisfied that the assessment, monitoring, evaluation and audit systems which Irish Aid has put in place provide the best assurance that development aid funding is being used for the intended objectives.
87 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in regard to Palestine, if he is in a position to work with the Agricultural Project, Green Palestine for Rural Development, through the auspices of Irish Aid. [25723/11]
Through the Irish Aid programme of overseas development assistance, the Government provides significant funding assistance to the Palestinian people.
In 2010, Irish Aid provided €9 million to address humanitarian and development needs, provide emergency assistance to the most vulnerable Palestinians, and support the Palestinian Authority in public service delivery. We also provide funding to both Palestinian and Israeli civil society organisations focusing on human rights issues. Ireland is also a strong supporter of the UN agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), which provides vital social services, including health and education, to five million Palestinian refugees. Work is now under way within Irish Aid, in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to finalise a new strategy for our programme of support to the Palestinian people. This strategy will reinforce the priority Ireland attaches to meeting the needs of the most vulnerable Palestinians and will involve a particular focus on education, an area which will be vital in assisting individual Palestinians and Palestinian society as a whole to achieve their potential.
While the Government does not at present provide direct funding through Irish Aid to the agricultural sector in Palestine, Irish funding to both the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA indirectly supports the implementation of Palestinian policies on rural development and food security, as set out in the Palestinian Authority's National Development Plan 2011-2013.
88 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if it is envisaged that framework legislation will be introduced to underpin the commitment to the State’s programme of official development assistance and the United Nations target of investing 0.7% of national income in overseas aid by 2015. [25902/11]
The Government is strongly committed to Ireland's overseas development programme, which is central to our foreign policy. The programme is clearly focused on the fight against extreme poverty and hunger, and concentrated in some of the poorest countries of sub-Saharan Africa. The Programme for Government underlines our commitment to the UN target of spending 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) on Official Development Assistance (ODA). Despite the difficult economic environment, and the pressure on aid budgets across the developed world, we remain committed to the 0.7% GNP target.
It has been suggested that legislating for ODA allocations and the 0.7% commitment would ensure that Ireland meets its international ODA commitments and protect annual ODA allocations. I expect that the issue will arise in the context of the consultations with the public and interested organisations under the review of the White Paper on Irish Aid, which is now under way.
Over the coming years, it is clear that decisions on the annual allocations for the aid programme will have to be taken within the overall budgetary framework and the fiscal constraints on the Government. As Minister with responsibility for trade and development, I will make the strongest possible case for funding for development cooperation. I will also ensure that Ireland's aid programme continues to focus rigorously on the achievement of results and provides strong international leadership in making aid more effective, for the ultimate benefit of the world's poorest people.
89 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade while acknowledging Serbia’s arrest of indicated war criminals, if he will ensure Serbia’s compliance with those articles in the stabilisation and association agreement requiring the necessity of Serbia’s contribution to stabilisation of the region and their fostering of regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations in view of recent provocative statements regarding Kosovo made by a Serbian Minister and in view of recent difficulties in the trade deal between Kosovo and Serbia. [26016/11]
Dáil Éireann approved the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) on 21 July 2011. A letter communicating Ireland's ratification of the SAA was sent to the Council of the European Union on 23 September 2011. The EU-Serbia SAA will come into effect once all EU Member States have ratified the agreement. Currently, eight Member States are still in the process of completing their national ratification procedures. Articles 14-17 of the Agreement, which deal with regional cooperation, are a crucial part of the SAA . They require Serbia to actively promote regional cooperation and to commit itself to the development of good neighbourly relations, including through free trade. Similar obligations apply equally to other Western Balkans countries which have concluded Stabilisation and Association Agreements with the EU.
Serbia and Kosovo have been engaged in an EU-facilitated dialogue since March 2011 following on from a joint EU-Serbia resolution at the UN General Assembly last year. The talks led to agreements on a number of practical matters including civil registry, freedom of movement and acceptance of university and school diplomas. Tensions escalated in northern Kosovo in late July in connection with customs controls at Kosovo's border with Serbia. Ireland and its EU partners appealed to both sides to show restraint. At a further round of Belgrade-Pristina talks on 2 September, agreements were reached on customs stamps and cadastral records. We welcome the fact that the talks were reconvened and that it was possible to reach agreement on a Kosovo customs stamp.
Ireland is a member of the board of Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), based in Sarajevo, which brings together all the countries of the Western Balkans and their neighbours and aims to promote cooperation in the region. Since the RCC was founded in 2008, Ireland has contributed almost €200,000 to it in furtherance of our national objective of enhancing cooperation in the Western Balkans. There have been improvements in regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations involving Serbia in recent years. Notable examples of this include: the establishment of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue; the March 2010 resolution of the Serbian Parliament condemning the Srebrenica massacre; the joint attendance of the Presidents of Serbia and Croatia at a ceremony in Bosnia-Herzegovina in July 2010 to mark the 15th anniversary of the massacre; and the visit of the Serbian President to Vukovar in Croatia in November 2010 to commemorate victims of a siege by Serb forces. In July 2011, President Tadic paid the first official visit by a Serbian President to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
I welcomed the arrests this summer of Ratko Mladic and Goran Hadzic by the Serbian authorities, and their swift transfer to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague for trial. The arrests represented an important step in addressing the appalling atrocities committed during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1990s. Their trials in The Hague will help to further the cause of true reconciliation in the Western Balkans region.
On 12 October, the European Commission will publish its annual report on the EU Enlargement process, which will assess the progress of all the countries of the Western Balkans on key benchmarks, including their shared obligation to develop regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations. I look forward to receiving the report of the Commission on progress made by Serbia and all the countries of the Western Balkans in their preparations for accession to the European Union.
90 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding taxes. [26019/11]
94 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will meet with a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [26429/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 94 together.
As I mentioned in my reply to the Deputy in Question Number 44 of 14 September 2011 on this matter, the role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade concerning private property transactions by Irish nationals abroad is limited and redress in such cases, including on taxation issues, should be sought through the relevant legal system. However, as indicated previously, officials in the Embassy of Ireland in Lisbon are ready to discuss any concerns the individual has with him. Officials at my Department's headquarters can, of course, assist in arranging such contact, as necessary.
91 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade notwithstanding the Civil Service circular No. 28, if he will provide a list of the current pay of each senior civil servant from higher executive officer to secretary general in his Department broken down by grade; the pension entitlements of each and any other emoluments they are entitled to receive upon reaching retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26237/11]
It would be inordinately time consuming to compile such detailed information in respect of some 550 individual officers. However, in order to be as informative as possible I have set out in the following table details of the Department's staff by grade from Higher Executive Officer upwards as well as the applicable salary scales. The figures take account of officers of other Government Departments serving in our Missions abroad, most notably Ireland's Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels, except where their salaries and other costs are borne by their parent Departments. Ministerial appointees are excluded. The table reflects the position as of 31 August 2011.
|
Grade |
Number serving (based on full-time equivalents) |
Standard pay scale for the Grade€ per annum |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
215,590 (voluntarily reduced to 200,000) |
|
Second Secretary |
2 |
188,640 |
|
Deputy Secretary |
4 |
168,000 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
36 |
127,796—146,191 |
|
Legal Adviser |
1 |
127,796—146,191 |
|
Counsellor |
50 |
80,051—98,424 |
|
Counsellor Higher |
16 |
85,957—105,429 |
|
Principal Officer |
11 |
80,051—98,424 |
|
Principal Officer Higher |
5 |
85,957—105,429 |
|
Principal Development Specialist |
5 |
92,672—105,356 |
|
Senior Development Specialist |
17 |
74,514—89,898 |
|
Development Specialist |
25.8 |
61,966—76,768 |
|
Assistant Legal Adviser |
6.5 |
61,966—76,768 |
|
First Secretary |
87 |
61,966—76,768 |
|
First Secretary Higher |
21.6 |
67,913—84,296 |
|
Assistant Principal |
49.8 |
61,966—76,768 |
|
Assistant Principal Higher |
15 |
67,913—84,296 |
|
Professional Accountant Grade 1 |
2 |
65,247—80,814 |
|
Professional Accountant Grade 2 |
1 |
55,863—69,132 |
|
Architect (Principal Officer) |
1 |
85,957—105,429 |
|
Senior Architect |
1 |
59,719—80,814 |
|
Translator |
1 |
55,863—69,132 |
|
Third Secretary |
78 |
31,619—55,415 |
|
Third Secretary Higher |
29.6 |
40,734—57,215 |
|
Administrative Officer |
3 |
31,619—55,415 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
40.8 |
43,816—55,415 |
|
Higher Executive Officer Higher |
18.75 |
46,426—57,251 |
|
Librarian |
1 |
43,182—55,967 |
|
HEO Systems Analyst |
6 |
43,816—55,415 |
The superannuation entitlements of civil servants vary greatly depending on a number of considerations including recruitment date and applicable superannuation scheme, as well as age, salary and number of years completed service upon retirement. Staff recruited since 1 April 2004 have no maximum retirement age.
92 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has submitted a strategy statement to him, as specified under the 1997 Public Service Management Act; and if so, if he will publish this statement. [26401/11]
I wish to confirm to the Deputy that my Department's draft Statement of Strategy for 2011-2014 has been submitted to me, in accordance with the requirements of the Public Service Management Act. The Department is currently engaged in a number of ongoing processes, including the finalisation of the arrangements for the transfer of certain EU- related functions to the Department of the Taoiseach and the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, and the Statement of Strategy will be finalised with a view to accurately reflecting decisions arising from these processes.
Thereafter, I will, as set out in the Guidelines on the preparation of Statements of Strategy, consult with the Taoiseach on the draft Statement prior to its finalisation, submission for information to the Government and publication. The Statement of Strategy will, in accordance with the Public Service Management Act, be laid before the Oireachtas no later than 60 days after its approval.
93 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade noting the recent statement by the Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan that the Turkish defence forces will protect Turkish citizens attempting to bring humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza, if he will ensure that Irish citizens attempting to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza will be protected against hostile forces. [25254/11]
I continue to regard the blockade of Gaza as unjustified and counter-productive, as I made clear when I addressed the UN General Assembly yesterday in New York. The only real solution is the full opening of the land crossing points between Israel and Gaza. Ireland, along with our EU Partners, continues to press for a full opening up of the border crossings into Gaza to allow unimpeded flows of humanitarian aid, and normal commercial and human traffic, as clearly called for by UN Security Council Resolution 1860 of January 2009. It is also clear that the genuine humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza cannot be met through flotillas or land convoys attempting to bring aid through Egypt. Aid carried to Gaza port or transported through the Rafah crossing can only meet a tiny and symbolic fraction of the territory's needs. The full opening of land crossings is required to enable any semblance of normal life to resume in the territory. I recognise that Israel is entitled to prevent the transport of weapons and genuinely military materials into Gaza, and therefore to check cargoes in this context, but other goods and materials should not be impeded.
I recognise the humanitarian motivations of those attempting to transport humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, as I have previously stated, I cannot encourage participation in any project which would involve Irish citizens engaging in actions which could lead them into real danger. My Department's travel advice is quite clear in recommending against travel to Gaza, including by sea. We also continue to press the Israeli Government to do all possible to facilitate those wishing to transport humanitarian goods to Gaza while my Department will also continue to provide all possible consular services, where necessary.
I would observe that a more effective means of providing humanitarian aid to Gaza would be to do so by donating to UN agencies such as UNRWA, which have established means of transporting aid to Gaza.
95 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Finance the reason he will not permit local authorities to make payments to subcontractors under the RCT 35 return in the absence of a valid C2 certificate which is the law laid down by the Revenue Commissioner as a method of payment between all principle and subcontractors in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26309/11]
Circular 43/2006 issued by my Department advised Government Departments and other public sector bodies concerned with awarding public sector contracts of the procedures relating to tax clearance.
In the case of sub-contractors on any public sector contract of a value of €10,000 (inclusive of VAT) or more, the contracting authority should, when advertising the main contract, state that it will be a condition for the award of the contract that all sub-contractors employed on the project must produce a tax reference number where payments exceed €650. Records of tax reference numbers must be kept by the contractor and be available for inspection where requested by the Revenue Commissioners.
Where payments exceed €2,600 in any 12 month period the sub-contractor will be required to produce either a current tax clearance certificate or a current C2 certificate. It should be made clear to sub-contractors that payments under a contract are at all times conditional on compliance with these requirements. It will be the responsibility of the relevant contractor to ensure that any sub-contractor employed by him complies with these requirements. In all cases contracting authorities must ensure that contractors have complied with these requirements.
It should be emphasised in the case of sub-contractors in the construction, forestry and meat processing industries that, in the absence of a C2 certificate, tax must continue to be deducted at source at the rate of 35 per cent in accordance with Section 531 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 as amended not withstanding the fact that a tax clearance certificate has been furnished under these arrangements.
96 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the amount raised for the Exchequer during 2010 by the income levy; and the amount that would have been raised were the income levy applied only to those earning in excess of €30,000 per annum. [25654/11]
The Income Levy was collected by the Revenue Commissioners as a component of Income Tax. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that it is estimated that €1,446 million was collected from the Income Levy in the calendar year 2010. However, as is normal, it would have been expected that the total Income Levy liability for the income tax year 2010 would be higher at €1,710 million and the difference would have been collected in 2011/12. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated full year yield to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2010 incomes, of confining the Income Levy to all income earners earning in excess of €30,000 per annum, and double that amount for married couples, would have been of the order of €1,405 million.
These figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2009 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends for the year 2010. They are therefore provisional and may to be revised.
97 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the revenue that would be raised for the Exchequer by reducing capital acquisition tax thresholds by 25% and increasing the CAT rate by 10%. [25655/11]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated full year yield to the Exchequer from increasing the Capital Acquisitions Tax rate by 10%, based on the expected outturn in 2011, could be in the region of €110 million, assuming no change in the existing thresholds. The additional full year yield from existing taxpayers from reducing the existing thresholds by 25% and applying the proposed rate of 35% to the additional amounts thus brought into charge is estimated to be of the order of €50 million. Revenue do not receive information on gifts and inheritances which currently do not have to be declared so it is not possible to estimate the potential yield if such benefits were brought into the tax net. These estimates are based on transactions recorded in 2010, the latest year for which the necessary detailed information is available. It should be noted that these estimates are based upon an assumption that there would be no behavioural impact from these changes, which could lead to a less than expected impact on Exchequer yield. In addition, the realisation of any estimated yield from an increase in taxation on assets related to property is subject to movements in the value of such assets currently occurring in the economy.
98 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a list of financial institutions covered by the Central Bank’s consumer protection code. [25659/11]
I have been informed by the Central Bank that its Consumer Protection Code applies to the regulated activities of all regulated entities operating in this State including:
the services of all regulated entities operating in this State for which they require to be authorised by, or registered with, the Central Bank, and
persons with an equivalent authorisation or registration in another EU or EEA Member state when providing services in this State on a branch or cross-border basis,
the services of a financial or investment nature that are subject to regulation by the Central Bank, for which a separate authorisation is not required.
For the purposes of the Code "regulated activities" are services of a financial or investment nature that are subject to the regulation of the Central Bank. Also for the purposes of the Code "regulated entity" means a person who carries on a business of providing one or more "regulated activities".
The Code does not apply to regulated entities when:
providing services to persons outside the State,
providing Markets in Financial Instruments Directive Services,
providing the services of a "moneylender", within the meaning of the Consumer Credit Act 1995,
carrying on the business of reinsurance or reinsurance mediation,
carrying on the business of a "bureau de change" or "money transmission", within the meaning of Part V of the Central Bank Act 1997,
if such firm is a credit union, when providing services for which it does not require to be authorised by or registered with the Central Bank,
carrying on the business of entering into hire purchase agreements, or
carrying on the business of entering into consumer hire agreements.
The Central Bank has advised me that its registers contain individual registers for all financial service providers and collective investment schemes regulated by it. A consumer wishing to do business with a financial institution may check, by using a link on the Central Bank's website and inserting the company name in question, whether or not that institution is regulated by the Central Bank.
99 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the establishment of a strategic investment fund to support small and medium enterprises; the way the fund will be resourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25697/11]
As I said in a reply to a question from Deputy Ferris on 14 September last, ensuring that a strategic investment bank is operating in the domestic banking market, providing finance to large capital projects and acting as a conduit for venture capital as well as a lender to SMEs, is an objective in the Programme for Government. A comprehensive programme of bank recapitalisation and restructuring is currently under way following my statement on the future banking landscape in Ireland at the end of March last. The essential detailed assessment and planning work to meet this objective will be accelerated once the Government's key objectives for the renewal of the banking system, which are ahead of schedule, have been completed. This assessment will include the strategic investment bank's relationship with the two pillar banks and the time line for its establishment.
As regards the support of small and medium enterprises in general, 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.
100 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if any refund of income tax paid is due in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25713/11]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, according to their records, no income tax was paid by the person concerned in 2008. Accordingly no refund is due for 2008.
101 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the reason full entitlement of refundable income tax was not determined on the basis of income earned in 2009 when they ceased employment so payment in respect of which did not issue until 2010 in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25714/11]
It is a long established principle in tax case law that emoluments from an employment are taxable in the year in which they are earned (and not necessarily assessable in the tax year in which such emoluments are paid). In addition to such principle, Section 112 Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides that where an individual receives emoluments from a former employer, such emoluments are assessable in the tax year in which the employment with that employer ceased.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that in contrast, the PAYE tax deducted in 2010 from the 2009 arrears (paid in 2010) is given as a credit in the 2010 tax year even though the arrears are assessable in 2009. I am further informed by the Revenue Commissioners that in the case in respect of which details are supplied, the relevant arrears have been correctly assessed in the 2009 tax year and the individual has received full and proper credit in the 2010 tax year in respect of the PAYE tax deducted in 2010 from the 2009 arrears. Taking one year with the next, the overall position gives rise to a repayment of tax that issued on 31st August 2011.
Finally, Revenue were not aware of the arrears of pay situation until representations were made on 11th August 2011 on behalf of the individual in respect of whom details are supplied.
102 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the reason full entitlement of refundable income tax was not determined on the basis of income earned in 2009 when they ceased employment so payment in respect of which did not issue until 2010 in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25715/11]
It is a long established principle in tax case law that emoluments from an employment are taxable in the year in which they are earned (and not necessarily assessable in the tax year in which such emoluments are paid). In addition to such principle, Section 112 Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides that where an individual receives emoluments from a former employer, such emoluments are assessable in the tax year in which the employment with that employer ceased.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that in contrast, the PAYE tax deducted in 2010 from the 2009 arrears (paid in 2010) is given as a credit in the 2010 tax year even though the arrears are assessable in 2009. I am further informed by the Revenue Commissioners that in the case in respect of which details are supplied, the relevant arrears have been correctly assessed in the 2009 tax year and the individual has received full and proper credit in the 2010 tax year in respect of the PAYE tax deducted in 2010 from the 2009 arrears. Taking one year with the next, the overpayment in respect of the 2010 tax year has been off-set against the arrears of tax for the 2009 tax year.
103 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the application from a company (details supplied) in Dublin 2 to the Central Bank for a licence to become a deposit bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25726/11]
The authorisation of credit institutions is a matter for the Central Bank of Ireland and, as such, applications for authorisation are not considered by the Minister for Finance. A full list of authorised credit institutions is published on the Central Bank's website at www.centralbank.ie.
104 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Finance if new legislation on the regulation of credit unions is being prepared; if so, the persons preparing same; when it is likely to be drafted; the main issues being addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25728/11]
Under the EU/IMF Programme, legislation is to be published by end-2011 to strengthen the regulatory framework for credit unions. The Government has established the Commission on Credit Unions to review the future of the credit union sector. In line with the Programme for Government, the Commission will review the future of the credit union movement and make recommendations in relation to the most effective regulatory structure for credit unions. This will take into account their not-for-profit mandate, their volunteer ethos and community focus, while paying due regard to the need to fully protect depositors' savings and financial stability.
The Commission on Credit Unions is due to submit its interim report to me by the end of this week. This report will inform the preparation of the bill to be published by the end of this year. As is normal for financial legislation, the Bill will be prepared by the Department of Finance in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and will take into account the advice of the Central Bank and the Registrar of Credit Unions.
105 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the situation outlined in documents (details supplied); the steps he will take to ensure that the EBS which was in receipt of State funding fulfils its obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25768/11]
I have no role in relation to a dispute that arises between a consumer and his/her financial service provider. In relation to the case mentioned by the Deputy, I am aware that it was submitted to the Financial Services Ombudsman (FSO). The FSO is independent in the performance of his statutory duty. I cannot comment on any decision which he may have taken.
106 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Finance the number of employees in his Department who have expressed an interest in retiring ahead of the changes to the public sector pension schemes that are to come into force in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25785/11]
A number of employees in my Department will be required to retire in 2012 upon reaching their compulsory retirement age of 65 while others may retire upon reaching their minimum retirement age of 60 years of age or on actuarially reduced pension terms if they are within ten years of minimum retirement age. Since 11 July 2011, all staff in the civil service who intend to retire on or before 29 February 2012 are required to give 3 months notice of their date of retirement. Accordingly, in advance of the cut-off date of 30 November 2011, and taking account of the many factors that might determine an employee's decision to retire or not, it is not possible to accurately reflect, at this juncture, the number of employees in the Department who will submit a formal notification of retirement.
107 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Finance if there is currently a phone number persons can use to report tax defaulters; and if such a hotline is manned at all times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25843/11]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the Deputy and the Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners discussed this at the meeting of the Public Accounts Committee on the 22nd. September. While there is no one dedicated phone number, the Chairman outlined that people can, and do, advise Revenue of evidence of tax evasion through the network of local offices, by phone, email or letter. She also spoke about the Confidential Freephone 1800 295 295 for reporting tobacco smuggling or sale of illicit tobacco products. The challenge with these approaches is how to get useful information while minimising the opportunity cost to Revenue and the impact on compliant taxpayers.
With a view to improving the value, Revenue is currently discussing with some business/trade bodies the provision of a template form which their members can complete and submit through the body, thereby protecting their identities if they wish.
Reports of suspected evasion/fraud should provide as much detail as possible particularly in terms of location, names, addresses, telephone numbers and vehicle registrations.
108 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Finance if he will reconsider the recently introduced pension levy in view of the fact that members of pension schemes are facing increased contributions and reductions in benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25859/11]
As I explained in my speech introducing the "Jobs Initiative" in May last, the decision to fund the Initiative by way of a levy on pension funds over the 4 year period was taken because the alternatives for increases in taxation elsewhere at this time would be more damaging to the economy.
I do not have any plans for alternative sources of revenue to fund the Jobs Initiative.
109 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that companies from outside this jurisdiction operating within this State will in the future be required to report on their taxes paid and profits made on a country basis. [25903/11]
The issue of country-by-country reporting by Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) features prominently on the agenda of both the European Union and the OECD. In 2010, the EU Commission issued a Communication setting out a twelve point action plan in support of the Millennium Development Goals which inter alia called on Member States to facilitate ongoing research into country-by-country reporting. Work is proceeding at the EU level on this with an initial focus on the extractive sector.
In parallel, the OECD, through the work of the Development Assistance Committee, is seeking to enhance transparency and accountability of MNEs including an examination of the feasibility of introducing full disclosure through country-by-country reporting.
While we are supportive of the efforts of the EU Commission and the OECD in this area , we are also pragmatic in recognising the inherent difficulties in advancing the issue, because of the many stakeholders involved including the International Accounting Standards Board and MNEs themselves which have very real competitive concerns.
I want to assure the Deputy that we will continue to work with our Partners on this issue but equally we would not wish that this issue would deflect attention from other very important transparency issues such as Exchange of Information and facilitating developing countries in their negotiations with MNEs.
110 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider introducing a scheme of assistance administrated by Enterprise Ireland to deal with the currency crisis for small and medium enterprise here that are not being afforded credit by suppliers operating in Britain as a result of recent developments in the euro economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25906/11]
I have no plans at present to introduce a scheme of assistance similar to the one outlined by the Deputy in his question.
111 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of the €50 million patent income tax exemption claimed in 2010 that was availed of by multinationals versus the amount claimed by Irish small and medium enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25907/11]
The termination of the tax exemption for royalty and other income arising from qualifying patents came into effect from 24 November 2010 at an estimated full year yield of €50 million.
The decision to abolish the relief was taken in the light of a recommendation to this effect by the Commission on Taxation. As part of its review of all tax expenditures, the Commission on Taxation examined the relief for patent income to determine if its continued operation was justified on cost benefit grounds. The Commission found that the relief had not had the desired impact on innovation and R&D activity and that, despite various refinements to the scheme over the years, it was not a particularly well-targeted measure providing good value for money.
The R&D credit scheme provides a more direct and effective incentive for enterprises to innovate and invest in R&D activities and the scheme has been enhanced considerably in recent years to make it one of the most competitive of its kind anywhere.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that information in relation to claims for patent income exemption is derived from corporation tax returns and income tax returns. Based on the information that has been provided in the tax returns for the tax year 2009, the latest year for which the necessary detailed data are available, the total cost to the Exchequer of the patent income exemption was €72 million, of which approximately €16 million was associated with claims from companies.
I am also informed by the Revenue Commissioners that statistics on the amount of patent income exemption claimed by multinational corporations is not separately available. However, it is likely that many of the larger claims of patent income exemptions by companies are claimed by large multinational companies.
Data for the year 2010 is not yet available as the bulk of tax returns for that year are not yet due.
112 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the potential savings to the Exchequer from limiting the capital allowances available to business at €2 million. [25951/11]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that based on claims for capital allowances on the income tax returns and corporation tax returns for 2009, the latest year available, the notional cash flow saving to the Exchequer of limiting capital allowances available to business at €2 million in a tax year could be in the region of €1 billion if applied to all existing and new claims. The estimated cash-flow yield does not take account of any potential additional yield from applying the proposed cap to claimed but unused capital allowances which have either been brought forward from prior years or will be carried forward into future years as losses and are no longer separately identifiable as capital allowances.
Neither do the estimated savings take into account the potential substantial loss to the Exchequer of taxes such as Corporation Tax, Value Added Tax and PAYE as a result of the probable disincentive effect the proposal would have on businesses investing in large capital projects. For example, as capital expenditure on plant and machinery is generally written off for tax purposes on a straight-line basis over eight years, the proposed cap would impact on any project in excess of €16 million.
Furthermore, no account can be taken of any possible changes made to corporate structures which could result in an effort by businesses to maximize their use of capital allowances restricted as proposed.
It would be more difficult to quantify the saving to the Exchequer if the proposal were confined to new expenditure only as there is insufficient data on the timing and quantum of such expenditure to allow for a meaningful estimate to be made.
113 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Finance if during the course of his negotiations the ECB was made aware that Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society were both solvent; and if the Central Bank of Ireland communicated the full and frank financial picture to the ECB during the course of negotiations and specifically in the run up to the bank guarantee in 2008. [25952/11]
Ireland has a good cordial and professional relationship with both the ECB and the European Commission. The relationships are built on mutual trust, openness and a cooperative and collegiate approach to issues that arise.
In relation to the Bank Guarantee I understand that in September 2008, the then Minister for Finance, after consulting with the Governor and the Regulatory Authority, had formed the opinion that there was a serious threat to the stability of credit institutions generally, and that the provision of financial support was necessary, in the public interest, for maintaining the stability of the financial system in the State and to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of the State. In his report on events at that time Professor Honohan states "It is hard to argue with the view that an extensive guarantee needed to be put in place, since all participants (rightly) felt that they faced the likely collapse of the Irish banking system within days in the absence of decisive immediate action. Given the hysterical state of global financial markets in those weeks, failure to avoid this outcome would have resulted in immediate and lasting damage to the economy and society. There would have been additional lost income and employment surely amounting, if it could be quantified, to tens of billions of euros."
The Governor's report contains a detailed account of event leading up to the provision of the Guarantee including in relation to the advice that would have been received by the Minister from the Central Bank and Financial Regulator. Paragraph 8.19 of the report in which the Governor states that the clear consensus of those bodies was that the problem being experienced by the domestic credit institutions was essentially one of liquidity rather than solvency as a consequence of a world-wide "financial tsunami". In addition in his discussions with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance and the Public Service on 15 June 2010 the Governor stated that the Minister would not have been aware of solvency concerns relating to the banking system because the Financial Regulator did not have solvency concerns.
As the Deputy is aware the Central Bank is independent in the performance of its functions and in its dealings with the ECB. I can not comment on what was communicated between the Central Bank and the ECB.
114 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the secondees currently working in the National Assets Management Agency; the duration of their contracts; the amount that NAMA pays for their services; the firms the secondees come from; the amounts payable to individual firms; if he will confirm if NAMA also uses these firms for paid consultancy work; if so, the firms that are used; the amount they have earned for consultancy work; and if NAMA has taken any steps to ensure that firms which do not supply secondees are not unfairly disadvantaged by NAMA’s relationships with firms that provide secondees. [25973/11]
I am informed by NAMA that there are currently three secondees working on short-term assignments of less than 3-months duration in the Agency. It is NAMA's practice to use secondees only on short-term specialist assignments where this is the most cost-effective option available. One of the three is on secondment from the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency examining NAMA's database regarding stock suitability for social housing.
The other two have been provided to NAMA by Knight Frank property consultants and Olswang, a leading UK law firm. The Knight Frank secondee is assisting with processing the final property valuation reports and the Olswang secondee is a specialist UK banking solicitor.
The cost of procuring the services of the secondees is a confidential commercial matter between NAMA and the firms concerned but I understand that they are being provided to NAMA on a cost recovery basis.
Knight Frank is one of 24 firms on the Real Estate Valuation Panel, all of which have received work from NAMA. It has also been appointed as receiver for 9 properties owned by Derek Quinlan. Olswang is one of 31 firms on the 42-firm Enforcement and Re-financing Panel to have received work from NAMA.
NAMA advises me that those firms which do not supply secondees are not disadvantaged, given the small number of secondees required by the agency.
115 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of a company’s (details supplied) remit to assist his Department on the restructuring of Irish banks, including the start date and end date of the contract; if he will confirm that this company has recently pitched for projects outside of this original remit; if he will clarify if this company was asked to re-tender for this work in line with normal competitive process; and the fees budgeted for this company’s work on Irish bank restructuring and the level of fees. [25974/11]
The company referred to in the question was engaged on 16 May 2011 until 31 December 2011 as external adviser on bank restructuring, to ensure a timely, efficient and effective process, and to review the proposals for merger and integration. A fixed fee, including expenses, of €2.75m was agreed for the engagement. The company has carried out no work for the NTMA or the Department of Finance other than that specified under the terms of the contract nor has it proposed to do so.
116 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the proposal in the Northern Assembly to place a tax on mobile phone masts; if he will consider this proposal; and if he will provide an estimate of the revenue that could be raised. [25986/11]
I am aware of the proposal to which the Deputy refers. Placing such a charge on mobile telephone masts could deter service providers from erecting new masts in areas where coverage is bad. Consideration would also have to be given to the possible impact within the communications sector and on our communications infrastructure of such a proposal.
I have been informed by ComReg that there are approximately 4,500 mobile telephone ‘sites', consisting of a mix of masts and building mounted sites. The potential yield from such a tax would obviously be dependent on the rate applied per mast or site. Mobile telephone companies are already subject to VAT at 21% on calls and text messages. Any further charges would probably be ultimately passed on to the user.
I have no plans to introduce such a tax.
117 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Finance the revenue loss to the Exchequer from the abolition of the PRSI charge on share-based remuneration; and if he will provide an estimate of the jobs protected by the abolition. [25989/11]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the employer PRSI charge on share based remuneration introduced by the previous Government, which I abolished as part of the recent Jobs Initiative. Following the announcement that I made on the 18 March 2011, which clarified that PRSI would only apply to share based remuneration that was subject to a written agreement entered into after 1 January 2011, it was estimated that the employer PRSI element would have yielded approximately €1.8 million in 2011. In my view, the introduction of the employer PRSI charge, by increasing costs for employers, had the potential to seriously damage the economy, particularly in terms of making Ireland less attractive for foreign direct investment, as many FDI firms use share based remuneration schemes. While it is not possible to estimate the number of jobs that will be protected, or created, as a result of the abolition of the charge, the danger of job losses or a reduction in our attractiveness for investment, far outweighed the yield that could be achieved from it.
118 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Finance the measures that have been taken to verify that the VAT reductions on certain goods and services from 13.5% to 9% have been passed on to consumers; the estimated rate of compliance by business in reducing prices in accordance with the VAT reduction and the estimated loss of revenue to the Exchequer. [25990/11]
As announced under the Jobs Initiative, a second reduced VAT rate of 9% was introduced on a temporary basis in respect of certain services and goods mainly related to tourism for the period 1 July 2011 to end 2013. Specifically the 9% rate applies to restaurant and catering services; hotel and holiday accommodation; various entertainment services such as admissions to cinemas, theatres, certain musical performances, museums, art gallery exhibitions and fairgrounds/amusement parks, the use of sporting facilities; hairdressing services; and printed matter such as brochures, maps, programmes, leaflets, catalogues, newspapers and magazines. The introduction of the 9% VAT rate is aimed at contributing towards boosting tourism and the creation of additional jobs in that sector. The measure has received a very positive response from the tourism sector and a recent press release from the Restaurants Association of Ireland, for example, reports the passing on of the new rate by the majority of members surveyed. Of course compliance by business in reducing prices is key to the success of the initiative and this will be kept under review and will be evaluated before end 2012 in order to determine its effectiveness in aiding the industry. If it is shown that the VAT reduction has little or no effect in aiding the industry then the measure is open to being reformed or abolished. In addition, checks on the correct operation of VAT, including the rates of VAT applied are integral parts of Revenue's audit and compliance programmes.
The measure is estimated to cost €120 million this year and €350 million in 2012 and 2013.
119 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details on the average value of a mortgage issued by the covered institutions in the Dublin region for each of the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011. [26021/11]
122 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details on the number of mortgages issued by the covered institutions in the Dublin region for each of the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011. [26034/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 122 together.
Unfortunately, it has not been possible to get the information from the covered institutions in the timeframe allowed by the Question. I will write to the Deputy in the near future with information provided by the institutions. I would caution however that one institution, at this point, has responded indicating that the information requested by the Deputy is commercially sensitive and that the institution will not be in a position to provide such information.
120 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the total cost to the State of the Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society promissory notes including broken down by the interest payable on the promissory notes, the interest on borrowing to service the note and the capital payments; if he will detail the payment schedule and the date when the full debt including interest will be paid in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26029/11]
The promissory notes were issued in various tranches with different interest rates (four tranches for Anglo and 2 tranches for INBS. The total interest cost for the State for all tranches of the Anglo and Irish Nationwide promissory notes is circa €17 billion with annual repayments of €3.1 billion per annum. These annual repayments reduce over time as the various tranches of the promissory note are repaid. The final payment on the promissory note of circa €0.1billion will be made on 31 March 2031. Set out is a detailed aggregated schedule of capital repayments and interest on the promissory notes.
|
€bn |
Total Interest |
Repayments |
Total Capital Reduction |
|
31/3/2011 |
0.6 |
3.1 |
2.5 |
|
31/3/2012 |
— |
3.1 |
3.1 |
|
31/3/2013 |
0.5 |
3.1 |
2.6 |
|
31/3/2014 |
1.8 |
3.1 |
1.2 |
|
31/3/2015 |
1.7 |
3.1 |
1.3 |
|
31/3/2016 |
1.7 |
3.1 |
1.4 |
|
31/3/2017 |
1.5 |
3.1 |
1.5 |
|
31/3/2018 |
1.4 |
3.1 |
1.6 |
|
31/3/2019 |
1.3 |
3.1 |
1.7 |
|
31/3/2020 |
1.2 |
3.1 |
1.9 |
|
31/3/2021 |
1.1 |
3.1 |
2.0 |
|
31/3/2022 |
0.9 |
3.1 |
2.2 |
|
31/3/2023 |
0.7 |
3.1 |
2.3 |
|
31/3/2024 |
0.6 |
2.1 |
1.5 |
|
31/3/2025 |
0.4 |
0.9 |
0.5 |
|
31/3/2026 |
0.4 |
0.9 |
0.5 |
|
31/3/2027 |
0.3 |
0.9 |
0.6 |
|
31/3/2028 |
0.3 |
0.9 |
0.6 |
|
31/3/2029 |
0.2 |
0.9 |
0.7 |
|
31/3/2030 |
0.1 |
0.9 |
0.8 |
|
31/3/2031 |
0.0 |
0.1 |
0.0 |
|
16.8 |
47.9 |
30.6 |
The Deputy should be aware that the funds which become available to the State as a result of borrowing undertaken by the Exchequer are not generally assigned to one particular area of expenditure. Rather they are available, along with the funds sourced from revenues such as tax revenue, non-tax revenue and capital receipts, to fund overall expenditure. Accordingly, there was no one tranche of borrowing that was undertaken solely for the purpose of funding the Promissory Note payments to Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society. The draw downs of funds so far under the Joint EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support have been used for a range of different purposes including of course the general running of the day-to-day operations of the State. It is difficult therefore to isolate precisely the exact cost of the interest payments on the borrowing undertaken to fund the Promissory Note payments. However, for illustrative purposes, on the basis of the original 5.8% blended average interest rate which applied to borrowing under the Programme, the interest costs on borrowing of €3,060 million would be just under €180 million per annum. In light of the recently agreed reduction in interest rates on funding available under the Joint EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support however, the estimated interest cost on such borrowing reduces to approximately €115 million per annum.
121 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the total Government debt in monetary terms, as a percentage of GDP and as a percentage of GNP for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; if he will provide a breakdown of these figures in both monetary and percentage terms detailing the portion of the debt attributable to public expenditure and the portion attributable to spending on banks such as recapitalisation and servicing the Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society promissory note; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26030/11]
The Deputy should be aware that the funds which become available to the State as a result of borrowing undertaken by the Exchequer are not generally assigned to one particular area of expenditure. Rather they are available, along with the funds sourced from revenues such as tax revenue, non-tax revenue and capital receipts, to fund overall expenditure. The figures for General Government debt for the years 2007-2010 as well as the latest published estimate for 2011 from the April Stability Programme Update (SPU) are set out in the table below. General Government debt is the standard measure used within the EU for comparative purposes. General Government debt is a gross measure and it does not allow for the netting off of cash balances or the value of the assets in the National Pension Reserve Fund.
My department is currently reviewing its macroeconomic and fiscal forecasts in the light of later data. These forecasts, which will include revisions of debt projections, will be published in next month's Pre-Budget Outlook. As such the information in the table for 2011 may be revised.
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
||
|
1 |
General Government Debt |
47.4 |
79.8 |
104.8 |
148.1 |
173.0 |
|
as % of GDP |
25% |
44% |
65% |
92% |
109% |
|
|
as % of GNP |
29% |
52% |
79% |
115% |
137% |
|
|
2 |
Budgetary requirement not related to banking |
1.6 |
12.7 |
20.6 |
18.0 |
15.1 |
|
as % of GDP |
1% |
7% |
13% |
11% |
10% |
|
|
as % of GNP |
1% |
8% |
16% |
14% |
12% |
|
|
3a |
recapitalisation and other direct banking measures |
4.0 |
0.7 |
7.6 |
||
|
3b |
Issue of the promissory note |
30.9 |
0.6 |
|||
|
as % of GDP |
2% |
20% |
5% |
|||
|
as % of GNP |
3% |
25% |
6% |
Notes on the table
1. GDP and GNP for 2007-2010 are CSO estimates published in the National Income and Expenditure 2010. The GDP and GNP for 2011 are Department of Finance forecasts from the time of the SPU publication in April.
2. At the time of the SPU, it was assumed that Exchequer funding of some EUR10 billion would be required as part of the recapitalisation of the banking sector. The actual figure will be below this estimate, and while not finalised, is likely to be approximately EUR6.5 billion.
The banking measures in the above table comprise all injections into banks which affect the General Government debt. It should be noted however that capital injections that are made from the National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) do not affect the debt and are not included in this note. (In 2009 there was a frontloading of the 1% of GNP Exchequer contribution to the NPRF for 2009 and 2010. This was made to part-fund the recapitalisations of Allied Irish Banks and Bank of Ireland in 2010.)
It should also be borne in mind that the fees paid over to the Exchequer from the Bank Guarantee Schemes, which totalled EUR1,333 million and 2010 and EUR599 million so far in 2011 reduces somewhat the debt level in those years.
The full EUR30.85 billion in promissory notes were added to the General Government debt in 2010. The service of the promissory note through the annual cash payment from the Exchequer in the years after 2010 does not affect the General Government debt directly. Interest due on the promissory notes, however, increases the debt and is shown in the table.
123 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Finance in view of the important findings and conclusions of the internal Revenue Commissioners report, Economics of Smoking: Modelling the Market for Cigarettes in Ireland, which are significantly at variance with the international peer reviewed published literature on this topic, if he will arrange for the report to be peer reviewed internationally to validate its methodology and findings. [26158/11]
The report "Economics of Tobacco: Modelling the Market for Cigarettes in Ireland” is based on analysis done by Revenue’s Research and Analytics Branch. The research was conducted in 2010 and the report was published on the Revenue and Department of Finance websites in early 2011.
Neither I nor the Revenue Commissioners are aware of any suggestion that the research is significantly at variance with international peer reviewed published literature on this topic, or that any questions have been raised about the methodology. If the Deputy has information to support these views, the Revenue Commissioners would welcome it.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the report fully documents the methodology, the econometric model and the data sources used and it is therefore open to any researcher seeking to replicate or validate the results. The research follows an internationally established methodology to examine the factors determining cigarette consumption.
In general, the findings are consistent with existing Irish and international literature in measuring the main influencing factors on smoker behaviour. A key difference identified is that the sensitivity of consumption of cigarettes to price changes in Ireland is found to be higher than average. However, this finding is consistent when the relatively high price of cigarettes and the level of consumption of untaxed cigarettes in Ireland are considered. This issue is examined in detail in the paper.
124 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Finance if he will review a matter in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26164/11]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that an application (Form DD1) under the Disabled Drivers Scheme from one of the named persons was received in the Central Repayments Office, Monaghan on 23rd September 2011. The necessary Primary Medical Certificate has also been received. The application form DD1 in question was incomplete but the applicant was contacted by telephone and has provided the additional details needed. The application has now been processed and an Exemption Notification will issue within the next five working days. The applicant can then contact his nearest NCTS Centre to register the vehicle and avail of the exemptions available under the Disabled Drivers and the Disabled Passengers [Tax Concessions] Regulations 1994.
125 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the expected cost to the Exchequer in 2010 or the most recent available year of property related tax schemes that are still open. [26214/11]
It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the cost to the Exchequer of the following property based tax incentive schemes which remain in the tax code: certain tourism infrastructure under the Mid-Shannon Scheme (only 80% of expenditure can qualify in certain areas) and Qualifying Specialist Palliative Care Units (subject to Commencement Order).
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the cost of the Mid-Shannon scheme for 2009, the latest year for which data is available, was €0.2 million. The scheme for Qualifying Specialist Palliative Care Units was not commenced and thus no cost was incurred.
All other such schemes have been abolished, subject to transitional arrangements for certain schemes where projects were already in the pipeline. However, due to their nature these reliefs continue to impose ongoing costs on the Exchequer in terms of tax foregone.
126 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance when he expects the report from the Commission on Credit Unions; and his views on the restrictions the Financial Regulator is placing on lending which is causing severe difficulties for members of credit unions in some communities who may be forced to turn to money-lenders. [26219/11]
The Commission on Credit Unions is due to submit its interim report to me, as Minister for Finance, by 30 September 2011. This report will make initial recommendations on strengthening the regulatory framework for credit unions. The Commission will submit its final report to me by 31 March 2012.
On the issue of lending restrictions, as Minister for Finance, my role is to ensure that the legal framework for credit unions is appropriate for the effective operation and supervision of credit unions. The Registrar of Credit Unions is responsible for administering the system of regulation and supervision of credit unions provided under the Credit Union Act 1997, with a view to the protection by each credit union of the funds of its members and the maintenance of the financial stability of credit unions generally. The role of the Registrar of Credit Unions in the regulation of credit unions is an independent one.
From time to time, the Registrar is required to act to support the prudential soundness of individual credit unions, to maintain sector stability and to protect the savings of credit union members. Such actions, including lending restrictions, are reviewed by the Registrar over time on a case by case basis. The number of restrictions imposed by the Registrar has increased over the last two years in light of the difficulties faced by parts of the credit union sector. The type of lending restrictions imposed takes account of the particular business profile and financial position of the credit unions concerned.
127 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance when he will publish his four-year plan in order that persons will know the tax increases and cuts that are expected over the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26287/11]
The Pre-Budget Outlook will be published in October although a precise date has not yet been set. The multi-annual fiscal projections which will be published in the Pre-Budget Outlook will cover the period 2012 to 2015.
128 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the Government is required under the EU-IMF programme of assistance to achieve a certain primary deficit level in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26334/11]
There are quarterly Exchequer primary balance targets that we are required to meet under the terms of the EU-IMF Programme of Financial Support. These are set out in the Technical Memorandum of Understanding (TMU). As they are primary balance targets, they exclude Exchequer debt interest payments. They also allow for the exclusion of expenditure related to the banking sector recapitalisations and adjust for over/under-performance in Exchequer tax revenues and PRSI receipts, compared to the targets set out in the TMU. We have adhered to the first three of those targets which were set for end-December 2010, and end-March and end-June 2011. The next target set is for end-September 2011. The July 2011 TMU also set targets for end-December 2011 and initial targets for end-March and end-June 2012. The next revised TMU (October) will then set an initial target for end-September 2012 and so on.
It is also important to note that under the revised Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP) Recommendation issued by the ECOFIN Council in December 2010, Ireland's General Government Deficit must not exceed 8.6% of GDP in 2012.
129 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the revenue that would be raised by re-introducing the income levy under last year’s rates, but levied at those earning in excess of €40,000 per annum. [26351/11]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated full year yield to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2012 incomes, of the re-introduction of the Income Levy at the same rates as applied in 2010 and confined to all income earners earning in excess of €40,000 per annum, with double that amount for married couples, would be of the order of €1,180 million. These figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2009 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends for the year 2012. They are therefore provisional and may be revised.
130 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has submitted a strategy statement to him, as specified under the 1997 Public Service Management Act; and if so, if he will publish this statement. [26394/11]
As specified under the Public Service Management Act 1997, my Department has submitted to me its draft Statement of Strategy for the period 2011-2014. The finalisation of the Statement of Strategy will reflect the key policy commitments of the Government including the emerging decisions in the context of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure currently under way. It is my intention to publish the Statement of Strategy as soon as all relevant discussions and considerations on the matter have been concluded.
131 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills the changes that he plans in to Youthreach now that it has been placed under the auspices of Solas. [25979/11]
I chair an Implementation Group which is drawing up an Action Plan for the establishment of SOLAS, which, when established, will operate under the aegis of the Department of Education and Skills and co-ordinate and fund the wide range of further education and training programmes around the country. The nature and type of those programmes, including Youthreach, will be matters for discussion between my Department, SOLAS and Vocational Education Committees (VECs), who will ultimately be responsible for the delivery to the public in an integrated way of both further education and training programmes.
132 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to expand the number of post-leaving certificate places available in different colleges around the country in view of the fact that it has been decided to place post-leaving certificate courses under the auspices of Solas and to need to meet increased demands for such courses. [25980/11]
I chair an Implementation Group which is drawing up an Action Plan for the establishment of SOLAS, which, when established, will operate under the aegis of the Department of Education and Skills and co-ordinate and fund the wide range of further education and training programmes around the country. The nature and type of those programmes will be matters for discussion between my Department, SOLAS and Vocational Education Committees (VECs), who will ultimately be responsible for the delivery to the public in an integrated way of both further education and training programmes.
The number of approved Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) places available nationwide has increased by 2,500 in recent years to 32,688, including an additional 1,000 places made available earlier this year as part of the almost 21,000 additional education, training and work experience places made available under the Government's Jobs Initiative. In 2010/2011 PLC providers enrolled over 38,700 learners which is a commendable achievement and one which I hope can be maintained for the current academic year.
133 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 76 of 15 September 2011 if he will review the case of a persons (details supplied) in Dublin 9; if an exception can be made in this case; and if there are any further supports available to assist this person [25998/11]
Springboard is a specific initiative to provide 6,000 part time higher education places for unemployed people who have lost jobs in sectors where employment levels will not return and who will need new qualifications and skills to re-enter employment as the economy recovers. The Springboard courses are in areas of current and future skills needs, as identified by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. The places being funded are at HETAC levels 6 to 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications and were selected following a competitive tender process. It is therefore not possible to include the course which is a full time programme at FETAC level 5 as part of Springboard.
I understand that the course in question is run by Teagasc and that students pursuing such programmes are eligible to apply to Teagasc for support under the Teagasc grant scheme. Further details are available from that organisation.
134 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for a minor works grant in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25645/11]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to an application submitted by the school in question under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme to replace a number of windows in the school.
The purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme is solely for unforeseen emergencies or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for special needs pupils. An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and in the case of a school if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.
As the scope of works for this project is outside the terms of the Emergency Works Scheme it cannot be considered for emergency funding. The school has been informed of the decision.
135 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the length of time it is taking for special needs assistants who were made redundant to receive redundancy payments from him; the terms of these redundancies; the efforts he is making to speed up the payment of such redundancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25663/11]
Applications for redundancy / partial redundancy for Special Needs Assistants are being received by my Department on an ongoing basis. Applications are processed in date order of receipt and every effort is being made to process these applications as quickly as possible. Applications received in mid-November 2010 are currently being processed.
The priority of my Department's Payroll Division over the past 2 months has been to ensure that replacement teachers and special need assistants being appointed for the 2011/2012 school year are placed on payroll for payment. This process is now nearing completion. Over the coming weeks, extra resources will be assigned to try and ensure that special needs assistants that are made redundant will have their claims for payment processed as quickly as possible.
136 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 114 of 21 June 2011, the position regarding the acquisition of a site for a school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25664/11]
The Office of Public Works, working on behalf of my Department, is negotiating with the owners of a suitable site with a view to acquiring same for the school referred to by the Deputy. Given the sensitivities associated with land acquisitions I am not in a position to comment further at this time. The acquisition of the site and the delivery of the school building project will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.
137 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he expects the allocation of the 475 remaining reserve special needs assistant posts based on the priority criteria identified by the National Council for Special Education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25685/11]
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 received before the initial deadline for applications of 19th May 2011, 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.
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.
In relation to special schools, the existing levels of SNA support in special schools have been maintained in the first instance, in order to assist and protect the most vulnerable children, with a review currently taking place. The 475 retained SNA posts will be used to respond to emergency case; additional needs identified arising from the outcome of the review of Special Schools and further emerging demand from schools before the end of the school year.
The NCSE expects to respond to emergency cases on hand within the coming weeks. The outcome of the special school review is expected early in the school year. Other demands from mainstream schools will be responded to up to the end of the school year. Through these arrangements it is expected that the majority of the posts will have been allocated by early in 2012.
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.
138 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for broadband funding in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25688/11]
159 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the timescale for the roll-out of high speed broadband programme for a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26138/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 159 together.
No application has been received on this matter. Any such request would be considered in light of any future decision to extend the roll out and the availability of resources.
139 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will examine the feasibility of providing for the construction of a new school building in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Galway as a matter of immediate priority in view of the fact that €376,348 was spent last year on prefab rental and repairs to the existing building, which is in poor condition, and it is expected that a further €489,405 will be spent this year. [25689/11]
The proposed building project for the schools referred to by the Deputy was not included in the school building works programme for 2011 announced earlier this year by my predecessor.
Last year, in line with my Departments strategy to reduce the level of expenditure on rental of temporary accommodation, my Department approved the purchase of prefabs at the schools which had previously been rented on an annual basis. In addition, funds were allocated to the schools in question under the Summer Works Scheme and the Emergency Works scheme.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will continue to be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
However, in light of competing demands on the capital budget of my Department it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe, at this time, for the progression of this project to tender and construction.
140 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 167 of 21 July 2011, regarding the 17 new schools promised for Dublin, the number of same that are primary and post primary where these schools will be located; when same will be built and the criteria used in reaching a decision. [25743/11]
As advised in my previous answer on 21st July 2011, it is expected that enrolments will increase nationally from a current enrolment at primary level of circa 509,652 pupils to circa 552,800 pupils by 2017 and at post-primary level from a current enrolment of circa 317,432 pupils to circa 342,300 pupils by 2017.
It is within this context that I recently announced that up to 40 new schools are to be established within the next six years, comprising of 20 new primary schools and 20 new post-primary schools. Of the 40 new schools, 18 will now be in the Dublin area as the new post primary school for North Dublin/South will be located in Balbriggan.
It is intended to provide 12 new primary schools and six new post-primary schools across Dublin. Details of all the new schools to be established are available on the Department's website at www.education.ie. The table shows the locations of the Dublin schools for the Deputy’s convenience.
A number of these new schools have opened in temporary accommodation but the majority of the schools will not need to open until at least 2014 with some of the schools not being required until 2016. Arrangements are under way to ensure that accommodation is in place for each of the schools as they are required.
|
New Primary Schools |
New Post-Primary Schools |
|
Mulhuddart x 2 |
Mulhuddart |
|
Blanchardstown West |
Blanchardstwon West |
|
Carpenterstown |
Rush and Lusk |
|
Swords |
North Dublin/South Louth (Balbriggan) |
|
Tallaght x 2 |
Lucan/Clonburris |
|
Ballinteer x 2 |
Dublin City |
|
Firhouse/Oldbawn |
|
|
Lucan |
|
|
Sandyford/Ringsend |
141 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the schedule for fast tracking the application of Waterford Institute of Technology to full university designation. [25744/11]
142 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the process involved and criteria that have been determined in order to assess the application of Waterford Institute of Technology as a university. [25745/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 142 together.
