Vol. 742 No. 3
12 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Finance if he is concerned with the reports that legal moneylenders are now going door to door seeking custom; and his plans to regulate this behaviour and to further reduce the interest rates that these legal moneylenders can apply to their customers. [27672/11]
Firstly, I wish to assure the Deputy that there is a comprehensive regulatory licensing system in place for moneylenders. Moneylenders have to apply to the Central Bank annually to have their licences renewed. Section 93 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995 (the Act) sets out the Central Bank's powers in relation to the grant or refusal of a moneylender's licence. The appropriate moneylending application form (new or renewal) must be completed and returned to the Central Bank with a number of items, for review and consideration.
Under section 97 of the Act, the licensed moneylender is required to issue an authorisation to any person who is engaging in the collection of repayments on his/her behalf. Agents employed by licensed moneylenders are subject to the requirements of the Act and the Central Bank's Consumer Protection Code for Licensed Moneylenders (the ML Code) in the same way that the licence holder is. A copy of the ML Code is available on the Central Bank's Website www.centralbank.ie. All moneylenders (and their agents/employees) must comply with these provisions. There are a number of provisions which are particularly relevant to moneylenders who call to consumer’s homes, including the following:
moneylenders are prohibited from offering unsolicited pre-approved credit facilities to consumers under common rule 31 of the ML code,
moneylenders are prohibited from offering top-up loans to consumers under section 99 of the Act,
section 110 of the Act sets out requirements relating to prohibitions on collecting repayments at certain times. Specifically, moneylenders (or their agents/employees) cannot collect repayments between the hours of 9 o'clock in the evening on any week day and 10 o'clock in the morning on the following day, or at any time on a Sunday or a public holiday. If the consumer has given his/her express consent, in writing, then a moneylender can collect repayments between the hours of 8 o'clock and 10 o'clock in the morning on any week day. If the consumer has given this consent, he/she may withdraw it at any time, if he/she so wishes.
moneylenders are obligated to assess the creditworthiness of consumers before concluding an agreement with the consumer in accordance with regulation 11 of the European Communities (Consumer Credit Agreements) Regulations 2010.
The Central Bank has informed me that they use a number of methods to assess compliance with their codes and other applicable legislation. Licensed moneylenders who fail to comply with the provisions of any of the Central Bank's codes or applicable consumer protection laws could be subject to possible sanction under the Central Bank's Administrative Sanctions Procedure.
With regard to the interest rates charged by moneylenders, I set out, below, the position.
Interest rates and financial products are not regulated by the Central Bank so each institution determines the rate it charges its customers, depending on a number of factors, including risk. I have no function in this regard. Interest rate caps for moneylenders are not provided for in the Consumer Credit Act 1995. It should also be noted that there are no interest rate caps in relation to the industry categories which the Central Bank supervises (apart from the interest rate cap imposed on the credit union sector).
However, the Central Bank is endeavouring to increase disclosure and understanding of the costs associated with loans from moneylenders.
Under Common rule 3(b) of the MLCode, prior to entering into an agreement with a consumer, a moneylender consumer must:
disclose all the fees, costs and interest in a clear manner, and
prominently indicate the high-cost nature of the loan on all loan documentation where the APR is 23% or higher. This disclosure must take the following form: Warning: This is a high-cost loan.
In addition, the annual percentage rate allowable under moneylending licences are publicly stated on the public register of moneylenders which is available on the Central Bank's website.
I would expect that, in future, the Annual Regulatory Performance Statement of the Central Bank will refer to the regulation of moneylenders. This statement will be presented to each House of the Oireachtas. The Central Bank Reform Act 2010 provides that a Committee of the Oireachtas may request the Governor of the Central Bank or the Head of Financial Regulation to attend before it and provide information relating to the regulatory performance statement. This will allow Deputies the opportunity to see relevant information on regulatory matters, including the regulation of moneylenders.
13 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Finance if he will publish a gender audit of budget 2012 when he presents the budget proposals to Dáil Éireann in December 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27652/11]
I understand the Deputy to be referring to a process whereby each element of revenue and expenditure contained within the Budget would be examined to assess its impacts on gender equality. As the Deputy is aware, the Government's primary focus at the moment, as regards budgetary matters, is on reducing the deficit further and returning sustainability to the public finances in the coming years. The focus of Government in this regard will be on taking decisions in a way that spreads the burden of the adjustment in a fair and equitable manner, while at the same time, seeking to minimise the negative impact on economic growth. There are no plans to publish a gender audit of Budget 2012. However, I would point out that the Programme for Government does contain a commitment to require all public bodies to take due note of equality and human rights in carrying out their functions. Furthermore, the Cabinet handbook requires a statement on the likely effects of the decision sought on gender equality to be included in Memoranda to Government. Consequently, Government does consider gender equality at an individual policy or programme level. I would also remind the Deputy that the State and its bodies take the provisions of equality legislation into account in the development and delivery of its policies and services.