The National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030 lays out a clear possible development pathway for amalgamated institutes of technology, which meet specified performance criteria, to seek re-designation as technological universities. A small number of new technological universities, with their own legislative framework and a distinct mission that is faithful to the ethos of the technological sector, working with existing universities, institutes of technology and other education providers, can enrich the diversity and quality of the Irish higher education landscape.
I have asked the Higher Education Authority for its formal advice on performance criteria to be used in an independent assessment process for any future applications for designation as technological universities. A consultation process on draft criteria is being undertaken by the Higher Education Authority and will be completed early next month. It is understood that the Higher Education Authority hopes to sign off its formal advice to my Department at its November meeting of the Authority. I will expedite consideration of the advice with a view to publishing the criteria before the end of December.
Once a process is in place it will be open to institutes of technology to come together to make applications for consideration for re-designation, including those in the south east. All applications will be considered under an independent assessment process.
143 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of post leaving certificate places available in County Mayo; the location of these places in County Mayo; the way this number compares with the number of places available in the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25751/11]
Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses are predominately provided in VEC schools with some provision in Voluntary Secondary and Community and Comprehensive schools. In County Mayo the PLC programme operates in seven schools/colleges managed by County Mayo Vocational Educational Committee (VEC), four Voluntary Secondary schools and two Community and Comprehensive schools. Details of the location of these schools are as follows: Moyne College, Ballina; St. Brendan's College, Belmullet; Coláiste Pobail Acla, Achill Sound; St. Tiernan's College, Crossmolina; Coláiste Chomáin, Rossport; Westport Vocational School; Castlebar College of Further Studies; Our Lady's Secondary School, Belmullet; Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh; Scoil Muire & Padraig, Swinford; Sacred Heart School, Westport; Ballyhaunis Community School and St. Louis Community School, Kiltimagh.
The number of approved PLC places in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, is as follows:
2007/2008 academic year 638
PLC places 2008/2009 academic year 664
PLC places 2009/2010 academic year 665
PLC places 2010/2011 academic year 665
PLC places 2011/2012 academic year 725
PLC places An additional 60 PLC places were allocated to Co Mayo VEC for the current academic year as part of the recent Jobs Initiative whereby 1,000 additional PLC places were made available nationally
144 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a change of circumstances in respect of a self employed person (details supplied) in County Kerry for 2011 will be taken into account for the processing of their application for a top-up grant for their children who are higher education grant recipients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25754/11]
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority.
The eligibility of an applicant, or the level of the grant awarded, may be re-assessed by the awarding authority in the event of a change of circumstances in the academic year. The applicant should in the first instance contact the relevant awarding body and notify them of the change in circumstances.
The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application form, including those relating to residence, reckonable income, nationality and previous academic attainment, it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student would qualify for a grant or what level of grant would be appropriate. Where a grant application is refused, the reason for the refusal is given by the grant awarding authority.
An applicant may appeal the decision to the relevant awarding authority. Where the grant awarding authority decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department or the independent appeals board as appropriate by submitting an appeal form clearly outlining the grounds for the appeal.
145 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of employees in his Department who have expressed an interest in retiring ahead of the changes to the public sector pension schemes that are to come into force in 2012. [25783/11]
To date this Department has received seven applications from staff wishing to retire before 29th February 2012.
Requests for information on retirement are received in Personnel Section on an ongoing basis. Although there has been a significant increase in requests for estimates of pension entitlements from staff in the last number of months there is no way of knowing at this time how many of these requests will translate into actual retirements. Staff wishing to retire prior to 29th February 2012 have been asked to give the Department a minimum of three months notice of their intention to retire.
146 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to use the establishment of SOLAS as an opportunity to allow final year apprentices to complete their apprenticeships by shadowing existing tradespeople through funding supplied by the new training agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25833/11]
In July the Government announced the establishment of SOLAS as a key element in the integration of the Further Education and Training sector. The SOLAS Implementation Group, which I am chairing, was set up to implement the changes.
The Group is preparing an Action Plan, including the area of organisational mission, which will be the subject of consultation with stakeholders before finalisation. Given the complex elements involved, including appropriate legislation, it is expected that the process of establishing SOLAS will largely be completed by the end of 2012.
In the meantime, FÁS continues to have responsibility for the apprenticeship system. 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, including final year apprentices, to progress and finish their apprenticeships:
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.
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 including at Phase 7 of their apprenticeships. The maximum period of placement is 12 weeks at Phase 7.
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 currently being scheduled.
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 are granted an exemption will be considered to have completed their Apprenticeships and thereby qualify for the award of the FETAC Advanced Certificate — Craft.
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.My Department along with FÁS will continue to explore ways to support and assist all apprentices progress and finish their apprenticeships.
147 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the building of a new campus for a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25858/11]
The Deputy might wish to note that a site for the school campus to which she refers has been identified by Co. Wicklow VEC, however, it has not been possible to date to progress this proposed acquisition due to the complexities associated with the site identified.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including a project for this school, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme with due regard to the demand for increased education provision at both primary and post primary level in the coming years.
The delivery of these new schools, together with extension projects to meet the demographic demand, will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years. 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.
148 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he will take to reduce the demand for school books and the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25935/11]
I recently met with educational book publishers, representatives of parents' organisations and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul regarding the cost of school textbooks. Subsequently, the publishers devised a voluntary Code of Practice and, while I welcome the Code as a significant step in the right direction, I believe that more should be done to reduce the price of textbooks.
Accordingly. I have proposed to the representatives of the textbook publishers: that the cover price of the most popular textbooks should be reduced; that a significant discount should be given to schools which purchase textbooks in bulk, in line with the discounts given to retailers of textbooks; that the practice of combining a conventional textbook and workbook in a single volume should be ended to allow students to re-use a textbook; and that support materials should be provided to teachers online, to minimise ancillary printing costs. While respecting the position that educational book publishers are independent private companies not under the direct control of my Department, I intend to meet with their representatives again to progress these issues.
I am also keen to examine if there are ways to encourage schools, via the book grant scheme, to establish or maintain book rental schemes as I believe this to be one of the most effective ways of lowering the burden of the cost of school books. I have invited the National Parents Councils at primary and post-primary levels to provide me with examples of good practice of book rental schemes. Drawing on these and other examples, I intend to publish advice to schools on how best to establish and maintain textbook rental schemes in schools well in advance of the beginning of the next school year.
149 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost per pupil to families in County Donegal for education at second level in terms of school transport, fund-raising, exam costs, trips and transitions year. [25967/11]
150 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills the average cost of school bus transport per pupil in County Donegal each year. [25968/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 150 together.
Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Schemes on behalf of my Department, has advised that the information you request regarding the average cost of school bus transport per pupil is not readily available on a per county basis. However, research carried out in the context of the Value for Money Review of the School Transport Schemes shows that the annual unit cost per pupil for the provision of school transport was some €1,000, €950 and €7,000 for primary, post primary and children with special educational needs (excluding escorts) respectively.
The school transport charges in respect of the 2011/12 school year are as follows: Eligible and Concessionary Post-Primary Pupils, €350 subject to a family maximum of €650; Eligible post-primary pupils holding a valid medical card and pupils with special educational needs are exempt from paying the charge. With regard to exam costs, entry fees for the 2012 state examinations have not yet been determined. However, the fees for the 2011 examinations for second level students were: Leaving Certificate (Established, LCVP and LCA) €109; Junior Certificate €103; and Repeat Leaving Certificate €284. An alleviation scheme is in place whereby medical card holders and their dependents are exempt from the payment of examination fees. This exemption applies to approximately 30% of examination candidates each year. Mock examinations are not part of the State examinations system and any decision to organise and/or charge for mock examinations is made at school level. Accordingly, my Department does not have a role in the matter nor information on the cost per pupil.
My Department also does not have data regarding the cost per pupil to families in Co Donegal for the other items referred to by the Deputy.
In general, however, voluntary contributions by parents or charges for optional extras over and above what is provided for in the general school programme are permissible, provided it is made clear to parents that there is no question of compulsion to pay, and, that in making a contribution, they are doing so of their own volition. The manner in which such voluntary contributions are sought and collected is a matter for school management. However, their collection should not create a situation where parents or pupils could reasonably infer that the contributions take on a compulsory character. In addition, it should be noted that no pupil can be excluded from any activities that take place during school time, due to the fact that parents, for whatever reason, choose not to contribute to costs associated with that activity. When submitting returns of pupil enrolments, all schools in the Free Education Scheme are obliged to certify that these principles are being adhered to.
Regarding fundraising, it is a matter for school authorities to decide whether to engage in or support organised fundraising activities provided the methods employed do not affect parents or students in a way which would conflict with the principles in respect of voluntary contributions which I have already identified. It is important for schools to be sensitive to the financial pressures on families, and to use the State funds provided to optimum effect. In this regard, the Deputy should note that my Department is not in a position to make additional funds available to schools in the current economic climate.
151 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills his strategy to ensure that young persons progressing from second to third level education are on the road to employment here. [25969/11]
There are a number of measures currently being undertaken to prepare second level students for future employment and careers.
At Junior Cycle, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) was asked to review the junior certificate and advise on the scope for reform which would provide for a more active learning experience for students, the promotion of real understanding, creativity and innovation. I expect to receive the NCCA's advice on the revised Junior Cycle shortly. At Senior Cycle, five key skills, information processing, communications, critical and creative thinking, personal effectiveness, and working with others, are being embedded in all senior cycle subjects as syllabuses are revised, and a second assessment component is also being embedded. These changes should help to prepare students for the world of work.
In addition, all post-primary schools also provide a guidance and counselling service for their students. The service includes the provision of individual guidance and counselling for students at critical stages in their education. Guidance staff in schools are teachers with a post graduate qualification in guidance. As well as their guidance qualification, guidance staff are members of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors which is funded by the Department to provide professional development supports. Guidance staff also have the support of the National Centre for Guidance in Education (NCGE) which was established to act as a national centre of excellence for guidance. The NCGE provides on-line training on planning the guidance programme in schools, as well as resources and advice and a guidance handbook.
152 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of funding that has been cut from the education budget on an annual basis in the past five years. [25970/11]
Due to changes in the structure of the Vote for my Department over the period 2007-2011, total Education Expenditure for each of the years in question is not readily comparable. These changes include:
The transfer out of the Education and Science Vote from 1 January 2009 of funding responsibility for various functions in relation to Youth Organisations and Youth Activities to the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs;
The transfer into the Education and Skills Vote from 1 May 2010 of responsibility for FÁS skills and training programmes (formerly funded through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment).
The transfer into the Vote from 1 January 2011 of funding in respect of the provision of nursing education (formerly funded through the Department of Health).
The transfer out of the Vote from 1 January 2011 of funding in respect of functions of the National Education Welfare Board to the Vote of the Minister for Health and Children.
Adjusted expenditure figures to reflect the above changes are included in the attached document which shows that, on a comparable basis, overall education expenditure increased during the period 2007-2009, while expenditure was reduced during 2010 and 2011 (2011 figure is estimate). The following summary of budget measures introduced over the period 2009 to 2011 indicates the areas where expenditure adjustments were made and which gave rise to the reduced expenditure in 2010 and 2011.
|
2007 Outturn |
2008 Outturn |
2009 Outturn |
2010 Outturn |
2011 Estimate |
|
|
€million |
€million |
€million |
€million |
€million |
|
|
Current |
€7,796.8 |
€8,380.4 |
€8,554.3 |
€8,083.2 |
€8,172.8 |
|
Capital |
€813.3 |
€829.6 |
€767.2 |
€696.9 |
€495.5 |
|
Total Expenditure |
€8,610.1 |
€9,210.0 |
€9,321.5 |
€8,780.1 |
€8,668.3 |
Note — the above comparable figures differ from published figures of education expenditure due to changes in the structure of the Vote as outlined in the reply to the question from the Deputy.
Extract from summary of expenditure-related measures announced in 2009 Budget
Main Features (note — some of these measures were moderated in subsequent budgets)
Capital
Capital allocation of €889m is an increase of €80m on the allocation for 2008.
Teachers salary and pension costs
The net pay bill for teachers' salaries and pensions will increase by almost €300m as a result of a combination of pay increases and the full-year costs of the salaries of teachers appointed this September.
The budget allocation takes account of increased enrolments in primary schools and the continued growth in provision for special needs in primary and post-primary schools.
Overall, the number of primary and post-primary teachers in schools in September 2009 is projected to be about 200 fewer in each sector compared to September 2008. This is because of a number of measures that are being taken to meet the overall budgetary requirements:
The mechanism used to allocate classroom teachers to primary schools is the staffing schedule and, with effect from September 2009, the enrolment bands will be based on an average of 28 pupils per class rather than the current 27 pupils per class.
In the case of post-primary schools, the allocation basis will be altered by one point with effect from September 2009 from the current 18 to 1 basis to a revised basis of 19 to 1.
In the case of fee-charging post-primary schools, there will be an additional one-point adjustment.
The ceiling of two on the number of language support teachers per school is being re-imposed, with some alleviation for the position of those schools where there is a significant concentration of newcomer pupils as a proportion of the overall pupil enrolment.
Arrangements will also be made for the withdrawal of teacher posts which have been historically provided under previous disadvantage schemes to non-DEIS schools.
Teacher substitution arrangements: substitution cover will be suspended from January 2009 for absences arising from uncertified sick leave in all schools, as well as for school business absences in post-primary schools.
Early Retirement Scheme for Teachers: this pilot scheme is being suspended with immediate effect.
School funding
Improvements are being made to the rates of capitation funding available to schools. The combined value is €20m.
In the case of primary schools:
The increased financial provision will provide for an increase of €21.42 in the standard capitation, bringing the rate to €200 per pupil. This equates to an increase of almost 12pc on the existing €178.58 grant rate.
The ancillary grant will be increased from €151.50 per pupil to €155 per pupil.
In the case of post-primary schools:
An increase of €14 per pupil in the capitation grant is a 4.3pc increase on 2008.
The capitation grant will now stand at €345 per pupil.
There will be an increase of €8 per capita in the equalisation measure payable to voluntary secondary schools, giving a total increase, when capitation and school support services grants are combined, of €22 per pupil.
Abolition in 2009 of certain grants paid to schools
In the case of primary schools:
The separate cookery grant, resource grant for language support teachers and equipment grant for resource teachers are being abolished. The total value of these grants was €2m.
A further €4.3m is being saved by the reduction in capitation funding for Travellers and withdrawal of certain capitation funding from schools that are not in the DEIS programme but had continued to receive top-up funding originally provided under previous disadvantage initiatives.
In the case of post-primary schools:
A number of separate grant payments to second-level schools are being abolished. These are grants for Choirs and Orchestras, Home Economics, Physics and Chemistry, Junior Certificate Schools Programme, Leaving Certificate Applied, LCVP and Transition Year. The total saving will be €5.35m.
A further €2m is being saved by a reduction in capitation funding for Travellers and withdrawal of certain capitation funding from schools that are not in the DEIS programme but had continued to receive top-up funding originally provided under previous disadvantage initiatives.
In the case of fee-charging second-level schools:
An anomalous situation has existed whereby fee-charging schools under Catholic patronage were not in receipt of certain grants, including the support services grant, that were paid to other fee-charging schools. This position is being regularised. All fee-charging schools will be treated on a similar basis resulting in a saving of €2.8m. The Protestant block grant remains in place.
Other funding reductions
Aid for school books: A saving of €7.5m will result by restricting aid for school books to DEIS schools. A fund of €7m will be available for distribution to schools in the DEIS programme.
Library grants: A saving of €2.19m will result from the cessation of funding that the Department made available to local authorities to support school library services.
Support for summer courses in Irish colleges: The per capita subvention by the Department to summer courses conducted in Irish colleges (in Gaeltacht areas) is being withdrawn. The saving will be €1.25m.
Centre for Talented Youth: The Department has in the past provided an annual grant of €97,000 to the Centre for Talented Youth. This is being withdrawn.
Grant for foreign qualified teachers attending Irish courses in the Gaeltacht: This grant is being withdrawn. The saving will be €200,000.
Special needs
Resource teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) will continue to be deployed to meet the needs of children with special educational needs (SEN) at primary and post-primary levels. There are just over 19,000 staff working with special needs children.
While in the light of the financial situation it is necessary to defer the implementation of the EPSEN Act, children with SEN will continue to have their SEN met on a non-statutory basis.
Further, provision is being made to improve these services through the allocation of an additional €10m which will fund enhanced measures for children with SEN pending the full implementation of the EPSEN Act.
School psychologists: Some of this €10 million will contribute to a 33% increase in expenditure on the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), resulting in all schools having a service by the end of 2009.
SNAs: An increase of €40 million to cover the full-year costs of additional SNAs in the system this September, provision for additional posts next September, and full-year cost of pay increases awarded.
Higher education
The current estimates provision for higher education is €1,844m, compared with a 2008 estimate of €1,887m. The estimate allows for an increase in the student registration charge from €900 to up to €1,500 in individual institutions for the academic year 2009/2010. Third-level students entitled to a student support grant will remain exempt from paying the student registration charge.
The estimates provision will require restrictions in the implementation of approved projects under the Strategic Innovation Fund and will involve the deferral of planned 2009 increases in medical education places. It will also involve restrictions in the volume of awards made by the two Research Councils (Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology and Irish Research Council for Humanities and Social Sciences).
Adult and further education
The non-pay grant provision for adult and further education shows a reduction of €8.5m or just under 5pc on the 2008 estimate. This will require a reduction in the provision of 500 places on the Back to Education Initiative — reducing the total number of places to 9,000. The number of places provided in Senior Traveller Training Centres will be reduced by approximately 100 — there are currently 1,084 places provided.
Allowances to participants in VTOS, Youthreach and Senior Traveller Training Centres will be increased in line with the appropriate social welfare rates or FAS trainee allowances.
Youth
Grants for youth services are being reduced by just over 8pc — from €52.6m to €48.2m.
Teacher education
The provision for teacher in-service education support is €28.8m, compared with a 2008 estimate of €33.8m. It is intended to reduce teacher secondments to in-service and, while it will be possible to continue to provide a wide range of services to teachers, the reduced allocation will mean that programmes that are not in an expansionary or prioritised phase will have to be curtailed to a degree.
School transport
The provision for school transport is €196m, compared with a 2008 figure of €175m.
The post-primary school transport charge is increasing from an annual fee of €168 for junior cycle children and €234 for senior cycle children (payable on a term-by-term basis) to a single annual fee of €300 for eligible post-primary children first payable in summer 2009.
The maximum amount payable per single family, regardless of the number of children using the school transport system, will be €650 annually. Eligible children in families who hold a medical card or children with special needs are exempt from the charges.
Reduction in Department's regional office service
The 26pc reduction reflects the intention to rationalise and prioritise some services and to seek efficiencies in the operation of the Department's regional office network.
Other current
Fee increases will be required across the State Examinations Commission (SEC), Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) and Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC). SEC will increase fees by 8pc.
Note: The Government decided in July 2008 that the payroll costs across Government organisations should be reduced by 3pc in 2009 and other restrictions should apply in order to effect cost savings in consultancy, advertising and other administrative areas. This is the background to some of the reductions applying in the Education Estimates for 2009. The estimates provisions under a range of headings will require careful management over the course of the year with expenditure control measures across all areas and possible further tightening measures may be necessary as the year progresses.
Extract from summary of expenditure-related measures announced in 2010 Budget
Main Features
Capital
Capital allocation of €715 million is being made available in 2010. In addition €79 million capital savings from 2009 will be carried forward into 2010, bringing total capital funding available for Education in 2010 to €794 million.
The total funding available is a decrease of less than 7% compared to the allocation for 2009.
Current
The current allocation for 2010 is €8.173 billion which is a reduction of 5.4% over the allocation for 2009. The reduction includes a general pay-related adjustment of €350 million in line with the Government decision to reduce public service pay rates. This accounts for 4% of the reduction. The distribution of this pay adjustment across subheads will be included in the context of the 2010 Revised Estimates Volume.
Additional expenditure measures
€12 million is being provided in 2010 for the implementation of the Renewed Programme for Government commitment to provide 500 additional teachers over the next 3 years. This allocation will allow for the employment of an additional 200 teachers starting in early 2010 and a further 150 teachers commencing in September 2010.
€14 million is being provided in 2010 for the implementation of the Renewed Programme for Government commitment to provide additional teachers from September 2010 for the 2010/11 school year to meet demographic pressures and to ensure no further increase in the PTR. This allocation will fund 600 posts in primary schools and 330 in second level schools.
€19 million is being provided to maintain school capitation grants at current levels and to take account of increased pupil numbers. This allocation will also enable additional funding to be allocated to schools for school books and to support curricular activities as provided in the Renewed Programme for Government.
The allocation for VTOS is being increased by €7.5 million to meet additional expenditure on allowances due to the change in profile of applicants for the scheme.
An additional allocation of €3 million is provided for the promotion of Gaeilge in schools, as part of the new 20-year Strategy for the Irish Language.
The provision for the National Educational Psychological Service is being increased to provide for the increase in psychologists to 210. This will allow NEPS psychologists to provide direct service to every first and second level school and an enhancement of service to special schools and units.
Higher Education
The provision for 2010 for Universities and Institutes of Technology is €1,266 million which is a 4% reduction on the 2009 provision of €1,318 million.
The reduction in funding takes account of targeted reductions in numbers employed under an employment control framework for the sector and will also involve further non-pay cost efficiencies.
Just under €130 million is being provided to higher education institutions next year for research activities, including capital research funding. This underlines the Government's commitment to focussed delivery of its Science, Technology and Innovation strategy. As part of this it is intended that investments under cycle 5 of PRTLI will proceed. The assessment process for PRTLI 5 awards will conclude in early 2010 and, in line with normal lead in times, major elements of expenditure commitments are anticipated to materialise from 2011 onwards.
The funding available next year for projects under the Strategic Innovation Fund is €18 million a reduction of €8 million on 2009. This reduced allocation will require a further curtailment of project activity. Priority will continue to be given to projects aimed at up-skilling and re-skilling for employment.
Student grants and scholarships
A reduction of 5% is being applied to the rates of student grants and scholarships. This will provide €10 million in savings in 2010. However, the overall allocation for student support will be increased in 2010 to take account of increased numbers of students.
The reduction will be implemented to all existing and new grant holders from January 2010. This is in line with reductions in other income maintenance payments including those for the unemployed.
A further saving of €4 million will be made by the removal of eligibility for student support grants from people in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance and the VTOS allowances for those pursuing a PLC course. However, the cost of the student service charge and any fees payable to colleges will continue to be met by the Exchequer on their behalf. This will apply to all new grant holders in 2010 onwards.
Support under the Millennium Partnership Fund is being withdrawn saving €2 million.
Adult and further education
The number of places provided in Senior Traveller Training Centres (STTCs) will be reduced by 300 places from 984 places to 684 places. This in line with the Traveller Education Strategy. Travellers can continue to access the full range of Adult and Further Education programmes across the country.
Allowances to participants in VTOS, Youthreach and Senior Traveller Training Centres will be reduced in line with the appropriate social welfare rates or FAS trainee allowances.
Teacher education
The provision for teacher in-service education support is €29.79m, compared with a 2009 estimate of €40m. Restructuring of existing services will continue in 2010. Services will be focused on priority areas including special education needs, child protection guidelines training, implementation of new procedures for underperforming teachers and Project Maths.
The allocation for pre-service teacher education is being reduced by €3m and will be achieved by reducing the number of post-graduate conversion places.
Teacher Sick Leave and Substitution
The supply teacher scheme at primary level will cease from the start of the 2010/11 school year. Normal substitution arrangements, which apply to primary schools generally to cover teacher absences at present, will be used to cover substitution in those schools that participated in the scheme.
From the start of the 2010/11 school year, the maximum number of uncertified sick leave days allowed in the school year for teachers in primary, secondary and community & comprehensive schools is being reduced to 7 days. This is the same amount as is available for teachers in vocational schools and community colleges.
School transport
The provision for school transport is €188m, compared with a 2009 estimated out-turn of €178m. While efficiencies made during 2009 will continue to yield savings in 2010, an increase of €10m is being provided which includes provision for new services as necessary.
Reduction in allocations to Education bodies:
National Council for Curriculum and Assessment reduced by €0.93m
National Council for Special Education reduced by €2.3m
Higher Education Authority reduced by €0.562m
Dublin Dental Hospital reduced by €0.410m.
Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies reduced by €0.546m.
Royal Irish Academy of Music reduced by €0.303m
National Qualifications Framework (NQAI, FETAC, HETAC) current allocation reduced by €2.1 million.
Other current
Further savings will be made from expenditure efficiencies in the Department's Administrative Budget (excluding NEPS) (€2.4 million).
The allocation of €5m funding from the Dormant Accounts fund will allow for the continuation of existing schemes to counteract educational disadvantage funded from this source.
Funding will be reduced by €1.2 million in 2010 for projects in Local Drugs Task Force areas in the Dublin city and county area. Funding provided by the Department for these projects will be phased out in 2011.
Extract from summary of expenditure-related measures announced in 2011 Budget
MAIN FEATURES
Overall Allocation
The gross overall Voted allocation for the Department for 2011 will be €8.855 billion. This compares to an allocation for 2010 of €9.002 billion, representing a reduction of 2%. In addition the Estimate includes provision for expenditure of some €362 million under the National Training Fund in 2011, which is a reduction of 14% over the allocation for 2010, due mainly to a projected significant reduction in fund income in 2011.
Capital Expenditure
The capital allocation for 2011 will be €491 million. The figure reflects the overall medium-term reduction in capital investment announced in the National Recovery Plan.
The capital expenditure envelope for education of almost €1.9 billion over the period of the plan will provide for meeting demographic needs in primary and post-primary schools and for some improvement in the stock of school buildings. The allocation will also provide for some prioritised investment in third-level infrastructure.
Current Expenditure
A provision for current expenditure of €8.364 billion has been made for 2011. This is an increase of just under 1% on the equivalent 2010 allocation of €8.295 billion. A further €362 million of current expenditure is provided for under the National Training Fund. The 2011 allocation takes account of upward expenditure pressures mainly in relation to student support payments, the cost of pensions and demographic increases. It also takes account of savings of some €175 million to be secured across the education sector. More details regarding current expenditure are provided below.
School Transport
The 2011 estimate for school transport services is €180 million compared to an allocation for 2010 of €186 million. €4.5 million in savings will be secured in 2011 (rising to €17 million in 2014), through a combination of increases in charges and the implementation of measures identified in a value for money review of the school transport scheme. With effect from the 2011/2012 school year a transport fee of €50 per annum will be introduced for primary school pupils, with a maximum family charge of €110 applying. This charge is being introduced to ensure that school transport provided for eligible primary pupils is fully utilised. The annual charge for post-primary pupils will be increased by €50 from €300 to €350. The combined maximum overall family charge will remain at €650.
Changes in the 2011/2012 school year arising from the value for money review will include:
The distance criteria will be applied to all pupils attending primary schools and the exemption under the closed school rule will cease. This means that children who reside less than 3.2 kilometres (2 miles) from the school of attendance and who are availing of free transport to that school under the closed school rule will lose their transport eligibility;
Services under the minimum numbers, either single services or which are part of double tripping arrangements, will be discontinued. A pick up density of pupils in a distinct locality on a particular route — increasing from the current minimum of 7 to 10 eligible children — will be required to establish or retain services.
Further changes from the review, which will take effect from a later date, will include the following:
From the 2012/13 school year, eligibility based on the closed school rule (CSR) and the central school rule will cease for all new children entering primary schools. Existing primary pupils availing of transport under the CSR will retain transport eligibility for the duration of their schooling, provided the requisite distance is met;
From the 2012/13 school year, the use of the catchment boundary system will cease for all new post-primary children. Eligibility for all new children entering post-primary transport will be on the basis of the nearest post-primary centre or school. Existing arrangements will remain in place for existing post primary pupils for the duration of their schooling;
New arrangements will be put in place with Bus Éireann on a phased basis for the operation of the scheme. These will include arrangements for an increasing proportion of routes to be provided by private operators. From the 2012/13 school year, Bus Éireann will have full responsibility for the operation of the school transport system including responsibility for processing all applications for school transport or grants. Synergies between school transport, rural transport and Health Service Executive services will be further developed.
Schools
€22 million in savings will be secured in 2011 though an average 5% reduction in funding grants to schools and Vocational Educational Committees (including mainstream and ancillary grants for schools), and including grants for Adult Literacy, Community Education, School Completion Programme, Youthreach. This will reduce capitation rates to those that applied to schools between 2007 and 2008. (There will also be a similar reduction in capitation rates payable in respect of Senior Traveller Training Centres, VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme) and PLC (Post-Leaving Certificate) students). Details of the revised rates for each grant category will be issued to schools and VECs shortly. Reduced rates will also apply to ancillary and support services grants to reflect the reduction in pay that will apply to personnel who are paid from these grants, and who have not yet had the reduction applied to them, with effect from January 2011, e.g. school cleaners and caretakers.
The 2011 allocation for teacher salaries of almost €3.85 billion takes account of €24 million in savings (rising to €98 million in 2014) to be achieved by reducing teacher numbers through a combination of measures. These measures will lead to a deferral of 150 extra posts and to a reduction of up to approximately 1,200 posts from September 2011 (approximately 700 primary and 500 post-primary posts) which, however, will be partly offset by the addition of an estimated 875 new posts due to demographics. The measures to reduce teacher posts include:
Deferral of the provision of 150 extra teachers originally planned to be allocated at primary and post-primary level in September 2011;
Changing the existing favourable pupil-teacher ratio (PTR) to the standard PTR for the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP). Currently, the allocation of teachers to the LCVP is on the basis of 1 teacher for every 17 pupils. This will be changed from September 2011 to the standard allocation basis of 1 teacher for every 19 pupils (or 1 teacher for every 20 pupils in the case of fee-charging schools). This measure will secure savings of approximately 200 posts;
Standardising the staffing schedule for Gaelscoileanna to the same that operates for other ordinary national schools, the estimated yield from which will be some 50 posts;
Withdrawal of Resource Teachers for Travellers posts at primary level so that educational teaching supports to Traveller students will now be provided on the same basis as other students in schools. Alleviation measures will be put in place for schools with a high concentration of Traveller children. At post-primary level teaching hours for Travellers will be withdrawn, again with alleviation measures for schools with high concentrations of Traveller children. This measure will secure savings of approximately 600 posts net.
A phased reduction of 500 over four years in the number of Language Support Teachers, through a demand driven reduction and, if necessary, a change in allocation rules over the period of the plan. A first year reduction of some 125 posts is targeted with effect from September 2011;
The redeployment of some 170 existing supernumerary posts in post-primary schools from September 2011;
The removal of 47 primary rural co-ordinator teaching posts currently allocated to DEIS rural primary schools. All of these schools, however, will continue to receive other DEIS supports including financial support, professional development supports, school meals and school books supports;
The withdrawal from September 2011 of 42 Visiting Teachers for Travellers posts, currently assigned to the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB). The School Support services, including the School Completion Programme and the Home School Liaison Service under the NEWB, will be adapted to undertake work with Travellers in the future.
In line with the Traveller Education Strategy and the 2008 value for money review of Youthreach and Senior Traveller Training Centres (STTCs), integrated further education provision for Travellers will be implemented through the phasing out of STTCs by June 2012 and replacement places, prioritised for Travellers, being provided under the Back to Education Initiative (BTEI). This means there will be no new enrolments in STTCs from 1 January 2011.
€10 million in savings will be secured from rule changes and efficiencies in relation to supervision and substitution arrangements in schools. This will include implementation of the flexibility measures provided for under the Croke Park Agreement whereby post-primary teachers will be available for an extra class period each week to cover for absent colleagues. There will also be a general tightening of the rules covering substitution.
Special Needs Assistants
The 2011 allocation for pay for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) will be approximately €350 million, compared to an allocation of €335 for 2010. The allocation provides for the full-year costs of SNAs appointed in 2010. While there will be no reduction in the SNA numbers in 2011 it is intended to place a cap on these numbers. The Department will in this regard work with the National Council for Special Education to develop a new system to manage SNA provision within the total numbers allocation. All schools will be advised of the new system.
Further and Higher Education
The 2011 provision for Universities, Institutes of Technology and other higher education institutions is €1.113 billion, which represents a gross reduction of 7% on the allocation for 2010. Net of adjustments for increased income in respect of the Student Contribution Charge of €2,000, the overall 2011 reduction is 2.2% (5%, or €14 million, in the non-pay grants payable to these bodies and a 1.5% pay cost reduction).
Further savings of €27 million will be achieved by replacing the existing €1,500 per year Student Services Charge with a flat higher education Student Contribution of €2,000 with effect from the 2011/2012 academic year. The Student Contribution will apply to all students who currently benefit under the ‘free fees' scheme. Higher education institutions will be asked to consider how they could put in place arrangements under which a student may opt to pay the charge in two equal instalments of 50% in September and 50% in January in a given academic year. The contribution will be paid by the Exchequer in respect of students who qualify under the third level grant schemes. These students, who account for some 43% of all undergraduates, will not be impacted by any increase in charges. The Government is also aware of the particular financial pressures that this charge may place on families where family income is marginally in excess of current eligibility levels for maintenance grant support and on families with more than one sibling in higher education at the same time. With this in mind, the current higher education grants schemes threshold will be increased to provide for an additional eligibility category of support qualifying for ‘50% Student Contribution' (see detail in Appendix). In addition, arrangements will be made to provide that second and subsequent siblings from a single family will not have to bear the full increased cost of the new €2,000 charge.
The introduction of a new €200 annual contribution for Post Leaving Certificate students will secure savings of €4 million in 2011. The cost of the charge will be met by the Exchequer on behalf of those students who are eligible under the maintenance grant scheme for students attending PLC courses. Eligible students may include those in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance provided that they meet all of the terms and conditions of the relevant student grant scheme.
Provision of further education opportunities in 2011 will be largely the same as that in 2010, with over 173,000 participants benefiting from VEC interventions.
Student Support
The 2011 allocation for student support payments is just over €385 million. This represents an increase of some 5%, or €18 million, over the 2010 provision and reflects both increased numbers of students qualifying for grants and a greater proportion of students qualifying for higher rates of grants, which are means tested.
The current higher education grants schemes threshold will be increased to provide for an additional eligibility category of support qualifying for ‘50% Student Contribution' .
The 2011 allocation also takes account of savings of some €22 million (rising to some €51 million in 2014), to be achieved through implementing a range of savings measures in the student support scheme. These measures include:
A 4% reduction in the rate of student support grants, reflecting the reductions in rates of social protection payments announced in the Budget. This will yield savings of €8 million;
Changing the qualifying distance criterion for entitlement to the higher non-adjacent rate of grant (distance from home to the higher education institution) from 15 miles (24 kilometres) to 28 miles (45 kilometres). The original distance criterion was set in 1968, before the significant improvement in transport facilities and road networks which has taken place. This measure will yield €10 million of savings in 2011 (€30 million in 2014);
Savings of €4 million (€13 million in 2014) will be secured by reducing the automatic eligibility of mature students to the higher non-adjacent rate of payment, thereby bringing the arrangements for mature students into line with all other students.
Skills and Training
Savings of approximately €10 million will be achieved in the area of training allowances and supports. This includes a reduction, consistent with reductions in social protection rates announced in the Budget, of €8 per week in all weekly training allowances and similar support payments. The long-term unemployment bonus paid to VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme) students and to FAS trainees will be reduced from €31.80 per week to €20 per week.
In Budget 2011 the allocation to FÁS for training the unemployed has been decreased by €43 million or approximately 15%. This will result in an equivalent reduction of 15,410 training places that FÁS can deliver for the unemployed next year. This will imply that FAS will deliver approximately 100,000 training places next year as opposed to the 115,000 they are delivering this year.
Other current expenditure items
The reduced 2011 allocation of just over €18 million for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) takes account of €3 million in savings to be secured through capping at 178 the number of psychologists in the service;
A saving of €1 million in 2011, rising to €12 million in 2014, will be achieved through the impact of a 10% reduction in salary scales for new entrants to the public service, with all new entrants starting on the minimum point of the new scale.
€16 million in savings (€39 million in 2014) will be achieved through further reductions in public service numbers on the Education and Skills Vote, including in the Non-Commercial State Agencies under the aegis of the Department. These reductions are on foot of the updated Employment Control Framework in the National Recovery Plan, to control public sector numbers.
A further €18 million in savings will be achieved through a range of non-pay administrative savings, the management of emerging expenditure pressures and other estimating savings.
The 2011 allocation of €78 million for the Administrative Budget subheads A1 to A8 includes an additional €1.6 million in staff costs as a result of the transfer of functions in May 2010. When account is taken of this the 2011 allocation for these subheads represents a reduction of 2% on the comparable allocation for 2010.
The 2011 allocations to a number of bodies under the aegis of the Department reflect reductions in payroll and other administrative savings.
153 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to minimise the cost of mock examinations to families. [25971/11]
Mock examinations are not part of the State examinations system. The decision to organise and/or charge for mock examinations is made at school level, and my Department does not have a role in the matter. Schools are provided with capitation and school services grants to meet their running costs. Post-primary schools receive school services grant of €201 per pupil plus a capitation grant of €328 per pupil. DEIS schools also receive additional funds for targeted interventions to improve educational outcomes for students at risk.
It is important for schools to be sensitive to the financial pressures on families, and to use the State funds provided to optimum effect. However, my Department is not in a position to make additional funds available to schools in the current climate.
Ideally, mock examinations should be marked by teachers as part of their ongoing work in schools. While schools in the Free Education Scheme may seek voluntary contributions from parents, they may not charge fees for teaching and learning activities scheduled as part of the school day, or exclude students from such services for non payment of a fee.
154 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of the announced 6,000 extra specific jobs skills training places that have been taken up to date by unemployed persons from structurally challenged industries; the number of the 3,000 back to education initiative places for people with less than leaving certificate that have been taken up to date; the number of the 5,900 third level springboard programme places that have been taken up to date; and the number of the additional 1,000 post-leaving certificate places that have been taken up to date. [25996/11]
The majority of the additional training, education and work experience places (15,900) for the unemployed, including young unemployed persons, contained in the Jobs Initiative which was announced in May 2011 are being delivered by my Department 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) Arrangements for filling these places are at different stages at present:
FÁS Specific Skills Training Courses. I understand from FÁS that the additional 1,000 places for the longer Specific Skills Training Courses have been identified and scheduled, with some courses already commenced and participants for the remainder currently being recruited.
FÁS are planning to commence over the next 3 months the remaining short, evening and blended learning, specific skills training courses with the additional 5,000 places. FÁS is confident that it will achieve its target in this area in 2011.
Back to Education and Post Leaving Certificate Courses. The additional 1,000 Further Education Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) and 3,000 Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) places are being prioritised for the unemployed. These additional places have been allocated to Vocational Education Committees (VECs) and other providers and are being made available to participants for the current academic year.
It is expected that the additional 1,000 learners on PLC programmes will be fully utilised by the end of September. Data on enrolments will be notified to my Department as part of the standard 30 September enrolment returns which will be available at the end of the year.
The additional BTEI places are designed to provide flexible short term programmes, with priority given to people who are unemployed and who left school prior to completing their Leaving Certificate. VECs are currently in the process of recruiting participants and initiating programmes for the Jobs Initiative. Data on the number of participants availing of these places will be submitted by VECs as part of end of year reports.
Springboard Applications for the 5,900 Springboard places opened on 25 May 2011 through the online applications facility on the Bluebrick.ie. web portal. It is open to applicants to submit multiple applications and to date 16,040 applications have been received from 6,736 people. 3,792 applicants have been accepted and are enrolled on courses and 2,378 applications are currently being processed.
As applications are still being submitted and processed, the overall position in relation to uptake will not be known for another few weeks. I understand that the majority of Springboard programmes will have commenced by mid October.
155 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a most serious health and safety matter relating to schools (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26007/11]
When a school authority receives funding from my Department to carry out refurbishment works to their school building, they are advised of their responsibilities as Client for the project under the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations, Statutory Instrument (S.I.) 504 of 2006.
In particular school authorities are advised that they must receive written confirmation from all Consultant(s) appointed by them to assist with the delivery of their approved project that they are aware of the contents of the School's Safety File and the School's Asbestos Register. The school management authority is also required to provide written confirmation that their consultants have checked the school safety file and has taken appropriate action in relation to the removal asbestos before my Department will issue any payments in respect of the approved works. In relation to the removal of asbestos school authorities are required to engage contractors named on the OPW list of specialist asbestos removal contractors.
In addition school authorities are informed that guidelines documents on "Asbestos Management in Schools" and the "Code of Practice for Management of Asbestos Material in Schools" are available on my Department website www.education.ie.
156 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is grant aid available to Irish postgraduate students (details supplied) studying in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26024/11]
Grant support is not available to students pursuing post-graduate courses outside of the island of Ireland. However, Section 473A, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, as amended by Section 11 of the Finance Act 2011, provides for tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in E.U. Member States and in non-EU countries. Further details and conditions in relation to this tax relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.
157 Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the building project in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24. [26129/11]
The major building project for this school was included in the list of projects announced in January of this year to "Complete Tender Documents and Expected to Tender in 2011". The design team are currently working on stage 2(b) of architectural planning which includes the application for Planning Permission, Fire Certificate and Disability Access Certificate (DAC) and the preparation of tender documents. Upon completion of Stage 2(b) the Design Team will submit the required documentation to my Department. Subsequently assuming no further issues arise, my Department will be in contact with the Board of Management with regard to the further progression of the project.
158 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the grants or forms of financial assistance provided by him to Irish students studying in third level education outside the island of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26131/11]
The student grant scheme includes provision for grants to eligible students pursuing full-time undergraduate courses of at least two years duration in publicly-funded institutions in other EU Member States.
The student grant scheme is administered on behalf of my Department by local grant awarding authorities — local authorities and VECs — and students should apply to the grant awarding authority in the area where they live to have their eligibility for a grant assessed.
While the student grant scheme does not extend to postgraduate study outside of Ireland, Section 473A, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, as amended by Section 11 of the Finance Act 2011, provides for tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in E.U. Member States and in non-EU countries.
160 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding FÁS apprentice students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26155/11]
FÁS has introduced a number of schemes to assist redundant apprentices to progress their apprenticeships, namely: Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme 2011. With the support of the social partners, 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. Phase 7 Equivalent Assessments Redundant apprentices in the trades of Carpentry & Joinery, Cabinet Making, Electrical, Plumbing, Brick & Stonelaying and Plastering who have successfully completed Phase 1 to Phase 6 of their apprenticeships but who have not completed on-the-job Phase 7 Assessments and are unable to obtain a FÁS-approved employer to complete Phase 7 assessments, will be scheduled by FÁS to undertake Phase 7 Equivalent Assessments over a period of 4 weeks in a FÁS Training Centre. Competency Determination Mechanism. I understand that FÁS is introducing a Competency Determination Scheme for the trades of Brick & Stonelaying, Carpentry & Joinery, Electrical, Plastering and Plumbing. Under this Scheme, 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 as apprentices, will be invited by FÁS to attend a FÁS Training Centre to have their competency assessed.
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. I understand that apprentices are being scheduled for competency assessments at present. ? 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. The Certificate in Craft Transferable Skills (optional) will be offered by the Institutes of Technology in Term 1 — 2011/2012.
I would strongly advise that Redundant Apprentices should contact their FÁS Training Advisor to obtain advice and guidance in relation to the progression of their apprenticeship.
161 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26157/11]
The building project for this school was listed in the School Building Works Programme announced on 24th January 2011 to commence the design team appointment process this year. The brief and schedule of accommodation has been prepared. It is anticipated that officials from my Department will be in contact with the school authorities shortly to commence the tender process for the appointment of the design team.
162 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the delay in issuing payment for transport of a child (details supplied) in County Cork with special needs to the parents involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26167/11]
School Transport Section of my Department handles a large volume of grant payments at the end of each school year and it is inevitable that payment processing will take longer during this very busy period. The payment in question was issued on 20th September 2011.
163 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider relaxing the rule that prevents an unemployed person on a FÁS course taking up a free Springboard course, particularly as there may be an overlap between the time the FÁS course finishes and the springboard course begins, and the springboard course may involve a progression for the person concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26177/11]
To be eligible for a place on a Springboard course an applicant must have a previous history of employment, and at the time of starting a Springboard course must be unemployed and in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance, Jobseeker's Benefit or One Parent Family Payment or be signing for contribution credits. All applicants must be available for and actively seeking employment. In order to qualify for a place on a post-graduate course applicants must meet these requirements and also must have completed their undergraduate qualification at least three years before the date of commencement of the post-graduate course. It is open to people who have completed a FAS course to progress to a Springboard programme. People who do not fulfil the eligibility criteria for Springboard may also apply under the Department of Education and Skills Student Grant Scheme, for fee and maintenance cost support to pursue a higher education programme on a full-time basis. Full details regarding the Department's student grant schemes are available on www.studentfinance.ie.
164 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of part-time teachers in special schools that have not yet been placed on the appropriate pay rate and therefore have arrears owing to them since the implementation of the Protection of Employees (Part Time Work) Act 2001. [26194/11]
165 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount owing in arrears to part-time teachers in special schools who have not yet been placed in the appropriate pay rate since the implementation of the Protection of Employees (Part Time Work) Act 2001. [26195/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.
Until 31st December 2010, a grant system operated which allowed the managerial authorities of special schools to claim from my Department the funding required to pay part-time specialist subject teachers employed in their schools. The teachers were paid by the managerial authorities.
With effect from the 1st January this year, part-time specialist subject teachers are being paid on a payroll operated by my Department. Under the terms of the Protection of Employees (Part-time Work) Act, 2001, qualified eligible part-time teachers are entitled to be paid salary appropriate to their qualifications and to receive incremental credit in respect of relevant teaching service.
The arrears due to each qualified teacher are determined individually with regard to their qualifications and service. It is hoped to pay the outstanding arrears to approximately 60 qualified teachers within the current financial year. The current priority of my Department's Payroll Division is to ensure that replacement teachers and special need assistants being appointed for the 2011/2012 school year are placed on payroll for payment.
166 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the supports available for mature students who have been turned down for a full-time course through the CAO system and chose to then take the course part time but have to pay full fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26196/11]
Part-time programmes are not eligible for support under the student grant or free fees scheme. However, tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, is available on third-level tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved higher education institutions including certain approved undergraduate courses in E.U. member states and approved postgraduate courses in E.U. member states and in non-E.U. countries.
In addition, as part of the Government's Jobs Initiative, 6,000 part-time places are being funded through Springboard, a specific initiative targeted at unemployed people who have lost jobs in sectors where employment levels will not return and who will need new qualifications and skills. To be eligible for a place on a Springboard course an applicant must have a previous history of employment, and at the time of starting a Springboard course must be unemployed and in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance, Jobseeker's Benefit or One Parent Family Payment or be signing for contribution credits and be available and actively seeking employment. Full details regarding all Springboard can be found on www.bluebrick.ie .
167 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will maintain critical funding for the RASP anti-drug programme in Dublin 17 for 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26197/11]
My Department has provided an allocation of €138,847 to the Rehabilitation and Support Programme (RASP) in 2011 which is equal to its allocation in 2010. A decision regarding the provision of an allocation to the project in 2012 will be taken in the context of the overall budgetary process for 2012.
168 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26222/11]
The school referred to by the Deputy was included for appointment of a design team in the announcement in January of the school building works programme for 2011.
My Department is in the process of acquiring a site close to the current location of the school. The next step will be the appointment of a design team to design the new school building. It is my Department's intention to have the new school in place for September 2014. However, until planning permission has been secured it will not be possible to give a more precise indication of when the construction of the new school will be completed.
169 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will explain the decision by FÁS not to continue funding for a project (details supplied) and if alternative funding can be found to keep such a vital service running. [26227/11]
I have been informed that the project referred to by the Deputy is not a FÁS project, but has been funded by a Community Training Centre, which itself receives funding from FÁS. Following a review of funding of CTCs, it was determined that FÁS could not continue to provide the CTC with funding for this project as the work carried out by the project does not fall within the remit of FÁS.
170 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Skills notwithstanding the Civil Service circular No. 28, if he will provide a list of the current pay of each senior civil servant from higher executive officer to Secretary General in his Department broken down by grade; the pension entitlements of each and any other emoluments they are entitled to receive upon reaching retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26234/11]
As there is a total of 636 staff at Higher Executive officer to Secretary General (and equivalents) in my Department I trust the Deputy will appreciate that to provide a list of the current pay of each individual and calculate their individual retirement entitlements in the format requested would take an inordinate amount of official time to compile.
Pension and gratuity benefits are calculated by reference to total reckonable service and pensionable remuneration on the last day of service. Where a person changes grade during their final three years of service, the salary is averaged over the last 3 years for the purposes of calculating pensionable remuneration.
Pension Calculation
(a) in the case of staff appointed before 6th April 1995 the pension is calculated as 1/80th of pensionable remuneration for each years service.
(b) For staff recruited after 6th April 1995 the pension is calculated as follows:
1/200th of pensionable remuneration below 3 1/3 times Old Age Contributory Pension (OACP)
Multiplied by reckonable service plus (where applicable)
1/80th of pensionable remuneration in excess of 3 1/3 times OACP
Multiplied by reckonable service. A maximum of 40 years service applies in both cases. Retirement Gratuity.
In the case of both categories of staff retirement gratuities are calculated as 3/80th of pensionable remuneration for each year of service subject to a maximum of 120/80th (i.e. 1 1/2 times the final annual salary).
In the case of a person having reached 40 years service their pension will be calculated as follows:
Pension = Annual Salary X Service 80
Gratuity Sum = Annual Salary X 1.5
It is possible for a staff member over the age of fifty to retire and receive an actuarially reduced pension.
I have included details of the 2008 pay scales for the grades in question that are applicable to officials that retire before the 29th. February 2012. Officials that retire after this date will have their pensions calculated at the reduced salary rates that came into effect from the 1st, January 2010.
In respect of the Secretary General her current gross salary is €215,590 per annum and she has effected a voluntary waiver to bring her remuneration to €200,000. Her gross salary prior to pay reductions was €253,635 per annum. Secretaries Generals are appointed as a result of a Top Level Appointments Commission (TLAC) process and therefore, would be comprehended by the usual TLAC terms of appointment including retirement terms.
PAY SCALES 1st, September 2008
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
€131,748 €137,737 €144,225 €150,712
PRINCIPAL (HIGHER)
€92,730 €96,555 €100,392 €104,217 €107,485 €110,9281 €114,3662
PRINCIPAL
€86,168 €89,819 €93,449 €97,109 €100,191 €103,3891 €106,5822
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL (HIGHER)
€72,681 €75,448 €78,226 €80,989 €83,760 €85,375 €88,1351 €90,8842
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
€66,179 €68,656 €71,132 €73,609 €76,087 €77,520 €80,0161 €82,5202
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STANDARD SCALE
€33,372 €36,400 €40,275 €43,226 €46,176 €49,137 €52,086 €55,030 €57,0621 €59,0972
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER HIGHER SCALE
€43,226 €46,176 €49,137 €52,086 €55,030 €57,062 €59,072 €61,082
HIGHER EXECUTIVE OFFICER STANDARD SCALE
€46,558 €47,973 €49,379 €50,789 €52,200 €53,618 €55,030 €57,0621 €59,0972
HIGHER EXECUTIVE OFFICER HIGHER SCALE
€49,379 €50,789 €52,200 €53,618 €55,030 €57,062 €58,396 €59,737 €61,082
Revised pay with effect from 1 September 2008 for established officers appointed on or after the 6th April 1995 paying the Class A rate of PRSI contribution and making an employee contribution in respect of personal superannuation benefits for General Service Grades.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
€138,683 €144,986 €151,816 €158,644
PRINCIPAL (HIGHER)
€97,617 €101,636 €105,675 €109,705 €113,141 €116,7601 €120,3822
PRINCIPAL
€90,702 €94,550 €98,370 €102,218 €105,463 €108,8291 €112,1912
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL (HIGHER)
€76,510 €79,421 €82,338 €85,253 €88,169 €89,872 €92,7651 €95,6652
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
€69,659 €72,268 €74,871 €77,483 €80,090 €81,593 €84,2251 €86,8652
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STANDARD SCALE
€35,132 €38,318 €42,397 €45,501 €48,607 €51,722 €54,828 €57,923 €60,0691 €62,2102
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER HIGHER SCALE
€45,501 €48,607 €51,722 €54,828 €57,923 €60,069 €62,181 €64,296
HIGHER EXECUTIVE OFFICER STANDARD SCALE
€49,007 €50,495 €51,980 €53,464 €54,952 €56,438 €57,923 €60,0691 €62,2102
HIGHER EXECUTIVE OFFICER HIGHER SCALE
€51,980 €53,464 €54,952 €56,438 €57,923 €60,069 €61,475 €62,884 €64,296
171 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will publish his key policy document on the education of children on the autistic spectrum; if he will confirm that this policy was produced in recent years and is the basis of his current national programme for the education of citizens with autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26250/11]
The Deputy will be aware that policy can be expressed and manifested through a variety of forms. Explicitly, it is communicated via legislation, regulations, rulings, orders, plans, strategies, policy statements, and other forms — or through a combination of these. Therefore the Deputy will appreciate that specific policies and objectives are not always articulated in just one document.
My Department strives to ensure that a continuum of special education provision is available as required for children with special educational needs. In line with this approach the policy is to promote a child-centred approach to education of all children with special educational needs including those with autism. As each child with autism is unique they should have access to a range of different approaches to meet their individual needs.
Children with autism present with a wide range of needs. Some children are capable of being fully integrated into mainstream schools without additional teaching or care supports. Others are able to attend mainstream schools but need additional teaching and/or care assistance. Many are best enrolled in autism-specific classes where more intensive and supportive interventions are required. Some may move from one setting to another as they get older and differing needs/strengths/abilities emerge.
The preferred policy of my Department is that children with autism are educated in school settings where children may have access to individualised education programmes (IEPs), fully-qualified professional teachers, special needs assistants, the appropriate school curriculum with the option, where possible and appropriate, of full or partial integration and interaction with other pupils.
Autism classes are established with a staffing ratio of 1 teacher and a minimum of 2 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) for every 6 children. Other SNAs may be allocated if required to meet the care needs of the children. Start-up grants are provided to the schools to enable special equipment to be purchased. Enhanced capitation is paid in respect of each child and assistive technology is funded where this is recommended.
This approach promotes the maximum level of inclusion which accords with the intent of the EPSEN Act. While some children may be able to attend a mainstream class, for others the most appropriate provision may be in a special class or unit in the school or in a special school.
My Department supports provision in mainstream schools, some 430 special classes for autism attached to mainstream and special schools and 18 special schools for children with autism throughout the State which cater for the educational needs of some 5,000 children with autism, all of which operate within the policy parameters.
This policy is based on advice received from international experts on autism, NEPS, the Inspectorate and the report of the Irish Task Force on Autism. My Department has satisfied itself that research does not support the exclusive usage of any one approach as a basis for national educational provision for children with autism. It is for this reason that my Department's preferred policy is for a child centred approach where the approach to be taken is based on the individual child's needs.
In arriving at the preferred policy which is currently in place, my Department has considered published research, including the Report of the Task Force on Autism (2001) and the Evaluation of Educational Provision for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (2006), both of which are available on my Department's website and which have informed the policy. My Department was also mindful of contributions of many other experts at international conferences/visits which have also informed the development views.
172 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report to Dáil Éireann on the home tuition and educational fees which he has provided for the former students of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 13 which was forced to close on 29 July 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26251/11]
As the Deputy is aware the centre to which he has referred submitted a proposal for an academy for children with autism to my Department for consideration. My Department took a decision not to provide funding to support the centre as the proposal submitted was not in line with my Department's policy on educational provision for children with autism. My Department had no direct funding arrangements with the group in question.
The purpose of the Home Tuition Scheme is to provide a compensatory educational service 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.
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 there are placements available for all of these children. I am aware that the parents of the children have all been advised of their placement options by the NCSE.
I also wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has approved home tuition, from the commencement of the current school year, for 1 month for all of the children concerned. The purpose of this provision is to facilitate transitional arrangements for children taking up placements. My Department will consider, as an exceptional measure, extending this period further to facilitate transitional arrangements for the children once they have enrolled in the school based placements.
173 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm priority status of the construction of a new secondary school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26299/11]
A major project for the school to which the Deputy refers was included on the work programme for 2011, which was announced on 24 January 2011.
The project brief has now been agreed with the School Management. The next stage involves 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 completion of the project 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.
174 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the issues in a document (details supplied) regarding the inability of mature students to continue their education to fourth level in view of the restrictive social welfare and medical card conditions; and if he will establish an interdepartmental liaison with the Department of Health and the Department of Social Protection to provide for some mitigation for mature students who find themselves in these or similar circumstances. [26312/11]
The Deputy will be aware that the student grant measures announced in Budget 2011 by the previous Fianna Fáil — Green Party Government began to come into effect from January this year when a reduction of 4% in the rates of grant was applied to all student grant recipients. In addition, from September 2011 the assessment of the qualifying distance criterion for the non-adjacent rate of grant was changed from 24 kilometres to 45 kilometres and mature students no longer have an automatic entitlement to the non-adjacent rate of grant.
Given the current economic circumstances I regret that I am not in a position to reverse the changes made to the entitlement for mature students. Students in exceptional financial circumstances can apply for assistance under the Student Assistance Fund. Information on the Fund is available through the access offices of third-level institutions. The access offices themselves will also continue to provide support and advice to students to enable them to continue with their studies.
The BTEA is a Department of Social Protection second-chance education opportunities scheme designed to encourage and facilitate people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and therefore, their prospects of returning to the workforce. The Deputy will appreciate that eligibility for, or any extension of the BTEA scheme to accommodate postgraduate studies is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection. There has already been a substantial level of liaison between officials of my Department and those of the Department of Social Protection in relation to common issues concerning eligibility for the BTEA and student grants.
175 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reinstate the rural school bus transport scheme for a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [26346/11]
Changes in the School Transport Scheme were announced by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government and derive from recommendations in the Value for Money Review of the scheme.
One of the changes announced included an increase to ten in the minimum number of eligible pupils, residing in a distinct locality, required to establish or retain an individual school transport service.
Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport schemes on behalf of my Department, has advised that in this case, the number of applications from eligible pupils did not match the above requirement and consequently the service was withdrawn from the beginning of the current school year.
This minimum number requirement has been applied to all individual school transport services nationally from the commencement of the 2011/12 school year.
As is currently the position, families of eligible pupils, for whom there is no school transport service available, may apply for a remote area grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements.
It is essential to stress that the wider context within which this change is taking place, is a situation of the most serious financial difficulties. Under the four year recovery plan, there is a requirement to deliver savings of €17 million on the school transport budget and this measure is an integral part of this.
176 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has submitted a strategy statement to him, as specified under the 1997 Public Service Management Act; and if so, if he will publish this statement. [26406/11]
A Strategy Statement has been submitted to the Minister for consideration and will be published in due course.
177 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding tenancy entitlements in respect of a club (details supplied) in Dublin. [26422/11]
I wish to advise the Deputy that it is my intention to lease the entire former community school site referred to by the Deputy, including the sports complex, to the City of Dublin VEC. My Department has requested the VEC to ensure that the club referred to by the Deputy is given use of the facility following execution of the lease. I understand that the VEC has already presented a draft user agreement to the club for their consideration in anticipation of concluding legal formalities with my Department. Providing a letter of comfort to the club in relation to its future use of the sports facility is, therefore, no longer considered necessary.
178 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the total worth, in euro, of public procurement contracts in central and local government in 2010 and 2011; the worth of those contracts granted to Irish companies and the worth of those granted to foreign companies. [25719/11]
Statistics compiled by the National Procurement Service relate to total spend advertised on eTenders above EU thresholds. The information requested by the Deputy is not yet available as the statistics for 2010 are only now being compiled. It is anticipated that the exercise will be complete in December 2011.
As statistics are compiled a year in arrears, figures for 2011 will not be available until December 2012.
179 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the worth of public procurement contracts for central and local government in 2010 and 2011 that were granted to Irish companies that employ ten persons or fewer; and the worth of public contracts granted to companies that employ ten persons or more. [25720/11]
Statistics complied by the National Procurement Service relate to total spend advertised on eTenders above EU thresholds. The information requested, regarding the size of Irish companies awarded public procurement contracts, is not available as such information in the format requested was never compiled.
My Office, in consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation, is looking at the feasibility of sourcing such information in the future.
180 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the projected budgetary changes to lump sums and pension arrangements in respect of public servants with 37.5 years of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25845/11]
I understand that the Deputy is interested in the ‘grace period' and its effects. The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009 provided for a period within which pensions are unaffected by the pay cuts introduced in that Act. This ‘grace period was due to expire by the end of 2010 however it was extended to 29 February 2012 to avoid too large a number of public service retirements in 2011 and to spread the extra pension lump sum costs over a more manageable period in both 2011 and 2012.
Also, in July this year a 3 month minimum notice period for retirement was introduced for the public service. The purpose of this minimum notice period is to protect services by giving management information about the number of staff retiring in a particular area and to assist in planning how best to maintain services. I have no plans to introduce any special arrangements for public servants who do not have forty years pensionable service: in accordance with the standard pension arrangements, those who opt for retirement will receive a pension based on the service accumulated to the date of their retirement. I would point out that, generally, public servants who are aged over 50 may avail of cost neutral early retirement.
181 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding accessing funding through the national lottery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25966/11]
The surplus generated by the National Lottery is transferred annually to the Exchequer and is applied to part-fund the Exchequer allocations to a specified range of expenditure subheads across various Votes. The amount transferred to the Exchequer from the Lottery surplus, together with details of the total Exchequer allocations to the relevant lottery supported subheads are published each year in Appendix 1 of the annual Revised Estimates for Public Services which gives a breakdown of allocations by programme.
Individuals or organisations who wish to apply for State funding for specific projects should contact the relevant Government Department or agency in relation to the application process.
182 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if Ireland is currently in receipt of, or has applied for, any joint European support for sustainable investment in city areas funding to invest in sustainable urban development and regeneration projects. [25985/11]
As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland was allocated a total of €901m in Structural Funding for the 2007-13 programming period, with €750m assigned to the Regional Competitiveness and Employment (RCE) Objective. Ireland's National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) sets out the policy context through which the RCE allocation may be applied. This is implemented through three Operational Programmes: the Border, Midlands and Western (BMW) OP, the Southern and Eastern (S&E) OP — both co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) — and the Human Capital Investment OP, which is co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF). The balance of €151m is for smaller Territorial Cooperation programmes including PEACE III, INTERREG IVA and the Ireland Wales programme.
The EU Commission developed four joint initiatives in co-operation with the European Investment Bank (EIB) group and other financial institutions in the framework of the 2007-2013 programming period. Two of them refer to the promotion of financial engineering instruments (JEREMIE and JESSICA). The other two (JASPERS and JASMINE) operate as technical assistance facilities.
These initiatives were examined when Ireland's ERDF Structural Programmes 2007-13 were being developed back in 2006/7. However, primarily because of the scale of operations required to secure EIB participation, the availability of credit at that time and the level of structural funds allocated to Ireland, it was not considered suited to our Structural Funds programmes.
In any case, it should be noted that as Ireland has sufficient expenditure in the ERDF funded OPs to draw down our full structural fund allocation, no additional funding would have been made available.
The regulations governing the 2014-20 round of structural funds are expected to be published shortly and I will be examining the detail to see if the use of such financial engineering instruments will be appropriate for our structural funds programmes for this period.
183 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the grades within the public and civil service entitled to receive a special severance gratuity payment on retirement; the number of public and civil servants that will be eligible for the special severance gratuity payment on retirement; the way the special severance gratuity payment calculated for each eligible grade; the saving to the State if it did not make the special severance gratuity payment for each grade from this date onwards; and if he will supply this data in a tabular form to include each grade accompanied by the saving. [26010/11]
The grades in the Civil/Public Service which may potentially attract a severance (or severance type) payment at termination, subject to certain conditions, are as follows:
|
Grades |
|
|
Secretaries General |
The lesser of:— (a) 6 months’ salary, or (b) potential salary to age 65. |
|
County Managers |
The lesser of:— (a) 6 months’ salary, or (b) potential salary to age 65. |
|
Ministerial Personal Staff |
The greater of:— (a) 2 months’ salary, or (b) 4 weeks’ salary per year of service (plus one third capped at 28 weeks, where applicable). |
|
Oireachtas Secretarial Assistants |
4 weeks’ salary per year of service (plus one third capped at 28 weeks, where applicable). |
|
CEOs of non-commercial State Bodies |
Where pension is not payable immediately — (a) 4 weeks’ salary per year of continuous service to a maximum of 26 weeks’ salary; or (b) where pension becomes payable within 26 weeks of cessation of employment, the amount of salary which would have been payable between the date of retirement and commencement of pension. |
|
Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas |
Termination Allowances of:— (a) a lump sum of 2 months’ salary, plus (b) a monthly payment, to a maximum of 12 payments depending on service, at the rate of 75% of salary for the first 6 months and 50% of salary for the remaining months. Allowance and pension cannot be paid simultaneously. |
|
Officeholders(i.e. Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister, Attorney General, Minister of State, Ceann Comhairle, Leas Cheann Comhairle, Cathaoirleach, Leas Chathaoirleach, Leader of Seanad Éireann) |
On leaving Office — a monthly payment, to a maximum of 24 payments depending on service, at the rate of 75% of salary for the first 6 months; 50% of salary for the next 12 months and 25% of salary for the remaining months. Severance and pension cannot be paid simultaneously. |
Given the extent of the variables which determine entitlement to severance/severance type payments in each individual category and case, e.g. service to date, age at date of departure, potential service to age 65, appointment to another position in the Civil/Public Service, etc., it is not possible to quantify the savings to the State if no such payments were made in the future.
184 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the grades within the public and civil service entitled to benefit from added years enabling the latter to retire before the standard pension entitlement age with full pension benefits; the number of public and civil servants that will be eligible to benefit from added years; if he will give details of the saving to the State if it did not grant added years for each grade from this date onwards; and if he will supply this data in a tabular form to include each grade accompanied by the saving. [26011/11]
The only added years awarded in the Civil and Public Service to persons before reaching the standard pension age are to Secretaries General, County Managers, CEOs of non-commercial State Bodies and to staff in any grade who retire or are retired on health grounds before normal retirement age. There are no added years' arrangements which enable a person to retire on maximum superannuation benefits automatically before the standard pension age as suggested, as added years do not necessarily confer full pension benefits. In the cases mentioned above, the amount of pension payable is based on service already accrued plus the added years. It is not possible to state how many staff will be eligible to benefit from added years in the future, as that will depend on each individual's circumstances at retirement. If, for example, a Secretary General or CEO is re-appointed to another public service post, has reached maximum retirement age or voluntarily leaves the post before the end of his or her contract, added years are not normally awarded. It is also not possible to predict how many staff will retire on health grounds in the future.
185 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the saving to the State if all existing public and civil service pension payments were capped at €35,930 per year. [26023/11]
It is estimated that the imposition of a cap on pensions in the civil service, based on January 2011 data, would have resulted in an estimated saving of €43m if pensions were capped at €35,930. This takes no account of the tax and other statutory deductions foregone. Comparable data are not available for the public service as a whole.
186 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of construction companies to which the State awarded building contracts valued at over €8 million, in each year from 2005 to date in 2011; and the relevant number of building contracts. [26215/11]
The details being sought by the Deputy are not held centrally in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. This information is held by the relevant individual contracting authorities who are involved in capital expenditure. I will seek to compile this data on the Deputy's behalf but it will take some time before I can contact him further on this.
187 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 237 of 14 September 2011, whether the input suggestion scheme by which civil servants were rewarded for bonuses as a result of proposing cost saving measures is still in operation; the savings made to date as a result of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25647/11]
The Civil Service Staff Suggestion Scheme (INPUT) has not been operational on a centralised basis since 2003. Information on savings made in each Department was not collated centrally during the lifetime of the scheme.
Innovation and business process improvement is now an established discipline within Government Departments. The management of change is also a well established process within business units. In addition, there have been significant developments in the application of information technology to operational environments under the eGovernment initiative, including the move to online customer services. Other contributors to process improvement include the Quality Customer Service initiative and the Taoiseach's Public Service Excellence Awards. These initiatives ensure that continuous improvement in the effectiveness of operational activities is an integral part of the normal business planning process within Departments.
188 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress that has been made on amending procurement procedures to enable contracts to be broken down to allow small and medium indigenous businesses to tender for Government projects, and to include social clauses to promote the employment and training up of local labour. [25853/11]
Guidelines from my Department require that public bodies conduct the public procurement function in a way that facilitates and does not place barriers to participation of small and medium enterprises. As one measure to achieve this, the guidance advises that the sub-dividing of procurement requirements into "lots" should be considered by contracting authorities where it would be appropriate and practical and can be done without compromising efficiency and value for money.
As regards promoting employment of local labour, the award of public contracts is governed by EU Treaty principles and Directives on public procurement. The provisions of the EU Directives allow contracting authorities to attach social conditions to the performance of contracts, provided these are compatible with EU law. In this regard, EU law requires that such conditions must be made known to all interested parties and must not restrict participation by contractors from other Member States. Specifying such conditions is a matter for the contracting authority concerned, having regard to the foregoing considerations.
189 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the Office of Public Works plan for the Kilmainham courthouse building, Dublin; and if it is envisaged that this building will be used as a public space. [25920/11]
The Kilmainham Courthouse building is currently in the ownership of the Courts Service. Nevertheless, some essential remedial and stabilisation works have been carried out by the Office of Public Works on behalf of the Courts Service in recent years. The Courts Service has requested the OPW to consider taking ownership of the building as it is surplus to its requirements.
The proximity of the old Courthouse to Kilmainham Gaol, which is in the care of the OPW, suggests certain development possibilities, which could well involve use as a public space. These are at a very early assessment stage by OPW and no decision has been made in this regard as yet. A critical factor in the decision-making process will be the availability of funding.
190 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform notwithstanding the Civil Service circular No. 28, if he will provide a list of the current pay of each senior civil servant from higher executive officer to secretary general in his Department broken down by grade; the pension entitlements of each and any other emoluments they are entitled to receive upon reaching retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26241/11]
Under the terms of the Civil Service Superannuation Schemes, retiring staff are entitled to a lump sum payment and a retirement pension which is based on their length of service and final pensionable remuneration. Further details regarding retirement benefits for civil servants are available at www.cspensions.gov.ie
Retiring staff receive a retirement lump sum of 3/80ths of pensionable remuneration for each year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 1½ times pensionable remuneration. In general, staff who were recruited prior to April 1995 and pay the modified rate of PRSI receive a pension of 1/80th of pensionable remuneration per year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 40 years. Staff who were recruited after April 1995, receive a pension which is integrated with the State Pension (Contributory). The formula for the calculation of the pension is 1/200th of pensionable remuneration up to 3 1/3rd times the State Pension, and 1/80th for pensionable remuneration in excess of this limit, per year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 40 years.
TLAC retirement terms may be applied to retiring Secretaries General, subject to certain conditions. Those terms are currently under review for future appointees.
As regards the current pay of each senior civil servant, the information is not readily available and would take an inordinate amount of time and associated cost to provide.
191 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the vacancies available in the public sector for persons with visual impairment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26284/11]
The position in relation to opportunities for employment in the Public Service generally is limited by the recruitment and promotion moratorium which was announced on the 27th March 2009. The moratorium applies, with limited exceptions, to the civil service, local authorities, non-commercial state bodies, the Garda Síochána, the Permanent Defence Forces and to certain bodies established by enactment and wholly or partly funded out of the Central Fund. The arrangements have been modulated in relation to the education and health sectors to reflect the particular needs in those sectors. In relation to the civil service, the area of the public service for which I have specific responsibility, a number of Departments and Offices are participants in the Willing Able and Mentoring Programme which is a graduate work experience programme aimed at persons with disabilities. This programme is not subject to the moratorium.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the 3 per cent target for the employment of people with disabilities in the Public Service remains in place, notwithstanding the moratorium. Reporting on compliance with this target under Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005, the National Disability Authority in their latest published report in 2009 noted that 4.2 per cent of staff employed in the civil service had disabilities. In relation to other areas of the Public Service, each Minister is responsible for compliance with and reporting on the target set in the Disability Act 2005 for the employment of persons with disabilities in public bodies under his or her aegis.
Finally, the Civil and Public Service is an equal opportunities employer and all recruitment campaigns are conducted in strict compliance with the Codes of Practice set out by the Commission for Public Service Appointments. Codes include the Code of Practice governing the External and Internal Appointments of Persons with Disabilities to Positions in the Irish Civil Service and Certain Public Bodies.
192 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount in euros central Government contracts were worth to private companies in the years from 2007 to 2011. [26290/11]
193 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount, in euro, of the public contracts agreed for 2009 and 2010 that went to small Irish companies with ten employees or less, medium companies with ten to 50 employees, and large Irish companies; and the amount, in euro, that went to non-Irish companies. [26291/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 193 together. The information requested by the Deputy is not available, as such information, in the format requested, was never compiled. My Office, in consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation, is looking at the feasibility of sourcing such information in the future.
194 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the overall number of persons currently employed in the civil and public service; and if he will provide a breakdown using appropriate overall headings. [26342/11]
The public service numbers as reported to my Department for end June 2011 are set out in the table.
|
Functional Classification |
Whole Time Equivalent |
|
Civil Service* |
37,204 |
|
Defence Sector |
10,325 |
|
Education Sector |
92,815 |
|
Health Sector |
105,253 |
|
Justice Sector |
14,567 |
|
Local Authorities |
30,728 |
|
Non Commercial State Agencies |
11,880 |
|
Total |
302,772 |
*Includes Civil Servants who work for the Oireachtas, which is directly funded by the Central Fund.
195 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the comprehensive spending review will be completed; and if he intends to publish same. [26343/11]
I would point out to the Deputy that the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure is a process involving input from all Departments and their agencies as well as work on cross cutting issues being carried out by my Department. These Departmental submissions are a central part of the pre-budget deliberations of the Government and it is envisaged that the reports submitted as part of the CRE process can be made publicly available following the completion of the budgetary and Estimates process.
196 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department has submitted a strategy statement to him, as specified under the 1997 Public Service Management Act; and if so, if he will publish this statement. [26397/11]
As specified under the Public Service Management Act 1997, my Department has submitted to me its draft Statement of Strategy for the period 2011-2014. The finalisation of the Statement of Strategy will reflect the key policy commitments of the Government including the emerging decisions in the context of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure currently under way.
It is my intention to publish the Statement of Strategy as soon as all relevant discussions and considerations on the matter have been concluded.
197 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the proportion of exports that are exported to the UK, the eurozone, the USA and the rest of the world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26329/11]
Details of our Exports, both Merchandise and Services, to the markets in question are set out in the tables. These are published regularly by the Central Statistics Office and, in respect of merchandise trade, data is provided on a monthly basis.
|
To: |
€ Million |
% of total exports |
|
UK (GB + NI) |
13,800 |
15% |
|
USA |
20,764 |
23% |
|
Eurozone Countries |
35,102 |
39% |
|
All other countries |
19,551 |
22% |
|
Total Exports |
89,217 |
|
To: |
€ Million |
% of total exports |
|
UK (GB + NI) |
13,458 |
20% |
|
USA |
4,200 |
6% |
|
Eurozone Countries * |
*24,351 |
*37% |
|
All other countries * |
* 23,749 |
*36% |
|
18 Countries where country-specific data is unavailable* |
*876 |
*1% |
|
Total Exports |
66,634 |
* Services Export data for a total of 18 countries, comprising four Eurozone members, (Austria, Cyprus, Greece and Malta), together with fourteen other countries, have been suppressed by the CSO for company confidentiality reasons (Generally where numbers of individual transactions are small and there is a risk that an individual company might be identified). This data is aggregated in a combined grouping above. Accordingly, the figures shown for the ‘Eurozone Countries' and ‘All other countries' groups above, do not include data in respect of the countries concerned. The total involved is €876m.
198 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to deal with below cost selling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25666/11]
General policy in the area of prices is to allow retailers the freedom to determine the prices they charge their customers, whilst ensuring that in doing so they act in accordance with the provisions of competition law. In this regard competition law does not prohibit below cost selling as there is no reason to believe that below cost selling of itself acts against the interests of consumers or is in any sense anti-competitive. The use of aggressive pricing strategies is a perfectly legitimate marketing tool and is the normal outcome of the competitive process. Accordingly I have no plans to introduce a ban on below cost selling.
Competition law does, however, prohibit traders who hold a dominant position in the market from abusing that position. One such abuse of a dominant position is predatory pricing. Predatory pricing normally involves a dominant undertaking pricing goods or services in such a manner with the principle objective of eliminating or seriously weakening a competitor. Predatory pricing should not be confused with competitive pricing which is the result of a properly functioning market. The purpose of competitive pricing is to retain market share whereas predatory pricing is aimed at driving efficient competitors out of the market by abusing a dominant position. Persons who have concerns that undertakings may be abusing their dominance in the marketplace by engaging in predatory pricing should bring their concerns to the attention of the Competition Authority who have responsibility for investigating such matters.
199 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 297 of 21 July 2011, if he will provide an update on same. [25667/11]
I provided the Deputy with the material requested, in my letter dated 9 August. The information provided in that letter as to the amount of funding granted by Enterprise Ireland to companies, on a county basis, in the years 2007 to 2010 is reproduced in the tabular statement.
|
County |
Total (Grant Payment Amount) 2007 |
Total (Grant Payment Amount) 2008 |
Total (Grant Payment Amount) 2009 |
Total (Grant Payment Amount) 2010 |
|
Carlow |
494,218 |
1,485,292 |
2,444,782 |
3,399,158 |
|
Cavan |
2,809,971 |
2,677,879 |
8,048,106 |
9,477,419 |
|
Clare |
982,221 |
1,571,118 |
1,626,557 |
3,245,337 |
|
Cork City |
1,933,864 |
3,227,173 |
6,992,667 |
8,470,596 |
|
Cork County |
7,092,791 |
17,545,244 |
20,813,631 |
13,787,491 |
|
Donegal |
2,359,811 |
2,621,725 |
3,385,542 |
5,344,954 |
|
Dublin City |
12,598,970 |
21,376,129 |
31,505,071 |
39,268,443 |
|
Dublin Fingal |
3,312,442 |
3,278,073 |
12,008,045 |
9,169,255 |
|
Dublin South County |
2,876,036 |
4,245,535 |
11,427,212 |
16,460,505 |
|
Dún Laoghaire — Rathdown |
6,728,556 |
7,182,699 |
9,781,270 |
10,461,679 |
|
Galway |
7,029,858 |
7,211,749 |
7,983,610 |
11,993,416 |
|
Kerry |
2,264,165 |
3,304,562 |
7,519,214 |
3,236,950 |
|
Kildare |
1,906,318 |
3,883,900 |
12,310,369 |
7,468,423 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,311,102 |
11,196,254 |
8,319,062 |
6,034,666 |
|
Laois |
1,359,660 |
957,987 |
1,786,885 |
2,254,957 |
|
Leitrim |
401,360 |
339,163 |
932,999 |
872,083 |
|
Limerick |
2,653,705 |
5,300,120 |
6,368,765 |
8,220,724 |
|
Longford |
215,221 |
1,715,510 |
2,667,185 |
1,822,458 |
|
Louth |
1,702,552 |
1,986,521 |
5,750,297 |
6,411,017 |
|
Mayo |
1,320,305 |
2,331,944 |
3,349,454 |
3,346,858 |
|
Meath |
1,355,812 |
1,342,068 |
1,684,636 |
5,801,191 |
|
Monaghan |
2,406,270 |
2,550,223 |
6,168,806 |
6,925,838 |
|
Offaly |
916,583 |
4,649,888 |
2,086,211 |
2,897,868 |
|
Roscommon |
705,308 |
727,976 |
589,374 |
2,555,324 |
|
Sligo |
971,332 |
983,739 |
2,444,801 |
1,936,955 |
|
Tipperary North |
159,520 |
1,870,279 |
3,071,381 |
3,179,688 |
|
Tipperary South |
4,169,347 |
1,117,465 |
5,233,913 |
4,248,236 |
|
Waterford |
743,747 |
1,999,554 |
7,452,656 |
9,457,798 |
|
Westmeath |
1,087,255 |
913,868 |
1,836,490 |
3,687,049 |
|
Wexford |
562,739 |
2,277,698 |
2,421,484 |
7,625,455 |
|
Wicklow |
2,152,032 |
3,358,511 |
6,028,058 |
3,711,335 |
|
Total |
76,583,073 |
125,229,844 |
204,038,533 |
222,773,126 |
(Source: cognos t: drive run 25/07/11)
200 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the total number of industrial and provident societies registered with the Registry of Friendly Societies in 2009; the number which complied with the statutory obligations with regard to filing annual returns; the number that failed to file annual returns; the action, if any, the Register of Friendly Societies has taken in respect of those societies that did not file annual returns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25687/11]
The annual report of the Registrar of Friendly Societies for 2009 (published on the websites of both my Department and the Companies Registration Office) indicates a total of 1,045 Industrial and Provident Societies on the register. Annual returns in respect of these societies are outstanding in 248 cases. Advance notice of return dates, initial reminders and final reminders have issued to each relevant society from the Registry of Friendly Societies. I am informed by the Registrar that further enforcement action is now under consideration by the Registry to follow its targeted enforcement campaigns in 2010 and 2011 in relation to Friendly Societies and Trade Unions.
201 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the supports available from him and or Enterprise Ireland to assist the planned establishment of a business hub in Kinsale, County Cork which would provide local entrepreneurs with access to Internet, phone and office space; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25721/11]
This Government is committed to supporting entrepreneurs to ensure that emerging technologies and innovative business ideas with export potential become a commercial reality. A range of structures are already in place, nationally including in Cork to provide appropriate support to start-up businesses.
The establishment of business incubation centres on higher education campuses across Ireland is supported by capital investment from my Department's Vote, provided through Enterprise Ireland. Such facilities are internationally recognised as an important element of public assistance for technology-intensive start-ups. Enterprise Ireland has invested over €50m in these facilities that operate in nearly every Institute of Technology and University in the country. They typically comprise a number of incubation units, some hot-desking space for prospective entrepreneurs as well as ancillary space, such as meeting rooms and networking areas. There are currently 276 companies in the 21 facilities and the 5 bio-incubation units operational across Ireland, employing over 1,100 people and operating in a range of areas, including software, environmental technologies and digital media.
Additionally, support is provided through Enterprise Ireland for the part funding of Business Innovation Centres (BICs), which are regionally based support organisations for pre-start-up and start-up enterprises and innovative existing companies. There are four BICs located in Dublin, Galway, Cork and Waterford, all providing incubation space to assist fledgling businesses start, establish and then to move on, so that vacated space can be used for other new start-up businesses. A key feature of space managed by BICs is that the start-up company not only gets space, but often also gets free business advice and access to facilities such as meeting rooms with audio visual equipment and to shared services such as a receptionist/telephonist, shared photocopiers and printers.
Enterprise Ireland has also rolled out four schemes to support communities to develop locally owned Community Enterprise Centres (CECs) which have enabled entrepreneurs to establish, provide employment and to grow their businesses in their own locality, by providing a physical and human support network for emerging entrepreneurs and micro industry.
The CEC scheme was designed as a community led initiative in the form of a partnership between the local community and the State. The primary objective was to enhance the development of an enterprise climate through the provision of infrastructural facilities to support the establishment and expansion of micro enterprises through local community participation in both urban and rural locations. In Cork, a total of six towns — Cobh, Mitchelstown, Youghal, Midleton, Dunmanway and Macroom were all successful in securing approval for the establishment of CEC's, together with funding, in some cases, for the appointment of centre managers. The last call for proposals closed in 2008 and the final date for completion of these centres is April 2013.
Since the launch of this initiative €61.4m has been approved for the development of CECs across the country and has facilitated the development of 134 centres. While Enterprise Ireland will not be in a position to offer any financial assistance for a further centre in Kinsale, they will continue to work with the West Cork Enterprise Board; Cork Institute of Technology, and other relevant parties in the area to deliver supports for start-ups in Kinsale and its environs in the area of Enterprise Start Programmes; Out-reach from the Rubicon Centre in CIT; or 1 to 1 supports for groups interested in establishing businesses in the area.
202 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of employees in his Department who have expressed an interest in retiring ahead of the changes to the public sector pension schemes that are to come into force in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25787/11]
To date in 2011, 12 staff members have retired from my Department and 16 more have indicated their intention to retire before the end of February 2012. A number of other staff have made enquiries about retiring, however they have not indicated their intentions at this stage.
203 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of companies that have expressed an interest in investing here or further developing existing facilities due to the amended research and development credit scheme announced in May. [25988/11]
Investments in Research, Development and Innovation play a significant role in building Ireland's Smart Economy. RD&I investments not only embed existing operations and employment but pave the way for future investment and Job creation. 2010 saw IDA win a number of high-value RD&I projects for Ireland with over €500million in new RD&I investment secured. RD&I plays a strategic roles as part of Ireland's FDI landscape embedding existing employment and setting the groundwork for increased future employment.
I am informed by IDA that the R&D Tax Credit Scheme continues to be of interest to companies considering undertaking R&D activities. However, specific expressions of interest are not tracked in relation to any specific amendment to that Scheme. While IDA RD&I grants works to stimulate research, development and Innovation in the economy, a further significant advantage in this area is the productive collaboration between industry, academia and government agencies. All stakeholders work together, building a national team to consolidate Ireland's position as a knowledge-based economy and as a primary location for RD&I.
204 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a breakdown on a county basis of the companies that have received Industrial Development Agency grants for services and manufacturing over the past decade in Munster, in tabular form; if this breakdown will specify the amount received by each company that has benefitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26173/11]
205 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a breakdown, on a county basis, of the companies that have received Industrial Development Agency grants for services and manufacturing over the past decade in Leinster in tabular form; if this breakdown will specify the amount received by each company that has benefitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26174/11]
206 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a breakdown, on a county basis, of the companies that have received Industrial Development Agency grants for services and manufacturing over the past decade in the Border, midland and western region; if this breakdown will specify the amount received by each company that has benefitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26175/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 to 206, inclusive, together.
I have been informed by IDA Ireland, that in the time available, it is not possible to provide the information sought which requires search and retrieval of extensive records over a ten year period. I have asked the Agency to forward the information directly to the Deputy, when it becomes available.
207 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will supply a breakdown, showing the amount of money the Industrial Development Agency has given to TalkTalk plc in Waterford since its inception, in tabular form; the purpose for which this aid was given; if any criteria had to be fulfilled in order to qualify for this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26176/11]
TalkTalk acquired the UK Broadband business of AOL including the Waterford site in 2007. Employment Grants totalling €2,020,200 were paid by IDA Ireland to the company to assist it in creating jobs (€1,638,000 was paid on 14 May 2008 and €382,200 was paid on 5 May 2009). The criteria for receiving grant payments was that jobs had to be in place in order to qualify for draw down of grants.
208 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of work permits granted by him for the years 2009-10 and to date in 2011 broken down by sector and nationality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26207/11]
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. 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 set out hereunder the numbers of employment permits issued in 2009, 2010 and to-date in 2011. Detailed statistics on the numbers of permits issued over the last few years, broken down by sector and nationality can be found on my Department's website at http://www.djei.ie/labour/work permits/statistics.htm.
|
Year |
New* |
Renewal |
Total |
|
2011 |
2,509 |
1,659 |
4,168 |
|
2010 |
3,777 |
4,133 |
7,491 |
|
2009 |
4,134 |
3,976 |
7,511 |
* Includes new employment permits in relation to non-EEA nationals already in the State on valid employment permits who are changing employer.
209 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation notwithstanding the Civil Service circular No. 28, if he will provide a list of the current pay of each senior civil servant from higher executive officer to Secretary General in his Department broken down by grade; the pension entitlements of each and any other emoluments they are entitled to receive upon reaching retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26239/11]
The table outlines the current number of civil servants in my Department, from higher executive officer to secretary general, broken down by grade and pay scale.
|
Full time Equivalents |
Pay Scale |
|
|
Secretary General |
1 |
€215,590[1] |
|
Assistant Secretary |
5 |
€127,796 — €146,191 (Class B)*€134,523 — €153.885 (Class A)** |
|
Principal Officer |
28 |
€80,051 — €- €105,429 (Class B)€84,132 — €110,844 (Class A) |
|
Assistant Principal |
72.10 |
€61,966 — €84,296 (Class B)€65,185 — €88,598 (Class A) |
|
Administrative Officer |
7 |
€31,619 — €57,251 (Class B)€33,247 — €60,224 (Class A) |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
125.33 |
€43,816 — €57,251 (Class B)€46,081 — €60,224 (Class A) |
*Class B rate of PRSI contributions — staff appointed before 6th April 1995**Class A 1rate of PRSI contributions — staff appointed on or after 6th April 1995[1]The Secretary General has voluntarily reduced this amount by €765.62 per fortnight.
Pensions
Pension entitlements are calculated at the point of retirement. Calculation depends on the date of recruitment. A member of the Civil Service Superannuation Scheme must have at least two years actual pensionable service to be eligible for pension and lump sum payments. The main features of the Scheme are outlined below.
Pre 1995 — Class B PRSI ("modified PRSI") Non-Contributory Members
Maximum retirement age is 65. Minimum retirement age is 60. Pensions are calculated at 1/80th of final pensionable remuneration per year of reckonable service subject to a maximum of 40/80ths. Lump sums are calculated at 3/80ths of final pensionable remuneration per year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 120/80ths.
Post 1995 Class A PRSI Contributory Members
Maximum retirement age is 65. Minimum retirement age is 60. Pension Benefits for people who are fully insured for Social Welfare purposes accrue at the rate of 1/200 of final pensionable remuneration per year of service if salary is below or equal to 3 and 1/3rd (three and a third) times the current rate of Contributory State Pension (currently €40,056.83). If salary is in excess of €40,056.83, pension is calculated at the rate of 1/200 of final pensionable remuneration per year of service on €40,056.83, plus 1/80th of the balance of salary per year of reckonable service. Lump sums are not integrated and accrue at 3/80ths of final pensionable remuneration per year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 120/80ths.
Post 2004
Minimum retirement age is 65. There is no maximum retirement age. Pensions benefits are calculated using the integration method as with Post 1995 Contributory Members above. Lump sums are not integrated and accrue at at 3/80ths of final pensionable remuneration per year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 120/80ths
Early Retirement
Staff may opt, at the discretion of the Department, to retire at an actuarially reduced cost to themselves between the ages of 50 and 60. The lump sum and pension are reduced to make them the equivalent, in actuarial terms, of preserved benefits. The actuarially reduced rate applies throughout the lifetime of the payment of a pension subject to adjustments in line with Civil Service pension increases/cuts, as appropriate.
Special Terms
In addition to pension and lump sum calculated as per formula above, a Secretary General appointed for a term of Office of not more than 7 years who is required to retire at age 60 or after age 60 but before 65, should qualify for:
(a) a special severance gratuity of one half of annual salary and
(b) added years of service for superannuation purposes not exceeding the number of extra years he/she would have served if he she had been allowed to serve to age 65 subject to maximum service of 40 years.
Professional Added Years for Professional and Technical Grades
Entitlement to professional added years are assessed under the terms of Circular 12/97Revised Scheme for the award of professional technical and specialist added years to certain civil servants, and is dependent on entitlements under the Social Welfare system, prior employments and/or criteria specified in the original competition for the post.
210 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the contact there has been between the Industrial Development Agency, or any other State agency and Aviva; if so, the content of the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26288/11]
211 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will meet with both the management and representatives of employees at Aviva with a view to playing a constructive role in the current cost cutting review and ensuring there are no redundancies. [26289/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 211 together.
I have been in contact with Aviva and they advise me that the company is undertaking a comprehensive review of its business operations in Ireland arriving from loss of business volumes in the last two years. Aviva has stated it is committed fully to Ireland and is currently in discussions with unions representing staff about the review. Until this review has been completed, it would be premature to speculate about the outcome. I think it is pertinent that the Government allows the unions to engage with Aviva to see where that process might go.
As for the role of the IDA, it supports multinational companies predominantly trading outside Ireland or internationally. As part of its business in working to attract international activities into Ireland from multinational companies, the IDA has been in contact with Aviva at both corporate and local levels. I have asked the IDA, given its knowledge of the company, to continue to work with it to mitigate any possible negative outcomes. Consequently, the IDA has been active in this regard.
212 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a list of job creation announcements, in the Dublin region, since 1 January 2011, by the respective job creation organisations under his auspices; the date of those announcements and the number of jobs being announced. [26352/11]
Several announcements have been made this year on jobs to be created in companies supported by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland and on jobs to be created through expansion of agency-supported client companies, in the Dublin Region. However, it should be noted that, for a variety of reasons, some companies do not announce their job creation or expansion plans.
Details of jobs announced by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland are set out in the table accompanying this reply and further information may be obtained from the agencies' websites. Figures in respect of jobs created by companies assisted by the four County and City Enterprise Boards operating in the Dublin Region are compiled on an annualised basis. Details concerning jobs created during 2011 will be available in the early part of 2012.
|
Date |
Company |
Agency |
Location |
No. of Jobs |
|
10/01/2011 |
Murex |
IDA Ireland |
Dublin |
30 |
|
16/02/2011 |
PayPal |
IDA Ireland |
Dublin |
150 |
|
30/03/2011 |
|
IDA Ireland |
Dublin |
100 |
|
06/04/2011 |
Asset Control |
IDA Ireland |
Dublin |
50 |
|
18/04/11 |
Apex Fund Services |
Enterprise Ireland |
Dublin |
50 |
|
19/04/2011 |
Gilt Groupe |
IDA Ireland |
Limerick and Dublin |
100-200 |
|
30/05/2011 |
Marketo |
IDA Ireland |
Dublin |
125 |
|
02/06/2011 |
2PDS Gaming Ltd |
Enterprise Ireland |
Dublin |
15 |
|
02/06/2011 |
Rose Hill Insurances |
Enterprise Ireland |
Dublin |
50 |
|
02/06/2011 |
Innopharma Labs Ltd |
Enterprise Ireland |
Dublin |
To be confirmed |
|
02/06/2011 |
Fifth Province Ventures Ltd |
Enterprise Ireland |
Dublin |
To be confirmed |
|
02/06/2011 |
Trade Facilitate Ltd |
Enterprise Ireland |
Dublin |
To be confirmed |
|
02/06/2011 |
Sotextme Ltd |
Enterprise Ireland |
Dublin |
To be confirmed |
|
02/06/2011 |
Mutebutton Ltd |
Enterprise Ireland |
Dublin |
To be confirmed |
|
7/06/2011 |
Dell |
IDA Ireland |
Dublin /Limerick |
150 |
|
10/06/2011 |
Zynga |
IDA Ireland |
Dublin |
To be confirmed |
|
15/06/2011 |
BNY Mellon |
IDA Ireland |
Dublin |
50 |
|
21/06/2011 |
Symantec |
IDA Ireland |
Dublin |
60 |
|
23/06/2011 |
Butterfield |
IDA Ireland |
Dublin |
60 |
|
17/07/2011 |
SAP |
IDA Ireland |
Dublin |
100 |
|
21/07/2011 |
BSB |
IDA Ireland |
Dublin |
120 |
|
21/07/2011 |
Allianz |
IDA Ireland |
Dublin |
50 |
|
21/07/2011 |
Wolters Kluwer |
IDA Ireland |
Dublin |
13 |
|
04/08/2011 |
EADS/ Eurocopter |
IDA Ireland |
Dublin |
To be confirmed |
|
09/08/2011 |
PayPal |
IDA Ireland |
Dublin |
200 |
|
10/08/2011 |
AskMoby Ltd |
Enterprise Ireland |
Clare & Dublin |
10 |
|
10/08/2011 |
Biocroi Ltd |
Enterprise Ireland |
Dublin |
10 |
|
10/08/2011 |
Biometric Technology Solutions Ltd |
Enterprise Ireland |
Dublin |
34 |
|
10/08/2011 |
DOCOsoft |
Enterprise Ireland |
Dublin |
14 |
|
10/08/2011 |
Effective Software |
Enterprise Ireland |
Dublin |
9 |
|
10/08/2011 |
Glanta |
Enterprise Ireland |
Dublin |
20 |
|
10/08/2011 |
Handle Hygiene Ltd |
Enterprise Ireland |
Dublin |
13 |
|
10/08/2011 |
Kjaya Holdings Ltd |
Enterprise Ireland |
Dublin |
37 |
|
10/08/2011 |
Mi-Zone Technology Ireland Ltd |
Enterprise Ireland |
Dublin |
16 |
|
10/08/2011 |
Working Analytics Ltd |
Enterprise Ireland |
Dublin |
10 |
|
10/08/2011 |
XI (Research & Development) Ltd |
Enterprise Ireland |
Dublin |
24 |
|
31/08/2011 |
Citrix |
IDA Ireland |
Dublin |
50 |
|
02/09/11 |
Fort Technologies |
Enterprise Ireland |
Dublin |
10 |
|
20/09/2011 |
Pfizer |
IDA Ireland |
Dublin |
400 |
|
20/09/2011 |
HCL |
IDA Ireland |
Dublin |
80 |
|
21/09/2011 |
Arvato |
IDA Ireland |
Dublin |
150 |
213 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a list of the announced job losses, in the Dublin region, since 1 January 2011, by the respective job creation organisations under his auspices; the date of those announcements and the number of job losses being announced. [26353/11]
The figures for jobs lost in companies assisted by the Enterprise Development agencies which operate under the auspices of my Department and the County and City Enterprise Boards are compiled on an annualised basis, therefore, the figures in respect of 2011, will not be available until the early part of 2012.
214 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if the Department has submitted a strategy statement to him, as specified under the 1997 Public Service Management Act and if so, will he publish the statement. [26392/11]
In accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Management Act 1997, my Department has recently prepared and submitted a draft Statement of Strategy for the period 2011 — 2014. I am currently reviewing the draft and will, at the earliest possible opportunity, arrange for my Department to publish the Strategy Statement.
215 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Protection in view of plans to raise the retirement age for State employees, if private sector workers, who are obliged to retire at age 65, will continue to be eligible for the State pension from their retirement age or will they have to wait until the older retirement age applicable to public servants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25650/11]
Public sector pension rules, including in relation to retirement age, are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. My Department is responsible for State pensions and I will outline the position in this regard. State pension (transition) (SPT) is currently paid to people aged 65 who have a minimum yearly average of 24 social insurance contributions and who have retired from work. Currently it ceases at age 66 when the claimant transfers to State pension (contributory) (SPC).
As a result of legislation introduced this year, State pension age will be increased gradually to 68 years. This will begin in 2014 with the abolition of SPT and the standardisation of State pension age at 66. State pension age will be increased to 67 years in 2021 and to 68 in 2028. It is worth noting that, until the early 1970s, the qualifying age for State pension (contributory) was 70 years of age. By gradually increasing the qualifying age for State pension, people will be further encouraged to remain in employment beyond 65 years of age.
The Quarterly National Household Survey Q4 2010 showed that the numbers currently at work drop dramatically at 65 years of age. While 77.2 per cent of people aged 45-54 years are in employment, this drops to 64.3 per cent for 55-64 year-olds and to just 8.7 per cent for people aged 65 years or older. It is clear, therefore, that the challenges facing the Irish pension system are significant. Increases in life expectancy mean that more people are living to pension age and living longer in retirement. While this is to be welcomed, this has obvious and significant implications in relation to the future costs of State pension provision. The fundamental principle that people need to participate in the workforce for longer needs to be emphasised and they need to contribute more towards their pensions if they are to achieve the income they expect or would like to have in retirement.
People who have retired before State pension age may be entitled to apply for another social welfare payment, as is the current position.
216 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to introduce new legislation to enhance the role of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25677/11]
The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) assists people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. The Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 provided for the transfer of responsibility for MABS to the Citizens Information Board (CIB), under the aegis of my Department, in July 2009 in order to provide strong management support to the local voluntary MABS companies.
The future role of MABS is currently under consideration in line with commitments in the Programme for Government and recommendations contained in the reports of the Law Reform Commission on Personal Debt Management and Debt Enforcement, and the Expert Group on Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt. In addition, my Department is contributing to the Economic Management Council mortgage arrears working group, chaired by the Department of Finance, which is due to report shortly. Further to the outcomes of these deliberations, the introduction or amendment of legislation in respect of MABS will be examined, as necessary, to support any enhanced role which may emerge.
I am satisfied that MABS will continue to provide a high quality personal service to assist people in overcoming their indebtedness and managing their finances.
218 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason behind the decision to cut funding to the return to education programme; and if this programme will be re-instated in the lifetime of the current Government. [25837/11]
The Return to Education Programme is a joint initiative between FÁS and Vocational Education Committees (VEC) for participants on community employment (CE) to support their basic literacy skills. Participants are released from their CE work for nine hours per week over the thirty week duration of the initiative. The initiative aims to provide help for participants to achieve significant improvement in their reading and writing skills, to further enhance their opportunities in seeking employment and/or pursuing further education and training opportunities. I am advised by FÁS that the same level of funding is available to participants as in previous years. Nearly €11 million has been allocated by FÁS to support training for CE participants in 2011.
As a result changes to the method of procurement and contracting, FÁS no longer arranges training on behalf of CE projects. CE sponsors now contract for all training for participants in line with the requirements of the Qualification (Education & Training) Act 1999 and best practice in obtaining value for money.
219 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated loss of revenue to the Exchequer from the halving of the lower rate of PRSI and the estimated job creation resulting from same. [25994/11]
It is estimated that the 2011 reduction in income to the Social Insurance Fund as a result of the halving of the lower rate of employers' PRSI from 8.5% to 4.25% for those earning €356 or less, will be in the region of €85m in 2011. This is based on implementation of the measure from the beginning of July 2011. The 2012 reduction in income to the Fund is estimated to be €190m. It is not possible to estimate the number of jobs directly attributable to this measure as the cost of employment is only one of the factors affecting job creation, albeit an important one.
220 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she will take to protect the services delivered under the community services programme as previously administered by Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta; the progress being made to bring about a comprehensive resolution to the problem arising from the liquidation of MFG; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26184/11]
Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teoranta (MFG) is an independent company with its own board of management which has responsibility under company law for the proper stewardship of the company. My Department has no role in the internal operations of this company and, therefore, does not have a role in relation to staff matters, or determining its approach to resolving its current difficulties. These matters are for the Board of the company to manage.
The Department of Social Protection was informed that MFG has decided to cease trading with effect of 7 September 2011. MFG holds contracts with Pobal, on behalf of this Department, to manage and fund three services under the Community Services Programme. The decision of MFG to cease trading has implications for the staff employed and for the communities in Gaeltacht areas benefiting from these services.
My understanding is that the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and Pobal are working with representatives of the MFG Board and management to resolve a range of financial, legal and employment issues. As the contract holder for the Community Services Programme, it is open to the MFG Board to propose alternative arrangements for the delivery of services. This Department will work constructively with the MFG Board to find workable resolution in support of the staff members and communities affected.
221 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a breakdown of the numbers applying for the housing mortgage interest supplement on 1 March 2011 and on 1 September 2011,by social welfare office, and the number of those applications which were accepted. [26643/11]
299 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a breakdown of the numbers applying for the housing mortgage interest supplement on 1 March 2011 and on 1 September 2011, by social welfare office; and the number of those applications which ere accepted. [26356/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 299 together.
Statistics are not available on the number of individuals who applied for a mortgage interest supplement payment on 1 March 2011 and on 1 September 2011. The tabular statement shows the number of mortgage interest supplement claims registered and awarded in the week ending 4 March 2011 and week ending 2 September 2011 by HSE area.
|
4 March 2011 |
2 September 2011 |
|||
|
HSE Area |
Claim Registered |
Claims Awarded |
Claim Registered |
Claims Awarded |
|
Eastern |
98 |
74 |
126 |
101 |
|
Midland |
21 |
16 |
19 |
15 |
|
Mid Western |
31 |
21 |
17 |
8 |
|
North Eastern |
48 |
41 |
26 |
18 |
|
North Western |
17 |
8 |
11 |
4 |
|
South Eastern |
56 |
29 |
47 |
30 |
|
Southern |
43 |
25 |
29 |
24 |
|
Western |
36 |
23 |
25 |
19 |
|
Total |
350 |
237 |
300 |
219 |
Notes
Claims registered may include
claims not pursued by the applicant and
re-applications.
Claim details are recorded electronically where it is established that mortgage interest supplement is payable. Where an appeal has been lodged, claim details are also recorded electronically.
Given the pressure on the community welfare service, claim details are not always recorded on the system where no entitlement has been established to mortgage interest supplement.
The difference between claims registered and claims awarded is not necessarily a refusal rate, for the reasons outlined above.
In these circumstances, fully reliable statistics are not available on the total number of people who applied for and were refused mortgage interest supplement.
222 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 409 of 14 September 2011, wherein the information sought was deemed to fall within the remit of the Data Protection Act and consequently not available, if in the event of payment being made to a person now known not to have provided care, any issue exists whereby she should make the necessary inquiries to ensure that payment, if any, was made on foot of a legitimate claim provided by the person to whom the payment was made in view of the fact that in this particular case care was actually provided by a different person who did not receive payment of carer’s allowance from her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25634/11]
If the deputy or the person on whose behalf the deputy is enquiring will provide my department with details and evidence of their allegation of wrongful receipt of carer's allowance along with sufficient information to identify the parties allegedly involved, I will have the original claim re-investigated.
Comprehensive administrative procedures are in place in my department to assess and ensure that the qualifying conditions for carer's allowance are met by both the carer and the care recipient. Application for carer's allowance includes a declaration by the applicant that the information they are providing is true and accurate and that they will inform the department should there be any change in circumstances. Additionally, the care recipient must sign a statutory declaration to state that the person who is applying is providing them with the full time care and attention that they require.
Furthermore, if there is another person who claims to have been providing full time care and attention to a care recipient in respect of whom another person was receiving carer's allowance, it is open to that person to submit their own application for carer's allowance, providing full details of the circumstances. In that event, their entitlement to carer's allowance will be investigated and a decision made.
223 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Social Protection if, in view of the widespread belief that many self-employed tradesmen are claiming welfare, any analysis of same has taken place; if any pilot analysis has been examined covering any suburban or geographic area; if any analysis of persons claiming social welfare but also driving commercially taxed vehicles has taken place; the income a tradesman is permitted to earn on a part time basis while still claiming social welfare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25636/11]
Self-employed people can apply for the means-tested Jobseeker's Allowance if their business ceases or if they are on low income as a result of a downturn in demand for their services. Self-employed customers do not have to de-register as self-employed persons in order to claim Jobseeker's Allowance.
Legislation provides for the assessment of ‘all income in cash and any non-cash benefits which the person or his or her spouse may reasonably expect to receive during the succeeding year'. The means assessment guidelines state that where the income in the coming 12 months is not ascertainable otherwise, the income for the last 12 months should be taken as a guide, allowing for any factors which it is known will vary.