14 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Finance his position on the introduction of euro bonds and greater fiscal integration among the eurozone member states following recent comments by European Commission President José Barroso; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27621/11]
The economic crisis and the recent euro-area debt crisis highlighted deficiencies in the current EU economic governance system and illustrated that broader and enhanced surveillance of member states' fiscal and macroeconomic policies is required in order to ensure financial and economic stability within the Euro Area. In March of this year the European Commission proposed a comprehensive and coherent package of reforms called the "six pack" to strengthen existing tools and extend them for coordinating economic and fiscal policy in the EU. The Ecofin Council formally adopted these legislative measures at its meeting on 4 October 2011. A strengthened system of economic governance in the EU will be good for the EU as a whole, and for the individual Member States. Ireland is a strong supporter of the six-pack and the other measures that have already been put in place such as EU2020, the European Semester and the Euro Plus Pact. These measures when fully implemented will go a long way towards addressing the weaknesses in the previous European economic governance system.
The debate on enhancing economic governance in the euro area is developing further.
At the meeting on 21 July, the Eurozone leaders called on the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, in close consultation with the President of the Commission, José Manuel Barroso, and the President of the Eurogroup, Jean-Claude Juncker, to make concrete proposals by October on how to improve working methods and enhance crisis management in the Euro Area.
Ireland is supportive of the objective of enhancing the economic governance of the Euro Area. We will continue to welcome constructive proposals in this regard and I look forward to President Van Rompuy's further governance proposals.
Here in Ireland, as the Deputy may be aware, the Government is committed to significant reform of our Budgetary architecture including the recently-established independent Fiscal Advisory Council, medium-term expenditure planning and performance management.
In addition, the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support contains commitments to introduce a Fiscal Responsibility Bill by the end of the year. Work is being advanced in relation to the Fiscal Responsibility Bill and it is intended that the commitment in relation to this will also be met before the end of the year.
The role of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council is to provide an assessment of whether the Government is meeting its own stated targets and objectives. It is also charged with assessing the appropriateness and soundness of the Government's fiscal stance and macroeconomic projections as well as an assessment of the extent of compliance with fiscal rules.
On euro bonds, President Barroso has stated in his State of the Union speech to the European Parliament last week that he intends to offer proposals in the coming weeks for what he calls "Stability Bonds". He has stated that some of the options he will present could be implemented within the current Treaty, whereas fully-fledged Eurobonds would require Treaty change. As always, it is the Commission's prerogative as to what exact proposals they make; I am sure the Deputy will agree that it is prudent to wait and see the details of the proposals before finalising our position on the matter.
15 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding his review of access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises; and if the findings of the review will be made public. [27668/11]
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department published an invitation to tender for a telephone survey to ascertain the situation in relation to the demand for credit within the SME sector in Ireland on the "etenders" website on 21 September last. The closing date for receipt of tenders was noon today. The successful tenderer will conduct a survey, securing completed responses from 1,500 SMEs, to ascertain the situation in relation to:
the demand for credit from SMEs;
their level of knowledge on their rights in relation to credit;
the reasons given for refusal of credit and;
the failure of SMEs to seek credit.
The purpose of the survey is to provide data on the demand for credit by SMEs in the period April-September 2011.
The results of this survey, which will be submitted to my Department by mid November, will be a valuable resource in informing policy decisions in this area going forward. It is my intention to publish the findings of the survey in due course.
16 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Finance the reason he has not published the reports by McCann Fitzgerald and Ernst & Young into legacy issues at Irish Nationwide Building Society and his plans to publish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27616/11]
The reports by Ernst & Young and McCann FitzGerald concerning Irish Nationwide Building Society have been furnished to my Department are at this point of an interim nature, are confidential, and subject to legal privilege. These reports have been provided to the Central Bank of Ireland, as well as to the Department of Finance, and the work in relation to them is continuing. In view of the sensitive nature of the reports and their potential, if made public, to prejudice any future actions that may arise, I do not propose to publish the reports referred to at this time.