If the means of the family are equal to or in excess of the family rate payable on jobseeker's allowance then the claim is disallowed.
If a self-employed person's situation changes after they have made an initial claim for Jobseeker's Allowance, they can apply to have their means reviewed in the light of their changed circumstances. In addition it is open to the individual if he or she is dissatisfied with the means assessed to appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
My Department has a wide ranging programme to combat social welfare fraud and abuse. A new strategic fraud initiative was launched by me earlier this month. This initiative takes a revised and renewed approach to the challenges posed by social welfare fraud. The ambition is to ensure that the public have confidence and trust in this Government's response to combating fraud and abuse in the social welfare system. It is designed to ensure a targeted response to high risk sectors and to ensure an integrated approach to the prevention, deterrence and detection of social welfare abuse across the Department's services.
The emphasis of the Department's control activities is on direct intervention and engagement. High visibility operations by the Departments' Special Investigation Unit (SIU) are regularly and systematically undertaken. The effectiveness and cost-benefit of these operations and projects are continuously analysed and operational experience critically informs whether to continue, escalate, or terminate the specific projects. New control projects will be developed and introduced, where appropriate. In the context of self employed trades people who may be engaged in social welfare fraud specific activities being undertaken in the context of this plan include:
The active policing of the hidden economy sector where there is a prevalence of social welfare and abuse. Investigations are undertaken through Joint Investigation Units with the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.
Where intelligence or reliable reports are received about persons engaged in concurrent working and claiming or under declaration of income, reviews of eligibility are immediately undertaken.
A series of high visibility site visits and employer inspections are systematically conducted to detect incidences of social welfare fraud. These visits and inspections are undertaken in those sectors where the risk of fraud is most prevalent.
Multi agency checkpoints are undertaken with the Garda Traffic Unit and Revenue. Persons driving commercially taxed vehicles are interviewed as part of these projects.
A number of high visibility operations are being jointly conducted by SIU and local authority environmental officers to identify environmental offences and simultaneously detect incidences of social welfare fraud.
Reviews of persons employed on a casual basis and claiming jobseeker's payment are being undertaken. These are aimed at ensuring persons are not engaged in any incorrect certification or claiming of social welfare payments.
The Department has not at this juncture undertaken specific analysis of persons driving commercial vehicles.
224 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the Gradlink programme in view of the fact that the national internship scheme, JobBridge, is not geared to graduates and in most cases they are not eligible to avail of the new scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25637/11]
The Gradlink programme was a programme operated by IBEC, which aimed to offer graduates work experience, while they retained their social welfare entitlements. I understand that given the similar aims of JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme, IBEC decided to close the Gradlink programme.
However, in advance of the launch of JobBridge, IBEC participated in a Stakeholders Group which advised my Department on the design of the JobBridge scheme. On foot of their experience with Gradlink, IBEC was able to provide an important and valuable input into this process.
In addition, individuals participating in Gradlink were facilitated to transfer their work placement into an internship under the JobBridge scheme provided that both they and their host organisation met the eligibility criteria of JobBridge.
JobBridge is available to all individuals, on the Live Register who have been signing on for at least 3 out of the last 6 months, including graduates. It should also be noted that the JobBridge eligibility criteria is the same as that used for participants on Gradlink who wished to retain their social welfare entitlements.
Very recent graduates who may not currently meet the eligibility criteria of JobBridge should, if they wish to qualify for the scheme, sign on to the Live Register.
225 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection the reciprocal pension agreements that exist between Ireland and Bulgaria. [25643/11]
There are no bilateral agreements in relation to pensions operating between Ireland and Bulgaria. However, EU regulations on the coordination of social security systems, and Directive 2003/41/EC on the activities and supervision of institutions for occupational retirement provision (IORP Directive) are applied by both countries.
In relation to social welfare pensions, these are governed by EU Regulations 883/04 and 987/09. The Regulations co-ordinate social security systems and are designed to ensure that people are not disadvantaged by moving within the EU to take up work. These arrangements also extend to EEA countries and Switzerland.
The Regulations set out the rules as to which State's social security system a person will pay contributions to when they move from one Member State to another to take up work, or where they live in one State and work in another. In addition, the legislation also sets out the rules as to which State will pay benefit in the event of the usual contingencies arising, e.g. unemployment, sickness, old-age etc. In relation to pensions, contributions made in both countries are aggregated for the purposes of determining eligibility and payments made by each country are determined by amount of contributions made in each.
Article 20 of the IORPs Directive allows pension schemes to operate ‘cross-border'. This means that a pension scheme can be established in one EU Member State which provides benefits to employees working in one or more other Member States. Part XII of the Pensions Act provides for the transposition of Article 20 of this Directive. The key provisions of this legislation are that the pension scheme must be registered with a competent authority (Pensions Board) and must fulfil a number of minimum conditions, such as being run by people of good repute who have appropriate qualifications and having properly constituted rules. The Pension Act also provides that member protection provisions of the Pensions Act are to be applied to Irish-based members of overseas schemes and these include requirements in relation to the preservation of benefits and the jurisdiction of the Pensions Ombudsman.
226 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 14 has been told they may not receive further supplementary welfare allowance payments despite having no income or any means of support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25644/11]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). Apart from a number of excluded categories, anyone in the State who satisfies a habitual residency condition and a means test, has registered for employment, unless they have a physical or mental disability, and can prove unemployment may qualify for a weekly payment of SWA.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of a payment of SWA from the Department pending a decision regarding her application for a main social welfare payment. The person concerned should continue to receive SWA on an interim basis until a decision is made regarding her other social welfare entitlements, and while she continues to satisfy the relevant criteria in order to qualify for a payment of SWA.
227 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [25678/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 19th March 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 4th August 2011 and the appeal will be assigned an Appeals Officer who, in due course, will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
228 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to reform the community employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25705/11]
The community employment programme makes an important contribution to the delivery of local services to communities across the country and provides significant employment and training opportunities for those engaged. I do not envisage any change that would impact on the nature or range of services delivered.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to reform local government including consideration of moving many of the functions currently being performed by agencies — such as community employment and enterprise supports — back to local government and any future consideration will have regard to that commitment. As with all programmes and schemes, community employment will be considered in the context of the Comprehensive Expenditure Review which is currently being finalised and may be affected by decisions made by the Government in its determination of the conclusion of that review. Additionally, I have already indicated that I will be looking at all programmes and schemes supporting those who are unemployed to see if they can be made more responsive to the needs of the individual in preparing them for a return to the labour market generally.
229 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue for a domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25706/11]
An application for domiciliary care allowance was received from the person concerned on 14th June 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on 26th August 2011 advising the person concerned of the decision.
In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds, the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the case to be reviewed or they may appeal the decision directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The person concerned submitted further information and notice of her appeal was forwarded to the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 16th September 2011. As part of the appeals process, this additional information will shortly be reviewed by a Medical Assessor.
230 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25708/11]
Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions.
On 12 September 2011 an application for invalidity pension was received from the person concerned. While the person concerned satisfies the contribution conditions for invalidity pension, his suitability on medical grounds has yet to be decided. Additionally, further information is required in order to determine his entitlement to fuel allowance.
A request has issued to the person concerned to submit medical evidence in support of his application, together with a request for further information with regard to his entitlement to fuel allowance. Upon receipt and examination of all the requested information, an opinion on medical suitability will be provided to the deciding officer by the department's chief medical advisor, a decision regarding entitlement to invalidity pension will be made and the person in question will be notified directly of the outcome.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of illness benefit from my department.
Illness benefit is a short-term payment for people who are incapable for work for medical reasons and who satisfy the contribution conditions.
231 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if jobseeker’s allowance is payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25709/11]
It will be necessary for the person concerned to submit a completed Jobseeker's application form (UP1) to his local social welfare office in Newbridge so that his entitlement to jobseeker's benefit or jobseeker's allowance can be established.
The UP1 form is available from the Newbridge office or may be downloaded from the Department's website www.welfare.ie.
232 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason one parent family payment has not been restored in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25710/11]
Following the decision of the Social Welfare Appeals Officer one parent family payment has been restored to the person concerned and weekly payments are continuing pending a review of her efforts to obtain maintenance from her spouse.
233 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the correct level of rent allowance to be paid in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25711/11]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned has been awarded rent supplement of €337.40 per month which is his full entitlement based on his personal circumstances.
234 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when payment will issue in respect of an application for rent allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25712/11]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned has been awarded rent supplement from the effective date of 1 August 2011. A payment of €972, covering the period from 1 August to 30 September, will be issued on 29 September.
235 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will arrange to have the child dependent half rate payment for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4 back dated to the start of their current community employment programme. [25727/11]
FÁS funding of Community Employment (CE) participants is based on the Department of Social Protection's (DSP) confirmation of an individual's welfare entitlement. The person concerned commenced on Community Employment on 1 June 2009. From 1 June 2009, he was paid the standard CE participant rate with no child dependent allowance as confirmed by the Department. On 12 July 2011, FÁS received confirmation that the participant was entitled to a child dependent payment of half rate at €14.90 per week. This rate was paid by FÁS from 14 July 2011.
Where there is an entitlement to a back-payment, my Department will provide the necessary confirmation to enable reimbursement.
236 Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is no notice given where jobseeker’s benefit is finishing and job seeker’s allowance needs to be applied for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25729/11]
An automated notification is issued to customers in receipt of jobseeker's benefit which informs them that their benefit is running out and that they can apply for jobseeker's allowance or jobseeker's credits. The notification includes the application form for jobseeker's allowance and issues 10 weeks prior to their expected last day of entitlement to jobseeker's benefit. A reminder issues 6 weeks later if no correspondence has been received back from the customer.
There are certain categories which are excluded from the automated process for operational reasons, such as casual workers, as it is not possible to predict the exact date on which their benefit will run out. These claimants are contacted through a manual process before their jobseeker's benefit expires.
237 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection if there have been any changes recently to the way community welfare officers calculate rates of supplementary welfare allowance mortgage interest supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25730/11]
There have been no changes made to the rules concerning the assessment of mortgage interest supplement recently.
238 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection the way in which a supplementary welfare allowance mortgage interest supplement rate was calculated for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; the reason this payment was recently reduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25731/11]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned has been awarded mortgage interest supplement of €35.90 per week which is the full amount payable based on the household income which is comprised of One-parent Family Payment and maintenance received.
239 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection the way in which a supplementary welfare allowance mortgage interest supplement rate was calculated for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; the reasons this payment was recently reduced in view of the fact that there was no change in the family income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25732/11]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned has been awarded mortgage interest supplement of €23.80 per week which is the full amount payable based on the household income from earnings, Jobseekers Allowance and Carers Allowance.
240 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a money advice and budgeting service office will be opened to service Killarney and South Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25740/11]
The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) assists people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems.
Currently a MABS office is located at Edward Court, Edward Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry, providing money advice and budgeting services to Co Kerry as a whole. In addition, outreach services are provided in Killarney town, as well as in Listowel. The current staff compliment consists of 7 full-time and 1 part-time staff.
The Citizens Information Board, who has responsibility for MABS on behalf of my Department, has received a proposal to establish a joint Citizens Information Centre (CIC) and MABS office in Killarney. This proposal is currently being considered in the context of maximising resources to deliver a more efficient service within existing funding allocations and decisions in this regard will be made in due course.
I am satisfied that Kerry MABS will continue to provide a high quality personal service to assist people in overcoming their indebtedness and managing their finances.
241 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on their application for a back to school allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25752/11]
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) scheme operates from the beginning of June until the end of September each year.
The administrative arrangements for the 2011 BSCFA scheme differ from those that applied in previous years. For this year, the majority of BSCFA entitlements were fully automated with no application form required from customers. 127,000 households in respect of over 250,000 children received their payment automatically in June.
Those customers who did not receive an automated payment are required to complete and return an application form to the Department. The timescale for determining applications for Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance claims is dependent on a number of factors including: the number of applications received, when the application is lodged, the availability of the required information such as details of the applicant's income, bank statements and other relevant information regarding an individual's application.
In addition, some aspects of the applications are inevitably time consuming and delays can occur where further investigations or third party evidence is required. Delays can also arise if the applicant is slow to respond to requests for additional information.
Staff are working as quickly as possible on clearing the large volume of manual application claims received. Based on the current volume of applications it could take up to seven weeks from date of receipt to process claims. Departmental records show that an application form was received from the person concerned on 8 August 2011 and it is expected she will be notified of the outcome of the claim shortly.
242 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal for carer’s allowance will be dealt with as soon as possible in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25755/11]
The person concerned was refused carers allowance 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. She was notified of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review or appeal. Additional medical evidence was received and forwarded to the Department's Medical Assessor for consideration. However, this information did not alter the opinion of the Medical Assessor and the decision remained unchanged.
She appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Following an oral hearing in July 2011, her appeal was disallowed and the appellant was notified accordingly.
243 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for back to school allowance has been received in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; when same will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25761/11]
The person concerned has been awarded a back to school clothing and footwear allowance and a payment issued to her nominated account on 17 September 2011.
244 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection if farmers with very small farms, who currently do not pay any taxes, are obliged to provide professional farm accounts or statements from revenue in relation to their income when applying for the back to school allowance; the evidence of income needed in such cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25762/11]
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) scheme operates from the beginning of June until the end of September each year.
The administrative arrangements for the 2011 BSCFA scheme differ from those that applied in previous years. For this year, the majority of BSCFA entitlements were fully automated with no application form required from customers, 127,000 households in respect of over 250,000 children received their payment automatically in June.
Those customers who did not receive an automated payment are required to complete and return an application form to the Department. The timescale for determining applications for Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance claims is dependent on a number of factors including: the number of applications received, when the application is lodged, the availability of the required information such as details of the applicant's income, bank statements and other relevant information regarding an individual's application. In addition, some aspects of the applications are inevitably time consuming and delays can occur where further investigations or third party evidence is required. Delays can also arise if the applicant is slow to respond to requests for additional information.
To qualify for BSCFA a person must meet a number of conditions namely:
Be in receipt of a qualifying payment and getting an increase in that payment for the qualified child
Have total household income below a specific level for the family composition
The child/student must be aged between 2 and 22 on or before 30 September of the year of application (and for children aged 18-22 they must be in full-time education at a recognised school or college).
A BSCFA payment is only awarded in cases where the scheme criteria are satisfied including an assessment of means. Depending on the circumstances of the claim, the deciding officer may request any additional information from claimants, including farm accounts or statements from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners in relation to income if these are required in order to make an assessment of entitlements.
245 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason supplementary welfare allowance payment, rent allowance, has ceased in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25775/11]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned is in receipt of rent supplement of €20.50 per week which is her full entitlement based on her personal circumstances.
246 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection her views regarding the reduction of social protection entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25776/11]
The appropriate level of overall expenditure by my Department in the years ahead will be considered in the context of Budget 2012 and subsequent Budgets. This consideration will be informed by the commitment in the Programme for Government to maintain social welfare rates.
Sustainable public finances are a prerequisite for future economic stability and growth. To this end, the State must pursue a determined deficit reduction strategy. Accordingly, there will be an on-going requirement to curtail expenditure in 2012 and in later years.
There are considerable challenges ahead including the need to protect, as far as possible, the key income supports and services operated by my Department. This process will be informed by the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, with the key decisions being made in the context of framing the Budget for 2012.
247 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of employees in her Department who have expressed an interest in retiring ahead of the changes to the public sector pension schemes that are to come into force in 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25789/11]
To date 39 officers in my Department have applied to retire in the period up to 29th February 2012. There is no indication, at this stage, of the final number of officers who may apply to retire. However, for the last number of months an average of 50 pension estimates have been requested each week so I do expect an increase in the number of retirements in the period up to 29th February 2012.
The three-month minimum notice period for retirement that has been introduced in the Civil Service, provides that anyone who wishes to retire by 29th February 2012 should give notice by the end of November 2011.
248 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for back to school clothing and footwear allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and when a decision will issue. [25800/11]
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) scheme operates from the beginning of June until the end of September each year.
The administrative arrangements for the 2011 BSCFA scheme differ from those that applied in previous years. For this year, the majority of BSCFA entitlements were fully automated with no application form required from customers. 127,000 households in respect of over 250,000 children received their payment automatically in June.
Those customers who did not receive an automated payment are required to complete and return an application form to the Department. The timescale for determining applications for Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance claims is dependent on a number of factors including: the number of applications received, when the application is lodged, the availability of the required information such as details of the applicant's income, bank statements and other relevant information regarding an individual's application.
In addition, some aspects of the applications are inevitably time consuming and delays can occur where further investigations or third party evidence is required. Delays can also arise if the applicant is slow to respond to requests for additional information. Staff are working as quickly as possible on clearing the large volume of manual application claims received. Based on the current volume of applications it could take up to 7 weeks from date of receipt to process claims. Departmental records show that an application form was received from the person concerned on 8th August 2011 and she will be notified of the outcome of her claim when an assessment of her entitlements are made.
249 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an application for carer’s allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25804/11]
An application was received from the person concerned on 15 April 2011. All the necessary investigations relating to her claim have been made and a decision will be completed shortly. The person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
250 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on back to school clothing and footwear allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25807/11]
Departmental records show that a Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance payment issued to the nominated account of the person concerned on the 17th September 2011.
251 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an appeal for invalidity pension will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25809/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 4th July 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.
252 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an appeal for invalidity pension will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25810/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 17th September 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.
253 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an application for carer’s allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25813/11]
An application was received from the person concerned on 23 May 2011. All the necessary investigations relating to his claim have been made and a decision will be completed shortly. The person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
254 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an appeal for State pension non-contributory will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25817/11]
261 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an application for State pension (non-contributory) will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25887/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 261 together.
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing on 28th September 2011. The person concerned has been notified of the arrangements.
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.
255 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if she would reconsider granting the back to school allowance to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [25831/11]
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) scheme operates from the beginning of June until the end of September each year.
Those customers who did not receive an automated payment are required to complete and return an application form to the Department. In all cases a letter will issue to applicants informing them of the decision and, where payment has been awarded, when and where they can collect the payment. In the case of refusal of the allowance the procedures for review of the decision is outlined to customers.
The person concerned was refused BSCFA as her means are in excess of the allowable limits for her family size. The person concerned can request a review by contacting the BSCFA Review Section in Letterkenny. Details on how to request a review are available on the Department's website at www.welfare.ie or on the refusal letter that has been provided to the applicant.
256 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason an application for supplementary welfare allowance was denied in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25838/11]
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE) may make a single payment to meet an exceptional need to people on social welfare or HSE payments.
The principal consideration in making a single payment of SWA to address a particular need is that the need to be met must be exceptional. Payments should arise only under abnormal conditions and should not become a regular or standard practice. Thus, an exceptional needs payment should be a single payment to meet an unforeseen and/or special need which cannot be met from a client's basic income.
The person concerned has recently received a number of ENPs from the HSE, however in one instance a payment was refused due to the nature of the particular application. The person concerned has been advised of his right to appeal the decision to refuse the ENP in this instance.
257 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reconsider her decision to refuse carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25852/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 4th April 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 21st July 2011 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer on 21st September 2011 who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
258 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an application for carer’s allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25874/11]
An application was received from the person concerned on 15 April 2011. All the necessary investigations relating to her claim have been made and a decision will be completed shortly. The person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
259 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an application for carer’s allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25883/11]
Part 3 of the Social Welfare and Pension Act 2010 provides for the full transfer of the employment services and community services programmes of FÁS to the Minister for Social Protection and for the integration of FÁS staff managing these programmes into the Department of Social Protection. That process of integration is currently under way. SOLAS has been announced by the Minister for Education and Skills as the new State training agency to take over the skills development and training programmes currently delivered by FÁS. The training component, and associated budget, of the community employment programme will remain with the Department of Social Protection.
As with all programmes and schemes, community employment will be considered in the context of the Comprehensive Expenditure Review which is currently being finalised and may be affected by decisions made by the Government in its determination of the conclusion of that review. Additionally, I have already indicated that I will be looking at all programmes and schemes supporting those who are unemployed to see if they can be made more responsive to the needs of the individual in preparing them for a return to the labour market generally.
262 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will urgently review an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25900/11]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that there is no record of an application for mortgage interest supplement from the person concerned. The HSE has posted an application form for mortgage interest supplement to the person concerned. The person concerned should complete and return the application form to the community welfare officer at their local health centre.
The HSE further advised that an Exceptional Needs Payment of €300 issued to the person concerned on 22 September.
263 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when payment will issue in respect of an application for disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25915/11]
The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 11 July 2011. His claim is being referred to one of the Department's medical assessors for an opinion as to his medical suitability for disability allowance.
When the deciding officer receives the medical assessor's opinion, and taking account of the deciding officer's assessment of his means, the person's entitlement to disability allowance will be determined. The person will be notified in writing of this decision.
264 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application by a family (details supplied) in County Galway to relocate from a dwelling destroyed by the flooding of November 2009; and when a decision is likely to be made regarding their application. [25922/11]
The Government has provided various types of support to people affected by the November 2009 flooding. Humanitarian Aid payments were made, both in the immediate aftermath of the flooding and subsequently to enable eligible households to resume living at their home. Flood relief works were also undertaken in some of the affected areas and other works are at an advanced state of preparation. Discussions also took place with representatives of the insurance industry regarding giving households access to appropriate house insurance at a reasonable cost.
Subject to certain conditions the Government also decided to provide support to a small number of families who are continuing to experience significant housing problems as a result of the November 2009 flooding and are considering the possibility of relocating rather than resuming living at their original home.
The household of the persons concerned has been visited by an official from the Department and a report of their circumstances has been completed. The Department has received a report from the Office of Public Works in relation to the house of the person concerned and expects to be in a position to make a decision on the case shortly.
265 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection when the social welfare appeals office will make a decision on the pension application of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan. [25950/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 16th 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.
266 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will deal with a matter (details supplied) regarding the JobBridge — national internship programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25953/11]
The National Internship Scheme provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals on the Live Register. The scheme is limited to individuals who are currently on the Live Register and have been in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance/Benefit or are signing on for credits for at least 3 of the last 6 months.
The overall objective of labour market policy is to ensure a pathway to appropriate employment, training and education opportunities for those on the Live Register so that as employment opportunities become available they are taken up by those on the Live Register.
Given the scale of the unemployment crisis, it is imperative to keep those on the Live Register close to the labour market and prevent the drift into long-term unemployment. This will ensure that those availing of activation measures such as the National Internship Scheme will gain work experience and so be in a better position to avail of employment opportunities as the economy improves.
For these reasons, the eligibility for the scheme is confined to those on the Live Register and in receipt of unemployment payments or signing for credits for 3 months. In so designing the scheme, the policy objective is to prioritise scarce resources on those on the Live Register so as to increase their chances of leaving it and ensure a reduction in Exchequer costs over time.
In the particular case highlighted by the Deputy such an individual may avail of the FÁS Work Placement Programme, which provides individuals with the opportunity to gain work experience. An individual may qualify for the Work Placement Programme immediately if they do not wish to receive a social welfare payment from the State. Further information on the Work Placement Programme is available on the FÁS website.
267 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she is taking to shorten the length of time it is taking when dealing with appeals regarding social welfare payments. [25957/11]
I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the number of appeals waiting to be processed at present is 17,992 (a reduction of some 2,809 (since September 2010), of which 1,578 refer to carer's allowance.
These figures must be seen against a background where there has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 32,432 in 2010. Current indications are that, while there now appears to be a slight drop in the number of appeals being received in 2011, the annual intake is still likely to be close to 30,000 for the year.
In an effort to reduce the backlog of appeals, the Department made 9 additional appointments to the office earlier this year. These assignments augment the 3 appointments made to the Office in 2010, bringing the total number of Appeals Officers serving in the office to 29.
Some 3,000 cases, registered prior to 31/12/10, have been ring fenced and a team of 10 of the Office's most experienced Appeals Officers have been freed from all other work in the Office and will concentrate on clearing this backlog. This project commenced on July 1st.
In addition to these measures, more emphasis is now placed on dealing with appeals on a summary basis so as to increase productivity. As a result, the number of appeals dealt with by way of oral hearing was reduced from 42% for the first 6 months of 2010 to just over 30% for the same period in 2011.
As a result of the various initiatives taken, 22,226 decisions were made by Appeals Officers in the first eight months of 2011, in comparison to 17,184 for the same period in 2010.
Overall, it is expected that the increase in the number of decisions being made by Appeals Officers will continue and this, combined with the slight reduction in the numbers received should lead to on-going reductions in the backlog of appeals.
268 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure that the exceptional needs payment is available to persons on the local authority housing list who are offered a home under a long-term lease agreement. [25972/11]
Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, the Health Service Executive (HSE) may make a single payment to help meet essential, once-off, exceptional expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. Those who qualify are normally in receipt of a social welfare or HSE payment.
The principal consideration in making a single payment of SWA to address a particular need is that the need to be met must be ‘exceptional'. Payments should arise only under abnormal conditions and should not become a regular or standard practice. Thus, an exceptional needs payment should be a single payment to meet an unforeseen and/or special need which cannot be met from a client's basic income. The use of ENPs and every such decision must be based on the careful consideration of all the circumstances of an individual case.
However, it is not considered appropriate that ENPs should be paid towards the costs of furnishing private rented accommodation. In this regard, my Department has advised the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government that local authorities should not seek to have long term leased properties furnished by way of ENPs.
269 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection when she will confirm whether the training component, and associated budget, of community employment schemes will lie with SOLAS or with her Department; and her plans regarding the need to enhance the budget and training opportunities available for CE participants to reflect the greater need in the current economic situation to ensure greatest possible training outcomes for those same participants having completed their CE placement. [25978/11]
Part 3 of the Social Welfare and Pension Act 2010 provides for the full transfer of the employment services and community services programmes of FÁS to the Minister for Social Protection and for the integration of FÁS staff managing these programmes into the Department of Social Protection. That process of integration is currently under way. SOLAS has been announced by the Minister for Education and Skills as the new State training agency to take over the skills development and training programmes currently delivered by FÁS. The training component, and associated budget, of the community employment programme will remain with the Department of Social Protection.
As with all programmes and schemes, community employment will be considered in the context of the Comprehensive Expenditure Review which is currently being finalised and may be affected by decisions made by the Government in its determination of the conclusion of that review. Additionally, I have already indicated that I will be looking at all programmes and schemes supporting those who are unemployed to see if they can be made more responsive to the needs of the individual in preparing them for a return to the labour market generally.
270 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if there have been any changes to the policy or criteria governing the approval of community employment scheme extensions up to three, four, five, six and seven years, respectively. [25981/11]
The primary aim of community employment is to facilitate re-entry to the active workforce. This is achieved by breaking the cycle of unemployment, opening up training and educational opportunities, providing work experience and work routines and utilising the skills sets.
Operationally, community employment has two options with different eligibility rules and conditions. The part-time integration option is designed to help participants find a job or enter full time training or education normally after one year on community employment. In certain circumstances, an extension of one year can be granted under this option. A person who is aged 35 or over and is claiming a jobseeker's payment for three years or more can qualify for the part-time job option. With this option, a person can work up for up to three years in recognition of the need to provide access to a part-time job for extended periods for persons in this eligibility category. Persons in receipt of any disability-linked Social Protection payments may be eligible for one additional year's participation. Lifetime participation on CE is capped at three years for those aged under 55 years and six years for those aged 55 years and over. The criteria for the consideration of extensions has not changed and my Department is not considering any proposals at this time.
As with all programmes and schemes, community employment will be considered in the context of the Comprehensive Expenditure Review which is currently being finalised and may be affected by decisions made by the Government in its determination of the conclusion of that review. Additionally, I have already indicated that I will be looking at all programmes and schemes supporting those who are unemployed to see if they can be made more responsive to the needs of the individual in preparing them for a return to the labour market generally.
The Deputy should note that day-to-day administration of community employment is a matter for FÁS as part of its responsibility under the Labour Services Act, 1987, as amended by Part 3 of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2010. The Minister of the day has no role in respect of any administrative matter.
271 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons refused an extension of their community employment scheme for a second or third year, respectively, in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011. [25982/11]
272 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons granted an extension of their community employment scheme for a second or third year, respectively, in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011. [25983/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 271 and 272 together.
Responsibility for the day to day administration of community employment is a matter for FÁS as part of its responsibilities under the Labour Services Act 1987 as amended by Part 3 of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2010. As Minister, I do not have a role in respect of any administrative matter relating to community employment.
I have been informed that FÁS does not collect or hold information on the number of community employment participants applying for extensions of their work placement on community employment. Neither is information collected or held on the number of participants approved or refused extensions. FÁS holds records on how long a person participates on community employment and other information in respect of a person's progression to training, further education or work.
273 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps that she has taken to deepen engagement with those on the live register. [25995/11]
The Department of Social Protection supports operates a range of employment support measures designed to encourage and support social welfare recipients of working age to reduce their dependency on welfare payments. Supports available include the back to education programmes and back to work schemes.
In addition, a fully integrated nationwide range of services and supports is available to employers and jobseekers through FÁS Employment Services, responsibility for which has been transferred to this Department.
The National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) process is a key element in addressing the progression needs of those on the live register. It provides an opportunity to explore and access, under professional guidance, a full range of employment and training services. Development of the NEAP is central to ongoing development in the labour market policy area and will be progressed within the framework of a new National Employment and Entitlements Service which, as provided for in the Programme for Government, is being established by the Department. The new service will integrate employment and benefit payment services, currently delivered by FÁS and the Department, respectively, within the Department and will be based on a case management approach with the objective of providing a more customised and personal service to customers.
In line with good international practice, this new service will focus primarily on activation. The objective is to encourage and enable customers to embark on developmental pathways appropriate to their needs; pathways to employment and/or training and/or personal development. The objective of the new service is to offer users a high level, personalised employment support and prioritise the provision of more intensive support for those on the live register who are identified as being most at risk of long-term unemployment. A key feature of the new service will be that customers will be expected to engage with these options in order to retain their entitlement to full benefit payments.
A number of projects are ongoing in relation to the development of case management, the identification of those who are most at risk of falling into long-term unemployment, and the provision of appropriately tailored responses to their needs. These projects will evaluated in the coming months after which approaches will be developed for their rollout nationwide as part of the national employment and entitlements service.
These developments are complemented by measures announced recently by the Government under the Jobs Initiative and include initiatives such as JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme, which will provide 5,000 internship opportunities of 6 or 9 months in organisations in the private, public or community and voluntary sectors. In addition, from July 2, the rate of employers PRSI on jobs paying up to €356 per week has been halved to 4.25%, up to end 2013.
All of the measures outlined above will support people who are unemployed in acquiring the education and skills and work experience that will assist them in returning to employment while measures such as the PRSI reduction will encourage employers to new employment.
274 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of the 5,000 places on the national internship scheme that have been taken up to date; and the amount in total that she has spent on this scheme. [25997/11]
As of Friday 23rd September a total of 2,346 internship opportunities with host organisations were approved and were available on the JobBridge website to be filled. In addition, to date 1,430 interns have commenced an internship under the JobBridge scheme. Of these, 599 individuals have converted their Work Placement Programme placement into a JobBridge internship.
In relation to the cost of the JobBridge scheme it changes on a daily basis as the number of people participating in the scheme increases. However as of the 23rd September the additional cost of the €50 weekly top-up for the 1,430 participants on the JobBridge equates to a weekly cost of €71,500.
275 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is any discretion available to her to award the back to education allowance to Irish students accessing postgraduate courses in England, Scotland or Wales; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26132/11]
276 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to any form of financial assistance similar to the back to education allowance available to Irish students studying in other EU member states and paid for by the Government of that member state; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26133/11]
277 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for restricting the payment of the back to education allowance to Irish students studying in Irish universities and excluding any Irish students studying in England, Scotland and Wales. [26135/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 275 to 277, inclusive, together.
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 back to education allowance (BTEA) scheme 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.
The BTEA scheme covers a large range of full-time courses of education in approved colleges spanning basic foundation courses to third level courses across all disciplines. The BTEA guidelines are in the main in line with the mechanisms in place for student support type schemes administered by the Department of Education and Skills (DES).
The student grant scheme administered by DES includes provision for grants to eligible students pursuing certain full-time undergraduate courses of at least two years duration in other EU member states provided they satisfy the terms and conditions of the grant scheme including those relating to residency, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. Eligible full-time day undergraduate courses in other EU member states which are recognised by the DES for student grant purposes may be considered for the BTEA.
The student grant scheme does not extend to postgraduate study outside of the island of Ireland; this is also the position with regard to the BTEA and is outlined in the scheme guidelines. However it should be noted that Section 473A, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, as amended by Section 11 of the Finance Act 2011, provides for tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in E.U. Member States.
My Department is not aware of a scheme similar to BTEA available to Irish students studying in other EU states and paid for by the Government of that member state. Member states offer a multiplicity of supports and interventions that are administered and funded by various bodies which are often particular to the varying governmental structures and imperatives of member states.
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.
278 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when a decision will issue on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26151/11]
An application for carer's allowance was received from the above named in respect of a second care recipient on 12 May 2011. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of his claim a decision will be made as soon as possible. The person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome in due course.
279 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an oral hearing will take place on an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26152/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 12th January 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 30th May 2011 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer on 24th August 2011 who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
280 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for late payment of rent supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26161/11]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that payment of rent supplement to the person concerned ceased as his primary social welfare payment was closed and the person concerned did not inform the HSE of any change in his circumstances.
The HSE further advised that they have requested documentation verifying his change of circumstances and that a decision will be made on reinstating his rent supplement when the documentation has been provided.
281 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for disability allowance will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26171/11]
The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 15 July 2011. His claim is being referred to one of the Department's medical assessors for an opinion as to his medical suitability for disability allowance.
When the deciding officer receives the medical assessor's opinion, and taking account of the deciding officer's assessment of his means, the person's entitlement to disability allowance will be determined. The person will be notified in writing of this decision.
282 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when invalidity pension will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26181/11]
Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions.
An invalidity pension claim in respect of the person concerned has been disallowed on the grounds that he is not considered to be permanently incapable of work. He was notified of this decision on 23rd September 2011.
283 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when payment will issue in respect of an application for mortgage interest supplement in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26182/11]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned was refused mortgage interest supplement on the grounds that she had overstated her income when obtaining the mortgage and that she would not have been able to maintain the repayments.
The HSE has further advised that the person concerned has submitted an appeal against this decision and it is currently awaiting decision.
284 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to put in place protection for landlords who accept rent allowance and are left with tenants not paying the rent allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26183/11]
The purpose of rent supplement is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source.
Under the legislative provisions governing rent supplement, the Department's relationship is with the tenant; the tenant makes the application for rent supplement and payment is made to the tenant. Rent supplement is specifically for the benefit of tenants to assist them with their accommodation needs. There is no direct relationship between the landlord and the Department in the administration of the scheme.
Current legislation already provides for the making of a rent supplement payment to another person (e.g. a relative, a landlord or landlord's agent) on behalf of the recipient, at the tenant's request and is subject to the consent of the HSE. Approximately 20% of rent supplement payments are currently paid to a person other than the tenant.
It is open to the landlord to bring to the attention of the HSE any instance where a tenant is receiving rent supplement but is not paying their rent. Where a Community Welfare Officer becomes aware that a person receiving rent supplement is not using that supplement to meet housing costs, payment of the supplement is suspended and the matter is investigated. Any overpayment of rent supplement incurred in circumstances of this kind may be recoverable from the tenant.
Where a landlord has a grievance in relation to the non-payment of rent by a tenant, s/he may apply to the Private Residential Tenancies Board to have the dispute resolved through the Board's dispute resolution process.
285 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to mortgage supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26185/11]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned has been in receipt of mortgage interest supplement since 2007. The HSE has further advised that her entitlement to mortgage interest supplement will be reviewed when her appeal against a decision to refuse carer's allowance is decided.
286 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a decision on an application for back to school clothing and footwear allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth. [26188/11]
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) scheme operates from the beginning of June until the end of September each year.
The administrative arrangements for the 2011 BSCFA scheme differ from those that applied in previous years. For this year, the majority of BSCFA entitlements were fully automated with no application form required from customers. 127,000 households in respect of over 250,000 children received their payment automatically in June.
Those customers who did not receive an automated payment are required to complete and return an application form to the Department. The timescale for determining applications for Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance claims is dependent on a number of factors including: the number of applications received, when the application is lodged, the availability of the required information such as details of the applicant's income, bank statements and other relevant information regarding an individual's application.
In addition, some aspects of the applications are inevitably time consuming and delays can occur where further investigations or third party evidence is required. Delays can also arise if the applicant is slow to respond to requests for additional information. Staff are working as quickly as possible on clearing the large volume of manual application claims received. Based on the current volume of applications it could take up to 7 weeks from date of receipt to process claims. Departmental records show that an application form was received from the person concerned on 13th September 2011 and she will be notified of the outcome of her claim when an assessment of her entitlements are made.
287 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Social Protection if it is possible for persons from outside the EU to enter Ireland for the period October to April and draw special welfare payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26190/11]
There are no special arrangements in place with regard to eligibility for social welfare benefits for persons coming to Ireland from countries which are outside the EEA. Such persons will have their eligibility for benefits assessed under our domestic legislation. A decision to award or reject any claim for benefits depends on the circumstances of the individual concerned and the qualifying conditions for the scheme under which the benefit is claimed.
288 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated waiting time to transfer from carer’s benefit to carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo. [26221/11]
I confirm that that an application for carer's allowance was received from the above named person on 9 August 2011. On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of her claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
The average time to award a claim for carer's allowance is currently 17 weeks. Entitlement to carer's allowance is based on satisfying medical, means and residency conditions. In determining entitlement to the allowance there are, in certain cases, unavoidable time lags involved in making the necessary investigations and inquiries to enable accurate decisions to be made. Delays can also arise if people applying for the allowance are not in a position to supply all the necessary information in support of their claim.
289 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection notwithstanding the Civil Service circular No. 28, if she will provide a list of the current pay of each senior civil servant from higher executive officer to Secretary General in her Department broken down by grade; the pension entitlements of each and any other emoluments they are entitled to receive upon reaching retirement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26242/11]
The information requested is not readily available and given the pressure of work in my Department and the volume of staff involved, it would not be possible to give the information requested for each individual member of staff.
The following table provides a breakdown of the number of staff in each grade from Higher Executive Officer to Secretary General. The pay scale appropriate to each officer is in line with the officer's service and the terms and conditions of employment as provided for in Department of Finance Circular 28/2009.
|
Grade |
Number of Posts at Grade (1 September 2011) |
Payscale for Grade |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
632.33 |
Class B (appointed before 6/4/1995)(Higher) from €46,426 to €57,251 p.a.(Standard) from €43,816 to €55,415 p.a.Class A (appointed on or after 6/4/1995)(Higher) from €48,831 to €60,224 p.a.(Standard) from €46,081 to €58,294 p.a. |
|
Administrative Officer |
12.4 |
Class B(Higher) from €40,734 to €57,251p.a.(Standard) from €31,619 to €55,415 p.a.Class A(Higher) from €42,838 to €60,224 p.a.(Standard) from €33,247to €58,294 p.a. |
|
Assistant Principal |
201.3 |
Class B(Higher) from €67,913 to €84,296 p.a.(Standard) from €61,966 to €76,768 p.a.Class A(Higher) from €71,359 to €88,598 p.a.(Standard) from €65,185 to €80,678 p.a. |
|
Principal |
39.4 |
Class B(Higher) from €85,957 to €105,429 p.a.(Standard) from €80,051 to €98,424 p.a.Class A(Higher) from €90,355 to €110,844 p.a.(Standard) from €84,132 to €103,472 p.a. |
|
Medical Assessor |
25 |
Class B(Higher) from €85,957 to €105,429 p.a.(Standard) from €80,051 to €98,424 p.a.Class A(Higher) from €90,355 to €110,844 p.a.(Standard) from €84,132 to €103,472 p.a. |
|
Deputy Chief Appeals Officer |
1 |
From €80,051 to €98,424 p.a. |
|
Chief Appeals Officer |
1 |
From €85,9571 to €105,429 p.a. |
|
Chief Medical Advisor |
1 |
From €93,197 to €113,503 p.a. |
|
Assistant Secretary |
7 |
Class BFrom €127,796 to €146,191 p.a.Class AFrom €134,523 to €153,885 p.a. |
|
Deputy Secretary |
1 |
€168,000 p.a. |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
€191,417 p.a. |
Pension entitlements are calculated as follows:
Pension Calculation for staff recruited before 6 April 1995:
The method of calculation of pension for pre-6 April 95 staff (who pay the modified rate of PRSI) is 1/80th of pensionable remuneration per year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 40 years.
Pension Calculation for staff recruited after 5 April 1995:
The method of calculating Main Scheme pension for officers recruited on or after 6 April 1995 who qualify for benefits on or after 1 January 2004 is:
(a) For that part of the officer's pensionable remuneration which is less than or equal to 3 and one third times the current rate of Contributory State Pension (CSP), 1/200th of pensionable remuneration multiplied by the number of years of reckonable service plus
(b) For any part of the officer's Pensionable Remuneration which exceeds 3 and one third times CSP, 1/80th of pensionable remuneration multiplied by the number of years of reckonable service. A multiplier of 3.333333 (i.e. 6 decimal places) is used to calculate 3 and one third times CSP. The maximum number of years of reckonable service is 40. The CSP rate is the maximum CSP payable by the Department of Social and Family Affairs to a single person without dependants on the last day of the officer's pensionable service.
Retirement Lump Sum Calculation:
Retirement lump sum is 3/80ths of pensionable remuneration for each year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 1.5 times pensionable remuneration.
Emoluments payable to officers on their retirement are dealt with as follows:
Pensionable Emoluments Emoluments are benefits in cash or in kind which are additional to basic salary. Pensionable emoluments are the average annual amount of an officer's emoluments. The pensionable allowances are the best three consecutive years in the last ten.
Generally speaking, pensionable emoluments are:
(a) allowances for the performance of work done (e.g. higher duties allowance, Private Secretaries' allowance);
(b) allowances for the conditions under which work is done (e.g. shift premia, unsocial hours allowances);
(c) in certain exceptional cases, specifically approved by the Department of Finance, payments for compulsory, regular and rostered extra attendance which forms an inherent part of the conditions of service for certain posts and where such attendance is considered to be the most effective and economical means of carrying out the work involved;
(d) the value (as determined by the Department of Finance) of certain perquisites provided free as part of an officer's conditions of employment (e.g. house, quarters, fuel and light, board and lodgings, uniforms).
290 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 316 of 14 September 2011, if she will provide a breakdown of the funding allocated between children making their first holy communion, those making their confirmation and those who received funding for other religious ceremonies. [26246/11]
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE) may make a single payment to meet an exceptional need to people on social welfare or HSE payments. These payments are known as Exceptional Needs Payments (ENPs) and may be made towards communion and confirmation costs and other religious ceremonies. These specific payments are recorded under the same payment category on the Department's payments system, and there is no individual breakdown for each of these sub-categories.
291 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of employers involved and the total amount of money currently owed to the social insurance fund in respect of the employer’s 40% liability relating to redundancy payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26303/11]
295 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for redundancy received by her from employees whose employer has refused or was unable to pay the redundancy using the form RP50 for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and each month to date in 2011. [26332/11]
296 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of RP50 forms received by her in 2008, 2009, 2010 and for each month to date in 2011 from employers accompanied by a letter from an accountant or solicitor stating the employer is unable to pay redundancy to an employee. [26338/11]
297 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of redundancies notified to her for each of the years 2008 to 2011, to date. [26339/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 295 to 297, inclusive, together.
I will arrange to have the information requested compiled and made available to the Deputy shortly.
292 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection, further to Parliamentary Question No. 383 of 14 September 2011, the medical criteria to be satisfied in order to qualify for disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26328/11]
In order to satisfy the medical conditions for receipt of disability allowance a person must be suffering from an injury, disease, congenital deformity or physical or mental illness or defect which has continued or may reasonably be expected to continue for a period of at least a year and as a result of the condition the person is substantially restricted in undertaking work which would otherwise be suitable having regard to the person's age, experience and qualifications. When conducting an assessment, the medical assessor does not dispute the existence of the certified cause of incapacity but rather s/he assesses the duration of the illness and the degree to which the loss of function in work-related activities, resulting from the disease or injury, affects the person's ability to perform either their own job or alternative types of work.
In this case the person concerned applied for disability allowance on 4 February 2011. Her claim was referred to one of the department's medical assessors who was of the opinion, based on the information furnished by the person's doctor on the application form, that the person was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The deciding officer accepted this opinion and the claim was refused and the person was notified in writing of this decision on 9 May 2011. Further medical evidence was received and referred to a medical assessor who again expressed the opinion that the person was not medically suitable for disability allowance. Accordingly, the original decision to refuse the claim was confirmed by the deciding officer and the person was notified in writing of this on 23 August 2011.
293 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the waiting lists for disability allowance hearings in view of the fact that there is a 14 month waiting list. [26330/11]
I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the number of appeals waiting to be processed at present is 17,992 (a reduction of some 2,809 (since September 2010), of which 3,128 refer to disability allowance. These figures must be seen against a background where there has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 32,432 in 2010. Current indications are that, while there now appears to be a slight drop in the number of appeals being received in 2011, the annual intake is still likely to be close to 30,000 for the year.
In an effort to reduce the backlog of appeals, the Department made 9 additional appointments to the office earlier this year. These assignments augment the 3 appointments made to the Office in 2010, bringing the total number of Appeals Officers serving in the office to 29. Some 3,000 cases, registered prior to 31/12/10, have been ring fenced and a team of 10 of the Office's most experienced Appeals Officers have been freed from all other work in the Office and will concentrate on clearing this backlog. This project commenced on July 1st.
In addition to these measures, more emphasis is now placed on dealing with appeals on a summary basis so as to increase productivity. As a result, the number of appeals dealt with by way of oral hearing was reduced from 42% for the first 6 months of 2010 to just over 30% for the same period in 2011. As a result of the various initiatives taken, 22,226 decisions were made by Appeals Officers in the first eight months of 2011, in comparison to 17,184 for the same period in 2010. Overall, it is expected that the increase in the number of decisions being made by Appeals Officers will continue and this, combined with the slight reduction in the numbers received should lead to on-going reductions in the backlog of appeals.
The Deputy asks about two cases as an addendum to his question; one case received on 18 January 2011 is listed for an oral hearing since 6 August 2011 and there is no appeal registered for the other. In relation to the first person mentioned in your Parliamentary Question, following a review of his continued entitlement to disability allowance, his payment was stopped as he was deemed to be no longer medically suitable for disability allowance. He subsequently appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
In relation to the second person mentioned in your Parliamentary Question, this lady applied for disability allowance on 4 February 2011. Her claim was referred to one of the department's medical assessors who was of the opinion that the person was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The deciding officer accepted this opinion and her claim was refused and the person was notified in writing of this decision on 15 July 2011. Further medical evidence has now been received in this case and has been referred to one of the department's medical assessors for their opinion. The person concerned will be notified shortly of the outcome of the review.
294 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has been refused the back to school clothing and footwear allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26331/11]
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) scheme operates from the beginning of June until the end of September each year. Those customers who did not receive an automated payment are required to complete and return an application form to the Department. In all cases a letter will issue to applicants informing them of the decision and, where payment has been awarded, when and where they can collect the payment. In the case of refusal of the allowance the procedures for review of the decision is outlined to customers.
The person concerned was refused BSCFA as he does not have a qualifying payment. The person concerned can request a review by contacting the BSCFA review section in Letterkenny. Details on how to request a review are available on the Department's website at www.welfare.ie or on the refusal letter that has been provided to the applicant.
298 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26344/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 28 March 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 19 September 2011 and the appeal will be referred to an Appeals Officer, in due course, who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing. 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.
300 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has received a file from the Office of Public Works on the relocation request of a person (details supplied) in County Galway whose home was damaged through flooding in 2009, has since been at serious risk of further flooding and who has been unable to obtain a reasonably priced quote for home insurance or any insurance at all to cover flooding; and when a decision will issue on the relocation of said person. [26366/11]
The Government has provided various types of support to people affected by the November 2009 flooding. Humanitarian Aid payments were made, both in the immediate aftermath of the flooding and subsequently to enable eligible households to resume living at their home. Flood relief works were also undertaken in some of the affected areas and other works are at an advanced state of preparation. Discussions also took place with representatives of the insurance industry regarding giving households access to appropriate house insurance at a reasonable cost.
Subject to certain conditions the Government also decided to provide support to a small number of families who are continuing to experience significant housing problems as a result of the November 2009 flooding and are considering the possibility of relocating rather than resuming living at their original home. The household of the person concerned and all of the other households have been visited by officials from the Department and reports of their individual circumstances have been completed. The Department has received a report from the Office of Public Works in relation to the house of the person concerned and expects to be in a position to make a decision on the case shortly.
301 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the 15 week waiting list for the processing of family income supplement applications by her and the steps being taken by her to reduce this waiting period. [26371/11]
The Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible. The average waiting time for new family income supplement (FIS) claims at the end of August is 18 weeks. The waiting time for renewal FIS claims is currently between 4-5 weeks. The volume of FIS claims on hands and the delays in processing are a consequence of continued strong claim intake.
The Department has introduced a number of measures to address the efficiency of claim processing for FIS in light of the current waiting times:
Existing processes and procedures are reviewed on an ongoing basis with the explicit objective of reducing delays in claim processing;
Priority is being given to renewal claims to preserve continuity of payment;
The ongoing staffing requirement is being kept under review in light of the continued strong claim intake;
Additional temporary staff have been recruited to help reduce the backlog;
Overtime working is being applied where feasible;
These measures are aimed at reducing the number of claims on hand and the average waiting time for a decision. The position is being closely monitored and kept under review by the Department.
302 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection if the Department has submitted a strategy statement to her, as specified under the 1997 Public Service Management Act and, if so, will she publish the statement. [26402/11]
On September 8th 2011 a draft Statement of Strategy was submitted to me as required under the 1997 Public Service Management Act. The Statement of Strategy is currently being finalised and will be published in accordance with the provisions of that Act.
303 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Social Protection when she expects the general review of the provisions of the Civil Registration Act 2004 to be completed, which will address the current situation whereby Irish citizens who die abroad cannot have their deaths registered in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26426/11]
A general review of the provisions of the Civil Registration Act, 2004 is on-going and is expected to be completed later this year. Usually, when an Irish citizen dies abroad, the death is registered by the civil authorities of the place where the death occurred, and a certified copy of the death registration is obtainable. This certificate, translated if necessary, is normally sufficient for all legal and administrative purposes here and for these reasons alone there is no necessity for the death to be registered in the State.
Any broadening of the current provisions will require careful consideration. It will be appreciated that the number of people who live and die in other countries and who have or are entitled to have Irish citizenship is very large. This would have implications both for the registration process itself and for the vital statistics relating to deaths which are derived from registered events.
A death certificate is readily available in the overwhelming majority of these cases. However, I do appreciate that many families of the deceased feel strongly that by registration of the death, the person's death is given recognition in his/her own country and also that this fact would assist during a period of considerable grief. My Department will therefore have this matter reviewed in the context of future amendments to the Civil Registration Act, 2004.
304 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to the state of disrepair of the historic Castleblayney courthouse building; if his attention has been drawn to any plans by Monaghan County Council to restore this building with a view to turning it into a facility for community use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26308/11]
Under Part IV of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010, statutory protection of the architectural heritage is primarily a matter for each planning authority. As part of this Act, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is a statutory consultee on any proposed development that may have an impact on the built or natural heritage. However, final decisions on development applications are a matter for the relevant planning authority or An Bord Pleanála on appeal.
In November 2006, under the 2000 Act, Castleblayney Town Council referred a planning application for works at the courthouse building to my Department. In January 2007 the Town Council granted permission for the proposed works with a number of conditions. It appears that Monaghan County Council has yet to commence works on foot of the permission granted.
Castleblayney Courthouse is included on the Record of Protected Structures provided for under the Act and is owned by Monaghan County Council but is located in the area under the planning remit of Castleblayney Town Council. Accordingly both Councils as owner and planning authority have responsibilities for the protection of the building. I understand that an application for funding for Castleblayney Courthouse was submitted to the Heritage Council by Monaghan County Council under the Heritage Managements Grants Scheme in 2011, but was not successful. The Heritage Council will shortly be accepting applications under the Heritage Management Grants Scheme for 2012.
305 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of employees in his Department who have expressed an interest in retiring ahead of the changes to the public sector pension schemes that are to come into force in 2012. [25779/11]
I am advised that, to date, thirteen employees of my Department have formally expressed an interest in retiring before the end of February 2012. While I understand that a number of other staff have made preliminary enquiries about retirement, my Department does not maintain records of such cases. As the Deputy will appreciate, enquiries of that nature may not necessarily result in retirements taking place during the period in question.
306 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will clarify his plans for the national record of monuments and places in view of the reported suggestion that all post-1700 archeological and historical structures and sites be delisted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25948/11]
I can assure the Deputy that there are no proposals to remove the protection of the National Monuments Acts from any category of monument. My Department's National Monuments Service is reviewing the policy for including monuments in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) because the current RMP, drawn up more than 10 years ago, is not consistent across all counties, where post-1700 AD monuments are concerned.
The objective of this current review is to bring about greater consistency across the board. This is only one element of a wider strategy to improve the management, protection, presentation and appreciation of Ireland's unique archaeological heritage. We are working to provide high quality, accurate and accessible information through our dedicated website www.archaeology.ie. A comprehensive new Monuments Bill is also being drafted to consolidate, modernise and improve the legislative code for the protection and regulation of our archaeological heritage. In addition, we are developing detailed guidance on archaeological best practice and procedure based on comprehensive recommendations from an expert review group that has been engaged in an intensive examination of practice over a number of years.
There are obviously issues that will arise as to how, and under which legislation, certain structures should be best protected. There is no question, however, of the current Record of Monuments and Places being revised until we have completed the review. When draft policy and criteria for updating the RMP have been developed, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will consult with interested parties before any decisions are made.
307 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht notwithstanding the Civil Service circular No. 28, if he will provide a list of the current pay of each senior civil servant from higher executive officer to Secretary General in his Department broken down by grade; the pension entitlements of each and any other emoluments they are entitled to receive upon reaching retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26230/11]
Civil servants in my Department are recruited and paid in accordance with Civil Service norms and it is not the practice to provide details of individuals' remuneration. The breakdown of staff in my Department at the grades described by the Deputy is set out below:
|
Grade |
|
|
HEO, AO and equivalent Professional & Technical Grades: |
153 |
|
APO and equivalent Professional & Technical Grades: |
89 |
|
PO and equivalent Professional & Technical Grades: |
17 |
|
Director: |
2 |
|
Assistant Secretary: |
3 |
|
Secretary General: |
1 |
Individual salaries are in accordance with the appropriate point of the relevant pay scale for each staff member, depending on whether they joined the Civil Service before or after 5 April 1995. Under the terms of the Civil Service Superannuation Schemes, retiring staff are entitled to a lump sum payment and a retirement pension which is based on their length of service and final pensionable remuneration. Further details regarding retirement benefits for civil servants are available at www.cspensions.gov.ie.
Retiring staff receive a retirement lump sum of 3/80ths of pensionable remuneration for each year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 1½ times pensionable remuneration. In general, staff who were recruited prior to April 1995 and pay the modified rate of PRSI receive a pension of 1/80th of pensionable remuneration per year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 40 years. Staff who were recruited after April 1995, receive a pension which is integrated with the State Pension (Contributory). The formula for the calculation of the pension is 1/200th of pensionable remuneration up to 31/3rd times the State Pension, and 1/80th for pensionable remuneration in excess of this limit, per year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 40 years.
TLAC retirement terms may be applied to retiring Secretaries General, subject to certain conditions. I understand that those terms are currently under review for future appointees.
308 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if his Department has submitted a strategy statement to him, as specified under the 1997 Public Service Management Act; and if so, if he will publish this statement. [26405/11]
A draft Statement of Strategy 2011-2014 for my Department, which has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Public Service Management Act 1997 and the Guidelines on Strategy Statements issued by the Department of the Taoiseach, has been submitted to me. As required under the Act, it sets out my Department's proposed strategies, outputs and objectives in its key policy areas for the next three years. The draft Strategy Statement was prepared following a publicly advertised consultation process, as well as consultation with other Government Departments, key stakeholders and customers. The Statement of Strategy will be published on my Department's website in due course, following its approval.
309 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if, following the meeting with an organisation (details supplied) on 7 September 2011, he will confirm if the National Library will be undertaking centralised responsibility for genealogical data collection and digitisation. [26417/11]
I refer the Deputy to my reply on 14th September, 2011 on this matter. I held a full day seminar on 7th September with representatives from a wide range of organisations with an interest in genealogy matters. A representative from the Family History Centres in each county was invited, the majority of which attended on the day. Each organisation which attended was given an opportunity to make a presentation that outlined their views on the issue of digitising genealogical records and maximising the potential of roots tourism. This involved some 30 presentations being made over the course of the day. I am still considering the views of the various organisations on this important issue.
310 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if bio-fuel is available at petrol pumps for private use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26153/11]
The Statutory Biofuel Obligation Scheme was introduced in 2010 in order to deliver on the mandatory EU target of 10% renewable energy in transport by 2020. This scheme requires suppliers of road transport fuels to include a certain percentage of biofuel across their general fuel mix. This percentage is currently set at 4 per cent. Since the biofuels obligation came in to force on 1 July 2010, industry figures show that the obligation level has been met and slightly exceeded by industry, across all retail petrol outlets.
311 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether there is no integrated approach to monitoring or regulation of any onshore gas extraction process, for example, hydraulic fracturing, under current legislation, and if licences are granted in the future to proceed to exploration stage, if he will become proactive rather than reactive; and his plans to set up a working group to explore the impact of such a proposal on the landscape of the north west. [26419/11]
312 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether there is at present no integrated approach to monitoring or regulation of any onshore gas extraction process, for example, hydraulic fracturing, under current planning or environmental legislation. [26421/11]
329 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether there is no integrated approach to monitoring or regulation of any onshore gas extraction process, for example, hydraulic fracturing, under current legislation; and if he will now become proactive rather than reactive if licences are granted in the future to proceed to exploration stage. [26418/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 311, 312 and 329 together.
I can inform the Deputy that my Department has not received applications for, nor licensed the use of exploration drilling or hydraulic fracturing in the Irish onshore and accordingly the monitoring of this activity does not arise at this time. Earlier this year, my Department granted onshore Licensing Options to three companies over parts of the North West Carboniferous Basin and the Clare Basin. The Licensing Options are designed to allow the companies assess the natural gas potential of the acreage largely based on studies of existing data from previous exploration activity. This work is largely office/desktop based and does not involve exploration drilling or hydraulic fracturing.
By the end of the Option period in February 2013, the companies will have to decide whether to apply for a follow-on exploration licence or relinquish the acreage. I have made it clear that in the event any of the companies involved decide to apply for an exploration licence that proposed the use of hydraulic fracturing, the application would have to be set out in detail and be supported by an environmental impact statement. The application would then be the subject of an environmental impact assessment which would include a public consultation phase.
The environmental impact assessment would be broad and consider a range of potential impacts including an assessment of the potential visual impact of the proposed works on the landscape. My Department would also consult with other relevant statutory authorities such as the Environmental Protection Authority, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and local authorities before reaching any decision. In the event of a commercial discovery, the principal authorisations required from my Department for a gas production project would be a Petroleum Lease and approval of a Plan of Development. The Plan of Development would set out the basis for the project and the rationale for the selection of the appropriate development option.
The Plan of Development would also be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment, including a public consultation phase. A future petroleum production project would also likely involve consents from other statutory authorities including the Commission for Energy Regulation, the Environmental Protection Agency and the planning authorities. This consent framework provides for a comprehensive assessment of such a project.
313 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the uptake of the rural broadband initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25638/11]
The Application Phase of the Rural Broadband Scheme closed on 29 July 2011. Almost 5,000 applications have been received. My Department is currently processing approximately 1,200 of these applications where address details need to be clarified — this is a time consuming exercise but the aim is to clear these applications over the coming weeks.
The next step in the scheme is the Verification Phase, in which the Department will give internet service providers the opportunity to serve the applicants under normal commercial terms. Subject to agreement with the companies concerned, the Verification Phase should be carried out over the period October-January 2012. We would expect that some of the applicants under the Scheme will be offered a service by these companies during this phase.
The procurement process is expected to commence in parallel to select a service provider to offer a service to remaining applicants once the Verification Phase has been completed. My Department expects to identify the preferred supplier by the end of January 2012 and pending contract negotiations a service provider will be appointed by mid-February 2012. Roll out of the service under the Scheme is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.
314 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the licences granted to companies to explore for methane gas using the process of hydraulic fracturing; the consultation process for residents and communities and public representatives; the situation regarding planning permission and his views regarding the problems experienced internationally with this process. [25658/11]
I can inform the Deputy that no company currently holds an exploration authorisation that permits exploration drilling onshore, including exploration drilling that would involve hydraulic fracturing.
In February of this year, my Department granted onshore Licensing Options to three companies over parts of the North West Carboniferous (Lough Allen) and Clare Basins. The Licensing Options are for a two year period from March 2011 to the end of February 2013.
The Licensing Options are preliminary authorisations and are different to exploration licences. The purpose of these authorisations is to allow the companies assess the natural gas potential of the acreage largely based on studies of existing data from previous petroleum exploration activity. This work is mainly office/desktop based and does not involve exploration drilling or hydraulic fracturing.
By the end of the Option period in February 2013, the companies will have to decide whether to apply for a follow-on exploration licences or relinquish their acreage. In the event that any of the companies involved decide to apply for an exploration licence that proposed the use of hydraulic fracturing, the application would have to be set out in detail and be supported by an environmental impact statement.
My Department would then undertake a full assessment of the application, including an environmental impact assessment with a public consultation phase. My Department would also consult with other relevant statutory authorities such as the EPA, NPWS, Local Authorities in reaching any decision.
Work under these Licensing Options is at an early stage and it is too soon to conclude whether or not these authorisations will proceed to the exploration licence stage let alone to anticipate a petroleum project that would require planning permission. I am aware of environmental concerns relating to hydraulic fracturing and have made clear that any future application proposing the use of this technology will be subject to an environmental impact assessment before any decision is made.
315 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the basis on which he intends to extend the REFIT scheme; if he will facilitate discussion on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25660/11]
The renewable energy feed in tariff scheme known as REFIT is a scheme to support new renewable generation.
State Aid applications have been submitted to the European Commission to continue to offer REFIT for existing renewable energy categories and to extend the scheme to cover additional biomass categories. It is intended that REFIT will be available for up to 310MW of new generation in the biomass categories including biomass CHP and Anaerobic Digestion, which is intended to stimulate renewable generation in that sector.
State Aid approval for up to 4000MW in the onshore wind, hydro and landfill gas categories is being sought. This amount is sufficient to cover new Gate 3 renewable generation projects which are necessary for the achievement of Ireland's legally binding renewable energy target.
My Department will advise the renewable energy sectors of the terms and conditions approved by the Commission for the REFIT schemes as soon as the State Aid application is approved.
316 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the increased reports of excessive wear and damage to motor and agricultural vehicles engines being linked to the components of the bio-fuels being added to diesel fuel products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25707/11]
The only function I have in regard to biofuels relates to the Statutory Biofuel Obligation Scheme. The biofuel obligation applies to fuel for road transport only and does not apply to diesel used for "off-road" motor vehicles such as those used in the agricultural sector. Issues relating to fuel quality in the context of minimising our pollution emissions are a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.
The National biofuel obligation level is currently set at 4 per cent on average for road transport fuel. This level is set to ensure that the fuel is fully compliant with the European EN590 standard for diesel and the European standard EN228 for petrol. These fuel standards are accepted by all makes and models of on-road vehicles.
317 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to amend the Broadcasting Act 2009 to allow independent musicdriven stations more flexibility with the minimum provision for news and current affairs. [25746/11]
318 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that independent music radio stations feel penalised by the Broadcasting Act 2009 regarding the provision of current affairs and news content in view of the fact that the national broadcaster can divide the provision over a number of stations and therefore has an unfair advantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25747/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 317 and 318 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Broadcasting Act 2009 places specific news and current affairs requirements on sound broadcasters. The Act requires all broadcasters to devote at least 20% of the broadcast day to news and current affairs programming. There are also additional requirements relating to the provision of such programming in peak time. The statutory News and Current Affairs requirements make an important contribution to the achievement of diversity and plurality for Irish audiences.
No amendment to the Broadcasting Act 2009 of the type suggested by the Deputy is required as the Act permits the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) to agree to a derogation from these requirements, whereby the broadcaster can provide less news and current affairs content than that required by the Act. In doing so, the BAI must have regard to the interests of the audience. In light of the flexibility that this approach provides for the commercial broadcasters, I do not believe that the legislation puts them at any disadvantage in comparison to RTÉ in this regard. Finally the Deputy should be aware that the BAI recently published their draft Broadcasting Services Strategy (Consultation Document), which is available on the Authority's website www.bai.ie. This consultation document suggests a more nuanced approach to considering derogations should be adopted by the Authority. All interested parties were invited to submit views on the Broadcasting Services Strategy by the closing date of 23 September 2011. These views will be taken into consideration by the Authority.
319 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of employees in his Department who have expressed an interest in retiring ahead of the changes to the public sector pension schemes that are to come into force in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25781/11]
One employee in my Department will be required to retire before 1 March 2012 upon reaching their compulsory retirement age of 65 while others may retire upon reaching their minimum retirement age of 60 years of age or on actuarially reduced pension terms if they are within ten years of minimum retirement age. Since 11 July 2011, all staff in the civil service who intend to retire on or before 29 February 2012 are required to give 3 months notice of their date of retirement. Accordingly, in advance of the cut-off date of 30 November 2011 and taking account of the many factors that might determine an employee's decision to retire or not, it is not possible to accurately reflect, at this juncture, the number of employees in the Department who will submit a formal notification of retirement.
320 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of persons that have been granted the solar heating grant despite not meeting application deadlines set by SEAI because of extenuating circumstances. [25792/11]
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) launched the Greener Homes Scheme in March 2006 to support homeowners who wished to install renewable heating technology in their homes. The technologies supported included Biomass, Heat Pumps and Solar Thermal systems.
The scheme closed for applications in May 2011 when solar thermal technology transitioned across to Better Energy: Homes. At that time, just over 29,500 applications for solar technology had been approved. The total number of appeals received from home owners, since the inception of the Scheme in 2006 is 641, which represents less than 2% of applications processed. Of these, 521 appeals were successful.
Under Better Energy: Homes applications can be made online and, for eligible homes, approval is immediate with the homeowner having six months to complete the required work and submit payment documentation. Grants are not paid in cases where the homeowner does not meet the terms and conditions of the scheme.
A further 2,100 solar grant applications have been approved since the launch of Better Energy in May. SEAI advises that it is not yet possible to identify how many applicants have been subsequently awarded a solar heating grant on appeal as the six month deadline for completion of works under the new arrangements has not yet expired. If the Deputy has details of a specific case she wishes to raise, I would suggest that the details are forwarded to the SEAI.
321 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the level of Internet service in an area (details supplied) in County Cork; the way this service can be improved in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25836/11]
The provision of electronic communications services is, in the first instance, a matter for private sector service providers operating in Ireland's fully liberalised telecommunications market, regulated by the independent regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). Broadband services are provided by a number of private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e. over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, fibre and satellite.
The Government has undertaken a number of initiatives to bring broadband to those parts of the country where operators have been unable to offer services on a commercial basis. In the case of one such intervention, namely the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), broadband services are available from "3", in all of the 1,028 Electoral Divisions (ED) designated to be covered under the Scheme. This includes the area of Ballydesmond which is located in Williamstown ED.
My Department and its external consultants actively monitor coverage within the NBS areas. The NBS contract guarantees service levels and imposes a service credit regime on "3" with financial consequences in the event that minimum specification service levels are not met. Any NBS customer experiencing problems with the NBS service can contact 3's customer care centre 24 hours a day 7 days a week by phone at 1913 (free of charge). Additionally, a team of field engineers has been established to address NBS specific maintenance issues at customer's premises. My Department has a role when customers have fully utilised the established complaints process. It operates a dedicated NBS mailbox, which NBS customers can contact by email (nationalbroadbandscheme@nbs.ie) with any comments or complaints they may have about their NBS service.
As regards future broadband initiatives, under the NewERA proposals in the Programme for Government, there is a commitment to co-invest with the private sector and commercial Semi State sector to provide Next Generation Broadband customer access to every home and business in the State. In June of this year I convened the Next Generation Broadband Taskforce which I chair and which also comprises the Minister of State with responsibility for NewERA, Mr. Fergus O'Dowd, T.D., the CEOs of all of the major telecommunications companies currently operating in the Irish market and CEOs of some Internet Service Provider companies. I expect that the Taskforce will help to identify the optimal policy to deliver wider customer access to high-speed broadband generally, including in areas in county Cork, and thereby assist in delivering on the commitment in the Programme for Government.
322 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of mobile telephone masts. [25987/11]
Authorisation to operate wireless equipment in the provision of communications services to the public is a matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). ComReg has advised me that the authorisation process does not distinguish between wireless equipment located on buildings and equipment located on telecommunications masts. In addition, in the case of telecommunications masts, these may be shared by two or more authorised service providers. ComReg is not in a position, therefore, to calculate the number of telecommunications masts in any region. Additionally, where the construction of telecommunications masts requires planning permission, such matters are appropriate to the planning authorities. I have no function in either of these processes.
323 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has applied to the EU for a derogation from the EU electricity Directive. [26006/11]
My Department is currently finalising the necessary legislation to transpose the transmission network unbundling provisions of Directive 2009/72/EC.
In line with the recent Government Decision and as provided for in the Directive, it will be the responsibility of the Commissioner for Energy Regulation to progress with the European Commission the certification and verification arrangements under Article 9.9 and 9.10 of the Directive which provide, in effect, for a derogation from the transmission system operator unbundling options under the Directive.
324 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the timescale for the roll out of high speed broadband programme for a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26137/11]
The provision of broadband services in schools is in general a matter for my colleague the Minister for Education & Skills. I do, however, recognise the key role that high speed broadband services can play in achieving the objective of a knowledge society.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Education & Skills, has successfully implemented a pilot project of 100mbps high speed broadband to 78 second level schools. I am currently engaged with the Minister for Education & Skills on how a phased roll-out of high speed broadband to all second level schools can be implemented.
As the Deputy will appreciate, availability of resources is a key element in the delivery of this goal. It is my objective that in the context of the forthcoming Budget, an agreed programme for a phased roll-out can be put in place. The timescale for individual schools is of course dependent on such a programme being put in place.
325 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources notwithstanding the Civil Service circular No. 28, if he will provide a list of the current pay of each senior civil servant from higher executive officer to Secretary General in his Department broken down by grade; the pension entitlements of each and any other emoluments they are entitled to receive upon reaching retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26232/11]
Under the terms of the Civil Service Superannuation Schemes, retiring staff are entitled to a lump sum payment and a retirement pension which is based on their length of service and final pensionable remuneration. Further details regarding retirement benefits for civil servants are available at www.cspensions.gov.ie.
Retiring staff receive a retirement lump sum of 3/80ths of pensionable remuneration for each year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 1½ times pensionable remuneration. In general, staff who were recruited prior to April 1995 and pay the modified rate of PRSI receive a pension of 1/80th of pensionable remuneration per year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 40 years. Staff who were recruited after April 1995, receive a pension which is integrated with the State Pension (Contributory). The formula for the calculation of the pension is 1/200th of pensionable remuneration up to 3 1/3rd times the State Pension, and 1/80th for pensionable remuneration in excess of this limit, per year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 40 years .
TLAC retirement terms may be applied to retiring Secretaries General, subject to certain conditions. Those terms are currently under review for future appointees.
As regards the current pay of each civil servant as referred to in the question, the information is not readily available and would take an inordinate amount of time and associated cost to provide.
326 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to reduce the licensing rates for programme making and special events users of the channel 38 spectrum to help radio microphone users in theatrical productions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26368/11]
327 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to introduce a compensation programme for radio microphone owners to help offset the cost in updating their stock of equipment as they transfer from channel 69 to the new allocated frequency range in channel 38; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26369/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 326 and 327 together.
The licensing of radio microphones is a matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation (Comreg). I understand that there are currently 49 channels (channels 21 to 69) available for radio microphone use in Ireland in the 470-862 MHz band with the majority of assignments made in channel 69. These channels are made available on a non-exclusive basis and are subject to sharing with existing broadcasting services in this band.
At the International Telecommunication Union World Radiocommunication Conference in 2007 it was agreed that channels 61 to 69 would be made available for mobile services. Subsequently the European Commission in its Recommendation 2009/848/EC recommended that analogue terrestrial TV services switch off in 2012, and that the above channels should be used for electronic communications services. This switchover will facilitate the roll out of high speed mobile broadband to communities across Europe. In complying with this Recommendation channel 69 will no longer therefore be available for radio microphone use. As the Deputy may be aware Ireland's national digital switchover strategy provides for a move to all digital TV services by the end of 2012, with the existing services in the 800 MHz band (including channel 61-69) being switched off at that stage.
I understand that radio microphone manufacturers and suppliers have been aware of the fact that channel 69 would no longer be available for wireless microphone use from the end of 2012. In addition ComReg conducted a public consultation on this matter in April 2010.
The consultation highlighted a number of issues including that in June 2009, the UK Communications Regulator (Ofcom) confirmed Channel 38 (606-614 MHz) as a replacement for Channel 69 (854-862 MHz). In light of the Ofcom decision, and noting that Ireland is a small and open economy and the potential for economies of scale of equipment manufacture and roaming of services, ComReg considered that spectrum for radio microphones should be aligned with spectrum available for radio microphones in larger European markets.
Following consideration of responses received to its consultation, ComReg's view is that it would be appropriate to use a replacement channel aligned with the UK's channel for wireless microphones and it therefore announced in September 2010 that it would make Channel 38 available on an exclusive basis for radio microphone use in Ireland.
I am advised that there will be no increase in the associated licence fees. The current cost of a licence for the possession and use of programme making and special events equipment, including radio microphones, for an event is a €12 administration fee and €12 per piece of equipment. This licence fee was established in 1986 and has remained unchanged since that time. As the Deputy will be aware ComReg is obliged to recover its administrative costs for the management of such licensing schemes. Comreg has no remit in relation to compensation and my Department has no funds for a compensation programme as suggested in the Deputy's question.
328 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the Department has submitted a strategy statement to him, as specified under the 1997 Public Service Management Act and if so, will he publish the statement. [26403/11]
My Department submitted a draft Strategy Statement for the period 2011-2014 to me recently within the specified statutory timescale.
It is my intention to publish the Strategy Statement in due course, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Management Act 1997.
330 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there are any financial supports available from him to assist in the setting-up of a shared kitchen scheme whereby artisan food producers would have the use of a shared kitchen to assist in producing food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25722/11]
The Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 is divided into 4 Axes. Axis 1 deals with competitiveness of the agricultural sector, Axis 2 aims to improve the countryside and environment and the objectives of Axis 3 are to support the diversification of the rural economy and improve the quality of life in rural areas. Axis 4 or the LEADER Axis provides support for the use of a "bottom up" approach to development which ensures that local people are involved in the decision making thereby facilitating sustainable development in a more inclusive way. In Ireland the LEADER approach is used to implement Axis 3 measures.
Funding of €427m is available under Axis 3&4 of the RDP for allocation to qualifying projects up to the end of 2013. The programme provides support to start up enterprises in rural areas and in this context support for shared kitchen facilities could be provided under the Axis 3 measure for Business Creation and Development.
However, the output of such facilities must be compliant with the EU regulations on support for the processing of agricultural 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 1698/2005 support/grant aid for adding value to Annex 1 products is facilitated under Axis 1 of the programme. Therefore any outputs of such shared facilities supported under Axis 3 of the RDP would be required to be non-Annex 1 products.
331 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding accessing funding through the dormant accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25966/11]
The surplus generated by the National Lottery is transferred annually to the Exchequer and is applied to part-fund the Exchequer allocations to a specified range of expenditure subheads across various Votes.
The amount transferred to the Exchequer from the Lottery surplus, together with details of the total Exchequer allocations to the relevant lottery supported subheads are published each year in Appendix 1 of the annual Revised Estimates for Public Services which gives a breakdown of allocations by programme.
Individuals or organisations who wish to apply for State funding for specific projects should contact the relevant Government Department or agency in relation to the application process.
332 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a home-owner whose parent has a right of residence in the house until their death is liable to pay the non-principal private residence charge when the home is not a holiday home and is not available for rental; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26206/11]
The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 gives effect to the €200 charge on non-principal private residences. The most important exemption under the Act is for principal private residences. If a person owns a property other than one that they reside in as their principal private residence, then it may be liable for the charge.
The Act defines "owner" at section 1 as "a person . . . who . . . is entitled to receive the rent of the property, or where the property is not let, would be so entitled if it were so let".
Where a property is willed or gifted to an individual and a right of residence is retained by the original owner or occupier, I have been advised that liability to pay the charge depends on whether the right of residence is exclusive. If the right of residence is exclusive and the owner does not have an entitlement to seek or receive rent, he or she is not an "owner" within the meaning of the Act until that right ceases to affect the property. In such a case, there would be no liability for the charge.
333 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the person in the Government who provides political oversight and co-ordination to the work of the area based partnerships in Dublin city in particular and in the greater Dublin area generally; the mechanisms in place to deliver on that over-sight and co-ordination; his vision for the work of the area based partnerships in the greater Dublin area over the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25653/11]
I assume the Question is referring to Local Development Companies, formerly known as area based partnerships. My Department has no role in relation to the provision of political oversight or in directing the business of Local Development Companies, which are private limited companies. My Department has a role in relation to the provision of guidance on corporate governance arrangements for those companies as well as in ensuring adherence to contractual funding agreements. With regard to corporate governance, Guidelines on the Governance of Integrated Local Development Companies and Urban Based Partnerships were issued by the then Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, to all companies on 1 October 2007 (with an addendum to the guidelines issued in June 2009). The guidelines were designed to assist the companies with the establishment of the company board structure (including the relevant sectors and pillars), and with the prescribed requirements of the Department to enable each Company to ensure eligibility for Departmental and European funding. In addition, the guidelines provided a model Memorandum and Articles of Association, along with a model of Corporate Governance Policy which were adaptable to meet individual requirements. In accordance with commitments in the Programme for Government, the Department has commenced work on aligning local government and local development functions with a view to reducing the duplication of services, providing more efficient and cost effective services for the citizen, and ensuring greater democratic accountability in decision making at a local level. All Local Development Companies, including those serving the Dublin City and greater Dublin areas, will form part of that process.
334 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the process in which resident groups will be able to communicate and influence the established panel on pyrite; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25673/11]
The panel which I have set up to facilitate a resolution on the issue of pyrite contamination in private housing will itself determine an appropriate process of engagement with parties concerned. I am satisfied that every effort will be made, through engagement with the parties, to identify a way forward, and my Department will provide technical and administrative support to the panel.
335 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total funding available under the capital loan assistance scheme; the extent to which this fund is committed for 2011; if new projects are envisaged; his plans to continue the scheme in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25676/11]
Under my Department's Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme (CLSS), mortgage finance is provided to approved housing bodies by way of loans from the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) to meet the cost of providing social rented accommodation for low-income families.
Following detailed consideration of the range of social housing supply options available under my Department's Social Housing Investment Programme, and taking account of the recommendations contained in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes and in the report on the Strategic Review of the Capital Funding Schemes for Voluntary and Co-operative Housing carried out by independent consultants, a decision was taken in 2009 to wind down the CLSS scheme by end 2011.
Loan finance will be provided by the HFA in 2011 to meet commitments in respect of projects which are currently under way. Current funding of €71 million is being provided this year to meet local authority loan repayments to the HFA and the payment of the annual management and maintenance subsidy to approved housing bodies in respect of projects completed under the CLSS.
As the CLSS has been terminated, local authorities no longer accept applications for new projects. However, certain approved housing bodies may now borrow directly from the HFA for the purposes of providing additional housing units to meet the accommodation needs of persons on local authority housing waiting lists.
Capital funding of up to 100% of the approved cost of projects will continue to be provided to approved housing bodies under my Department's Capital Assistance Scheme for the provision of accommodation for groups with specific categories of housing need such as older people, people with a physical, intellectual or a mental health disability, and homeless persons.
336 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if any release from repayment commitments has or will be granted to persons who took out high fixed interest loans from local authorities back in the 1980s and who are still struggling with repayments though in many cases they have repaid many times a multiple of the original loan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25679/11]
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 176 and 183 of 22 September, 2011 which sets out the position in this matter.
337 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding lands required for a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25736/11]
Kerry County Council, as the relevant local authority, is responsible for the planning and construction of new water and wastewater infrastructure, including the design and locations of all components of a scheme. I have no function in the matter.
338 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if all contracted moneys from Meitheal Forbartha Na Gaeltachta Teo for community projects already completed will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25742/11]
Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta (MFG) was contracted by my Department to deliver the Rural Development Programme (RDP) as well as implementing other programmes on behalf of my and other Departments.
There are complex legal and contractual issues to be resolved and my Department is currently working on both long and short term solutions to ensure the continued delivery of the Rural Development Programme and other programmes in Gaeltacht Areas. My intention is to find a solution that will be efficient and effective and applied at the earliest possible opportunity.
339 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of employees in his Department who have expressed an interest in retiring ahead of the changes to the public sector pension schemes that are to come into force in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25784/11]
To date 8 officials in my Department have expressed an interest in retiring before 29 February 2012.
340 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government regarding climate change, if it is envisaged that there will be domestic climate change legislation brought before Dáil Éireann during the lifetime of this Government. [25901/11]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 592 of 14 September 2011 which sets out the position in this matter.
341 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason persons who have received outline planning permission for which they carried out a test for waste water treatment are now being forced to carry out another water waste treatment test before they can receive full planning permission for their property. [25917/11]
Article 24 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) states that an outline application shall, in addition to the requirements of article 22(2), be accompanied only by such plans and particulars as are necessary to enable the planning authority to make a decision in relation to the siting, layout or other proposals for development in respect of which a decision is sought. Article 22(2)(c) requests evidence of site suitability where it is proposed to dispose of wastewater other than into a public sewer.
Where an application for permission is made to a planning authority consequent on the grant of outline permission, the planning authority cannot refuse to grant permission on the basis of any matter which had been decided in the grant of outline permission, provided that the authority is satisfied that the proposed development is within the terms of the outline permission. However, an outline permission does not operate to authorise the carrying out of any development to which the outline permission relates until a subsequent permission has been granted.
My Department will shortly be writing to all Planning Authorities to clarify that, where at outline stage an applicant has carried out a site suitability test which is in compliance with the EPA code of practice, there should be no requirement to carry out a further test at the consequent permission stage.
342 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if there will be a re-registration of septic tanks after the initial registration; and will there be a charge to households for this re-registration. [25958/11]
343 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the overall cost of the septic tank charge on rural Ireland. [25959/11]
345 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if he will introduce a retrofit scheme for septic tanks to assist households with grant aid; and if he has any proposals for such a scheme. [25961/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 342, 343 and 345 together.
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 1, 2, 6, 8, 15, 28, 38, 44 and 113 of 15 September 2011 which sets out the position in these matters.
344 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will propose a review of the 2009 Environmental Protection Agency septic tank code of practice and ensure that a standard is proposed that allows rural people in counties Roscommon, Leitrim, Sligo, Kerry, Galway, Mayo and Limerick to live in their own community. [25960/11]
Appropriate measures to ensure that waste, which includes wastewater from septic tanks and proprietary waste systems, is recovered or disposed of without endangering human health and without using processes that could harm the environment, have been taken by my Department to address a recent ECJ judgment (C188/08) which found that Ireland was in breach of Article 4 of the EU Waste Directive (2006/12/EC). Implementation of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) new Code of Practice on Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses which was published in October 2009 is a key measure in this regard.
The Code of Practice sets out comprehensive requirements in relation to the design, installation and maintenance of on-site wastewater systems. My Department issued a circular letter to planning authorities in January 2010 regarding implementation of the EPA's new Code of Practice.
Elements of the Code of Practice relevant to building control have also been provided for in the recently published Technical Guidance Document to Part H (Drainage and Waste Water Disposal) of the Building Regulations as amended by the Building Regulations (Part H Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 561of 2010).
In this regard, the EPA Code of Practice lays down the technical standards to comply with Ireland's duty of care under Article 4 of the Waste Directive, but in particular to ensure that the disposal of waste via wastewater systems for single dwellings does not give rise to public nuisance, health risk or damage to the environment.
While the Code of Practice may pose engineering and planning challenges in certain parts of the country where soil and geological conditions create very difficult drainage conditions, it also sets out a number of potential technical solutions. These include innovative designs of proprietary wastewater treatment systems, and the consideration of discharges other than to sodden or otherwise unsuitable ground conditions, that can be used to ensure that development on suitable sites can proceed while protecting the environment.
My Department will therefore continue to work proactively with local authorities in ensuring that the planning system takes proper account of river basin management plans, water quality legislation and new technology in assessing the on-site wastewater treatment and disposal system aspect of proposals for housing to meet the needs of rural communities.
346 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the fact that Cavan County Council complied with the European Court of Justice ruling under the waste directive on septic tanks, if he will confirm that persons in County Cavan will be free from the registration and inspections charges; and if persons in County Cavan will be subject to the monitoring scheme. [25962/11]
My Department, together with the Office of the Attorney General, is finalising the preparation of a Bill to establish a system of inspection of septic tanks and other on-site systems. I expect to bring the Bill to Government in the coming weeks seeking approval for its publication. There are no plans for any exemptions from the requirement for all owners of septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems to register their systems with the relevant local authority, and to operate and maintain them correctly. There will be a proportionate and risk-based approach to inspections and it is intended that inspections will be targeted to areas where drinking water sources or habitats are likely to be, or have been, impacted upon by septic tank discharges.
347 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the difficulty that businesses are experiencing in reletting premises that have rates arrears attached from previous tenants which automatically transfer; if the county manager has any discretion in such cases when the arrears are clearly preventing a new tenant from leasing a premises which ultimately leads to an increasing number of vacant units and decreasing revenue streams for the local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25977/11]
Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority.
Under the legislation the person liable for payment of rates is the person in occupation of a rateable property on the date of the making of the rate by the relevant local authority. The owner rather than the occupier may be liable for commercial rates if the property in question is unoccupied on the date of the making of the rate. Should a person's occupancy commence after the date of the making of the rate then that person is not primarily liable for rates for that year. However, as a subsequent occupier, that person can be held liable for up to two years arrears of rates if they cannot be recovered from the person with whom the primary liability lies.
I recognise that these are difficult economic times for many businesses and my Department continues to keep all matters relating to commercial rates under regular review.
348 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 336 of 20 September 2011, when funding will be handed over to Kerry County Council to start work on this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26022/11]
Kerry County Council has completed its countywide Watermains Rehabilitation Strategy required as part of its water conservation programme. This Strategy identifies specific defective water supply networks requiring rehabilitation and/or replacement. The Council is also identifying works to be included in the Countywide Watermains Rehabilitation Project Phase 1 contract to be progressed and funded under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 at an estimated cost of €18m.
In July 2011, Kerry County Council submitted an advanced works proposal for watermains replacement to be carried out by direct labour in areas of Killarney. My Department recently approved funding for the advance works in Killarney which are estimated to cost just over €1.8m. It is a matter for the Council to progress these works and I understand that the works have commenced.
349 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to encourage and stimulate the production and use of Irish produced bio-fuels in place of imported petroleum products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26102/11]
My Department has responsibility for fuel quality standards from the perspective of environmental specifications which may be put in place to reduce the polluting effect that certain substances have on the environment when they are emitted into the air. Policy issues concerning energy supply, including the use of domestically produced biofuels, fall outside the remit of my Department.
350 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress made to date on advancing the proposed fire station for Bundoran, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26140/11]
The provision of fire services in local authority areas, including the establishment and maintenance of fire brigades, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises, is a statutory function of the individual fire authorities under the provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981. My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and capital funding for priority infrastructural projects.
Given the current constraints on public finances, further support from my Department's fire services capital programme to replace Bundoran fire station will have regard to the county council's priorities, the extent of previous investment in Donegal fire services, the location of existing facilities and the value for money offered by proposals, and the totality of requests from fire authorities countrywide.
Continued investment in the fire appliance fleet has been identified as a key national priority for the available capital funds. In that context, I have approved a new programme of joint procurement of 17 fire appliances which will involve fire authorities working together to aggregate demand and provide value for money.
351 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the Arklow main drainage and sewerage scheme now that the Supreme Court has given the go-ahead for this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26142/11]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 570 of 14 September 2011, which outlines the current position on this scheme.
352 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is concerned that planning applications continue to be adjudicated and decided on since the European Court of Justice ruling, Judgement C/50/09, about Ireland’s transposition and implementation of the environmental impact assessment directive. [26156/11]
On 3 March 2011, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) found against Ireland on all three elements of Case C-50/09 to the effect that Ireland had:
(1) not fully transposed Article 3 of Council Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment , as amended (commonly referred to as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive);
(2) excluded demolition works from the scope of Irish legislation transposing the EIA Directive; and
(3) not fully met its decision-making obligations pursuant to the EIA Directive in relation to projects involving both a land use consent and a pollution control consent.
In respect of (1) above, this issue has been addressed through sections 53 and 54 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010, which directly transpose Article 3 of the EIA Directive into Irish planning legislation. Having regard to the wider applicability of Article 3 of the EIA Directive to other consent systems provided for in Irish law, my Department, in consultation with other Departments, is currently in the process of identifying other EIA Directive-relevant legislative consent processes outside the planning system to ensure full and correct transposition of Article 3 in these codes.
In respect of (2) above, building on the legislative amendments contained in the Planning and Development Regulations 2008, the Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2011 provide that the category of ‘works of demolition' now requires EIA.
In respect of (3) above, my Department is currently examining options for secondary legislation which would prohibit an applicant from submitting a stand-alone environmental licence application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in certain cases unless it is clearly established that mandatory or sub-threshold EIA is not required in respect of the proposed activity. Alternatively, if EIA is necessary, the applicant would be required to submit a planning application and an Environmental Impact Statement simultaneously with, or in advance of, the environmental licence application.
In the interim, for certain environmental licence applications on hand, an administratively based analysis of such cases is being carried out jointly by the EPA and An Bord Pleanála to identify any situations that would require assessment under the EIA Directive.
Accordingly, I am satisfied that the implications for Ireland of the ECJ Judgement in Case C-50/09 are being properly and expeditiously dealt with so as to ensure full compliance with the EIA Directive.
353 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has received proposals from Limerick City Council concerning alterations to the regeneration master plan; when he expects to be in a position to revert to the council on this matter; and if he is treating this as urgent. [26163/11]
The Limerick Regeneration Agencies in conjunction with Limerick City Council are at present finalising the detailed and costed plans for the implementation of Phase 1 of the Limerick Regeneration Programme. These plans, which are currently being considered in draft form by my Department, are the next and necessary step towards delivering meaningful regeneration across the City, providing a road map for achieving the vision for regeneration as set out in the original masterplan. My Department is in contact on an ongoing basis with both the Agencies and the City Council in finalising these plans.
In the interim, the Agencies and City Council are continuing to build on the achievements of the last four years through ongoing support for the programme of social interventions including specific measures to address anti-social behaviour, enterprise promotion initiatives and through the acquisition of land and sites for future regeneration projects. The Agencies recently oversaw the commencement of the first housing construction project at Cliona Park and are working with the City Council to progress a number of other projects over the coming months. The City Council is also delivering an ambitious house upgrading programme which has significantly improved the energy efficiency of almost 400 houses this year. It is hoped to begin a further phase of refurbishments later this year.
354 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to change the system of employing presiding officers and polling clerks for polling stations along the lines of recruitment for census enumerators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26189/11]
The primary role of my Department in electoral matters is to provide an appropriate policy and legislative framework for a modern and efficient electoral system. Within that framework, local returning officers are responsible for all matters in connection with the actual conduct of elections and referendums, including the selection, appointment and training of polling station and count staff in accordance with the relevant provisions of electoral law.
To assist returning officers, my Department issues guidance to them in advance of each election and referendum. The guidance emphasises that the smooth conduct of polls is dependent on maintaining a cadre of sufficiently skilled and experienced people. Having regard to that overall objective, returning officers are advised to employ competent and efficient persons as polling staff and asked to give consideration, where possible, to employing suitable persons who are unemployed.
355 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to amend or review the Building Control Act 2007 to take account of persons who have long practised as architects but who do not meet the requirements of the Act; his plans to provide for an independent investigation into the appropriateness and fairness of the Act as it applies to such persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26220/11]
I refer to the reply to Question No 58 of 24 March 2011 which comprehensively addressed the issues regarding the registration of the title of Architect.
I have recently approved the schedule of fees applicable in respect of the registration of Architects in accordance with the Building Control Act 2007. The fee in relation to candidates who apply for registration under the Technical Assessment route has now been set at €4,500. This is a significant reduction on the figure originally proposed.
I have no plans to review or amend the arrangements for the registration of Architects, as set down under Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007, along the lines suggested. The Act sought to provide for the registration of the title of Architect in order to protect consumers. There is no question of persons who fail to register through one of the routes to registration provided for in Part 3 of the Act being allowed to use the title of Architect.
356 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government notwithstanding the Civil Service circular No. 28, if he will provide a list of the current pay of each senior civil servant from higher executive officer to Secretary General in his Department broken down by grade; the pension entitlements of each and any other emoluments they are entitled to receive upon reaching retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26235/11]
The following table sets out the number of staff serving in my Department from Higher Executive Officer to Secretary General broken down by grade and PRSI Contribution class. The figures include staff who are paid salaries equivalent to that of Higher Executive Officers and above in my Department, such as architectural inspectors, planning advisers, meteorological officers etc.
|
Grade |
Class of PRSI |
Number of Staff Serving |
|
Secretary General |
Class B |
1 |
|
Assistant Secretary and equivalents |
Class B |
8 |
|
Principal Officer and equivalents |
Class A |
12 |
|
Class B |
52 |
|
|
Assistant Principal Officer and equivalents |
Class A |
74 |
|
Class B |
126 |
|
|
Administrative Officer and equivalents |
Class A |
18 |
|
Class B |
11 |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer and equivalents |
Class A |
83 |
|
Class B |
116 |
The salary scales for these grades are set out in Department of Finance Circular 28/2009, which is available on the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform website —www.per.gov.ie
Under the terms of the Civil Service Superannuation Schemes, retiring staff are entitled to a lump sum payment and a retirement pension which is based on their length of service and final pensionable remuneration. Further details regarding retirement benefits for civil servants are available at www.cspensions.gov.ie. The calculation of individual pension entitlements would take an inordinate amount of time and associated cost to compile and would require assumptions about the potential future retirement decisions of individuals.
TLAC retirement terms may be applied to retiring Secretaries General, subject to certain conditions. Those terms are currently under review for future appointees.
357 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason Home Bond is refusing to carry out remedial works at a project (details supplied) in Dublin 15; the reason commitment of 13 October 2010 to carry out these works is not being honoured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26249/11]
HomeBond is a private company providing structural defect insurance cover for new homes and I have no function in relation to the operation of, or decisions made by, the Company.
358 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount in euro local government contracts were worth to private companies in the years from 2007 to 2011. [26292/11]
The information requested is not available in my Department. It is a matter for each local authority to determine its own spending priorities in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to locally identified needs and available resources.
359 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount, in euro, of the public contracts agreed for 2009 and 2010 that went to small Irish companies ten employees or less, medium 10-50 employees and large Irish companies; and the amount, in euro, that went to non Irish companies. [26293/11]
Information requested is being compiled in my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
360 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the severance lump sum paid to county managers when they retire; the amount of added years of service included when calculating the retirement package for county managers; if other local authority employees are treated in the same manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26294/11]
There are 5 levels of remuneration for city and county managers ranging from €132,511 for counties such as Carlow and Cavan to €189,301 for Dublin City. These were revised in January 2010 in accordance with Government policy on pay.
Section 147 of the Local Government Act, 2001 deals with the tenure of office of county and city managers. At present, a manager's tenure, at appointment, is for seven years with the possibility of a three year extension if he/she seeks such extension by way of notification to the council in the fifth year of tenure. The retirement age for managers is 65 years.
The pension entitlements of city and county managers are provided for in article 78 of the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998.
A manager is entitled to a pension calculated at a rate of 1/80 of pensionable salary per year of service, capped at half of pensionable remuneration and a retirement lump sum calculated at a rate of 3/80 of pensionable salary per year of service, capped at 1½ times pensionable salary.
Where a manager ceases to hold office before the age of 65, and is not re-employed in a local authority, he/she may, depending on his/her length of service, be entitled to added years of between 5 and 10 years. However, most managers tend to have long service records. The added years cannot bring a managers service beyond 40 years in total and cannot add years beyond the service he or she would have gained had they stayed in office to age 65.
In cases where a manager's tenure expires before he/she reaches retirement age a severance payment of the lesser of half of his/her annual salary on the date of cesser of office or potential earnings had he/she remained in Office to 65 is payable.
Where a manager extends his/her contract by the 3 years but does not serve the full extended period, the special added years and severance gratuity provided for under Article 78 are not applicable.
The provisions of Article 78 only apply to managers; however, certain other local authority grades may have an entitlement to added years under Article 66 of the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998.
361 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the year in which the current contract for each of the 34 city and county managers will expire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26295/11]
Section 147 of the Local Government Act, 2001 deals with the tenure of office of county and city managers. At present, a manager's tenure, at appointment, is for seven years with the possibility of a three year extension if he/she seeks such extension by way of notification to the council in the fifth year of tenure. The retirement age for managers is 65 years.
The information requested regarding the expiry of current contracts for county and city managers is provided in the table.
|
Local Authority |
Expiry date of Manager’s contract |
|
Cork City |
01/09/2017 |
|
Dublin City |
06/09/2013 |
|
Galway City |
Temporary Manager in place |
|
Limerick City |
13/04/2013 |
|
Waterford City |
05/11/2014 |
|
Carlow |
13/01/2015 |
|
Cavan |
03/05/2014 |
|
Clare |
19/04/2016 |
|
Cork |
18/02/2014 |
|
Donegal |
07/07/2017 |
|
Dún Laoghaire / Rathdown |
29/01/2016 |
|
Fingal |
13/11/2013 |
|
Galway |
04/07/2014 |
|
Kerry |
17/06/2014 |
|
Kildare |
15/04/2014 |
|
Kilkenny |
19/08/2014 |
|
Laois |
31/01/2015 |
|
Leitrim |
05/06/2016 |
|
Limerick |
08/04/2012 |
|
Longford |
06/03/2016 |
|
Louth |
02/09/2014 |
|
Mayo |
13/05/2017 |
|
Meath |
03/09/2012 |
|
Monaghan |
Temporary Manager in place |
|
Offaly |
25/02/2014 |
|
Roscommon |
08/03/2016 |
|
Sligo |
03/11/2013 |
|
South Dublin |
02/04/2012 |
|
Tipperary North |
16/08/2017 |
|
Tipperary South |
Temporary Manager in place |
|
Waterford |
Temporary Manager in place |
|
Westmeath |
19/03/2016 |
|
Wexford |
11/07/2013 |
|
Wicklow |
07/04/2015 |
362 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that commercial waste collectors have, from the 1 September 2011, increased the charge to domestic customers for the collection of 240 litre general waste bins by approximately 15%; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that commercial waste collectors are claiming the increase is due to the increase in the landfill levy; his plans to alleviate the costs for families and persons on low incomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26296/11]
363 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government arising from the increase in the landfill levy from €30 to €50 per tonne, whom he envisages paying the additional charge, the customers or waste collection firms. [26302/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 362 and 363 together.
Our current reliance on landfill as the primary waste treatment method is unsustainable. Ireland must comply with challenging targets under the EU Landfill Directive with regard to the diversion of biodegradable municipal waste from landfill.
The landfill levy is chargeable on waste presented for disposal at landfill facilities. The increase in the levy to €50 per tonne which I recently introduced is intended to send a strong price signal to the producers, collectors and managers of waste, to deter against unsustainable behaviour and to encourage a shift away from landfill to waste management practices which are more closely aligned with the waste hierarchy. Further increases in the levy are also planned, to €65 per tonne in 2012 and €75 per tonne in 2013. I hope to see significantly improved levels of prevention, recovery, recycling and reuse of waste as a consequence of these increases. Assistance to both householders and businesses in reducing their generation of waste is available through the National Waste Prevention Programme, administered by the Environmental Protection Agency. The latest available data from the Environmental Protection Agency's National Waste Report 2009 state that in that year 0.24 tonnes of household waste per person was sent to landfill. This equates to 0.672 tonnes per household (based on the average Irish household size of 2.8 persons), which would indicate an average increased cost per household of approximately €13.44 per annum due to the change in the landfill levy rate. However, this does not take account of the dissuasive effect of the levy increase referred to above, the intention of which is to encourage prevention and recycling and therefore decrease the amount of waste generated per household which falls subject to the levy, and reduce the impact of the levy increase on waste charges.
As the waste collection market is currently structured, the pricing schemes used by private waste collectors are a matter for determination as between the service providers and consumers of the service, subject, of course, to a service provider's collection permit and other legal responsibilities being complied with. Any consumer who is dissatisfied with the service currently provided to them may consider switching to an alternative service provider, although this may not always be a realistic option in certain areas. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce competitive tendering for household waste collection, under which service providers will bid to provide waste collection services in a given area, for a given period of time and to a guaranteed level of service. Such a system has been associated with reduced costs to householders. A public consultation on the issues involved, designed to inform the policy development process, has recently concluded. The responses received are being examined and I intend to bring policy proposals to Government before the end of the year.
An objective of any such policy will be to help ensure that households and service providers are incentivised to behave in a sustainable fashion — pricing structures more closely aligned with the polluter pays principle are one such method of driving improved environmental performance. The question of how best to meet the needs of low income households will be amongst the principal issues to be considered in finalising household waste collection policy.
364 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to reports that certain landlords who have multiple units in houses are reported to be registering fewer tenancies than the actual number of units rented; if the Private Residential Tenancies Board has any means of investigating these reports; if the PRTB is proactive in determining the number of units in houses which are subdivided; and if the PRTB has established liaison or information sharing procedures with the local authorities to ensure payment of non principle private residence tax. [26311/11]
While I have no function in the operational matters of the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB), an independent statutory body established under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, I am supportive of the body's efforts to ensure compliance with tenancy registration requirements. My Department has not received any specific reports regarding the matter referred to.
It is a matter for the PRTB to enforce tenancies' registration requirements in accordance with the provisions of the Act, specifically sections 144 and 145 which provide for the issuing of notices to landlords and/or occupiers of the dwellings in question and the prosecution of offenders for non-compliance with the registration requirement. Under section 9 of the Act, a person guilty of an offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both, and daily fines of €250.
The Act makes provision for the exchange of information between the PRTB and the Department of Social Protection, the Revenue Commissioners and local authorities. In the latter instance, the PRTB provides information on a regular basis to local authorities which is used to assist them in the implementation of the charge in respect of Non-Principal Private Residences.
The registration enforcement activities of the PRTB are informed by a variety of information sources including reports from local authorities and members of the public, as well by cross-referencing of PRTB records with those held by the Department of Social Protection regarding landlords in respect of whom rent supplement payments are made.
365 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the arrangement made to issue grant payments approved by Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta to an applicant (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26333/11]
Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta (MFG) was contracted by my Department to deliver the Rural Development Programme (RDP) as well as implementing other programmes on behalf of my and other Departments. I can confirm that both of the applications for funding referred to in the Question relate to the RDP and are at an advanced stage in the application process.
There are complex legal and contractual issues to be resolved and my Department is currently working on both long and short term solutions to ensure the continued delivery of the Rural Development Programme and other programmes in Gaeltacht Areas. My intention is to find a solution that will be efficient and effective and applied at the earliest possible opportunity.
366 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has compiled information on the level of rent arrears owed by tenants to local authorities around the country; and if he will make this information available. [26341/11]
My Department has since 2008 collected data on rent arrears owing to local authorities and these data are set out in the table below. Data for 2010 are not yet finalised but it is intended that they will be published on my Department's website, www.environ.ie, in due course along with the previous years’ data supplied with this response.
|
Local Authorities |
Rent arrears at date specified |
|
|
County Councils |
1st Jan 2008 |
1st Jan 2009 |
|
Carlow |
84,873 |
109,471 |
|
Cavan1 |
0 |
214,556 |
|
Clare |
375,379 |
363,279 |
|
Cork North |
11,238 |
14,772 |
|
Cork South |
391,776 |
397,744 |
|
Cork West |
210,491 |
134,063 |
|
Donegal |
803,777 |
789,230 |
|
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown |
1,410,295 |
2,162,803 |
|
Fingal |
797,918 |
787,066 |
|
Galway |
549,116 |
526,352 |
|
Kerry |
234,710 |
418,520 |
|
Kildare |
863,458 |
896,353 |
|
Kilkenny |
431,555 |
435,078 |
|
Laois |
433,205 |
315,346 |
|
Leitrim |
113,177 |
89,067 |
|
Limerick1 |
0 |
442,504 |
|
Longford |
0 |
400,275 |
|
Louth |
90,060 |
168,595 |
|
Mayo |
1,022,451 |
921,180 |
|
Meath |
640,766 |
473,250 |
|
Monaghan |
72,748 |
70,222 |
|
North Tipperary |
27,222 |
20,803 |
|
Offaly |
278,932 |
276,969 |
|
Roscommon |
380,884 |
370,022 |
|
Sligo |
220,504 |
123,418 |
|
South Dublin |
127,613 |
5,384,977 |
|
South Tipperary |
168,869 |
84,964 |
|
Waterford |
127,613 |
135,404 |
|
Westmeath |
297,438 |
604,557 |
|
Wexford |
657,534 |
675,753 |
|
Wicklow |
289,913 |
365,289 |
|
TOTAL (1) |
11,113,517 |
16,912,251 |
|
Local Authorities |
Rent arrears at date specified |
|
|
City Councils |
1st Jan 2008 |
1st Jan 2009 |
|
Cork |
1,428,656 |
1,558,922 |
|
Dublin |
14,272,333 |
13,939,639 |
|
Galway |
1,342,782 |
1,567,429 |
|
Limerick |
770,987 |
737,000 |
|
Waterford |
627,790 |
786,367 |
|
TOTAL (2) |
18,442,548 |
18,589,357 |
|
Local Authorities |
Rent arrears at date specified |
|
|
Town Councils |
1st Jan 2008 |
1st Jan 2009 |
|
Arklow |
66,899 |
57,843 |
|
Athlone |
132,946 |
132,946 |
|
Athy |
52,908 |
608,577 |
|
Ballina |
156,344 |
135,342 |
|
Ballinasloe |
24,069 |
31,343 |
|
Birr |
9,629 |
5,932 |
|
Bray |
81,737 |
109,950 |
|
Buncrana |
21,433 |
38,769 |
|
Bundoran |
7,279 |
8,586 |
|
Carlow1 |
0 |
20,268 |
|
Carrickmacross |
2,968 |
7,204 |
|
Carrick-on-Suir |
31,155 |
40,522 |
|
Cashel |
26,325 |
11,294 |
|
Castlebar |
24,791 |
19,037 |
|
Castleblaney |
5,483 |
9,210 |
|
Cavan |
231,005 |
241,787 |
|
Clonakilty1 |
0 |
46,874 |
|
Clones |
5,490 |
8,943 |
|
Clonmel |
23,687 |
46,962 |
|
Cobh |
40,292 |
46,184 |
|
Drogheda1 |
0 |
340,156 |
|
Dundalk |
359,079 |
372,057 |
|
Dungarvan |
154,584 |
114,083 |
|
Ennis |
46,486 |
33,720 |
|
Enniscorthy |
131,646 |
125,037 |
|
Fermoy |
21,890 |
21,098 |
|
Kells2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
136,058 |
131,850 |
|
Killarney |
9,650 |
8,721 |
|
Kilrush |
21,803 |
19,873 |
|
Kinsale |
49,776 |
46,420 |
|
Letterkenny |
39,012 |
37,825 |
|
Listowel |
24,126 |
29,035 |
|
Longford |
200,000 |
130,483 |
|
Macroom |
3,955 |
3,732 |
|
Mallow |
30,665 |
49,476 |
|
Midleton |
26,586 |
18,282 |
|
Monaghan |
64,419 |
54,460 |
|
Naas |
35,176 |
90,066 |
|
Navan2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Nenagh |
9,252 |
13,538 |
|
New Ross1 |
0 |
42,346 |
|
Skibbereen |
21,311 |
19,945 |
|
Sligo |
188,342 |
219,839 |
|
Templemore |
2,264 |
14,388 |
|
Thurles |
38,663 |
28,366 |
|
Tipperary |
18,216 |
2,000 |
|
Tralee |
232,562 |
249,877 |
|
Trim2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Tullamore |
225,178 |
278,839 |
|
Westport3 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
236,181 |
199,520 |
|
Wicklow |
26,489 |
11,916 |
|
Youghal3 |
0 |
0 |
|
TOTAL (3) |
3,297,810 |
4,025,998 |
|
TOTALS (1+2+3) |
32,853,875 |
39,527,605 |
367 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has submitted a strategy statement to him, as specified under the 1997 Public Service Management Act and if so, will he publish the statement. [26396/11]
As specified under the Public Service Management Act 1997, my Department has submitted to me its draft Statement of Strategy for the period 2011-2014. The finalisation of the Statement of Strategy will reflect the key policy commitments of the Government including the emerging decisions in the context of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure currently under way.
It is my intention to publish the Statement of Strategy as soon as all relevant discussions and considerations on the matter have been concluded.
368 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for refugee status in respect of a person (details supplied). [25916/11]
Applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT) which make recommendations to me on whether such status should be granted. If an application for asylum has been made by the person concerned the Deputy will of course be aware that it is not the practice to comment on asylum applications that are pending.
369 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether it is appropriate for private camera speed operators to show a preference for hiring former gardaí to staff their vans; if they should be encouraged to open up the hiring process to make it fairer and more transparent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26217/11]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, in accordance with the provisions of the service agreement for the provision and operation of safety cameras, the service provider is responsible for the recruitment and selection of personnel, ensuring they are qualified to undertake the role assigned to them and providing remedial or renewal training as necessary. An Garda Síochána does not have a direct role in the recruitment and selection process. However, the service agreement provides that the service provider and all sub-contractors must comply with relevant employment legislation and employment regulations.
The service provider undertakes, within the terms of the agreement, to use appropriately experienced, qualified, skilled and trained personnel in the performance and provision of services in accordance with industry standards and applicable laws.
370 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to close the loophole whereby private camera operators are permitted to send summonses by ordinary post, thereby opening up the possibility that a person might claim never to have received the summons in the first place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26218/11]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána apply to the Courts Service for the issue of summonses, which are served in accordance with the Courts Acts and the District Court Rules. The service provider does not apply for the issue of summonses.
However, An Garda Síochána is also responsible for the issue and service of fixed charge notices for road traffic offences. Currently ordinary post is utilised to serve fixed charge notices, as provided for in section 25 of the Interpretation Act 2005. Where a fixed charge notice is not paid, proceedings are instituted for the fixed charge offence by the issue of a summons, which may be by hand, personal service or registered post.
Section 103(10) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 (as substituted) provides that in a prosecution for a fixed charge offence it shall be presumed until the contrary is shown that the relevant fixed charge notice has been served or caused to be served and that a payment pursuant to the relevant notice has not been made.
A number of legislative changes are contained in the Road Traffic Act 2010, which is under the aegis of my colleague the Minster for Transport, Tourism and Sport, relating to the service of a fixed charge notice. These include section 44, which provides that a person who is served with a summons in respect of a fixed charge notice may pay a fixed charge, of an amount 100% greater than the original fixed charge, not later than seven days before the date of the court on which the charge is to be heard. If the person pays the fixed charge, proceedings in respect of the alleged offence will be discontinued and the person need not attend court on the day. The section also provides that where a summons is served in respect of a fixed charge offence evidence the fixed charge notice was not served shall not be a defence to the alleged offence.
371 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will sign the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence; when same might happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26286/11]
Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, an executive office within my Department, actively contributed to all stages of the drafting process in relation to the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. Cosc is currently considering the steps which need to be taken to pave the way for a submission to the Government on the question of signature of the convention by Ireland. I anticipate that the matter will be submitted to the Government in the near future.
372 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress made to date in the compilation of the national vetting bureau; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26322/11]
On 27 July, I published the Scheme of a National Vetting Bureau Bill which will provide for the vetting of persons working with children or vulnerable adults. The Bill will provide a statutory basis for the existing system of vetting provided by the Central Vetting Unit of the Garda Síochána. In addition, and in line with the recommendation of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children, the Bill will also provide for the disclosure of so-called "soft information" for the purpose of the protection of children and other vulnerable persons.
The drafting of the Bill is ongoing with publication expected during the current Dáil session.
373 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an application for naturalisation will be examined with a view to finalising it at an early date in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [25639/11]
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 August 2009.
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.
374 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25649/11]
I am informed by the Irish Prison Service that the person referred to by the Deputy has been in custody in the Dóchas Centre, Women's Prison, Mountjoy since 13th September 2011 for being held in Contempt of Court.
The Deputy will appreciate that in such cases the ongoing detention of the person is a matter for the Courts. Consequently it is not open to me to intervene in this matter.
375 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the arrangement, structures and review processes in place in An Garda Síochána to ensure that value for money is achieved in all areas of Garda procurement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25651/11]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána adopts a strategic approach to the procurement of goods and services consistent with its Procurement Strategy 2011 — 2012 policy document. The key goals of the strategy are;
The development of a procurement planning framework
Maximising the opportunities for entering formalised contracting arrangements
Participating in wider public sector procurement initiatives
Developing procurement staff capacity and skills
Maximising the opportunity to develop and advance e-procurement initiatives.
The Procurement Section in Garda Headquarters is responsible for procurement of high value/high risk goods and services while local Divisional Procurement Committees are responsible for the procurement of other services such as cleaning, towing and waste management. Furthermore, The Garda Síochána purchases goods and services (e.g. furniture, stationary office equipment, fuel, vehicles and other goods and services) from contracts put in place by the National Procurement Service. The Garda Síochána also participates in joint procurement initiatives with other public bodies e.g. for gas and electricity and maximises the use of the Government e-tenders website to advertise for goods and services.
Garda procurement guidelines and tender documentation ensure a consistent approach to procurement and maximise opportunities for small and medium enterprises to bid for goods and services. The Garda authorities also work closely with officials of my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to ensure their approach is consistent with public procurement guidelines and achieves value for money.
376 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the details of all tribunals of enquiry commissioned by Government in the past 20 years including for each tribunal, the date of commencement, the date of conclusion, a summary of the terms of reference, the cost to the State in legal and other costs and details of all prosecutions arising in the course of the said tribunals and or arising out of the findings of the tribunals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25657/11]
I presume that the Deputy is referring to the Tribunals of Enquiry under the Tribunal of Inquiry (Evidence) Act 1921.
As I stated in response to Parliamentary Question No. 384 of 20 September 2011, I can confirm to the Deputy that as Minister for Justice and Equality, "I do not have a role in overseeing or coordinating inquiries undertaken by other Government Departments. Government operates as a collective entity. When significant issues of coordination arise, it is generally agreed at Cabinet which Minister or Department should undertake an oversight or leadership role".
The information required by the Deputy in relation to Tribunals of Enquiry that have recently come under the remit of my Department is set out in the table:
|
Terms of Reference |
Date of Commencement |
Date of Completion/Projected. |
||
|
Morris Tribunal |
Tribunal of Enquiry into complaints concerning some Gardaí of the Donegal Division. |
€59.14 million to end of August 2011.(of which €41.82 million relates to legal costs. |
24 April 2002 |
December, 2008 |
|
Smithwick Tribunal of Inquiry |
To inquire into suggestions that members of the Garda Síochána or other employees of the State colluded in the fatal shooting of RUC Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and RUC Superintendent Robert Buchanan on 20 March, 1989. |
€8.84 million including legal costs. |
May, 2005 |
The Tribunal is currently sitting, however, the Terms of Reference were amended in June, 2011 requiring inter alia that the Tribunal conclude it’s work and present a final report to the Clerk of the Dáil no later than 30 November, 2011. |
|
Barr Tribunal of Inquiry |
To inquire into the facts and circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of John Carthy at Abbeylara, Co. Longford on 20 April, 2000. |
€20.7 million including legal costs. |
July 2002 |
July 2006 |
The Deputy should note that prosecutions cannot be taken on foot of evidence given in a Tribunal of Enquiry and are a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions. The Deputy should also note that Tribunals of Enquiry are established by resolution of the Houses of the Oireachtas and the commencement date and the terms of reference are a matter for the Oireachtas and not my Department. The date of conclusion of a Tribunal of Enquiry is a matter for the Tribunal of Enquiry.
377 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of State funding the Law Library receives per year; if he will provide a breakdown for the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25668/11]
378 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of State funding the Bar Council receives; if he will provide a breakdown of funding for the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25672/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 377 and 378 together.
I must inform the Deputy that neither the Bar Council nor the Law Library receives State funding.
379 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason he will not certify a copy of a passport held by him for a prolonged period forming part of an application for naturalisation in order to allow the applicant progress with a driving licence application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25683/11]
At the outset I would like to advise the Deputy that documents submitted by an applicant as evidence of identity or nationality, or in support of a case to remain in the State, can only be returned to that applicant once the case has had a definitive outcome.
Insofar as the case referred to by the Deputy is concerned, a copy of a passport submitted by the person concerned during the course of her asylum application was sent to her legal representative on 27th April, 2011. As a matter of policy my Department does not certify such documentation.
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 naturalisation 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.
380 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the recent judicial inquiry recommendations into conditions at Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, with respect to the installation of proper toilet facilities before Christmas will be implemented; and his views on the recent finding that the slopping out practice has been adjudged a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights by the Strasbourg Court. [25704/11]
I am aware of the European Convention on Human Rights finding which relates to a Scottish case. However I have no knowledge of any recent judicial enquiry recommendations on conditions in Mountjoy Prison.
I can assure the Deputy however that the Government is committed to the elimination of slopping out in all prisons and places of detention. The Programme for Government, includes the objective to provide in-cell sanitation to all prisons, and in so far as resources permit, to upgrade prison facilities where possible.
As things stand, I am informed by the Irish Prison Service that 72% of prisoner accommodation has in-cell sanitation at present. This will rise to in excess of 80% when the extension currently under construction in the Midlands Prison is opened in 2012.
A refurbishment project is also nearing completion in the basement of the C-wing at Mountjoy Prison which will result in an additional 36 cells with in-cell sanitation coming on stream by October, 2011. In addition, work has commenced on a project to provide in-cell sanitation in the remaining 74 cells on the same wing which is expected to be completed by the end of the October, 2011. Depending on the findings of a post project appraisal, the Irish Prison Service will consider installing in-cell sanitation facilities in the remaining cells of Mountjoy and indeed to other facilities that do not have in-cell sanitation.
The Irish Prison Service also has toilet patrols in operation until late evening in Mountjoy, Cork and Limerick Prisons with staff rostered to provide this function after final lock in the evenings. Prisoners requesting to use toilet facilities after these times are accommodated where possible. The possibility of extending toilet patrols is being further examined by the Irish Prison Service.
381 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda stations in counties Longford and Westmeath that he plans to close. [25758/11]
I can assure the Deputy and the House that it is a priority for this Government to maintain frontline services at the highest level possible.
I have been advised that the Commissioner is currently carrying out a review of the entire Garda organisation in the context of ensuring that the Force will be in a position to match the deployment of resources to its policing commitments as effectively as possible.
Clearly, an examination of the opening hours and in some cases the viability of Garda stations will form part of this. The issue of the closure of some Garda stations will be a question the Garda Commissioner will have to consider as part of this process. He may have to consider in appropriate cases whether a better policing service could be delivered to a local community by having Gardaí out on patrol instead of in a station.
I look forward to receiving the Commissioner's proposals, which will be aimed at maximising the efficiency of the Garda Síochána, and prioritising the resources available to operational front-line policing services.
382 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of employees in his Department who have expressed an interest in retiring ahead of the changes to the public sector pension schemes that are to come into force in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25788/11]
As at the current date my Department has received sixteen confirmed notifications of retirement on or before the 29 February 2012 deadline for payment of retirement benefits based on pre-1 January 2010 salary scales. This figure includes three staff who will reach the compulsory retirement age of 65 on or before that date.
Staff in my Department have access to a personal Pension Service Statement (PSS) which facilitates estimation of pension entitlements, without reference to Human Resources Division, by way of the Civil Service Pensions Modeller.
383 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of employees in An Garda Síochána who have expressed an interest in retiring ahead of changes to public sector pension schemes that are to come into force next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25791/11]
As of Friday, 23 September 2011, 399 members of An Garda Síochána had either left the force or declared their intention to leave the force in 2011. Of this number, 167 are intending to leave in the months of October, November or December. The Garda Code requires that Members intending to retire must give three months notice of doing so and therefore we will have a clearer idea of the final figure for this year's retirements by the end of this month. Similarly, by the end of November of this year, we will have a clearer idea of the number of retirements to be taken before the end of February 2012. In addition to the foregoing, 60 civilian staff have already retired this year and five staff have indicated their intention to leave by 29 February 2012. The three month notice period also applies to civil servants and the situation regarding final numbers will become clearer in the coming months.
384 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average response times for callouts by gardaí in each district within the Meath division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25841/11]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that statistics relating to Garda response times for call-outs in the Meath Division are not readily available as incidents referred to the Divisional Control Room are currently manually recorded.
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the highest importance is given to emergency calls in the Meath Division and that they are responded to on a priority basis.
The Garda authorities have also informed me that the system for dealing with emergency calls in the Meath Division is kept under on-going review and that they are satisfied that the current service is effective in delivering efficient arrangements to the community.
385 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of gardaí employed in the Garda Síochána for each year of the past 15 years; the number of Garda stations providing a service in the country in each of the same years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25854/11]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána as at 31 December 1997 — 31 December 2010 and 31 August 2011 was as set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Strength |
|
1997 |
10,968 |
|
1998 |
11,235 |
|
1999 |
11,458 |
|
2000 |
11,640 |
|
2001 |
11,815 |
|
2002 |
11,895 |
|
2003 |
12,017 |
|
2004 |
12,209 |
|
2005 |
12,264 |
|
2006 |
12,954 |
|
2007 |
13,755 |
|
2008 |
14,412 |
|
2009 |
14,547 |
|
2010 |
14,377 |
|
2011 |
14,162 |
I have been informed by the Commissioner that currently there are 703 Garda stations. The number of Garda stations throughout the country in each of the last fifteen years is not readily available and as soon as the information becomes available, I will contact the Deputy directly.
386 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of gardaí employed in the Garda Síochána in County Donegal for each year of the past 15 years; the number of Garda stations providing a service in the county in each of the same years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25855/11]
387 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí currently employed in each Garda district in the Donegal division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25856/11]
388 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the names of those Garda stations currently providing some level of service in each Garda district in the Donegal division; the number of garda officers attached to each station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25857/11]
389 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current opening times for Garda public offices in each Garda station within the Donegal North-East Dáil constituency or for stations within Garda districts which operate within the Donegal North-East constituency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25863/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 386 to 389, inclusive, together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the name of each Garda Station, together with its allocated personnel strength, in the Donegal Garda Division as at 31 December 1997 — 31 December 2010 and 31 August 2011 is set out in the following table. The current opening times for the Garda public offices are also listed.
|
District/Station |
’97 |
’98 |
’99 |
’00 |
’01 |
’02 |
’03 |
’04 |
’05 |
’06 |
’07 |
’08 |
’09 |
’10 |
’11 |
|
Letterkenny |
|||||||||||||||
|
Letterkenny |
90 |
96 |
92 |
93 |
92 |
92 |
101 |
94 |
97 |
119 |
129 |
132 |
123 |
114 |
109 |
|
Carrigans |
12 |
11 |
9 |
8 |
9 |
8 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Castlefin |
18 |
17 |
14 |
10 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Brocach |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Newtown-cunningham |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
|
Raphoe |
5 |
6 |
9 |
9 |
7 |
7 |
6 |
4 |
6 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
|
Lifford |
22 |
22 |
19 |
19 |
17 |
15 |
17 |
15 |
14 |
15 |
15 |
13 |
13 |
16 |
16 |
|
Ballybofey |
20 |
23 |
22 |
20 |
23 |
24 |
23 |
24 |
21 |
21 |
22 |
25 |
23 |
25 |
25 |
|
Convoy |
2 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Total |
174 |
180 |
171 |
166 |
161 |
158 |
166 |
154 |
153 |
173 |
186 |
191 |
181 |
175 |
170 |
|
Buncrana |
|||||||||||||||
|
Buncrana |
36 |
37 |
34 |
33 |
37 |
34 |
35 |
38 |
41 |
51 |
48 |
50 |
49 |
57 |
53 |
|
Burnfoot |
21 |
19 |
21 |
22 |
19 |
18 |
15 |
13 |
11 |
12 |
14 |
15 |
15 |
5 |
6 |
|
Carndonagh |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
5 |
6 |
5 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
|
Clonmany |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
Malin |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
7 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Culdaff |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Moville |
9 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
8 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
10 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
|
Muff |
2 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
6 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Total |
78 |
80 |
79 |
79 |
79 |
77 |
74 |
75 |
78 |
86 |
90 |
91 |
84 |
81 |
80 |
|
Milford |
|||||||||||||||
|
Milford |
18 |
19 |
20 |
19 |
17 |
20 |
23 |
23 |
23 |
24 |
27 |
31 |
28 |
27 |
28 |
|
Carrigart |
3 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Kerrykeel |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Kilmacrennan |
2 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Churchill |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Dunfanaghy |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Craosloch |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Falcarragh |
6 |
6 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
9 |
8 |
9 |
|
Ramelton |
3 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Rathmullen |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Total |
40 |
41 |
42 |
42 |
41 |
43 |
46 |
45 |
47 |
48 |
52 |
56 |
55 |
54 |
56 |
|
Glenties |
|||||||||||||||
|
Glenties |
19 |
20 |
19 |
20 |
18 |
21 |
24 |
24 |
21 |
22 |
27 |
28 |
26 |
29 |
25 |
|
Annagry |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Ardara |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
|
Bunbeag |
6 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
7 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
7 |
8 |
11 |
12 |
|
Burtonport |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
Clougher |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Doochary |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dungloe |
5 |
4 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
9 |
8 |
11 |
12 |
9 |
9 |
|
Carrick |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Glean Cholmcille |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Total |
42 |
42 |
42 |
45 |
42 |
45 |
46 |
46 |
46 |
48 |
54 |
57 |
56 |
57 |
55 |
|
Ballyshannon |
|||||||||||||||
|
Ballyshannon |
35 |
38 |
37 |
35 |
34 |
31 |
32 |
33 |
34 |
36 |
35 |
35 |
35 |
47 |
47 |
|
Ballintra |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Bundoran |
14 |
14 |
16 |
15 |
14 |
12 |
11 |
11 |
12 |
12 |
12 |
12 |
10 |
8 |
6 |
|
Donegal Town |
29 |
29 |
27 |
27 |
34 |
34 |
34 |
33 |
34 |
32 |
34 |
34 |
37 |
34 |
34 |
|
Pettigo |
13 |
13 |
13 |
12 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Dunkineely |
3 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Na Cealla Beaga |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
Mountcharles |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
TOTAL |
106 |
107 |
105 |
102 |
99 |
93 |
92 |
92 |
93 |
93 |
94 |
93 |
92 |
99 |
96 |
|
Divisional Totals |
440 |
449 |
449 |
436 |
424 |
416 |
424 |
412 |
417 |
448 |
476 |
488 |
468 |
466 |
457 |
|
District/Station |
Mon-Fri |
Sat |
Sun |
|
Letterkenny |
24hr |
24hr |
24hr |
|
Carrigans |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Castlefin |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Brocach |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Newtown-cunningham |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Raphoe |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Lifford |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Ballybofey |
10am-6pm |
10am-6pm |
closed |
|
Convoy |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Buncrana |
24hr |
24hr |
24hr |
|
Burnfoot |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Carndonagh |
9am-3pm |
10am-1pm |
closed |
|
Clonmany |
7pm-8pm |
closed |
closed |
|
Malin |
6pm-7pm |
closed |
closed |
|
Culdaff |
8pm-9pm |
closed |
closed |
|
Moville |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Muff |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Milford |
24hr |
24hr |
24hr |
|
Carrigart |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Kerrykeel |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Kilmacrennan |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Churchill |
11am-1pm |
11am-1pm |
11am-1pm |
|
Dunfanaghy |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Craosloch |
11am-1pm |
11am-1pm |
11am-1pm |
|
Falcarragh |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Ramelton |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Rathmullen |
11am-1pm |
11am-1pm |
11am-1pm |
|
Glenties |
24hr |
24hr |
24hr |
|
Annagry |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Ardara |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Bunbeag |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Burtonport |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Clougher |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Doochary |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Dungloe |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Carrick |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Glean Cholmcille |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Ballyshannon |
24hr |
24hr |
24hr |
|
Ballintra |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Bundoran |
10am-1pm, 7pm-8pm |
10am-1pm,7pm-8pm |
10am-1pm, 7pm-8pm |
|
Donegal Town |
24hr |
24hr |
24hr |
|
Pettigo |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Dunkineely |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Na Cealla Beaga |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
|
Mountcharles |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
10am-1pm |
390 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the scale of undocumented illegal migrants residing here; the steps being taken to address this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25918/11]
A foreign national who is present in the State without permission or in contravention of the terms of a permission is in breach of Irish immigration law. In general, such persons may have entered the State either through covert means or through the use of false documentation at a port of entry or they may have entered lawfully but remained beyond the duration of a permission or have breached the conditions of their permission.
By its nature illegal immigration is clandestine and covert and since illegal immigrants may go to extreme lengths to avoid contact with the immigration authorities, it is extremely difficult to accurately estimate the number of such persons in the State at any given time. Ireland is no different in this regard to any other jurisdiction.
The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service in conjunction with the Garda National Immigration Bureau, which is responsible for enforcing immigration law, controlling the States borders and carrying out investigations into illegal immigration and human trafficking, investigates all known instances of illegal migration and as necessary targeted measures to deal with such activity are implemented at both a policy and operational level.
391 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding leave to remain in this country in respect of a person (details supplied). [25919/11]
As the name and reference number supplied by the Deputy do not match, it is not possible to definitively identify the person to whom the Deputy is referring to in his Question. However, if the Deputy wishes to contact my Department with the correct details a substantive response will be provided.
In that context, 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.
392 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in relation to the persons currently on the waiting list for legal services provided by the Legal Aid Board in each county, the average waiting period for each county; the nature of the cases and the average waiting period for each year since 2006. [25936/11]
The Legal Aid Board is a statutory, independent body in accordance with the Civil Legal Aid Act, 1995. The matters raised by the Deputy are a matter for the Board. However, in order to be helpful to the Deputy I have had enquiries made with the Board.
The past three or four years has seen a considerable increase in demand to the Board for legal services and this coincides with the downturn in the economy. In 2007, just over 10,164 persons sought legal services from the Board in relation to general civil (non asylum) matters. This figure increased to 17,175 in 2010 and I am informed that the number of applicants in the first six months of this year was almost the same as the total number of applicants in 2007. Inevitably, this has created huge pressures for the Board's law centres and its capacity to deliver legal services within a reasonable period of time. As of 1 September 2011 the waiting time in 17 of the Board's 29 law centres was greater than four months. In six of those centres the waiting time was greater than six months. As of 1 September 2011 there were just under 4,500 persons waiting for a first appointment with a solicitor. This compares to 3,153 on 1 January 2011, 2,335 on 1 January 2010 and 1,681 on 1 January 2009.
The Board is committed to ensuring that applicants for legal services receive a substantive appointment with a solicitor within a maximum period of four months. This is consistent with the view expressed by the High Court in the O'Donoghue case. This has been difficult to achieve in a number of the Board's law centres recently. Certain types of case are deemed by their nature to merit the provision of an immediate or near immediate service. Priority cases include those where there are allegations of violence, child custody matters and where statutory deadlines are fast approaching when clients make their first contact with law centres. These comprise some 15% of all applications to law centres. A considerable number of other applications are referred speedily to private practitioners. Thus, up to 40% of all cases receive a very speedy service. In addition, because the Refugee Legal Service operates to strict statutory deadlines every asylum case processed by the Board is a "priority" case by reference to the speed of response from the organisation.
I wish to inform the Deputy that waiting times in each law centre as of 31 December can be found in the Board's annual reports. The most recent published report is for 2009. Waiting times fluctuate depending on demand and the capacity of the law centre or board to offer appointments to new clients at a particular point in time. Waiting times in each law centre as of 31 December can be found in the Board's annual reports. The most recent published report is for 2009.
The following table shows details of the number of persons who are waiting for a first appointment with a solicitor at each of its law centres as of 1 September 2011. The table also, shows the waiting times for each law centre as of 31 December 2010 and 31 August 2011.
|
Law Centre |
Numbers Waiting 01/09/2011 |
Waiting Times 31/12/2010 |
Waiting Times 31/08/2011 |
|
Blanchardstown |
76 |
6 |
4 |
|
Brunswick St. |
206 |
4 |
5 |
|
Clondalkin |
200 |
5 |
7 |
|
Finglas |
125 |
5 |
5 |
|
Gardiner Street |
159 |
5 |
6 |
|
Tallaght |
199 |
9 |
11 |
|
Popes Quay |
285 |
3 |
4 |
|
South Mall |
276 |
7 |
6 |
|
Cavan |
128 |
5 |
8 |
|
Clare |
140 |
2 |
2 |
|
Donegal |
109 |
3 |
2 |
|
Galway |
111 |
3 |
3 |
|
Kerry |
78 |
4 |
3 |
|
Kildare |
233 |
7 |
9 |
|
Kilkenny |
280 |
3 |
5 |
|
Laois |
217 |
5 |
7 |
|
Limerick |
86 |
3 |
2 |
|
Longford |
94 |
5 |
5 |
|
Louth |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
119 |
5 |
5 |
|
Meath |
139 |
4 |
4 |
|
Monaghan |
105 |
4 |
4 |
|
Offaly |
97 |
6 |
4 |
|
Sligo |
105 |
5 |
5 |
|
Tipperary |
201 |
7 |
9 |
|
Waterford |
134 |
3 |
4 |
|
Westmeath |
136 |
6 |
5 |
|
Wexford |
256 |
3 |
5 |
|
Wicklow |
172 |
5 |
5 |
|
Total |
4,482 |
The 2009 annual report indicates that, of the new clients seen in that year 49% sought services in relation to general family law matters including maintenance, custody, access, domestic violence etc, 19% sought legal services in relation to separation / divorce matters, 4% sought legal services where there was a risk of children being taken into State care, 17% sought legal services in relation to asylum and the remaining 11% sought legal services in relation to general civil matters.
The Board has taken a range of measures with a view to addressing the increasing demand for services in a resource constrained environment. These include:
Increasing the number of cases referred to private solicitors for the purpose of providing a service.
An advice-only service which facilitates an earlier, brief, meeting with a solicitor where applicants are likely to have to wait in excess of four months for a substantive appointment.
An integration of the delivery of all services with a view to ensuring the most effective deployment of resources.
The recent introduction of a pilot integrated mediation initiative in Dublin involving the Board co-locating and co-operating with the Family Mediation Service and the Courts Service. The purpose of the initiative is to offer applicants for legal services alternatives to litigation in the Courts as a better (and from the State's point of view) a more cost-effective means of resolving family law disputes.
The creation of specialist units for medical negligence and child care services.
The current development of a new legal case management system that is likely to improve the efficiency of service delivery, the management of risk in the organisation and provide for on-line applications.
The Board has also made use of a very limited exemption from the moratorium in relation to a small number of temporary front-line service delivery positions.
393 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount spent on free legal aid in criminal and civil cases per annum since 2006; and the number of persons availing of same for each year. [25937/11]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the Legal Aid Board provides legal aid and advice in civil matters and is a body that is independent from the Minister for Justice and Equality by statute. I am informed that the amount spent on civil legal aid in each year is published in the Legal Aid Board's annual reports, which are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and are available to the Deputy in the Dáil library. The 2010 annual report, which is due to be published shortly, shows that the Board received a grant in aid of €24.225 million towards the provision of civil legal aid in 2010, along with funding of €7.967 million for the provision of legal aid in asylum matters. The remainder of the Board's operating expenditure comes from client contributions and costs recovered, which amounted to €1.766 million in total in 2010.
The following table indicates the number of new clients seen in each of the years requested in non-asylum civil legal aid cases, whether by the Board's own solicitors or those engaged on its Private Practitioner panels.
|
Number of new clients seen |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
In law centres |
5,935 |
5,743 |
6,479 |
7,240 |
7,069 |
|
By private solicitors |
1,719 |
2,306 |
2,983 |
4,012 |
5,279 |
|
Total |
7,654 |
8,049 |
9,462 |
11,252 |
12,348 |
I further wish to inform the Deputy that for criminal legal aid, expenditure in each of the years 2006 to 2011 is as set out in the following table. I am informed that information regarding the number of persons to whom criminal legal aid was granted is not readily available and would necessitate a disproportionate expenditure of staff time and resources to provide. However, to be helpful to the Deputy, the number of certificates granted by the courts in each of the years in question is included.
|
Year |
Expenditure on Criminal Legal Aid€ (000) |
Number of Certificates Granted |
|
2011 (to 31 July) |
34,993 |
33,225 |
|
2010 |
56,544 |
55,412 |
|
2009 |
60,338 |
55,664 |
|
2008 |
55,297 |
55,265 |
|
2007 |
46,365 |
46,620 |
|
2006 |
42,093 |
41,582 |
394 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide a breakdown of the type of civil cases being handled by the law centres for each county for each year since 2006 and in the matter of family law cases if he will distinguish between the numbers of domestic violence, custody and access, maintenance, separation and divorce cases. [25938/11]
The Legal Aid Board is a statutory, independent body in accordance with the Civil Legal Aid Act, 1995. The matters raised by the Deputy are a matter for the Board. However, in order to be helpful to the Deputy I have had enquiries made with the Board.
I am informed that the Legal Aid Board does not prepare on an ongoing basis, detailed breakdowns on a county by county basis of the types of civil cases being handled by the law centres. I am further advised by the Board that, as this information is not readily available, it would necessitate a disproportionate expenditure of staff time and resources to provide. However, to be helpful to the Deputy I would draw her attention to the fact that the Board's annual reports give information in relation to the different types of cases that the Board deals with. The most recently published annual report is the 2009 report however the 2010 report will be published shortly. It is clear from these Reports that in the Board's experience the types of problems presenting at different law centres are very similar, save that certain work presents in Dublin, because the Superior Courts are, by and large, based there.
Under the Government's value for money and policy review initiative, the Board has recently been the subject of a review conducted by my Department in co-operation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The review undertook a level of analysis of the different types of cases in the different law centres. The review is completed and is currently under consideration in my Department. It will be published in due course.
395 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will give an assurance that no Garda stations will be closed in County Donegal following national media reports that 24 Garda stations in County Donegal have been submitted to the Garda Commissioner as possibilities for closure. [25984/11]
I can assure the Deputy and the House that it is a priority for this Government to maintain front-line services at the highest level possible. I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the Commissioner is currently carrying out a review of the entire Garda organisation in the context of ensuring that the Force will be in a position to match the deployment of resources to its policing commitments as effectively as possible. I look forward to the outcome of the Commissioner's review and I understand that it should be available in the next couple of months.
396 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding his announcement on a common visa agreement with the UK to allow visitors to the UK to use the same visa to travel here; and if this measure indicates any change in the his position on the Schengen convention visa arrangements. [25993/11]
The deputy refers in his question to the recently announced Visa Waiver Programme for the holders of certain types of UK short stay visas from sixteen selected countries. This pilot programme allows persons who are in possession of the relevant type of UK visa and who have been granted permission to enter the UK on foot of that visa to also travel to Ireland without the need to apply for an Irish visa. The programme, which was announced as part of the Government's Jobs Initiative, is mainly targeted at those travelling to the UK on short stays who might wish to include a short visit to Ireland as part of their overall journey. Recent indications are that the number of tourists entering Ireland has increased this year. This is very much to be welcomed and, while it is difficult to know exactly what proportion of this increase may be attributable to the Visa Waiver Programme, the response from the industry as a whole to the programme has been overwhelmingly very positive.
It should be borne in mind by the Deputy that the Visa Waiver Programme is not a reciprocal arrangement and there is not a common visa regime between Ireland and the UK. The Visa Waiver Programme is solely an Irish government initiative, but it benefits from and requires the very valuable support and cooperation of the UK immigration authorities. This initiative is not indicative of a change in the position of the Government with regard to the Schengen Acquis. In fact, any such change in attitude would be likely to place in jeopardy the necessary support of the UK authorities for the Visa Waiver Programme. The cooperation of the UK authorities with the programme is extended to Ireland in the context of the continuing operation of the Common Travel Area (CTA) between the two jurisdictions which remains an important priority for the Irish Government. The CTA could not, for all intents and purposes, continue to operate if Ireland were to remove border checks with the Schengen states while the United Kingdom did not.
397 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding Garda and Garda Reserve recruitment; if there are any proposals to transfer existing Garda Reserve members to the Garda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26032/11]
The moratorium on Public Service Recruitment continues to apply to An Garda Síochána and no date has been fixed for future intakes into the Garda College or for the commencement of a recruitment competition of full time members. A decision on when recruitment will re-commence will take into account the rate of retirement in the Garda Síochána and Government targets for reductions in public service numbers. The moratorium on Public Service Recruitment does not apply to the Garda Reserve, and recruitment to the Reserve is ongoing. To date, some 40 members of the Garda Reserve have joined An Garda Síochána as full time members. The Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 already allow the Public Appointments Service to give due recognition to any satisfactory service by a person as a reserve member of the Garda Síochána.
398 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in other countries courts are allowed make pro bono costs orders when a winning party is represented by a pro bono legal team and the costs then go to a suitable charity; if he will examine the introduction of such costs orders in this State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26106/11]
Under the law as it stands the costs that must be paid to the winning party to an action are calculated on the basis of what is necessarily and properly incurred for the conduct of the case. I have noted the Deputy's suggestion and will bear it in mind in the context of my development of proposals for reform of the law on legal costs.
399 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has considered the report into determination of life sentences by the Irish Human Rights Commission in which it suggests that it is necessary to place the parole board on a statutory footing and assigning to it the function of determining applications for temporary release in order to comply with Ireland’s international obligations; if he has any such proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26107/11]
I recently announced my intention to enact legislation to place the interim Parole Board on a statutory footing. I believe this will help to strengthen and improve its functions and, while it may not be possible to introduce the relevant legislation this year, it is my hope to do so next year. In that context I will be considering exactly what role it will play and what powers it should have.
As regards the Irish Human Rights Commission report, I can advise the Deputy that it was previously considered by my Department. The recommendation referred to is however based on the premise that our existing law on the temporary release of prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment is incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. There has been no finding of a court to this effect. I have no reason to believe that our existing law is incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights or the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights. Indeed, the Irish Courts have found that the management of prison sentences is a matter for the Executive and under current legislation I, as Minister for Justice and Equality, am entrusted with the power to grant temporary release to a sentenced prisoner. The Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Act, 2003 provides a clear legislative basis for the power to grant temporary release by setting down the principles which apply to the exercise of this power and provides a clear and transparent basis, as well as the necessary safeguards required, for the operation of the system of temporary release. The power of release is retained by me under the Act.
The interim Parole Board, which replaced the Sentence Review Group, was established on an administrative basis in April, 2001. The Board's principal function is to advise me on the administration of long term prison sentences. The Board, by way of recommendation to me, advises of the prisoner's progress to date, the degree to which the prisoner has engaged with the various therapeutic services and how best to proceed with the future administration of the sentence. I consider in full all recommendations when making the final decision on sentence management.
400 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons who have been convicted of murder and who are out on parole up to 31 August 2011; the average length of time a life prisoner is currently serving before being released on parole; his views on whether this period is adequate; the channels that exist for the views of victims to be heard by the parole board prior to recommending their release; if he will appoint a representative organisation of victims to the parole board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26108/11]
I can advise the Deputy there were 274 persons in custody serving life sentences for murder on 31 August, 2011. In addition, there were 61 persons serving life sentences for murder under the supervision of the Probation Service on extended temporary release subject to strict conditions as are specified. Some of these persons were first released into the community over 30 years ago.
Of the 61 persons referred to, 15 of these were granted temporary release during the time period 2005 to 31 August 2011. The average time spent in custody by these persons over this 6 year period is slightly in excess of 17 years. This compares to an average of just over 7.5 years for releases dating from 1975 to 1984, just under 12 years for the period dating from 1985 to 1994, and just under 14 years for the period dating from 1995 to 2004. The Deputy will understand that a life sentence is mandatory in the case of a conviction for murder and such persons remain subject to that sentence for their life even where granted temporary release. Specific legislation enacted by the Oireachtas; the Criminal Justice Act, 1960 and the Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Act, 2003, provides a mechanism whereby the Minister for Justice and Equality may release prisoners on temporary release for such period of time and subject to strict conditions as may be specified. Temporary release may be granted on a range of grounds including humanitarian or where the Minister is of the view that the person has worked with all available services to aid his/her rehabilitation and reintegration back to the community. However, before any such decision is reached matters such as the gravity of the offence, the period of imprisonment served, the overall conduct of the prisoner during imprisonment and the potential threat to the safety and security of the public are considered. Prisoners who are deemed to continue to pose a threat to the community if released continue to remain in prison and indeed there are some prisoners who have remained in custody for over 30 years.
All prisoners serving a life sentence are eligible to have their case reviewed by the interim Parole Board when they have served seven years into the life sentence. The Board's principal function is to advise me on the administration of long term prison sentences. The Board, by way of recommendation to me, advises of the prisoner's progress to date, the degree to which the prisoner has engaged with the various therapeutic services and how best to proceed with the future administration of the sentence. I consider in full all recommendations when making the final decision on sentence management.
The Irish Prison Service provides a Victim Liaison Service to keep victims of crime informed of significant developments in the sentence management of certain offenders. Any victims or their relatives, once they have opted to avail of this scheme, will be informed as a matter of course in advance of the Board's review of the prisoner. The victims are given the opportunity to make a submission to the Board, either via the Prison Service Victim Liaison Officer, or directly to the Board. The Board, as it has acknowledged on a number of occasions, will take into consideration the views of victims and the impact on their lives prior to making any recommendations to myself. Several victims and families have made submissions to the Parole Board in recent years and the Victim Liaison Officer also advises the family of any decisions arising out of each review.
I have already announced my intention to place the interim Board on a statutory footing. While it may not be possible to introduce the relevant legislation this year, it is my hope to do so next year and, in that context, I will bear the Deputy's suggestion of victim representation in mind.
401 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason there is a 12 to 16 week waiting list for Garda clearance to enable a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 to take up a job that she was appointed to more than three months ago. [26143/11]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that two vetting applications were received by the Garda Central Vetting Unit in respect of the person to whom the Deputy refers. A response to the first application was returned to the registered organisation involved on 9 August 2011. The second application is currently being processed and it is anticipated that a response will issue shortly.
402 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the legal status of parents of children born here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26144/11]
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, sets out the position as to which persons born in this State can claim an automatic entitlement to Irish citizenship by virtue of their place of birth. Essentially, any child born in the State seeking to claim an entitlement to Irish citizenship must have a parent who is an Irish citizen or, if not, one of the two parents must have been legally resident in the State for three of the four years preceding the child's birth.
In the event that the Deputy is referring to the position in the State of third country national parents of Irish born minor citizen children in light of the European Court of Justice Judgment in the Zambrano case, the position is as follows. The ECJ Judgment provides that EU Member States, Ireland included, are precluded from refusing a third country national upon whom his minor children, who are European Union citizens, are dependent, a right of residence in the Member State of residence and nationality of those children, and from refusing to grant a work permit to that third country national, in so far as such decisions would deprive those children of the genuine enjoyment of the substance of the rights attaching to the status of European Union citizen. In Ireland, this Judgment applies to the non-EEA national parents of Irish born minor citizen children.
403 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the past behaviour of the tobacco industry and its continued opposition to public health measures brought forward by successive Governments to prevent death and disability form tobacco, and our obligations under section 5.3 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, his views whether it is appropriate for the Garda Commissioner to be contributing to a tobacco industry report on tobacco smuggling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26159/11]
It is a well recognised crime trend across many jurisdictions that the practice of tobacco smuggling is widely used by organised crime groups as a means of generating large amounts of criminal gains. This situation applies equally in this jurisdiction. I understand that the contribution of the Garda Commissioner to the report in question on tobacco smuggling relates exclusively to tobacco smuggling from a law enforcement perspective and is one of a number of contributions from persons involved in law enforcement. It is, of course, a matter for the Garda Commissioner to take whatever measures he believes will assist in the efforts to counteract organised crime and I do not accept that the contribution in question gives rise to the type of issues outlined by the Deputy.
404 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [26187/11]
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 May, 2011. The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible. 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.
405 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of helicopters and other aircraft in the Garda air support unit; his plans to increase same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26210/11]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Air Support Unit currently consists of one fixed wing Britten Norman Defender aircraft and two EC135 helicopters. The allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I am advised that there are no plans to expand the Unit at present.
406 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of dogs in the Garda dog unit; his plans to increase same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26211/11]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently twenty-six dogs attached to the Garda Dog Units. The allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I am advised that there are no plans to expand the Units at present.
407 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of horses in the Garda mounted unit; his plans to increase same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26212/11]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently fourteen horses attached to the Garda Mounted Unit. The allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I am advised that there are no plans to expand the Unit at present.
408 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will increase the number of Garda mounted bikes allocated to the R and J districts of the Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26213/11]
The detailed allocation of Garda resources, including mountain bikes, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the context of his identified operational requirements and priorities. I am advised by the Garda authorities that the current mountain bike stock is sufficient to meet policing requirements in the Districts referred to by the Deputy and that there are currently no plans to increase the number of bikes in either District. This situation will be kept under on-going review.
409 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the plans being considered for the closure of small rural Garda stations in the Sligo-north Leitrim area and in view of any review of such small stations, if he, in co-operation with the Garda Commissioner, is considering any changes to the administration of the force on a county basis following the setting up of the joint policing committees. [26216/11]
I can assure the Deputy and the House that it is a priority for this Government to maintain frontline services at the highest level possible. I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the Commissioner is currently carrying out a review of the entire Garda organisation in the context of ensuring that the Force will be in a position to match the deployment of resources to its policing commitments as effectively as possible. I look forward to the outcome of the Commissioner's review and I understand that it should be available in the next couple of months.
410 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider permitting the use of members of the Garda Reserve to keep local Garda stations open when it is desirable to deploy all available gardaí on street duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26224/11]
Responsibility for the allocation of resources, including personnel, within the Force and for determining the powers and duties of members of the Garda Reserve rests with the Garda Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team. I have been advised that the Commissioner is currently carrying out a review of the entire Garda organisation in the context of ensuring that the Force will be in a position to match the deployment of resources to its policing commitments as effectively as possible. Clearly, an examination of the opening hours and in some cases the viability of Garda stations will form part of this. The issue of the closure of some Garda stations will be a question the Garda Commissioner will have to consider as part of this process. He may have to consider in appropriate cases whether a better policing service could be delivered to a local community by having Gardaí out on patrol instead of in a station. I look forward to receiving the Commissioner's proposals, which will be aimed at maximising the efficiency of the Garda Síochána, and prioritising the resources available to operational front-line policing services.
411 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality notwithstanding the Civil Service circular No. 28, if he will provide a list of the current pay of each senior civil servant from higher executive officer to Secretary General in his Department broken down by grade; the pension entitlements of each and any other emoluments they are entitled to receive upon reaching retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26240/11]
I am advised by my officials that to provide the Deputy with the information requested in the form she has sought would require a detailed examination of almost 900 files of staff in general service and equivalent grades in my Department. In addition, to provide a breakdown of the pension entitlements of each staff member would require personalised pension entitlement statements to be prepared which would have to make certain assumptions as to the date of retirement, length of service and grade or salary point at which staff will retire. The compilation of this information would require a disproportionate use of available resources. Full details of the pay scales currently applicable in the Civil Service are set out in Circular 28/2009 with which the Deputy is familiar.
412 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if landlords who consistently rent to tenants engaging in anti-social and criminal behaviour can be held legally responsibly for the action of their tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26313/11]
The Deputy will appreciate that it is not a matter for me to interpret the application of the law in particular circumstances. However, the following general information relating to anti-social behaviour by tenants may be helpful. I am informed that in the case of private rented dwellings landlords are responsible for enforcing the obligations that apply to their tenants under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, which is under the aegis of my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. The Act inter alia prohibits a tenant in a private residential tenancy from engaging in anti-social behaviour in, or in the vicinity of, a dwelling to which the Act applies. It allows a landlord to terminate any tenancy where the tenant is engaging in or allowing others to engage in such behaviour, subject to a notice period of only seven days in the case of serious anti-social behaviour or 28 days in the case of less serious but persistent behaviour.
The Act also provides that a third party directly and adversely affected by anti-social behaviour may, subject to certain conditions, refer a complaint to the Private Residential Tenancies Board against a landlord who has failed to enforce tenant obligations. A specific condition is that the third party complainant must have taken reasonable steps to resolve the matter by communicating or attempting to communicate with the parties to the tenancy concerned. Section 23 of the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 provides that an owners' management company may make house rules for the effective operation and maintenance of the multi-unit development. The rules must be consistent with any covenants or conditions contained in the documents of title and have the objective of advancing the quiet enjoyment of the unit owners and achieving a fair balancing of the rights of such owners. The section also provides that where a unit is let it shall be a term of the letting that it is subject to the observance of the house rules by the tenants. A summary of the relevant conditions and covenants together with a copy of any house rules must be incorporated into the letting agreement relating to the unit concerned. Where a person, who is obliged to comply with house rules, commits a material breach of the rules, the Act provides that the owners' management company of the development concerned may recover the reasonable costs of remedying the breach from the person and those costs may be recovered as a simple contract debt in a court of competent jurisdiction.
Local authorities are required by law to adopt anti-social behaviour strategies for the prevention and reduction of anti-social behaviour in housing provided by them. The Housing Acts 1966 to 2009, which are also under the aegis of my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, include a range of measures to assist housing authorities to give effect to their strategies, including the power to refuse to allocate, or to defer the allocation of, a dwelling to a person engaged in anti-social behaviour or where an allocation to that person would not be in the interest of good estate management. Other powers available to housing authorities include application for civil excluding orders prohibiting a person engaged in anti-social behaviour from entering a specific local authority house and/or neighbourhood and, in extreme cases, eviction of a household engaged in anti-social behaviour.
413 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide a breakdown, by grade and by station, of Garda staffing levels in the Dublin metropolitan area on 1 March 2011 and on 1 September 2011. [26354/11]
I am informed by the Garda authorities, that the personnel strength of each Garda station in the Dublin Metropolitan Region on 28 February and 31 August 2011 was as set out in the following table:
|
Division |
C/SUPT |
SUPT |
INSP |
SGT |
GDA |
Total |
|
DMR South Central |
||||||
|
Donnybrook |
1 |
3 |
13 |
113 |
130 |
|
|
Irishtown |
— |
— |
1 |
7 |
43 |
51 |
|
Kevin Street |
1 |
6 |
13 |
138 |
158 |
|
|
Kilmainham |
— |
— |
— |
16 |
65 |
81 |
|
Harcourt Terrace |
— |
— |
— |
11 |
71 |
82 |
|
Pearse Street |
1 |
2 |
7 |
31 |
220 |
261 |
|
DMR Southern |
||||||
|
Crumlin |
1 |
2 |
5 |
17 |
82 |
107 |
|
Sundrive |
— |
— |
— |
11 |
65 |
76 |
|
Rathmines |
— |
— |
— |
9 |
60 |
69 |
|
Terenure |
— |
1 |
6 |
16 |
82 |
105 |
|
Rathfarnham |
— |
— |
— |
8 |
67 |
75 |
|
Tallaght |
— |
1 |
5 |
19 |
174 |
199 |
|
DMR Northern |
||||||
|
Balbriggan |
— |
1 |
3 |
6 |
59 |
69 |
|
Garristown |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Lusk |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
6 |
7 |
|
Rush |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
4 |
5 |
|
Skerries |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
10 |
11 |
|
Ballymun |
1 |
1 |
2 |
23 |
99 |
126 |
|
Dublin Airport |
— |
— |
— |
4 |
18 |
22 |
|
Santry |
— |
— |
3 |
9 |
70 |
82 |
|
Whitehall |
— |
— |
2 |
5 |
37 |
44 |
|
Coolock |
— |
1 |
5 |
13 |
100 |
119 |
|
Malahide |
— |
— |
— |
5 |
32 |
37 |
|
Swords |
— |
— |
1 |
11 |
73 |
85 |
|
Clontarf |
— |
— |
1 |
10 |
68 |
79 |
|
Howth |
— |
— |
1 |
5 |
32 |
38 |
|
Raheny |
— |
1 |
3 |
8 |
63 |
75 |
|
DMR West |
||||||
|
Blanchardstown |
1 |
2 |
4 |
31 |
157 |
195 |
|
Cabra |
— |
— |
— |
8 |
62 |
70 |
|
Finglas |
— |
— |
3 |
14 |
104 |
121 |
|
Ballyfermot |
— |
— |
2 |
13 |
85 |
100 |
|
Clondalkin |
— |
1 |
3 |
13 |
83 |
100 |
|
Rathcoole |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
26 |
28 |
|
Lucan |
— |
1 |
3 |
9 |
67 |
80 |
|
Ronanstown |
— |
— |
1 |
14 |
80 |
95 |
|
DMR North Central |
||||||
|
Bridewell |
— |
1 |
7 |
31 |
136 |
175 |
|
Fitzgibbon Street |
— |
1 |
4 |
14 |
96 |
115 |
|
Mountjoy |
— |
— |
— |
11 |
89 |
100 |
|
Immigration D/Docks |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
7 |
8 |
|
Store Street |
1 |
2 |
5 |
32 |
244 |
284 |
|
DMR Eastern |
||||||
|
Blackrock |
— |
— |
4 |
12 |
82 |
98 |
|
Dundrum |
— |
— |
1 |
9 |
65 |
75 |
|
Stepaside |
— |
— |
— |
3 |
27 |
30 |
|
Cabinteely |
— |
— |
1 |
5 |
33 |
39 |
|
Dalkey |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
29 |
31 |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
1 |
2 |
3 |
19 |
83 |
108 |
|
Kill-O-Grange |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
27 |
29 |
|
Shankill |
— |
— |
1 |
11 |
47 |
59 |
|
Division |
C/SUPT |
SUPT |
INSP |
SGT |
GDA |
Total |
|
DMR South Central |
||||||
|
Donnybrook |
1 |
3 |
13 |
113 |
130 |
|
|
Irishtown |
— |
— |
1 |
7 |
42 |
50 |
|
Kevin Street |
1 |
6 |
11 |
135 |
153 |
|
|
Kilmainham |
— |
— |
— |
16 |
60 |
76 |
|
Harcourt Terrace |
— |
— |
— |
11 |
69 |
80 |
|
Pearse Street |
1 |
2 |
7 |
30 |
217 |
257 |
|
DMR Southern |
||||||
|
Crumlin |
1 |
2 |
5 |
17 |
79 |
104 |
|
Sundrive |
— |
— |
— |
11 |
63 |
74 |
|
Rathmines |
— |
— |
— |
7 |
59 |
66 |
|
Terenure |
— |
1 |
6 |
15 |
78 |
100 |
|
Rathfarnham |
— |
— |
— |
8 |
65 |
73 |
|
Tallaght |
— |
1 |
5 |
20 |
172 |
198 |
|
DMR Northern |
||||||
|
Balbriggan |
— |
1 |
3 |
5 |
62 |
71 |
|
Garristown |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Lusk |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
6 |
7 |
|
Rush |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
Skerries |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
9 |
10 |
|
Ballymun |
1 |
1 |
2 |
18 |
94 |
116 |
|
Dublin Airport |
— |
— |
— |
6 |
20 |
26 |
|
Santry |
— |
— |
3 |
10 |
70 |
83 |
|
Whitehall |
— |
— |
2 |
7 |
38 |
47 |
|
Coolock |
— |
1 |
5 |
13 |
100 |
119 |
|
Malahide |
— |
— |
— |
4 |
32 |
36 |
|
Swords |
— |
— |
1 |
10 |
70 |
81 |
|
Clontarf |
— |
— |
1 |
10 |
66 |
77 |
|
Howth |
— |
— |
6 |
34 |
40 |
|
|
Raheny |
— |
1 |
3 |
6 |
61 |
71 |
|
DMR West |
||||||
|
Blanchardstown |
1 |
2 |
4 |
27 |
160 |
194 |
|
Cabra |
— |
— |
— |
8 |
61 |
69 |
|
Finglas |
— |
— |
3 |
16 |
101 |
120 |
|
Ballyfermot |
— |
— |
2 |
12 |
83 |
97 |
|
Clondalkin |
— |
1 |
3 |
13 |
81 |
98 |
|
Rathcoole |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
26 |
28 |
|
Lucan |
— |
1 |
4 |
9 |
65 |
79 |
|
Ronanstown |
— |
— |
1 |
15 |
82 |
98 |
|
DMR North Central |
||||||
|
Bridewell |
— |
1 |
6 |
30 |
133 |
170 |
|
Fitzgibbon Street |
— |
1 |
4 |
14 |
95 |
114 |
|
Mountjoy |
— |
— |
— |
11 |
89 |
100 |
|
Immigration D/Docks |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
7 |
8 |
|
Store Street |
1 |
2 |
6 |
32 |
240 |
281 |
|
DMR Eastern |
||||||
|
Blackrock |
— |
1 |
4 |
11 |
78 |
94 |
|
Dundrum |
— |
— |
1 |
9 |
64 |
74 |
|
Stepaside |
— |
— |
— |
3 |
27 |
30 |
|
Cabinteely |
— |
— |
1 |
5 |
32 |
38 |
|
Dalkey |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
29 |
31 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
1 |
2 |
3 |
18 |
82 |
106 |
|
Kill-O-Grange |
— |
— |
— |
2 |
27 |
29 |
|
Shankill |
— |
— |
1 |
9 |
50 |
60 |
414 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if applications for holiday visas have been received in respect of persons (details supplied); the position regarding their applications; if all necessary documentation has been provided; when a decision will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26370/11]
The visa applications referred to by the Deputy were received in the Visa Office, Dublin on the 5 September 2011. Following consideration by a Visa Officer both applications were refused on the 23 September 2011 for the following reason: It was the opinion on the Visa Officer that the applicants did not have sufficient obligations to return to their country of origin and that they may not observe the conditions of a visa where one was granted. It is open to the persons concerned to submit an appeal within two months of the date of refusal, in this instance, before the 23 November 2011. Guidelines on the visa appeals process is available on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (www.inis.gov.ie). 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.
415 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his Department has submitted a strategy statement to him, as specified under the Public Service Management Act 1997 and if so, whether he will publish the statement. [26398/11]
My Department has submitted a Strategy Statement for the period 2011-2014 to me recently. It is my intention to publish it in due course in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Management Act 1997.
416 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the impact the proposed cuts in budget 2012 have in regard to the Garda force in County Kerry; if any station will face closure; if so, the location of same; the way rural areas will be policed if we have the anticipated retirement of many gardaí who will want to retire before February 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26408/11]
I can assure the Deputy and the House that it is a priority for this Government to maintain frontline services at the highest level possible. I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the Commissioner is currently carrying out a review of the entire Garda organisation in the context of ensuring that the Force will be in a position to match the deployment of resources to its policing commitments as effectively as possible. I look forward to the outcome of the Commissioner's review and I understand that it should be available in the next couple of months.
417 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected position with respect to an application for residency or citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26414/11]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the individual referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in August 2005 and my predecessor decided in his absolute discretion to refuse the application. The person concerned was informed of that decision in a letter issued, via her solicitor, on 31 March 2009. The person concerned has taken judicial review proceedings and, as the matter is sub judice, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the specific case.
418 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if proposals are in place to alter the manner in which judicial reviews in District and Circuit Courts are recorded which will allow all parties involved in the case to be named; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26425/11]
Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, the management and administration of the courts including responsibility for maintaining and publishing court statistics is a function of the Courts Service.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the parties to a judicial review involving District or Circuit Court cases are to be found in the High Court record; the only persons who are not identified are those whose identities are required to be protected by law, for example, the victim or perpetrator in alleged sexual assault cases.
419 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider changing the upper age limit for recruitment to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25648/11]
The 2000 White Paper on Defence and the earlier Defence Force Review Implementation Plan both identified the requirement to address the age profile in the Defence Forces. The key element in military life is the need for personnel to maintain a level of fitness for combat readiness. This requirement must be balanced with the need to retain experience and expertise, particularly at managerial level in the Defence Forces.
The upper age limit for enlistment in the Army is under 25 years of age on the date of enlistment and for the Naval Service it is under 27 years of age on the date of enlistment. These limits are determined on the basis that the essential functions of the Permanent Defence Force require that its members be composed of able-bodied personnel of an age which is commensurate with the functional requirements of the organisation.
While increasing the upper age may increase the quantity of suitable candidates, the Defence Forces are endeavouring to reduce the average age of serving personnel. Moreover, recruitment to the Defence Forces is heavily oversubscribed with excellent candidates so the current age requirements are not an impediment to recruitment. Other factors such as return on training investment must also be considered.
I am satisfied that the existing age requirements for recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force are appropriate and I do not propose to make any changes in this area at this time.
420 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence his plans for Columb Barracks, Mullingar, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25757/11]
As of now no decision has been made in relation to the future of any particular military installation. However various commissions, reports and studies back to the 1990s identified barrack closure as a fundamental requirement towards improving military effectiveness and efficiency. Since then there has been a number of consolidation programmes which has seen the number of barracks occupied by the Permanent Defence Force reduced from 34 to 23 today. The dispersal of Defence Forces personnel over an extended number of locations continues to be a major impediment to essential collective training and to releasing personnel for operational duties.
I have made it clear that I cannot give a commitment that there will not be further programmes of barrack consolidation.
421 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Defence the number of employees in his Department who have expressed an interest in retiring ahead of the changes to the public sector pension schemes that are to come into force in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25782/11]
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has introduced a temporary three month minimum notice period for retirement from the Civil Service, following the extension of the "Grace Period" to 29 February 2012, i.e. the period during which the calculation of public service pensions is unaffected by the pay reductions applied under the “Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009.” The last date for staff to notify of their intention to retire during the extended Grace Period is 30 November 2011. It is therefore not yet possible to indicate the number of staff who intend to retire ahead of the changes to public sector pensions.
While a number of staff of this Department have made enquiries regarding their pension entitlements should they avail of the opportunity to retire during the Grace Period, it would be premature to consider these as expressions of interest in advance of formal notification of their intention to retire.
422 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence when he expects the White Paper on Defence to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25835/11]
The first White Paper on Defence was published in February 2000 and was intended to encompass the period to end 2010. Whilst preliminary work on the preparation of a new White Paper had been ongoing, I decided to expand the planned consultative process by initiating the preparation of a Green Paper on Defence. This discussion paper will act as a catalyst to ensure an appropriate level of debate on Defence and inform the development of the new White Paper. I hope to have the Green Paper finalised and published by early 2012.
424 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Defence, notwithstanding the Civil Service circular No. 28, if he will provide a list of the current pay of each senior civil servant from higher executive officer to Secretary General in his Department broken down by grade; the pension entitlements of each and any other emoluments they are entitled to receive upon reaching retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26233/11]
The current payscales for civil servants from Secretary General to Higher Executive Officer is set out as follows.
|
Grade |
No. of Staff |
Current Salary Scale€ |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
188,640 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
2 |
127,796-146,191 |
|
PO Higher Scale |
2 |
85,957-99,236 |
|
PO Standard |
12 |
80,051-92,672 |
|
AP Higher Scale |
7 |
67,913-79,337 |
|
AP Standard |
27 |
61,966-72,268 |
|
AO Higher Scale |
2 |
40,734-57,251 |
|
HEO Higher Scale |
23 |
46,426-57,251 |
|
HEO Standard |
33 |
43,816-51,653 |
|
Grade |
No. of Staff |
Current Salary Scale€ |
|
PO Standard |
1 |
84,132-97,417 |
|
Professional Accountant(Grade 1) |
1 |
68,553-79,319 |
|
Technical Officer II |
1 |
57,765-68,260 |
|
HEO Standard |
3 |
46,081-54,329 |
All established civil servants are members of either the Non-contributory Pension Scheme for Established State Employees (officers appointed before 6 April 1995) or the Contributory Pension Scheme (officers appointed on or after 6 April 1995), with an associated contributory Spouses' and Children's Scheme.
These superannuation schemes are defined benefit occupational pension schemes and provide for an automatic lump sum and index-linked income after two years service. An officer's pension entitlement is determined by total reckonable service and reckonable remuneration on the last day of service.
It is not possible to provide exact figures to the Deputy for the pension entitlements and other emoluments upon reaching retirement as this would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort and could not be justified in current circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources.
425 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide details of his plans for the future of Dun Uí Neil Barracks, County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26310/11]
As of now no decision has been made in relation to the future of any particular military installation. However various commissions, reports and studies back to the 1990s identified barrack closure as a fundamental requirement towards improving military effectiveness and efficiency. Since then there has been a number of consolidation programmes which has seen the number of barracks occupied by the Permanent Defence Force reduced from 34 to 23 today. The dispersal of Defence Forces personnel over an extended number of locations continues to be a major impediment to essential collective training and to releasing personnel for operational duties.
I have made it clear that I cannot give a commitment that there will not be further programmes of barrack consolidation.
426 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has submitted a strategy statement to him, as specified under the Public Service Management Act 1997, and if so, will he publish the statement. [26399/11]
A draft Strategy Statement for the period 2011-2014 was submitted to me in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Management Act, 1997. The Government is currently undertaking a Comprehensive Review of Expenditure. The outcome from this process may further influence the content of the Strategy Statement, which will be finalised and published in due course.
427 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if steps can be taken to provide for a tourism remit at Howth Harbour in order to increase the potential for tourism at the harbour, while not undermining the harbour as a working area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25908/11]
Howth Fishery Harbour Centre is one of the six Fishery Harbour Centres as set out in the Fishery Harbour Centres Act 1968 (as amended). The Act identifies the promotion and development of Sea Fishing as the core function of each of the Fishery Harbour Centres.
I am however mindful of the importance of the tourist industry and can confirm that tourism in common with other non fishing activities will continue to be facilitated and supported at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre subject of course to the necessary prioritisation of the needs of the fishing industry.
428 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 783 and 784 of 14 September 2011, the basis on which it was decided that no registration of the herd number should take place pending clarification of the issue of ownership of the land and the cattle thereon; the action that followed, if any, by way of such clarification in view of the fact that the land in question was not in the ownership of the previous herd number owner since 1998; if all animals known to be on the holding were inspected as indicated on 27 January 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25635/11]
As outlined in my reply to a question from the Deputy on 20th July 2011, a copy of the death certificate of the person in whose name the herdnumber was registered was received by my Department on 9th December 2009. In accordance with standard procedures in such circumstances, the herdnumber was then registered under the personal representatives of the deceased person.
An application was received on 4 January 2010 from the personal representatives of the deceased person to register details of the herdnumber in the name of the son of the deceased person. The application was accompanied by a copy of Probate of the Will of the deceased person.
An on-farm inspection was carried out by the DVO on 27 January 2010 and all of the cattle present on the holding were inspected and found to be in order. However, the DVO was aware that there was a dispute over the ownership of the land and it was decided that no change in registration of the herdnumber should take place pending clarification of this issue. In the meantime, the herd keeper role, which assigns responsibility for the care and maintenance of the cattle to a nominated person, was assigned to the son of the deceased person in whose name the request for transfer of the herdnumber had been received. Further action on the registration of herdowner cannot take place until evidence has been provided to the DVO that the land ownership issue has been resolved.
429 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the overpayment now due to his Department for all the relevant years in relation to the single farm payment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25682/11]
Under the provisions of the governing EU Regulations, payments under the Single Farm Payment may be made only in respect of eligible land. Applicants under the Scheme are obliged annually to declare the land parcels available to them; said details of the eligible areas of the land parcels are then recorded onto LPIS (Land Parcel Identification System), my Department's computerised database of all land parcels declared, which currently contains details of in excess of one million individual land parcels. Applicants are obliged to identify and exclude all ineligible features, such as scrub, roadways, etc. Therefore, the LPIS database has to be amended on an ongoing basis to reflect any permanent changes, such as parcel boundary changes, addition of new parcels, etc. In the vast majority of cases, while the various ineligible areas had not been mapped out of LPIS, applicants were making sufficient deductions for the ineligible features and, therefore, there were no over-payments in these cases.
The case of the person named was subject to LPIS review and I can confirm that, while the person named was initially identified as having over-claimed on a specific land parcel, following consideration of his written appeal, I can confirm that it has been found that no such over-claim arose. Given this successful appeal, the necessary arrangements are now being made to make the necessary refund due to the person named.
430 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in paying the 2010 balancing payment of the REP scheme; and the number of applicants that have yet to receive this payment. [25748/11]
REPS 4 is a measure under the Rural Development Programme, 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require that detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before payments can issue.
These administrative checks in respect of 2010 claims have been completed and of the 30,300 farmers who are due payments, approximately 660 applications are currently awaiting their initial 75% for the year. This is due to queries which have arisen during the administrative checks. Outstanding queries are being rectified on an ongoing basis, including through correspondence with the applicants, and payments issue as soon as the queries are resolved.
My Department is also currently making arrangements to process the outstanding 25% payments in respect of 2010 to farmers in instances where penalties have been imposed. I now expect that these outstanding payments will commence in October to approximately 2,300 farmers with penalties.
Arrangements are also well advanced to issue payments in respect of 2011 and I expect that these payments will commence in November.
431 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in payment of the balance of the 2010 REP scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will expedite payment. [25749/11]
The person named commenced REPS 4 in January 2010 and 75% of the first year payment issued for the amount of €10,416.57 on 31st 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.
432 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 763 of 14 September 2011, if regulations governing scrapie will be eased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25756/11]
Regulation (EC) 999/2001 as amended by regulation (EC) 727/2007 requires the annual testing of both sheep presented for human consumption and fallen sheep over 18 months of age.
In 2007 the Commission adopted a level of testing for future years at a minimum annual sample of 10,000 sheep slaughtered for human consumption and 10,000 fallen sheep aged over 18 months.
This testing regime was directed at Countries where the population of ewes and ewe lambs put to the ram exceeds 750,000. This change substantially reduced the testing requirement from previous years when 41,677 and 26,970 healthy sheep were tested respectively in 2006 and 2007.
The testing requirements as set down by the EU are kept under review.
The scrapie surveillance programme is financed by my Department. In turn this expenditure is recouped almost in its entirety from the EU.
433 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the concern that farmers have when picking a reference year for entitlements (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25770/11]
There are as yet no official proposals from the European Commission on the CAP post 2013 arrangements. It is expected that a first draft of a legal text will be available in mid October following which protracted negotiations will take place at the Council of Agriculture Ministers. In the absence of written proposals, it would be inappropriate therefore to comment at this stage on what might transpire in the future.
434 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of employees in his Department who have expressed an interest in retiring ahead of the changes to the public sector pension schemes that are to come into force in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25778/11]
To date over 400 requests for estimates of retirement benefits have been received in the Pensions Section of my Department since early January 2011. Approximately, 63 staff under 65 years have retired or will retire in 2011. To date, a further 12 staff have formally indicated their intention of retiring in January 2012 and February 2012. These numbers do not include a number of staff retiring on age regulations.
435 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) will be paid in relation to a Labour Court finding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25850/11]
The question deals with matters relating to the day-to-day functioning of Teagasc and is one in which I have no direct responsibility. Teagasc has advised that they are reviewing the case file and they will inform the person concerned of their deliberations in due course.
436 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to increase the amount of exports of Irish produce (details supplied) to the BRIC countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25910/11]
I would inform the Deputy that there has already been a substantial increase in the value of agricultural exports to BRICs countries over the past two years. Total exports of agricultural products to BRICs in 2009 were valued at €87.8 million. This rose by almost 35% in value terms in 2010 to €118.3 million and the value of these exports for the first six months of 2011 stands at €101.4 million — well above the total for the full year of 2009.
Against that background I am very conscious of the valuable opportunities these markets present for increased trade in Irish agricultural products, notably those identified by the Deputy. It is an essential element of the Food Harvest 2020 strategy to increase Irish production of these products in order to grow agricultural exports and contribute to our national economic recovery. The Chinese market, in particular, represents a huge opportunity. I hosted a visit by the Chinese Vice Minister for Agriculture earlier this year and it is my intention to follow up on this contact by an official visit China later this year. We have established a series of High Level Working Groups to progress mutual co-operation on a number of fronts including a group on "cooperation between China and Ireland in the Agri and Seafood areas”.
As to India, Russia and Brazil, I and my Department are working closely with industry, other Government Departments, the agencies such as Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Embassies in these countries to identify opportunities to grow and develop the trade.
437 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason area based payments have not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [25932/11]
Payments under the 2011 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme began issuing on 22 September 2011 and I am pleased to note that the application of the person named has been fully processed and that payment has issued directly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
438 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when will the first applicants who have applied for grant aid in respect of sheep fencing and mobile handling units receive payment in view of the many applicants that have applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25945/11]
The process of issuing approvals to all eligible applicants under the Sheep Fencing/Handling Scheme is now well-advanced within my Department. Under the terms of the Scheme, farmers have a period of two years from the date of issue of approval to complete the investment works concerned and submit a payment claim to my Department. Payments to farmers are dependent on the period taken by each applicant to complete the works concerned and to submit a valid payment claim.
My Department will endeavour to process all payment claims received as quickly as possible. An allocation of €1.7 million has been provided in this year's Estimates for the Scheme.
439 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has plans to amend the rules regarding the transport of pelagic fish more than 100 km; if these will be replaced by a system in which a Sea Fisheries Protection Authority officer would inspect and seal at the landing port for transport by bulk container or tanker to the processing unit for the seal to be opened by a SFPA officer; if he has any other plans to amend the rules regarding the transport of pelagic fish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25946/11]
Operational aspects in relation to sea fisheries control operations are a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). I have asked the SFPA to respond directly to the Deputy.
440 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a payment under the disadvantaged grassland sheep scheme to a person (details supplied) in Roscommon will be based on 2005 numbers or depleted 2009 numbers; the reason for this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25949/11]
Applicants under the Grassland Sheep Scheme are required, inter alia, to submit an appropriately completed Sheep Census to my Department, payment being confined to the breeding ewes held by the applicant. Furthermore, my Department is obliged to conduct field inspections in respect of a proportion of those applications made under the Scheme. In this particular case, the person named declared 145 breeding ewes on their Sheep Census and, having been selected for field inspection, the inspector confirmed this figure. Accordingly, the payment made to the person named was calculated on the basis of 145 breeding ewes. However, given the position regarding the restriction on the flock of the person named, as outlined, I have had arrangements made to have the case of the person named fully reviewed, following which the person named will be advised, in writing, of the outcome.
441 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will accede to requests from the Irish Farmers’ Association that he does not allow Ireland’s compliance with EU directives on wetlands to introduce new unworkable levels of bureaucracy and additional financial burdens on farmers. [25963/11]
The European Court of Justice in 2006 found that Ireland was non-compliant in the manner that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive (85/337/EEC), as amended, was transposed into Irishlaw.
The court deemed that Ireland was over-reliant on size thresholds in implementing the Directive and did not take other relevant criteria, such as the cumulative impacts of development, the location of the development or activity relative to sensitive sites etc, into account. Ireland was notified that very significant penalties would apply for continued failure to implement the Directive and two sets of Regulations have been introduced to address the findings of the European Court of Justice ruling against Ireland.
The drainage and reclamation of wetlands is the responsibility of my Ministerial colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and remain within the planning system. The Minister introduced the Planning and Development (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2011 on 8 September 2011 to address this element of the Court judgment.
Three specific areas covered by the EIA Directive are now regulated by my Department under legislation I signed into law on 8 September 2011, i.e. the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Agriculture) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 456 of 2011) and these are—
restructuring of rural land holdings,
the use of uncultivated land or semi-natural areas for intensive agriculture, and
land drainage works on lands used for agriculture
My Department's Regulations provide for a screening and consent system that will not only satisfy the requirements of the Directive but will also provide a practical and workable solution that will minimise the administrative burden on farmers. There will be no application fee involved in the screening process and each application will be adjudicated upon on a case by case basis in a timely manner, taking into account the relevant criteria outlined in the Directive.
Mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments will only be required for larger projects which are above specific thresholds set out in the Regulations.
The Regulations will be underpinned by a comprehensive guidance document and a draft of this document is now available on my Department's website and all relevant stakeholders are invited to comment on this guidance during the consultation period which will close on Friday the 21 October 2011.
442 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way he will subsidise farmers in County Donegal availing of laboratory facilities in the Six Counties as is the case for farmers based in the Six Counties [25964/11]
My Department's Regional Veterinary Laboratory in Sligo offers a subsidised veterinary laboratory diagnostic service to the farming community of the North West — any herdowner in Co Donegal is entitled to avail of this service — where carcasses of animals that have died on farm and clinical specimens collected from live animals can be referred via the private veterinary practitioner attending the herd in question; laboratory findings are reported to the referring practice and the practice is invoiced for the testing fees.
The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland offers a similar range of diagnostic services and on the same basis to the farming community in Northern Ireland from two centres, one located in Omagh and the other at Stormont. AFBI have two separate price-lists for diagnostic services, one for veterinary practices (herdowners) in Northern Ireland and the other for practices sending samples from outside Northern Ireland.
For comparative purposes AFBI currently charge veterinary practices in Northern Ireland £84 for post mortem examination of cattle over 18 months old whereas my Department charge veterinary practices in Ireland €25.35 for same.
Further details on the diagnostic services provided by DAFF and AFBI may be obtained in a recently launched joint report which is available to download from the Department's website at: http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/press/pressreleases/2011/september/title,58251,en.html
443 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will ban fur factory farming. [26141/11]
It is my intention to publish an Animal Health and Welfare Bill this year. However, as the Deputy will be aware the Bill is a complex one and will require extensive work in conjunction with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to complete the required legal drafting. Once a complete draft is available I intend to publish the Bill. The issue of fur farming is being examined in the context of the ongoing drafting of the Bill.
444 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if an application for the transfer of entitlements has been processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26160/11]
The person named became the registered owner of her late mother's herd number on 8 January 2010. However she did not submit an application to transfer the Single Payment entitlements held by her late mother and consequently no payment has issued on these entitlements.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications to transfer entitlements was the 17 May 2010. However due to the force majeure circumstances outlined, an official from my Department recently made contact with the person named, outlining the position. It is understood that an application to transfer entitlements together with testamentary documentation will now be forwarded to my Department.
The application will be processed as soon as it is received.
445 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review a matter (details supplied) regarding farm-to-farm permits. [26170/11]
The position is that certain bovine animals are required to have a blood test for brucellosis within the 60 day period prior to movement.
A certificate of compliance (farm to farm movement cert) is issued in cases where it is intended to move the animal within a shorter period and therefore the maximum validity period for a certificate of compliance is 30 days.
There are no plans to extend the validity period of compliance certificates beyond the current 30-day limit.
446 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be paid the balance of their 2009 suckler cow welfare grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26186/11]
The person named registered 33 animals under the 2009 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Payment has not issued as information has not been received in respect of the measures required to be carried out under this Scheme. The person named was advised of this by letter dated 26 August 2011 and was requested to return the required information by 5 September 2011. To date, no information has been received and therefore the present position is that the person named is ineligible for the Suckler Welfare Scheme for 2009 and subsequent years.
447 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment for area aid for 2011 will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26192/11]
The application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme received from the person named on 12 April 2011 has been fully processed. Payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme issued on 26 September 2011, directly to the nominated bank account of the person named. The 50% advance payments under the Single Payment Scheme are scheduled to commence issuing on 16 October 2011.
448 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their disadvantaged area aid payment for 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26193/11]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2011. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection. The inspection process is complete and the results are now being processed.
Under EU regulations governing the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and the Single Payment Scheme, all Ground Eligibility Inspections must be completed before any payment can issue to any applicant under either scheme, including those not selected for a Ground Eligibility Inspection.
In the vast majority of cases that were inspected amendments have had to be made to the maps in order that the Land Parcel Identification System that is used for making payments to farmers is kept up-to-date. Processing of these changes is continuing with priority being given to applications that were the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection.
449 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food notwithstanding the Civil Service circular No. 28, if he will provide a list of the current pay of each senior civil servant from higher executive officer to Secretary General in his Department broken down by grade; the pension entitlements of each and any other emoluments they are entitled to receive upon reaching retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26229/11]
There are 459 civil servants employed in my Department from Higher Executive Officer to Secretary General. Detailed below is a breakdown of those grades, giving the numbers per grade and the salary pay scale for each grade. A number of Higher Executive Officers and Assistant Principal Officers currently avail of the Civil Service Worksharing Scheme and their salary is reduced on a pro rata basis.
|
Grade |
Number |
Pay Scale |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
€200,000 * |
|
Assistant Secretary General |
5 |
€127,796 — €146,191 |
|
Director |
1 |
€101,470 |
|
Principal Officer — Standard Scale |
18 |
€80,051 — €98,424 |
|
Principal Officer — PPC Scale |
1 |
€84,132 — €103,472 |
|
Principal Officer Higher Scale — Standard |
10 |
€85,957 — €105,429 |
|
Principal Officer Higher Scale — PPC |
1 |
€90,355 — €110,844 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer — Standard Scale |
94 |
€61,966 — €76,768 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer — PPC Scale |
9 |
€65,185 — €80,678 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer Higher Scale — Standard |
23 |
€67,913 — €84,296 |
|
Administrative Officer — Standard Scale |
1 |
€31,619 — €55,415 |
|
Administrative Officer — PPC Scale |
21 |
€33,247 — €58,294 |
|
Administrative Officer Higher Scale — PPC |
3 |
€42,838 — €60,224 |
|
Higher Executive Officer — Standard Scale |
122 |
€43,816 — €51,415 |
|
Higher Executive Officer — PPC Scale |
62 |
€46,081 — €58,294 |
|
Higher Executive Officer Higher Scale — Standard |
86 |
€46,426 — €57,251 |
|
Higher Executive Officer Higher Scale — PPC |
1 |
€48,831 — €60,224 |
*based on voluntary waiver.
Under the terms of the Civil Service Superannuation Schemes, retiring staff are entitled to a lump sum payment and a retirement pension which is based on their length of service and final pensionable remuneration. Further details regarding retirement benefits for civil servants are available at www.cspensions.gov.ie
Retiring staff receive a retirement lump sum of 3/80ths of pensionable remuneration for each year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 1½ times pensionable remuneration. In general, staff who were recruited prior to April 1995 and pay the modified rate of PRSI receive a pension of 1/80th of pensionable remuneration per year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 40 years. Staff who were recruited after April 1995, receive a pension which is integrated with the State Pension (Contributory). The formula for the calculation of the pension is 1/200th of pensionable remuneration up to 3 1/3rd times the State Pension, and 1/80th for pensionable remuneration in excess of this limit, per year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 40 years.
450 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason single farm payment has not issued in respect of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26297/11]
An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2010. Payments under the Single Payment Scheme issued to the person named on 9 November 2010 (advance payment) and 1 December 2010 (balancing payment) on the clear eligible area. However, the person named subsequently appealed a reduction applied to the eligible area on a Commonage parcel declared on their application. Following a review by my Department, the appeal was upheld, as a result of which arrangements are now being made to have the balance of the payment due issued directly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
451 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason headage payment for sheep has not issued in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26298/11]
Applicants under the Grassland Sheep Scheme are required, inter alia, to submit an appropriately completed Sheep Census to my Department, payment being confined to the breeding ewes held by the applicant. Although an application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Grassland Sheep Scheme was received from the person named on the 12 May 2010, it was found, following validation, that while the person named had returned the Sheep Census, as required, no breeding ewes had been declared. Therefore, no payment is due under the Grassland Sheep Scheme to the person named.
452 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in the single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26300/11]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 16 May 2011. The 50% advance payment under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme is not due to issue until 16 October 2011. Payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 22 September.
This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection. The inspection process is complete and the results are now being processed.
Under EU regulations governing the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and the Single Payment Scheme, all Ground Eligibility Inspections must be completed before any payment can issue to any applicant under either scheme, including those not selected for a Ground Eligibility Inspection.
In the vast majority of cases that were inspected amendments have had to be made to the maps in order that the Land Parcel Identification System that is used for making payments to farmers is kept up-to-date. Processing of these changes is continuing with priority being given to applications that were the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection.
453 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment of the 2010 agri-environment option scheme will issue in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26301/11]
The person named has been approved for participation in the AEOS scheme with effect from the 1st December 2010.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. A discrepancy has arisen in respect of one parcel listed on the application.
My Department will be in contact with the person named and payment will issue when the query has been resolved.
454 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Iascaigh agus Bia cén uair a dhéanfar cinneadh maidir le híocaíocht REPS 2010 do dhuine i mo dháilcheantar (sonraí leis seo); agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [26314/11]
Thosaigh an duine ainmnithe Scéim um Chaomhnú an Chomhshaoil Faoin Tuath 4 (REPS 4) i mí an Mheithimh 2009 agus fuair sé íocaíocht iomlán don chéad bhliain dá chonartha. Eisíodh 75% den íocaíocht de €1921.05 ar 16 Feabhra 2010 agus eisíodh an chuid eile den íocaíocht de 25% de €640.34 ar 23 Márta 2010.
Tar éis cros-seiceáil a dhéanamh idir an t-iarratas don Scéim Íocaíochta Aonair do 2010 ón duine ainmnithe agus plean agra-chomhshaoil an REPS fuarthas amach nár dearbhaíodh cuid de na tailte coimíneachta a dearbhaíodh ar na hiarratais d'Íocaíocht Aonair Feirme do na cúig bliana roimhe. Is riachtanas é do gach coimíneacht a tharraingítear anuas faoin REPS 4 gur gá do na tailte a bheith dearbhaithe ar iarratas d'Íocaíocht Aonair do na cúig bliana roimhe. Sa chás seo níor chomhlíonadh an riachtanas seo de bharr agóide dlí ina bhfuil cúrsaí úinéireachta i gceist.
Tá iniúchadh á dhéanamh ag an Roinn ar an gcás seo faoi láthair.
455 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for delay in rectifying a single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied); if the matter will be dealt with now as a priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26335/11]
An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 12 April 2011. During the processing of the application an over-claim was identified on one of the parcels declared, which necessitated writing to the person named, in order to resolve the issue. This issue is now resolved and the application has been fully processed and is clear for payment; payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme issued today, directly to the nominated bank account of the person named, while the 50% advance payments under the Single Payment Scheme are scheduled to commence issuing as and from 16 October2011.
456 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the remainder of the REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [26345/11]
The person named commenced REPS 4 in June 2009 and has received full payment for the first year of their contract. In addition, 75% of the second year payment issued for the amount of €6131.10 on 23rd February 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.
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.
457 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will approve a late payment under the 2009 suckler welfare scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [26347/11]
The person named registered 13 beef breed animals in 2009. One animal is not eligible for payment as the dam was slaughtered before the required measures were carried out on the calf. Payment in respect of the remaining 12 animals issued on 23 September 2011.
458 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26349/11]
Allocations of milk quota from the National Reserve are granted on the basis of recommendations from the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal. The Tribunal examines and makes recommendations on applications for additional quota from individual producers. The named person submitted an application to the Tribunal seeking an allocation of additional quota under the Hardship category. This application was examined on 25th August 2011 and an allocation of 5,000 litres of additional milk quota was made from the National Reserve. The named person and his Co-op have been notified in this regard.
459 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26350/11]
Allocations of milk quota from the National Reserve are granted on the basis of recommendations from the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal. The Tribunal examines and makes recommendations on applications for additional quota from individual producers. The named person submitted an application to the Tribunal seeking an allocation of additional quota under the Hardship category. This application was examined on 1st September 2011 and an allocation of 5,000 litres of additional milk quota was made from the National Reserve. The named person and his Co-op have been notified in this regard.
460 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason overpayments are now requested from a person (details supplied) in County Galway over a two year period; if there is commonage lands involved; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the commonage was declared initially; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26367/11]
The person named claims on a number of commonage parcels; as part of the ongoing review of eligible areas, all commonages in the country have been examined, with a view to identifying and removing ineligible areas. While the removal of these ineligible areas did not impact on the Single Payment of the person named, as the person named still had enough eligible area to fulfil his Single Payment requirements, the deductions did reduce the area designated as Disadvantaged, thereby resulting in an overpayment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme for the years 2009 and 2010.
461 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department has submitted a strategy statement to him, as specified under the 1997 Public Service Management Act and if so, will he publish the statement. [26400/11]
As required under the Public Service Management Act, 1997, my Department has submitted to me a Strategy Statement for the period 2011-2014.
Once the Strategy Statement has been submitted to Government, it will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas, circulated to the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and will also be publically available on the Department's website.
462 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will allow gas exploration companies to utilise Coillte Teoranta lands in the north-west. [26421/11]
Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the management and utilisation of its lands, are the responsibility of the company.
463 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost to the State since the introduction of schemes to eradicate TB and brucellosis; if he is satisfied that these schemes are effective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26427/11]
The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available and it would place excessive demands on scarce staff resources in the Department to compile this data.
I should explain, however, that the cost of the Bovine TB and Brucellosis programmes has declined considerably over the past 10 years or so arising from the effective eradication of Brucellosis from the country and the substantial reduction in the incidence of TB. For example, the cost of the two eradication schemes (excluding staff costs) has fallen from almost €82m in 1999 to just over €40m in 2010. A significant element of the costs relates to the payment of compensation to farmers and payments to private veterinarians for herd tests.
With regard to Brucellosis, the eradication scheme has been extremely effective and has enabled this country to be declared officially free of Brucellosis by the European Community in 2009. Following the achievement of this status, my Department has gradually scaled down the testing regime, with the result that the number of blood tests carried out annually has declined from 4.7m in 2008 to 2.9m last year. The cost of the programme in 2010 is estimated at €4.2m compared with €6.5m in 2008 and €35m in 1999. The changes made to the testing regime will result in significant savings for Irish farmers in terms of reduced testing costs. I will take a decision before the end of the year on the testing arrangements for 2012 following consultation with the farming organisations. My decision will be risk based and will take account of the continuing existence of disease in Northern Ireland, on the one hand, and the desirability of removing costs both for farmers and the Department, on the other.
With regard to TB, my Department's eradication programme includes a comprehensive range of measures, including the mandatory annual testing of all cattle in the national herd, the restriction of holdings where reactors are disclosed, risk-based testing of herds contiguous to infected herds, the early removal of reactors, a wildlife programme involving the targeted removal of badgers where they are implicated in a TB outbreak, the use of the gamma interferon test in problem herds, the depopulation of infected herds, where appropriate, and the payment of compensation to farmers whose herds are affected by disease.
Bovine TB is a much more intractable disease than Brucellosis, partly because of the presence of TB infection in wildlife. Nevertheless, there has been a significant improvement in the incidence of this disease over the last few years. For example, herd incidence has fallen from 7.7% in 1999 to 4.6% last year and reactor numbers in 2010 were, at 20,200, the lowest recorded since the commencement of the programme in the 1950's. The cost of the programme has declined from €47m in 1999 to €36.2m last year, largely as a result of the reduction in the incidence of the disease.
Reactor numbers and herd incidence have continued to fall in 2011 and it is likely that reactor numbers will fall below 20,000 this year, which will represent a new record low. If reactor numbers remain below 20,000 this year, we will have seen 3 years of very low disease levels and I am hopeful that the incidence of this disease will continue into the future. Notwithstanding the difficulty in attributing trends to a single factor and the cyclical nature of the disease, my Department believes that much of the improvement in the disease situation is due to the badger removal programme.
The TB eradication programme in Ireland, which implements many of the provisions of EU trade Directive 64/432/EEC, is necessary for the continued export of live cattle and beef to other Member States and, in effect, has underpinned the growth of the Irish cattle and beef industry, which is worth over €2 billion per year, by creating and enhancing export opportunities. There are also public health benefits from implementing the programme. The cost of the eradication programme has to be seen in this context.
My Department will continue to monitor and review the effectiveness and efficiency of the TB eradication programme on an on-going basis with a view to the eventual eradication of this disease in all areas.
464 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in view of her commitment that frontline services will not be affected by depleted public sector numbers, the reason the Health Service Executive has decided not to replace a retiring neighbourhood youth project leader in the north inner city. [25703/11]
465 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will ensure that the present project leader of a project (details supplied) in Dublin 1, who is retiring, will be replaced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25724/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 464 and 465 together.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
466 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will fund a charity (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26005/11]
My Department has received an application for funding from the 2011 National Lottery allocation from the organisation in question. The Deputy might note that this is one of a large number currently being assessed by my Department and I will keep him informed of the outcome of the application as soon as a decision has been made.
467 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of employees in her Department who have expressed an interest in retiring ahead of the changes to the public sector pension schemes that are to come into force in 2012. [25780/11]
To date 13 people in my Department have expressed an interest in retiring ahead of the changes to the public sector pension schemes that are to come into force on 1 March 2012.
Of these 13 employees only one person has formally decided to retire.
468 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the cost of child care is a priority for her; the initiatives she will take on this matter; the discussions she has held with other Departments regarding same; the outcome of those discussions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26018/11]
I have responsibility for implementing a number of programmes to support parents with the cost of childcare.
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, which was introduced in January 2010, provides for a free pre-school year for children aged more than 3 years 2 months and less than 4 years 7 months at 1st September in the relevant year. Under this programme, in return for providing the free pre-school year to eligible children, a pre-school service will be paid an annual capitation for each eligible child enrolled. The standard capitation rate is €2,450 per annum and a higher capitation rate of €2,850 per annum is payable to services with more highly qualified staff.
The Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme which was introduced in September 2010 provides free childcare places to qualifying trainees attending certain FÁS and VEC courses. Under this programme qualifying students and trainees can avail of childcare places free of charge, with my Department paying providers a weekly capitation rate of €170 for each full-time childcare place contracted in their service, €95 for each half day care place and €50 for an after school place.
Funding is also provided by my Department to support the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme which enables community childcare services to provide childcare at reduced rates to disadvantaged and low income families. These not-for-profit facilities provide childcare at cost price with reductions to qualifying parents based on the level of subvention they are entitled to under the programme.
The above childcare programmes represent an overall investment in the region of €220 million in childcare supports in 2011.
469 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children who enrolled in preschool education in September, 2011 under the free preschool year; the percentage of all eligible children participating in this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26103/11]
470 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of preschool services who are providing the free preschool year to children in September 2011; the percentage of all preschool services participating in this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26104/11]
I have responsibility for implementing the free pre-school year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme which was introduced in January 2010, and provides a free pre-school year to all eligible children in the year before commencing primary school.
Almost every pre-school service in the State is participating in the programme ensuring that it is available to children in all areas. All services participating in the programme are required to return information to my Department at the start of each academic year in relation to the number of qualifying children attending, as services are funded on this basis.
Services had to make their 2011 returns by last week, and these are currently being processed, but I regret it is not possible at this stage to say what the participation rate will be in 2011/12.
The number of pre-school services participating in the programme has been estimated as 95%.
471 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children placed and an indicative range of cost for a full year placement in each setting for the most recent available year in foster care, in Health Service Executive residential care excluding high support, in HSE high support care, placed by the HSE in other care arrangements in the State, and placed outside the State. [26105/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
472 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of funding earmarked for child protection posts for each year since 2001; and the matters on which the earmarked funding was spent. [26110/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
473 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has factored the increased number of children in care into the figures for optimal ratio of social worker to child. [26111/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
474 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to meet the leadership of the Catholic Church or any of the religious orders following the publication of the Cloyne report. [21420/11]
Prior to the launch of the Cloyne Report, I met with the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Catholic Church's National Board for Safeguarding Children to discuss a range of issues. The HSE's National Director for Children and Family Services, Mr. Gordon Jeyes, was also in attendance. Mr. Jeyes is at my request engaging directly with the Board on a programme of action designed to ensure that the Catholic Church is responding properly and comprehensively to all child protection concerns. He will report formally to me on progress in this regard.
Separately the HSE is finalising a national audit of child protection policies, procedures and practices in each Catholic diocese. I am advised that the report of this audit is at an advanced stage and that the HSE hopes to submit the report to me by the end of October. The need for follow-up action involving the Church authorities will be informed by the findings of the national audit.
475 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs notwithstanding the Civil Service circular No. 28, if she will provide a list of the current pay of each senior civil servant from higher executive officer to Secretary General in her Department broken down by grade; the pension entitlements of each and any other emoluments they are entitled to receive upon reaching retirement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26231/11]
There are two salary scales for Civil Servants depending on their date of recruitment. These are often referred to as non Personal Pensions Contribution 1995 and Personal Pension Contribution 1995 scales. The difference is to compensate for the personal contributions made towards their pensions. This affects Civil Servants recruitment after April 1995. The following table shows numbers serving in each grade from HEO upwards in my Department at end August 2011. While the table shows minimum and maximum of each scale the exact salary scales for each grade is publically available on the internet at www.personnelcode.gov.ie.
All of these officers are members of the relevant superannuation scheme. Entitlements under these schemes are complex and depend on a number of factors such as date of recruitment, level of reckonable service and reason for retirement.
The exact details of each scheme are too complex to set out here, but are also publically available on the Civil Service Pensions website at www.cspensions.gov.ie.
In addition, certain severance provisions apply to Secretary Generals depending on their date of appointment.
|
Salary Scale |
|||
|
Grade |
Number |
Min |
Max |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
Higher Executive Officer & Equivalent Grades |
15 |
43,816 |
55,415 |
|
Higher Executive Officer (Higher) & Equivalent Grades |
6 |
40,734 |
57,251 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer & Equivalent Grades |
10 |
61,966 |
76,768 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer (Higher) & Equivalent Grades |
6 |
67,913 |
84,296 |
|
Principal Officer & Equivalent Grades |
2 |
80,051 |
98,424 |
|
Principal Officer (Higher)& Equivalent Grades |
5 |
85,957 |
105,429 |
|
Deputy Secretary |
1 |
168,000 |
|
|
Secretary General |
1 |
180,000 |
The following revised reply was received on 4 October 2011.
There are two salary scales for Civil Servants depending on their date of recruitment. These are often referred to as non Personal Pensions Contribution 1995 and Personal Pension Contribution 1995 scales. The difference is to compensate for the personal contributions made towards their pensions. This affects Civil Servants recruitment after April 1995.
The attached table shows numbers serving in each grade from HEO upwards in my Department at end August 2011. While the table shows minimum and maximum of each scale the exact salary scales for each grade is publically available on the internet at www.personnelcode.gov.ie.
All of these officers are members of the relevant superannuation scheme. Entitlements under these schemes are complex and depend on a number of factors such as date of recruitment, level of reckonable service and reason for retirement.
The exact details of each scheme are too complex to set out here, but are also publically available on the Civil Service Pensions website at www.cspensions.gov.ie.
In addition, certain severance provisions apply to Secretary Generals depending on their date of appointment.
|
Salary Scale |
||||
|
Grade |
Date of Appointment |
Number |
Min |
Max |
|
€ |
€ |
|||
|
Higher Executive Officer & Equivalent Grades |
Pre 1995 Appointment |
8 |
43,816 |
55,415 |
|
Post 1995 Appointment |
4 |
46,081 |
58,294 |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer (Higher) & Equivalent Grades |
Pre 1995 Appointment |
4 |
46,426 |
57,251 |
|
Post 1995 Appointment |
1 |
48,831 |
60,224 |
|
|
Administrative Officer (Higher Scale) & Equivalent Grades |
Post 1995 Appointment |
1 |
42,838 |
60,224 |
|
Pre 1995 Appointment |
1 |
31,619 |
55,415 |
|
|
Administrative Officer & Equivalent Grades |
Post 1995 Appointment |
2 |
33,247 |
58,294 |
|
Pre 1995 Appointment |
9 |
61,966 |
78,768 |
|
|
Assistant Principal Officer & Equivalent Grades |
Post 1995 Appointment |
3 |
65,185 |
80,678 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer (Higher) & Equivalent Grades |
Pre 1995 Appointment |
6 |
67,913 |
84,296 |
|
Principal Officer (Higher)& Equivalent Grades |
Pre 1995 Appointment |
5 |
85,957 |
105,429 |
|
Pre 1995 Appointment |
3 |
80,051 |
98,424 |
|
|
Principal Officer & Equivalent Grades |
Post 1995 Appointment |
1 |
84,132 |
103,472 |
|
Deputy Secretary |
Pre 1995 Appointment |
1 |
168,000 |
|
|
Secretary General |
Pre 1995 Appointment |
1 |
180,000 |
476 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the total number of reported incidents of child sex or other abuse of children reported in each of the past five years and to date in 2011; the extent to which prosecutions have been taken or are pending; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26317/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
477 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her preferred options for the delivery of youth services with particular reference to identifying specific requirements of an urgent nature; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26318/11]
478 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent, if any, to which an assessment has been done to identify modern requirements in terms of youth support services at local regional and national level with particular reference to meeting the emerging needs of the young population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26321/11]
480 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which a co-ordinated youth support service exist throughout the country; her plans to address such issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26324/11]
481 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans for a fully integrated and co-ordinated children and youth service throughout the country with particular reference to the necessary back-up services required such as social workers and-or those with responsibility to directly assist in cases of need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26326/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 477, 478, 480 and 481 together.
As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I am committed to the development of a new youth policy framework which my Department is currently progressing. Through this work a clear policy framework will emerge that will aim to enhance the development, participation and support of young people.
I intend that the policy framework will also facilitate and promote co-ordination and coherence across departments and services and will set out the priorities, rationale and criteria for future funding programmes. It will also accommodate issues relevant to young people within the 10-24 age range in informal or out-of-school settings that fall within the remit of my Department. The overall aim will be to clarify and enhance coherence, connectivity, coordination and delivery in youth services and related out-of-schools services for young people and to ensure such provision is both quality and outcomes based.
As part of this approach my Department is in the process of commissioning a review of international best practice in the area of youth development and youth support. The findings from this work will inform my Department's policy objectives and future funding provision with the aim of ensuring that young people engaging in youth services derive maximum benefit.
One of my key aims for youth policy development will be to ensure optimum use of all the financial and human resources available. Accordingly, the development of my Department's policy in relation to young people will focus specifically on ensuring greater coherence, coordination and impact in youth policy and provision so as to ensure quality outcomes for all.
479 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the total number of children in care in each of the past five years and to date in 2011; the numbers that have had their requirements fully met; the number deemed to have dropped out or remained pending; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26323/11]
The HSE compiles monthly performance reports which provide an overall analysis of key performance data from finance, HR, hospital and primary and community services. These reports include statistics in relation to children in care. Monthly performance reports for the period from 2008-July 2011 are available at www.hse.ie/eng/services/Publications/corporate/performancereports/MonthlyPRs.html. The report at end December 2008 includes comparable data in 2007.
482 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the Department has submitted a strategy statement to her, as specified under the 1997 Public Service Management Act and if so, will she publish the statement. [26395/11]
My Department is currently in the process of devising a Strategy Statement for 2011-2014.
It is my intention to publish the Strategy Statement following the completion of the Statutory Process with regard to same.
483 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will consider accepting registered social care workers to assist and support professionally qualified social workers in dealing with family support, child bereavement and other circumstances such as school attendance and minor behavioural problems; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this is the practice in some parts of the United Kingdom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26423/11]
Social care workers currently work in partnership with other professionals to support people who experience marginalisation, disadvantage or who have special needs. While they are not subject to statutory registration at present, they will be registered under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 when this legislation is commenced. Social care workers are currently employed in family support services and in residential care, including special care. Additionally, they work alongside social workers in providing services to vulnerable children and to children at risk.
484 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of child protection social workers employed by the Health Service Executive to cover Clondalkin, Rathcoole, Newcastle, Saggart, Palmerstown and Lucan; if she is satisfied that there are adequate numbers to deal with these presenting with disclosures of abuse and wilful neglect; if she will confirm that the Health Service Executive has cut the community-based social workers assigned to care of the elderly duties in the HSE area 5 and reassigned them to child protection services; if she will confirm that there is no recruitment embargo on professionally qualified social workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26424/11]
The approved Employment Control Framework for the HSE exempts social worker posts from the current moratorium on recruitment and the filling of vacancies. I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the HSE and I will be in further contact with the Deputy on receipt of this information.
485 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the mechanisms in place to deliver on the oversight and co-ordination of the drugs task forces in the greater Dublin area; his vision for the work of the drug task forces in the greater Dublin area over the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25652/11]
The institutional arrangements to support cross agency working, advise on operational and policy matters, assess progress across the National Drugs Strategy and address any operational difficulties include the Drugs Advisory Group and the Oversight Forum on Drugs. The Drugs Advisory Group has a specific mandate to oversee and support the work of the Drugs Task Forces.
Drugs Task Forces play a key role in assessing the extent and nature of the drug problem in their areas and co-ordinating action at local level so that there is a targeted response to the drug problem in local communities. With a view to strengthening their effectiveness, I am initiating a review which will focus on the role of Task Forces and their funding and accountability arrangements. I also plan to review the role, composition and national structures under which Task Forces operate.
486 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the full extent and availability of child psychiatric services throughout the country; the extent to which out of hours services are available; the degree to which such services are deficient; his plans to address any such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26319/11]
A Vision for Change identified mental health services for children and young people as a priority area for development. The HSE has therefore placed a particular emphasis on developing child and adolescent mental health teams, improving inpatient access and addressing waiting times for assessment and progress has been made in recent years. The Government is committed to reforming our model of healthcare delivery so that more care is delivered in the community; access to modern mental health services in the community will therefore be significantly improved. It is proposed to ringfence €35m annually from within the health budget to develop community mental health teams and services to ensure early access to more appropriate services for both adults and children. There are now 61 multidisciplinary Child and Adolescent Mental Health teams nationally and further teams will be developed in line with the recommendations of A Vision for Change .
In terms of child and adolescent mental health infrastructure, two new purpose built units opened earlier this year at Bessboro, Cork and Merlin Park, Galway, increasing the total bed capacity to 36 beds, with a further increase to 52 beds expected before the end of 2011. It is also proposed to provide further beds in the Dublin region and, in this regard, work is due to commence later this year on the second phase of the Child and Adolescent Unit at St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview which will increase capacity from 6 to 12 beds, and on the development of an 8 bedded facility at St Loman's, Palmerstown. In addition, work on the Linn Dara Child and Adolescent Mental Health Day Facility in Cherry Orchard, Dublin is close to completion.
Where an emergency situation arises for a young person, an assessment is arranged within 24 hours. Recent cases have arisen where there have been difficulties for some individuals under 18 years in accessing a psychiatric assessment. The Executive Clinical Directors have considered the issue and have committed to ensuring that in all such cases, an immediate assessment will be provided by the general adult mental health service in the catchment area.
487 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which adequate resources are available to provide the necessary services when there is suspicion of self-harm or injury; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26320/11]
Where there is suspicion of self harm or injury the most appropriate course is to advise the individual to seek help from their GP, who can then make a referral to other services such as the mental health or addiction service, if the self harm is drug or alcohol related. In an emergency the individuals should be referred or taken to the nearest hospital emergency department for a medical assessment, treatment and if necessary referral to other services. The HSE Clinical Care national lead on mental health is working with key stakeholders to develop a uniform approach to self harm assessments in emergency departments so that all those who present will receive the most appropriate care and treatment. In addition a pilot project is now under way in the Cork Hospital Group to train all appropriate clinical staff in self harm/suicide management and it is planned that in due course this will be rolled-out to other hospitals.
The HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention has funded a number of community SCAN (Suicide Community Assessment Nurses) who work directly with primary care to avoid admission to hospital. These projects are currently being evaluated. A number of voluntary organisations also provide services to those who self harm.
Dealing with the current high levels of suicide and deliberate self harm is a priority for this Government. The total funding available nationally through the HSE for suicide prevention is about €9 million of which €4.2 million is available to the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) and approximately €5 million is available regionally to fund Resource Officers for Suicide Prevention, Self-Harm Liaison Nurses in Hospital Emergency Departments and local suicide prevention initiatives including crisis awareness groups. The funding provided in this area this year includes a special allocation of €1 million specifically to target initiatives to address the increasing incidence of suicide and deliberate self harm.
488 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an operation, which was cancelled, will be rescheduled as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [25633/11]
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.
489 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in appointing an additional methadone dispensing general practitioner in Drogheda, County Louth; when the appointment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25646/11]
I have sought an update from the Health Service Executive on the position regarding the appointment of an additional methadone dispensing General Practitioner in Drogheda and I will forward the information to the Deputy as soon as possible.
490 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an explanation for the cancellation of an operation in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; if following this cancellation the person has been placed at the end of the waiting list for the required operation; when the person may expect the required operation; his views that such treatment of patients is appropriate and acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25656/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
491 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health if he is in receipt of a proposal for cost saving initiative with the implementation of flexible working hours and career break schemes from the Association of Chartered Physiotherapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25662/11]
The Employment Control Framework (ECF) for the Health Sector exempts a number of grades, including Physiotherapists, from the moratorium on recruitment to maintain essential services. While decisions on individuals' applications on career breaks and flexible working remain a local staff management issue, the measures proposed by the Association are broadly permissible given the exemption in the Employment Control Framework. Since December 2009, there has been a net increase of 61 wholetime equivalents in the number of physiotherapists to August 2011 in the public health services.
In July 2011, the HSE made the decision to pause recruitment in order to assist in addressing its difficult financial situation. Notwithstanding this pause, exceptions are still being made address critical service risk.
492 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when he expects to publish his statement of strategy 2011-2014 following submissions from interested parties; his plans to retain the task force structure as well as making the necessary resources available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25665/11]
My Department submitted a draft Statement of Strategy for the period 2011-2014 to me recently. It is my intention to publish the Statement of Strategy in due course, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Management Act 1997.
Drugs Task Forces play a key role in assessing the extent and nature of the drug problem in their areas and co-ordinating action at local level so that there is a targeted response to the drug problem in local communities. With a view to strengthening their effectiveness, I am initiating a review which will focus on the role of Task Forces and their funding and accountability arrangements. I also plan to review the role, composition and national structures under which Task Forces operate. The question of resources for Drugs Task Forces will be examined in the context of the Estimates for 2012, taking account of the need to protect front line services.
493 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for bypass surgery in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary can be brought forward due a deterioration in the person’s medical condition. [25669/11]
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.
494 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a report submitted to the Health Service Executive in 2009 (details supplied) and a subsequent review submitted in early 2011; and when a reply will issue to the questions posed in the review. [25675/11]
The Health Service Executive has advised me that the report referred to consisted of two strands. Firstly, serious allegations were made concerning patient care which were investigated and found to have no basis. Secondly, certain HR issues were raised and the review into these matters is nearing completion. The HSE has advised that they expect this review to be completed within weeks, at which point the complainant will be contacted.
495 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding health care in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25686/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
496 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health the total amount paid in each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 by the Health Service Executive to private employment agencies to engage staff in the health services both on a long-term and contract basis in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25690/11]
497 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health the number of doctors engaged by the Health Service Executive through private employment agencies in each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; the average commission paid to such agencies per doctor engaged through those agencies in those specific years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25691/11]
498 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health the number of nurses engaged by the Health Service Executive through private employment agencies in each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; the average commission paid to such agencies per nurse engaged through those agencies in those specific years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25692/11]
499 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health the number of radiographers engaged by the Health Service Executive through private employment agencies in each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; and the average commission paid to such agencies per radiographer engaged through those agencies in those specific years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25693/11]
500 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health the number of physiotherapists engaged by the Health Service Executive through private employment agencies in each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; and the average commission paid to such agencies per physiotherapist engaged through those agencies in those specific years in tabular form. [25694/11]
501 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health the number of laboratory technicians engaged by the Health Service Executive through private employment agencies in each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; and the average commission paid to such agencies per laboratory technicians engaged through those agencies in those specific years in tabular form. [25695/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 496 to 501, inclusive, together.
The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However, I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply this information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.
502 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health his plans for the future of the Cottage Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25696/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
503 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the current capacity of beds in Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15; and the capacity over the past five years. [25699/11]
504 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the current number of staff vacancies in Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. [25700/11]
505 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the total number of staff employed in Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. [25701/11]
506 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of bed closures in Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, over the past year. [25702/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 503 to 506, inclusive, together.
As these are service matters, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
507 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health when it is planned to roll out a diabetic retinopathy screening programme; if screening will be provided in counties Cork and Kerry; the budget that has been assigned to the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25725/11]
The HSE National Clinical Programme for Diabetes — which includes the care of children and adolescents with diabetes — is established within the Clinical Strategy and Programmes Directorate. This programme is supported by a multidisciplinary team with representation from a number of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, Podiatrists, GPs and the Diabetes Federation of Ireland.
The National Diabetes Working group is working through a number of key objectives; one of these is the development of a national diabetic retinopathy screening programme by the National Screening Programme (NCSS) — which was formally requested earlier this year by the HSE National Directorate of Clinical Strategy and Programmes to start the development of the retinopathy screening programme. This work has started; however, the development of the programme will inevitably prove protracted given the scale of the work involved in establishing such a new programme — especially given the fundamental principle that quality assured outcomes for diabetic patients is not compromised; and on this basis, it is not anticipated that it will be ready to start in the first quarter of 2012. A budget of €1.6m has been assigned to the project for 2011.
508 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a staffing issue at Kerry General Hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25738/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
509 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the total cost in each Health Service Executive region for the provision of IT support; the companies involved and the total amount paid to each in the last available 12 month period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25759/11]
As this is a matter for the Health Service Executive, it has been referred to them for direct reply.
510 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to correspondence dated 24 August 2011 from a person (details supplied) in County Carlow regarding complaints relative to the Health Service Executive; his views on the complaints made and the action he will take to improve the services in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25763/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
511 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason a date has not been set for day surgery in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny and if he will now expedite the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25766/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
512 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify the tax rates being applied to the wages and travel expenses of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [25767/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
513 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of employees in his Department who have expressed an interest in retiring ahead of the changes to the public sector pension schemes that are to come into force in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25786/11]
To date twenty four employees in my Department have expressed an interest in retiring ahead of the changes to the public service pension schemes that are to come into force on 1st March 2012.
Of these two individuals have formally applied to retire before 29th February 2012.
514 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he will give assurances that the current services in Nenagh general hospital will be maintained in view of the recent bed closures in other facilities in north Tipperary; his views on the future of Nenagh general hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25793/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
515 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an appeal for a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25818/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
516 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an application for a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25819/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
517 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an application for a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [25820/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
518 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an application for a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois. [25821/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
519 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25822/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
520 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an application for a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25823/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
521 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an application for a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25824/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
522 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an application for a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25825/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
523 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an application for a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25826/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
524 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an application for a medical card renewal will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25827/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
525 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an application for a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25829/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
526 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an application for a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25830/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
527 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Health if he will consider introducing a tax on so-called junk food to help combat the increasing obesity figures here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25846/11]
528 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Health the concept of including calorie counts on restaurant menus; if he has discussed with a company (details supplied) the reasons for their failure to introduce calorie menus here alongside the planned introduction of same in their UK branches, particularly considering the high levels of obesity here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25847/11]
529 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Health the progress made of the special action group on obesity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25848/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 527 to 529, inclusive, together.
The Special Action Group on Obesity is examining a number of options including the introduction of a sugar tax on sugar-sweetened drinks amongst a range of measures to reduce the levels of overweight and obesity in the population. The Group is not considering the introduction of tax on high fat, salt and sugar foods at this juncture. They have explored the issue of calorie posting in fast food restaurants and officials from my Department met with representatives from the food industry during the summer in this regard. I now intend writing to fast food operators in Ireland asking that they introduce this calorie posting in their Irish restaurants. This initiative was first introduced in the US, and it has recently been replicated in the UK in a deal between the British government and industry.
530 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an application for a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25888/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
531 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an application for a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25889/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
532 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an application for a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25890/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
533 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an application for a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25891/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
534 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an application for a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25892/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
535 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an application for a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25893/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
536 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an application for a medical card renewal will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25894/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
537 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an application for a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25895/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
538 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an application for a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25896/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
539 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an application for a medical card renewal will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25897/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
540 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an application for a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25898/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
541 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on an application for a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25899/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
542 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that there are sufficient staff allocated to the paediatric rheumatology services at Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin 12, to meet the growing demands for such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25909/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
543 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the number of primary care teams in existence currently being developed and in planning stages on a county basis. [25912/11]
The HSE has identified a need for 518 Primary Care Teams and 386 of them have commenced operation with widely varying degrees of activity. The remaining 132 Teams are at varying stages of development.
The table shows the number of Primary Care Teams in place and the number of Teams in development, at the end of August 2011, broken down on a HSE Regional and Local Health Office Area basis.
|
Overall No of Teams |
LHO Name |
No. of PCTs in Place (31st Aug 2011) |
No. of PCTs in Development (31st Aug 2011) |
|
Dublin Mid Leinster |
|||
|
15 |
Dublin South City |
11 |
4 |
|
10 |
Dublin South East |
8 |
2 |
|
18 |
Dublin South West |
9 |
9 |
|
15 |
Dublin West |
8 |
7 |
|
25 |
Kildare/West Wicklow |
19 |
6 |
|
20 |
Laois/Offaly |
9 |
11 |
|
16 |
Longford/Westmeath |
13 |
3 |
|
16 |
South Dublin |
14 |
2 |
|
14 |
Wicklow |
14 |
0 |
|
149 |
105 |
44 |
|
|
Dublin North East |
|||
|
14 |
Cavan/Monaghan |
10 |
4 |
|
27 |
Dublin North |
27 |
0 |
|
21 |
Dublin North Central |
21 |
0 |
|
24 |
Dublin North West |
13 |
11 |
|
12 |
Louth |
9 |
3 |
|
19 |
Meath |
5 |
14 |
|
117 |
85 |
32 |
|
|
South |
|||
|
16 |
Carlow/Kilkenny |
11 |
5 |
|
16 |
Kerry |
9 |
7 |
|
12 |
North Cork |
8 |
4 |
|
21 |
North Lee |
20 |
1 |
|
22 |
South Lee |
17 |
5 |
|
10 |
Tipperary South |
7 |
3 |
|
12 |
Waterford |
9 |
3 |
|
8 |
West Cork |
8 |
0 |
|
17 |
Wexford |
12 |
5 |
|
134 |
101 |
33 |
|
|
West |
|||
|
12 |
Clare |
12 |
0 |
|
18 |
Donegal |
12 |
6 |
|
26 |
Galway |
19 |
7 |
|
18 |
Limerick |
14 |
4 |
|
15 |
Mayo |
15 |
0 |
|
6 |
Roscommon |
6 |
0 |
|
11 |
Sligo/Leitrim |
8 |
3 |
|
12 |
Tipp/East Limerick |
9 |
3 |
|
118 |
95 |
23 |
|
|
518 |
Totals |
386 |
132 |
544 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health further to previous questions regarding the position of the chief dental officer replied to on 26 May 2011, the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25924/11]
In a response to a similar Question on 26th May, I informed the Deputy that the current moratorium on the filling of posts has meant that my Department has not been in a position to fill the position of Chief Dental Officer. The Dental Advisor formerly on secondment to my Department has completed her secondment and returned to the HSE. Following the review of my Department under the Organisational Review Programme (ORP) we will be reviewing the skills needed for the future and this will include positions such as that of Chief Dental Officer.
This Review of Skills is in the next phase of our implementation of the Action Plan prepared in response to the ORP review and work on this phase will commence shortly.
545 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health the number of recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children’s report into orthodontic care that have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25925/11]
The Joint Committee on Health and Children produced a Review of Public Orthodontic Services in June 2005, which contained seven specific recommendations. The position in relation to each recommendation is set out in the tabular statement.
|
Recommendations |
Status of Recommendations |
|
The existing guide-lines for Orthodontic Treatment (Categories A, B and C) should be replaced by the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need Code (IOTN) on a national basis immediately. Persons classified as Grade 4 or 5 under the IOTN in terms of the severity of their need for treatment should then be removed from waiting lists and given the requisite orthodontic treatment. |
HSE Guidelines based on IOTN have been introduced. |
|
The Minister for Health & Children should implement measures, as a top national priority, to ensure international accrediting bodies are given proper recognition. This recognition would then facilitate an increase in the number of qualified Orthodontists. |
The Irish Committee for Specialist Training in Dentistry is the recognised accredited body in Ireland and orthodontic courses run by the Dublin and Cork Dental Schools have been recognised. |
|
The Training Programme provided by a number of Orthodontists in the former Mid-Western Health Board area that was stopped should be reinstated immediately, with the requisite academic supports, as a means of further increasing the supply of trained Orthodontists. |
This recommendation has not yet been implemented. |
|
The outstanding issues at the Dental School in University College Cork (UCC) should be resolved as a matter of top priority so that Orthodontic training can commence there in the very near future. |
Cork Dental School is accredited for training postgraduate orthodontic students. |
|
Funding for Specialist Training Places (funded by the Department of Health & Children and attached to Health Authorities for a 3 year period) that was stopped should be reinstated immediately. In the event of the State having to provide funding for orthodontic trainees, these trainees should be required to have a public service commitment upon graduation. |
The HSE has two postgraduate students attending the Dublin Dental School and Hospital course. They are due to qualify this autumn. Post qualification they are contracted to work for the HSE for a four year period. |
|
A Chief Dental Officer should be appointed to the Department of Health and Children as a matter of urgency to replace the vacancy that has been there since 2004. The salary and conditions should be commensurate with recruiting a professional of the highest calibre with the requisite skills to deliver on a national dental strategy. |
This is being considered by the Department of Health. |
|
At least 5 additional Oral Surgeons and 5 Maxillo-Facial Surgeons should be appointed without delay to complement Orthodontic treatment services. |
This recommendation has not yet been implemented. |
546 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health the Health Service Executive’s position in relation to the employment of orthodontic therapists; if the position adopted by the HSE here is in keeping with international best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25926/11]
The Dental Council has established schemes for the recognition of grades of auxiliary dental workers, including Orthodontic Therapists. I understand that no such workers are currently registered with the Dental Council. The HSE intends to review the delivery of orthodontic services and all possible avenues in relation to internationally recognised models of good practice will be considered in that context.
547 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health if he has any plans to amend the Dentists Act 1985; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25927/11]
It is planned to update the legislative provisions in relation to the regulation of dentists, in line with recent legislation for other regulated health care professionals. However, the timeframe is dependent on prioritisation within the Department's overall legislative programme. Work has commenced on scoping the issues involved.
548 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reasons for the delay in arranging operations for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite the matter. [25943/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
549 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the amount that the Health Service Executive paid in rent to private landlords from 2007 for temporary facilities to take care of psychiatric patients while awaiting the completion of the new psychiatric care unit adjoining Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal. [25955/11]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
550 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the details of all private cleaning contractors who have secured tenders for laundry services at Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal; the cost of each tender; and the rationale for the different tenders. [25956/11]
As this is a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
551 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health if he plans to provide the necessary capital to provide the extension to Bandon Community Hospital, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25975/11]
The management and delivery of the health capital programme is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
552 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health the exact staffing allocation being provided to support children diagnosed with autism in west Cork through CoAction in 2011; the way that this compares with the staffing allocation in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25976/11]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for this question to be transferred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
553 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will fund a charity (details supplied) in County Kerry. [26003/11]
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, and the Deputy will be informed of the outcome of the application as soon as a decision has been made.
554 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a matter at a hospital (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26004/11]
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, and the Deputy will be informed of the outcome of the application as soon as a decision has been made.
555 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the cost to the State when all publicly employed hospital consultants exceed the cap of 25% in private practice by 15%. [26009/11]
I am determined to ensure that consultants adhere to the private practice limits set out in the 2008 Contract and to see that public patients receive equitable access to appropriate care.
The 2008 Consultants' Contract includes measures to strengthen the management, monitoring and control of activity in hospitals with a view to ensuring that the level of consultant private practice within public hospitals does not exceed the permitted ratio, which is 20% for new consultants and a maximum of 30% for consultants who previously held the 1997 Contract. A small number of consultants have significantly exceeded the private practice limit. The Health Service Executive has taken action against these consultants focusing on those with private practice in excess of 40-50% and seeking compliance with the terms of the contract. Under the contract, consultants who remain in breach of the permitted ratio are required to remit excess private practice income to the employer for placement in a research and study fund.
Where consultants exceed the private practice ratios permitted in the contract, the principal cost to the State is that a smaller proportion of public patients than should be the case receive treatment.
556 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 496 of 20 September 2011, the way the average figure for the cost of a nursing home bed through the National Treatment Purchase Fund was arrived at, providing highs and lows for the most expensive and least expensive care facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26027/11]
The weighted average cost for long-term residential care in private nursing homes is arrived at by multiplying the cost of care in each nursing home by the number of residents, adding all of these totals together and dividing by the total number of beds nationally.
The cost of care in each private nursing home is notified to the HSE and published on its website. The latest information available indicates that the lowest cost of care in a private nursing home is €565 per week and the highest is €1,344 per week. The weighted average is €900.
557 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding allocated for secretariat services for the Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health for 2010 and 2011. [26109/11]
The total funding allocated to the Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health was €400,000 in 2010 and €350,000 in 2011. This funding was for secretariat costs. Members of the Expert Body provide their expertise on a voluntary basis.
558 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding services in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26139/11]
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.
559 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health in view of the number of patients that Letterkenny General Hospital, LGH, County Donegal, caters for on an annual basis and the scale of medical specialties available in the hospital, if he will now upgrade the status of LGH from general to regional. [26154/11]
Letterkenny General Hospital is categorised as a Category 2 Hospital for the purpose of public hospital charges. Private, semi private and day case charges for hospitals in this category were increased this year by between 29% and 42%.
The issue of reimbursement of hospitals for private patient treatment was examined in the ‘Value for Money and Policy Review of the Economic Cost and Charges Associated with Private and Semi-Private Treatment Services in Public Hospitals', published in December 2010. This Report recommended a review of the system of hospital categorisation, on which private patient charges are based. The existing categories reflect differences in teaching status and complexity as measured by the casemix system.
As measured by the casemix system, Letterkenny General Hospital has a relatively low level of case complexity, and therefore resource usage, compared to other hospitals. This would suggest that its current classification for charging purposes is appropriate.
However, I will keep the matter under review in the context of categorising all hospitals for charging purposes.
560 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a nine month waiting list for an echocardiogram appointment (details supplied) at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26169/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
561 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health the reason ambulance transport for outpatient services in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has been withdrawn. [26180/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
562 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the reasons an appointment to receive the determination of results was cancelled from 26 September 2011 to June 2012 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26201/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
563 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health his views regarding a submission on mental health services (details supplied); his plans to address the issues raised; the meeting he or the Ministers of State at his Department or his Department officials have had or are proposing to have with the representative organisations involved with the submission; the results of such meetings if they have taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26202/11]
Since taking office I have had meetings with very many representative organisations in the area of mental health, including the one referred to in the details supplied by the Deputy. At those meetings I reiterated the Government's commitment to the reform of our mental health services in line with A Vision for Change.
It is the Government's intention that over time access to modern mental health services in the community will be significantly improved. It is proposed in our current Programme for Government to increase the spend on mental health services by ring-fencing €35 million annually from within the health budget to develop community mental health teams and services. In addition, as 90% of mental health needs are dealt with at primary care level, the Government is committed to developing closer links between mental health services and primary care. GPs and Primary Care Teams will be supported in their physical working environment through the provision of shared premises which will encourage and facilitate interaction across all health professionals. It is envisaged that the provision of improved community-based services will ensure that people with mental health problems receive the treatment and after-care support needed to facilitate recovery.
I have asked the HSE to prepare an implementation plan, which will identify specific recommendations of A Vision for Change that can be progressed over the next three years, with timelines, detailed costs, person(s) responsible for implementation etc. I am also in discussions with officials in my Department with a view to establishing a Directorate within the HSE to take overall responsibility for driving and implementing the recommendations of A Vision for Change and, in particular, to deliver on the commitments in the Programme for Government.
564 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health when the Health Service Executive Dublin north east taxi contract was last put out to tender; the details of the arrangements currently in place; when it will be put out to tender again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26208/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
565 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health when will the 100 bed community nursing unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Raheny, Dublin 5 be fully opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26209/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
566 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health if he will consider extending to the families of children with serious chronic illness the current provisions for medical card renewal by persons over 70 years which allow them to renew the card by signing an affidavit that their circumstances have not changed in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26225/11]
Under the General Medical Card Scheme, medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of general practitioners services. Eligibility for the medical card is based primarily on the means of the adult and his/her spouse or civil partner. Two years is now the average period nationally for which an individual or family holds a medical card before formal review under the General Medical Scheme (GMS). The review process is an important quality assurance aspect of the management of the GMS.
The medical card review process for the over 70's is based on separate legislation and the process has been simplified to facilitate older persons where there has been no change in their circumstances. Where changes in circumstances have occurred, the case is reviewed in the normal way. The HSE has no plans to change these arrangements.
567 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health in view of the recent disclosure of contracts entered into by the previous Government with hospital consultants related to one year’s paid leave in lieu of time worked, if he will outline the cost of such contracts to the State; the date on which they were agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26228/11]
Dating back to the 1991 contract and earlier, consultants had an entitlement to rest days in lieu of extra days/hours worked. Consultant Contract 1997 provided for ‘historic rest days' as a means of settling claims that consultants had not benefited from their full rest day entitlement. This allows them to take up to a year of such rest days — on full pay — prior to retirement and requires that they be replaced on a locum basis until their actual retirement date. In a number of instances, consultants offer to perform their own locum, effectively on double pay. Consultants who had established an entitlement to historic rest days maintained this under Consultant Contract 2008. The 2008 contract has a new mechanism for rest days whereby, on a quarterly basis, consultants must now take such leave days or forfeit them.
Approximately 450 Consultants remain eligible for historic rest days. The large majority of these are eligible for the full year of historic rest days, meaning that for a year prior to their retirement and the introduction of a permanent replacement, their employer must pay both for the consultant and — if services are to be maintained — for a locum. It is estimated that such contracts would cost the health service approximately €100 million in the period up to 2027, when the last of the cohort of eligible consultants is set to retire.
Historic rest days represent an anachronistic and costly means of compensating Consultants who did not receive their full complement of rest days in the period 1991 to 1997. The requirement that the full complement be taken immediately prior to retirement places a significant burden on the employer in terms of maintaining services and funding both the Consultant and their locum for up to a year.
Taking this into account, the HSE has recently tabled proposals under the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 to the Irish Hospital Consultants' Association and Irish Medical Organisation, aimed at addressing this future liability for the health service. The matter is the subject of ongoing engagement between the parties.
568 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Health notwithstanding the Civil Service circular No. 28, if he will provide a list of the current pay of each senior civil servant from higher executive officer to Secretary General in his Department broken down by grade; the pension entitlements of each and any other emoluments they are entitled to receive upon reaching retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26238/11]
All general service grades employed in my Department are paid in accordance with Department of Finance Circular 28/2009 Revision of Pay of Civil Servants.
The following table details the current payscales by grade as requested by the Deputy.
|
Grade Level |
Pay Scale |
|
Secretary General |
€215,590 (Non PPC) |
|
Chief Medical Officer |
€176,800 (PPC) |
|
Assistant Secretary |
€127,796 — €146,191 (Non PPC) |
|
Deputy Chief Medical Officer |
€93,197 — €113,530 (Non-PPC) €97,668 -€119,445 (PPC) |
|
Principal Officer Higher Scale |
€85,957 — €105,429 (Non PPC) €90,355 — €110,844 (PPC) |
|
Principal Officer |
€80,051 — €98,424 (Non PPC) €84,132 — €103,472 (PPC) |
|
Assistant Principal Higher Scale |
€67,913 — €84,296 (Non PPC) €71,359 — €88,598 (PPC) |
|
Assistant Principal |
€61,966 — €76,768 (Non PPC) €65,185 — €80,678 (PPC) |
|
Higher Executive Officer Higher Scale |
€46,426 — €57,251 (Non PPC) €48,831 — €60,224 (PPC) |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
€43,816 — €55,415 (Non PPC) €46,081 — €58,294 (PPC) |
|
Administrative Officer Higher Scale |
€40,734 — €57,251 (Non-PPC) €42,838 — €60,224 (PPC) |
|
Administrative Officer |
€31,619 — €55,415 (Non PPC) €33,247 — €58,294 (PPC) |
There are also a number of professional staff employed in my Department including inter alia Legal Advisor, Chief Pharmacist, Chief Environmental Health Officer, Chief Nursing Officer who are paid a salary equivalent to their comparable civil service grade.
Under the terms of the Civil Service Pension Scheme, all retiring Civil Servants are normally entitled to an annual pension and retirement lump sum based on final salary and years of service. The retirement lump sum is calculated at 3/80ths of pensionable remuneration for each year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 40 years service.
The method of calculation of pension for pre-6 April 1995 staff (Non Personal Pension Contribution) who pay the modified rate of PRSI is 1/80th of pensionable remuneration per year of reckonable service, subject to a maximum of 40 years.
The method of calculating Main Scheme pension for officers recruited on or after 6 April 1995 (PPC) who qualify for benefits on or after 1 January 2004 is:
(a) For that part of the officer's pensionable remuneration which is less than or equal to 3 1/3rd times the current rate of CSP (Contributory State Pension), 1/200th of pensionable remuneration multiplied by the number of years of reckonable service plus
(b) For any part of the officer's pensionable remuneration which exceeds 3 1/3rd times CSP, 1/80th of pensionable remuneration multiplied by the number of years of reckonable service.
The maximum number of years of reckonable service is 40.
569 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 936 of 14 September 2011, the length of time he intends to keep this reduced reimbursement price for fridge items in place. [26248/11]
The current rates of payments for pharmacists are set out in the Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to Community Pharmacy Contractors) Regulations 2011 (SI No. 300 of 2011).
The Minister for Health is required by the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 to carry out a review of the operation, effectiveness and impact of the rates before the end of the year. If, after completing the review, the Minister considers it appropriate to do so, the Minister may, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, adjust the rates of payment.
570 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when the fair deal scheme will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26327/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
571 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the extent of the budget allocation for the mental health section of the health service for 2011; and if he will provide a breakdown of that allocation for that year. [26355/11]
Non-capital funding for mental health in the 2011 Revised Book of Estimates for the Public Services is €920 million. The Estimate is broken down under the five broad headings of Long Stay Residential Care (€534 million), Community Services (€252 million), Psychiatry of Later Life (€9 million), Counselling Services (€18 million) and other (€107 million).
572 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the cost to the State to pay for a single resident in full-time residential care at St. John of God Menni Enterprises, Ballyfermot, Dublin. [26357/11]
573 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the cost to the State of a person accessing the day care centre per day at St. John of God Menni Enterprises, Ballyfermot, Dublin. [26358/11]
574 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the total contributions from the State on an annual basis for the past ten years to St. John of God Menni Enterprises, Ballyfermot, Dublin. [26359/11]
575 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the total number of full-time and part-time staff positions funded by the State at St. John of God Menni Enterprises, Ballyfermot, Dublin; and if he will provide a breakdown of the number of staff earning up to €40,000 per year, the number of staff earning between €40,000 and €80,000 per year, the number of staff earning between €80,000 and €100,000 per year and the number earning over €100,000 per year. [26360/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 572 to 575, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for these questions to be transferred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
576 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if his Department has submitted a strategy statement to him, as specified under the 1997 Public Service Management Act and if so, will he publish the statement. [26393/11]
My Department submitted a draft Statement of Strategy for the period 2011-2014 to me recently. It is my intention to publish the Statement of Strategy in due course, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Management Act 1997.
577 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health further to a meeting of 15 July 2011 with a survivors society (details supplied), the progress made to date of the establishment of a forum in regard to the determining means of addressing the major issues raised at the meeting, the projected calendar of dates and events that he proposes to organise in the preparation of the forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26409/11]
578 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health if, further to a meeting held on 15 July, 2011, he has contacted the company to determine if there is a willingness by them to provide funding for the purchase of special equipment for the members of the association (details supplied); if so, the position regarding same; if not, if it is his intention to make such contacts or arrange such meetings between himself and the company in view of the grave concerns the members have raised in regard to the lack of such facilities and the affect of such on their families and friends in seeking to overcome such shortfalls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26410/11]
579 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health further to a parliamentary question of 3 March 2011, the results of the resultant meeting of 15 July 2011 (details supplied); the actions taken as a result of that meeting to date to address the issues raised at that meeting; if any funding has been provided to address the problems raised; if so, the amount; if any facilities such as special wheelchair, lifts, beds, provision of showers, special baths, extensions and so on have been purchased or ordered or planned to address the major concerns and problems that were raised at the meeting; if any have been supplied to date; if there has been a confirmed contact within his Department for the stated organisation to work through; if not will this matter be urgently addressed; is there a date fixed for a further meeting to discuss progress and to address any concerns the group has in regard to the position now of the group and its participants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26411/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 577 to 579, inclusive, together.
I outlined with my meeting with the Irish Thalidomide Survivors Society in July, my main focus is on addressing the health care issues of Irish thalidomide survivors. Discussions with the Health Service Executive (HSE) regarding health care issues have been ongoing. My officials will now seek to establish the parameters of what can be offered in this regard and will be in touch with the representatives of both thalidomide organisations when my Department and the HSE are in a position to outline the details involved. I will ensure that survivors and their representatives are consulted during this process, which I have asked to be advanced as quickly as possible.
580 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the serious staffing shortage at a public nursing home (details supplied) in County Wicklow which has led to the temporary closure of the facility; the number of staff currently working at this facility; the number of staff currently on temporary and long-term sick leave; the measures the Health Service Executive will take to reduce staff sick leave; when he expects the facility to re-open for new respite care admissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26415/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
581 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health the alternative arrangements he and the Health Service Executive will introduce to provide respite care services for elderly patients in County Wicklow while a public nursing facility (details supplied) in the county remains closed due to staffing shortages; if patients who have not received their scheduled respite care as a result of this facility’s closure will receive their full allocation of respite care at a later date this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26416/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
582 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health his plans to end the placing of children and young persons in adult psychiatric wards. [19830/11]
A child should only be admitted as an in-patient to a psychiatric facility as a last resort, and should as far as possible receive the necessary treatment in the community; there are now 61 multidisciplinary Child and Adolescent Mental Health teams nationally and further teams will be developed in line with the recommendations of A Vision for Change. The Government is committed to reforming our model of healthcare delivery so that more care is delivered in the community; access to modern mental health services in the community will therefore be significantly improved. It is proposed to ringfence €35m annually from within the health budget to develop community mental health teams and services to ensure early access to more appropriate services for both adults and children.
In terms of child and adolescent mental health service infrastructure, currently bed capacity is 36, 12 in Dublin, 12 in Cork and 12 in Galway, with a further 16 beds to be commissioned by the end of the year — 8 in Cork and 8 in Galway. It is also proposed to provide further beds in the Dublin region and, in this regard, work is due to commence later this year on the second phase of the Child and Adolescent Unit at St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview which will increase capacity from 6 to 12 beds, and on the development of an 8 bedded facility at St. Loman's, Palmerstown. In addition, work on the Linn Dara Child and Adolescent Mental Health Day Facility in Cherry Orchard, Dublin is close to completion. It is anticipated that this facility will provide day care and treatment for children and adolescents with mental health needs and will obviate the need for some admissions. It is envisaged that the provision of improved community based services, coupled with an increase in bed capacity, will put an end to the practice of placing children and adolescents in adult psychiatric facilities.
583 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health the name and number of external reports that were commissioned by his Department from 2000 to 2004 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]
During the period specified by the Deputy, having due regard to the tendering process, a total of 105 external reports were commissioned by the Department. Details of these reports are set out in the following tables.
Health is an extremely complex environment involving a broad spectrum of primary and acute care services for the entire population, ranging from services for children and families, services for older people, mental health services and disability services. The nature, cost and burgeoning demand for services require that a strong emphasis be placed on the evidence base for policy and resource usage.
Many of the reports can be traced back to the development of services for cancer, cardiovascular health, health promotion and the subsequent evaluation of these strategies. A number of the reports deal with complex and ethical issues, for example, the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction.
A strong feature of a number of the reports related to engagement in widespread public consultation. National and international expert advice are critical and vital components in the development of health strategy. The commissioning of external reports is very much part of a modern and effective administrative system and helps to inform the development of policy, regulation and legislation for the health sector as well as serving the public interest. There is, and will continue to be, a need for objective, independent and expert review and evaluation of health services and health outcomes into the future.
|
Name of Report |
Carried out by |
Cost |
|
Final Report of the Empowerment of Nurses and Midwives Steering Group: An Agenda for Change |
Dublin City University University of Leeds |
€23,320 |
|
Acute Hospital Bed Capacity: A National Review |
Mary Codd |
€141,191 |
|
Ambulance Service Communication Study |
RCC Consultants |
€26,060 |
|
Annual Report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals for 2000 |
Inspectorate of Mental Hospitals |
€10,000 |
|
Critique of earlier Health Strategy ‘Shaping a Healthier Future’ |
ESRI |
€21,469 |
|
Feasibility Study relating to implementation of Case-Mix based Risk Equalisation |
Cap Gemini Ernst and Young |
€174,456 |
|
Report of the Forum on Fluoridation Ireland |
Advisory Group established by Minister |
€336,000 |
|
Report of the Working Group on National Anti-Poverty Strategy and Health |
Institute of Public Health |
€190,000 |
|
Report on the Current and Future Supply and Demand Conditions in the Labour Market for Certain Professional Therapies |
Peter Bacon and Associates |
€38,092 |
|
Review of the Organisation and Management of “An Bord Uchtála” (The Adoption Board) |
Maureen Lynott |
€20,895 |
|
Review of the organisational structures of the ERHA |
Alpha Consulting |
€7,781 |
|
Report of The Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction |
The Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction |
€633,809 |
|
The Development of Radiation Oncology Services in Ireland — Consumer survey of radiotherapy services in Ireland |
Institute of Public Administration/Royal College of Surgeons |
€21,707 |
|
Value for Money Audit of the Irish Health System |
Deloitte and Touche |
€616,000 |
|
Name of Report |
Carried out by |
Cost |
|
Annual Report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals for 2001 |
Inspectorate of Mental Hospitals |
€11,951 |
|
Evaluation of the North Eastern Health Board’s Out of Hours Co-operative |
Conall Devine |
€31,743 |
|
Evaluation of the Pilot Programme for the Education of Health Care Assistants |
University of Ulster |
€76,000 |
|
Final Report on Options for System Development and Implementation |
Social Information Systems Ltd. |
€62,737 |
|
Report on the steps open to the State to instigate an effective inquiry into the role of the international pharmaceutical companies into the infection with HIV and Hepatitis C of persons with haemophilia |
Paul Gardiner |
€103,000 |
|
Heart Health Task Force Progress Report July 1999 — June 2001 |
Heart Health Task Force |
€35,500 |
|
Impact of Alcohol Advertising on Teenagers in Ireland |
McDonald Glennon |
€45,000 |
|
Market research for the Department on the public’s attitude to health matters |
Irish Marketing Surveys Ltd. |
€99,040 |
|
National Blood Strategy Implementation Group Report |
University College Dublin |
€55,000 |
|
National Evaluation of the Role of the Clinical Placement Co-ordinator |
Royal College of Surgeons |
€25,359 |
|
Pharmacy Review Group Report |
Pharmacy Review Group |
€36,423 |
|
Policy Paper 1 — “The Invisible Student” Young Parents in Education — Policy Paper 2 — “I Hadn’t a Penny” |
Centre for Social and Educational Research |
€37,457 |
|
Provision of Medical Indemnity Report: Provision of Clinical Indemnity Scheme Helpline service on behalf of State Claims Agency. |
CIRCA Healthcare Consulting |
€979,012 |
|
Report on the Regulation of Practitioners of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Ireland |
Institute of Public Administration |
€18,982 |
|
Report on the Strategic Options for the Voluntary Health Insurance Board |
Davy Corporate Finance Ltd./William Fry |
€553,493 |
|
Report to the Minister for Health and Children: Independent Examination related to the Medical Council and the South Eastern Health Board |
Maureen Lynott |
€7,770 |
|
Review of Dáil na nÓg 2001 — Professional Solutions |
Michael Bruton |
€8,433 |
|
Review of potential liabilities of Portiuncula Hospital |
Marsh Ireland |
€1,921 |
|
Name of Report |
Carried out by |
Cost |
|
A feasibility study on the costs and benefits associated with the introduction of a dedicated Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) |
Booz/Allen/Hamilton |
€64,230 |
|
Analysis of Question 1 of Public Consultation to the National Health Strategy “Quality and Fairness: A Health System for You” (2001) |
Jean Tubridy |
€21,600 |
|
Annual Report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals for 2002 |
Inspectorate of Mental Hospitals |
€14,341 |
|
Report of the Commission on Financial Management and Control Systems in the Health Service |
The Commission on Financial Management and Control Systems in the Health Service |
Nil |
|
National Task Force on Medical Staffing |
Task Force appointed by Minister |
€741,050 |
|
Audit of Structures and Functions in the Health System |
Prospectus Strategy Consultants |
€533,131 |
|
Childline Review — Children’s Research Centre |
Trinity College Dublin |
€45,000 |
|
Dental Epidemiology |
Oral Health Research Centre |
€727,367 |
|
Evaluation of Pharmacy Regulations |
Indecon International Economic Consultants |
€65,400 |
|
Inquiry into the Handling of Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse relating to the Diocese of Ferns |
George Bermingham |
€2,028,498 |
|
National Children’s Advisory Council — Facilitation for Young People and Report on Young People’s Participation on the Council |
Anne Colgan |
€14,483 |
|
National Children’s Advisory Council — Report of the Voice of the Child — National Youth Council of Ireland |
Marian Brattman |
€3,200 |
|
National Children’s Advisory Council — Report on the Implementation of Children First and Vetting |
Lynne Peyton |
€9,809 |
|
Paediatric Palliative Care Needs Assessment — ‘A Needs Assessment for Children’ |
UCD |
€71,944 |
|
Position Paper on Feasibility of Introducing a Cost of Disability Payment |
Indecon |
Nil |
|
Report of Mr Kevin Bonner on Monaghan General Hospital |
Kevin Bonner |
€43,584 |
|
Report of the Independent Review Panel to the Minister for Health and Children concerning the birth of Baby Bronagh Livingstone on 11 December 2002 |
Maureen Lynott |
€7,841 |
|
Report on Social Work Workload Management |
Social Information Systems Ltd. |
€30,000 |
|
Review of funding of sheltered workshops |
KPMG |
€106,480 |
|
Review of Governance and Accountability in the General Medical Services Scheme |
Deloitte and Touche |
€130,584 |
|
Review of Proposed Pharmacy Models |
Indecon |
€83,901 |
|
The Evaluation of ‘Cancer Services in Ireland’ A National Strategy 1996 |
Deloitte and Touche |
€106,398 |
|
Report of The National Implementation Committee on Pre-Registration Nursing Degree Education |
The National Implementation Committee on Pre-Registration Nursing Degree Education |
€317,000 |
|
The Nursing and Midwifery Resource — National Study of Turnover in Nursing and Midwifery — Dept of Nursing Studies |
UCD |
€70,000 |
|
Name of Report |
Carried out by |
Cost |
|
Promoting the Well-Being of Families and Children: A Study of Family Support Services in the Health Sector in Ireland |
Kieran McKeown, Madeline Clark, Michael Little, Trutz Hasse |
€207,869 |
|
A Census of Family Support in Ireland: Results of a Census of Family Support Services which were funded by Health Boards in 2002 |
Kieran McKeown, Madeline Clark, Michael Little, Trutz Hasse |
€10,029 |
|
A Guide to the Children Act, 2001 |
University College Cork |
€5,000 |
|
Adoption Legislation Consultation |
Geoffrey Shannon |
€26,661 |
|
Annual Report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals for 2003 |
Inspectorate of Mental Hospitals |
€17,869 |
|
Children’s Understanding of Well - Being |
National University Of Ireland |
€16,625 |
|
Evaluation of the South Eastern Health Board’s Out of Hours co-operative |
Trinity College |
€61,743 |
|
Family Support in Ireland — Definition and Strategic Intent |
JR Pinkerton |
€7,074 |
|
Heart Health Task Force Second Report on Implementation of the Cardiovascular Health Strategy July 1999 — September 2002 ‘Ireland’s Changing Heart’ |
Heart Health Task Force |
€59,037 |
|
Interim Report of the National Breastfeeding Committee |
BFHI |
€2,500 |
|
Irish Health Service Reform Programme — Dialogue on Implementing Reform — Communication and Consultation Programme July — September 2003 |
Office for Health Management |
Nil |
|
Men and Domestic Violence: What Research Tells Us |
K. McKeown Ltd. |
€66,000 |
|
National Children’s Advisory Council — Report on Alcohol Use/Misuse by Young People |
Lynne Peyton |
€12,404 |
|
National Health & Lifestyle Surveys National and Regional Reports — Phase 2 |
NUI Galway |
€860,000 |
|
National Standards on Foster Care — Children’s Version |
Siobhan Parkinson |
€21,679 |
|
Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy ‘A Vision for Change’ |
Expert Group on Mental Health Policy |
€428,467 |
|
Report of the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training (MET) Group (Buttimer Report) |
Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Group |
€313,040 |
|
Report of the Task Force on Assaults on Psychiatric Nurses |
Task Force on Assaults on Psychiatric Nurses |
€9,750 |
|
Report of the Working Group on Treatment of Under 18 year olds presenting to Treatment Services with Serious Drug Problems |
Addiction Research Centre |
€10,249 |
|
Report of the Working Group on Undergraduate Medical Education and Training (Fottrell Report) |
Working Group on Undergraduate Medical Education and Training |
€156,844 |
|
Report on the Regulation of Health and Social Care Professionals |
IPA |
€20,000 |
|
Review of circumstances surrounding the death of Róisín Ruddle |
Review Panel |
€150,656 |
|
Review of internal controls in the Department of Health and Children with a view to implementing the recommendations of the Mullarkey Report; and consultancy assistance with respect to the structure of the Management Information Framework (MIF) in the Department |
Deloitte and Touche |
€146,152 |
|
Review of Library and Information Service |
Bríd McGrath |
€9,375 |
|
Survey and Report on Public Perceptions on Biomedical Research (RCSI) |
Hannah Magee |
€120,000 |
|
Name of Report |
Carried out by |
Cost |
|
A Feasibility Study of the Inclusion of Blood and Tissue Data as a Component of the National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland |
UCD |
€75,504 |
|
Evaluation of Coronary Heart Attack Ireland Register (CHAIR) |
Capita |
€64,100 |
|
Evaluation of Heartwatch |
Capita |
€81,700 |
|
Giving Children a Voice: Investigation of children’s experiences of participation in consultation and decision making in Irish hospitals |
DCU |
€27,294 |
|
Investigating the Impact on Children of Witnessing Domestic Violence: Nature and Adequacy of Child-Centred Services |
Waterford Institute of Technology |
€46,518 |
|
Kidscreen National Survey 2005 |
Programme of Action for Children |
€49,911 |
|
Lourdes Hospital Inquiry — An Inquiry into Peripartum Hysterectomy at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda |
Justice Maureen Harding Clarke |
€2,955,000 |
|
National Primary Care Steering Group Progress Report |
National Primary Care Steering Group |
€6,493 |
|
National Children’s Advisory Committee — End of Term Report 2001 — 2004 |
Lynne Peyton |
€12,783 |
|
Obesity the Policy Challenges — The Report of the National Taskforce on Obesity 2005 |
The National Taskforce on Obesity |
€42,000 |
|
Play and Technology |
Centre for Social and Educational Research |
€49,368 |
|
Public Perceptions of Biomedical Research |
Hannah Magee |
€120,000 |
|
Report by the Care and Management Sub-Committee of the National AIDS Strategy Committee on HIV/STI Services in Ireland |
The Care and Management Sub-Committee of the National AIDS Strategy Committee on HIV/STI Services in Ireland |
€5,053 |
|
Report from the Evaluation of the National Health Promotion Information Project |
Rita Burtenshaw and Associates |
€13,600 |
|
Report on certain issues of management and administration in the Department of Health and Children associated with the practice of charges for long-stay patients in Health Board institutions (Travers Report) |
John Travers |
€93,150 |
|
Research on Children’s Understanding of Wellbeing |
NUI Galway |
€16,625 |
|
Review of the National Health Promotion Strategy |
NUI Galway |
€19,713 |
|
Review of the Structures and Support Needs of Comhairle na nÓg and Dáil na nÓg |
Tony Murphy |
€26,611 |
|
The Child’s Right to be heard in the Health Setting |
University College Cork |
€52,591 |
|
The Development and Implementation of Child Impact Statements |
Carmel Corrigan |
€25,410 |
|
The Process of Youth Homelessness: A Qualitative Longitudinal Cohort Study |
Children’s Research Centre |
€44,506 |
|
‘What we Heard’ and ‘Speaking Your Mind’ — Reports on the Service User Consultation Process and the Public Consultation Process for the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy |
Irish Advocacy Network/Carr Communications |
€169,714 |
|
Young People’s Views about Opportunities, Barriers and Supports to Recreation and Leisure |
Cork Institute of Technology |
€45,325 |
|
Young Voices: Guidelines on how to involve children and young people in your work |
National Children’s Office/Children’s Rights Alliance/National Youth Council of Ireland |
€64,485 |
584 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he intends to open up a new round of applications for the capital sports grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25698/11]
No decision has yet been made about the timing of further rounds of the Sports Capital Programme.
585 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he intends to change the present format of drivers licences to a plastic card type as is common in other EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25734/11]
In line with EU legislation, Ireland will be required to move to a standard form of plastic card driving licence by early 2013. On coming into office I examined this matter, and have asked the Road Safety Authority to take charge of the project and expedite it. I understand from the RSA that plastic card licences will be in place by late 2012.
586 Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of employees in his Department who have expressed an interest in retiring ahead of the changes to the public sector pension schemes that are to come into force in 2012. [25790/11]
A total of 30 staff have in recent weeks requested estimates of their retirement benefits from the pensions section in my Department, as an initial expression of interest and eleven members of staff have formally indicated their intention to retire.
587 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a possibility available to renegotiate the toll contract on the M3 in view of the changed economic circumstances of the country since the original contract was signed; the current expected cost to the Exchequer over the lifetime of the contract; the revised estimated traffic flow for the M3 over the course of the contract; the way this compares to the original traffic flow expectations as outlined in the current contract; the persons that carried out the traffic demand forecasting for the route; if he has investigated the potential of claiming under their professional indemnity insurance in the event that their traffic demand forecasting was inaccurate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25947/11]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The implementation of individual national road projects, including the M3, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007. In particular, the statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in the NRA under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007). The contracts for the privately operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between the NRA and the PPP concessionaires concerned. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
588 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures that the tourism marketing fund has financed to attract further international tourists into Ireland; the amount that the fund has spent to date and its total budget. [25991/11]
The overall allocation for the Tourism Marketing Fund for 2011 is €41,383,000 and to date €26,836,000 of this amount has been transferred to the Tourism Agencies (Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland).
Specific measures are an operational matter for Tourism Ireland Limited, in the first instance, as the body responsible for promoting the island of Ireland as a visitor destination overseas, as well as Fáilte Ireland which is responsible for the promotion and development of regional, product and niche tourism in Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland for direct reply on the matter. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
589 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the options for restoring air services that were discussed with the airline operators as part of the proposed agreement to abolish the €3 air travel tax; and the specific proposals that they put forward. [25992/11]
In line with the commitments in the Programme for Government, I developed a comprehensive three-pronged strategy to encourage in-bound tourism and announced this as part of the Jobs Initiative in May. The first element was the proposed conditional suspension of the air travel tax, the second was a new growth incentive scheme which has been introduced by the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) applying to all of the three airports under its remit and the third was more targeted and co-operative marketing of new routes from key source tourism markets by Tourism Ireland, the DAA and airlines to encourage more tourists to fly into Ireland.
I made it clear from the outset that the proposed suspension of the travel tax would be contingent on a positive response to the initiative from the airlines in terms of restoring routes and capacity. My officials and I held discussions with Ryanair and Aer Lingus about what additional capacity the airlines would be prepared to deliver in return for the suspension of the tax and I also wrote to all of the scheduled airlines operating services to/from Ireland advising them of the Government's proposals and inviting them to engage with the Dublin Airport Authority to establish what new services they might introduce or reinstate taking advantage of the incentives on offer from the Government and DAA.
However, the response of the airlines was disappointing. I engaged independent consultants to examine the most significant proposals that were put forward, particularly from the point of view of their potential to increase inbound tourism. These proposals and the overall response of the airlines was not sufficient to persuade me to abolish the tax. I announced my decision in August and I said that I would look at the issue again early next year when I see the airlines proposed schedules for the summer 2012 season. With the agreement of the Ministers for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, half of the revenue that will be generated by not suspending the tax will be made available for a targeted co-operative marketing effort in conjunction with the airlines, airports, ferry companies, tour operators and others.
590 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a limousine licence will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26026/11]
This is a matter for the National Transport Authority and not one in which I have any role. I have forwarded the question onto the NTA for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
591 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the potential sources of funding that are available for a project (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26136/11]
The Sports Capital Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support towards the provision of sports facilities or the purchase of sports equipment. No decision has yet been made about the timing of further rounds of the Programme.
592 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the announced expenditure on 16 September 2011 of €2 million for upgrading coast guard equipment which includes seven ridged inflatable boats at a cost of €214,000 each, one having already been delivered to Achill Island, will the order for the remaining six boats with an average cost of €214,000 go up on etenders; if Irish companies with a turnover of less than €500,000 be allowed to bid for this business on this occasion, in view of the fact that since the last bid process two Irish companies have gone out of business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26168/11]
The Irish Coast Guard conducted a public tender for the supply of replacements boats in 2010. This tender attracted interest from several potential suppliers. On foot of this tender a contract was awarded from which up to 12 craft can be purchased as and when funding become available. Achill Coast Guard Unit is one of the units that will be provided with new Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) in 2012. The Coast Guard does not envisage that it will be tendering for any additional RIBs for the foreseeable future.
593 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the all-Ireland winning Dublin football team was not able to have a victory parade on Monday night last through the central section of Dublin city; the further reason Dublin city authorities appear to be prohibiting Gaelic football, association football, hurling and rugby football teams when they obtain outstanding success from parading through the heart of Dublin city centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26223/11]
I have no function in relation to this matter. Responsibility for matters relating to parade routes in Dublin city centre lies with Dublin City Council.
594 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of impending retirements, whether the full complement of staff will be maintained at Valentia coast guard radio station now and into the future in view of the fact that this is a frontline emergency service; if he will fasttrack the installation of urgently needed equipment at Valentia coast guard radio station; when he expects responsibility for this service to be transferred to the Department of Agriculture, Marine and Food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26226/11]
As part of the Public Service Agreement and the Civil Service wide review of staffing levels and structures, my Department is carrying out a strategic review of the maritime sector to achieve efficiencies in marine survey functions and the marine emergency service. Fisher Associates have been appointed by my Department to review the current delivery of services by the Coast Guard and the Marine Survey Office.
Currently there is a moratorium on recruitment, however essential staff at the Rescue Centres are being replaced on retirement. Three Watch officers have been recruited recently and are under training and a further ten watch officers are being called from the current recruitment panel to maintain staffing levels at the three Centres including Valentia.
In relation to the installation of equipment at the Rescue Co-ordination Centres, there are four main phases. Phase one, installation of National Maritime Operations Centre (NMOC) Dublin and east coast radio sites is complete. Phase two, installation of ICS equipment, is well under way with an expected completion date of the end of October 2011. Phase three will see the completion of Malin by end June 2012 and phase four, Valentia, by end 2012.
In relation to the move of the Coast Guard Functions to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, officials of my Department are engaged in discussions with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on the matter. Discussions have also taken place with the Office of the Attorney General in relation to a number of complex legal issues arising in the transfer. These discussions are not yet complete.
595 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport notwithstanding the Civil Service circular No. 28, if he will provide a list of the current pay of each senior civil servant from higher executive officer to Secretary General in his Department broken down by grade; the pension entitlements of each and any other emoluments they are entitled to receive upon reaching retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26243/11]
The salary scales applicable to civil servants are set out in Department of Finance Circular 28/2009, available at www.per.gov.ie. The pay rates outlined have been reduced further by 10% for new entrants with effect from 1 January 2011. Pension terms for Civil Servants are normally based on their service and final salary, subject to certain conditions and relevant legislation at the date of retirement.
596 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will develop a national strategy (details supplied) regarding maintenance of rural roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26244/11]
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council. A total of €439,676,000 is being provided for the maintenance and improvement of regional and local roads in 2011. Local authorities have also been issued with a number of best practice documents, including Guidelines for Road Drainage. Within available resources, it is a matter for each local authority to manage its work programme in order to meet its road maintenance responsibilities including road drainage requirements.
597 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position, including timeframe, regarding his plans for the electrification of the Maynooth train service to supply DART services on the route. [26361/11]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) on December 2009, the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), such as the electrification of the Maynooth line, comes under the remit of the NTA. In relation to Government policy on public transport investment, the comprehensive review of capital expenditure is currently under way. The level of funding available for public transport investment from 2012 to 2016 will be dependent on the outcome of this review which takes place against a background of new funding realities. 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.
598 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the engagement and input he had in the recent Office of Public Works announcement of the major reconstruction of Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, and the associated traffic management plan. [26362/11]
My Department has no involvement in relation to proposed works on Chesterfield Avenue. This route is a matter for the Office of Public Works. Traffic management plans in general are the responsibility of the local authority concerned, in this case Dublin City Council.
599 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will supply details, capital investment levels and timeframe for tourism projects, planned or in progress, in Dublin. [26363/11]
The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
600 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will supply details, capital investment levels and timeframe, for sporting and recreation projects, planned or in progress, in Dublin. [26364/11]
The Sports Capital Programme is the primary means of providing Government support for the provision of sports facilities throughout the country. Since 1998, over €170m has been allocated to sports projects in Dublin. In addition, during the same period, the Government has invested over €107m in the redevelopment of Croke Park and €191m in the development of the Aviva stadium. €28m remains to be drawn down in respect of 274 SCP projects in Dublin. No decision has been made on the timing of the next round of the Sports Capital Programme.
Since 2000 over €31m has also been allocated to projects in Dublin under the current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme. €4.6m remains to be drawn down in the case of 7 projects. No decision has been made in regard to the timing of a new round of the LASPP.
601 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of correspondence, meetings, discussions or any other engagement with Irish Rail on potential amendments to the M3 Parkway to docklands train service. [26365/11]
The issue raised is an operational matter for Irish Rail in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. I have had no engagement with the company in relation to this matter.
602 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Department has submitted a strategy statement to him, as specified under the 1997 Public Service Management Act and if so, will he publish the statement. [26404/11]
A draft Statement of Strategy has been submitted to me by the Secretary General of my Department. The draft Statement will be finalised following Government consideration of the Comprehensive Expenditure Review and budgetary decisions and will then be published in accordance with the requirements of the Public Service Management Act 1997.