17 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the programme for Government commitment to maintain current rates of income tax together with bands and credits will be adhered to in budget 2012. [27674/11]
The Programme for Government states that as part of the Government's fiscal strategy we will maintain the current rates of income tax together with bands and credits. As the Deputy is aware, the Government has initiated a Comprehensive Review of Expenditure (CRE) to provide the Government with a set of decision options to meet the overall fiscal consolidation objectives and re-align spending with the Programme for Government priorities. The CRE is currently being completed.
On receipt of this Review, the Government will examine the findings and, based on these findings and consultation with the Troika, will seek to introduce fiscally neutral changes to the detail of the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland.
As the Taoiseach has said we will have to renegotiate with the Troika in order to follow our fiscal strategy within the framework of a Budget that will also meet our targets under the Financial Support Programme.
18 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance if he views credit unions in the same way as he sees banks; and if they require a similar or different form of regulation. [27656/11]
In recognition of the unique nature of credit unions, a statutory position of Registrar of Credit Unions was explicitly created within the Central Bank of Ireland to assume responsibility for the regulation of credit unions. The Registry of Credit Unions is responsible for the registration, regulation and supervision of credit unions. This will continue to be the position. In the Programme for Government 2011-2016, the Government stated that it recognises the important role of credit unions as a volunteer co-operative movement and the distinction between them and other types of financial institutions. In line with the Government commitment, we established a Commission on Credit Unions to review the future of the credit union movement and make recommendations in relation to the most effective regulatory structure for credit unions, taking 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 has provided me with an interim report which I am currently examining. The Report specifically addresses the differences between credit unions and banks. The Commission will have completed its work by end-March 2011.
19 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the number of credit unions that have had lending restrictions imposed on them by the Financial Regulator on a monthly basis in the years 2010 and 2011; the kinds of restrictions imposed; and his views on whether these restrictions were being applied consistently. [27655/11]
20 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the criteria currently being used by the Financial Regulator in imposing restrictions on the individual and general lending capacity of credit unions; if in view of this information his views that these restrictions are being applied fairly and consistently; and if he believes this process to be adequately transparent. [27654/11]
41 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the restrictions being placed by the Financial Regulator on the general and individual lending capacity of credit unions across the country; his views on these restrictions; if he views these restrictions as having a negative impact on the viability of individual credit unions and overall consumer spending. [27653/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 20 and 41 together.
I am aware that the Registrar of Credit Unions has imposed lending restrictions on a number of credit unions in recent months.
The imposition of lending restrictions is the responsibility of the Registrar of Credit Unions, who is the independent regulator for the sector. The Registrar is responsible for administering the system of regulation and supervision of credit unions provided for 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.
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.
Within his independent regulatory discretion, the Registrar of Credit Unions acts to support the prudential soundness of individual credit unions, to maintain sector stability and to protect the savings of credit union members. It is on this basis that the Registrar has put in place lending restrictions on credit unions as their financial position has deteriorated. Restrictions are imposed on a case-by-case basis and are reviewed regularly. Before setting the level of restriction on a credit union the Registrar carries out an analysis of the credit union business and financial position and the restrictions are designed to allow these credit unions to continue to lend, albeit at a more prudent level, in order to protect the savings of their members. The Registrar will give priority to protecting the savings of credit union members and to maintaining financial stability.
With regard to the impact of these restrictions, the Registrar advises me that they are structured to allow credit unions to lend a higher number of small value loans to the broader membership, thereby reducing concentration risk. He also advises that initial analysis indicates that the credit unions which are restricted continue to have higher levels of arrears than those which are not and this remains a concern. The Registrar closely monitors and interacts with those credit unions where lending restrictions have been imposed.
The restriction on a credit union is determined taking account of its financial data including the level of its lending, average loan size, its arrears trends and bad debt provision levels. Credit unions are able to continue to lend to members within their financial capacity to do so. If a credit union can demonstrate an improved financial position then such restrictions can be reviewed.
The imposition of these restrictions is not considered lightly and the type of lending restrictions imposed takes account of the particular business profile and financial position of each credit union concerned. The type of lending restrictions can include maximum individual loan size and overall maximum monthly lending limits. As regards the number of lending restrictions imposed each month in 2010 and 2011, the Registrar has advised me that this is confidential regulatory information and it is not his policy to release it into the public domain. He can say however that lending restrictions have been imposed on in excess of 50% of credit unions at this time. Where lending limits are specified for individual credit unions, this is communicated directly with the credit union.
It would not be appropriate for me, as Minister for Finance, to examine or adjudicate on whether the placing of lending restrictions is necessary on a case by case basis. I believe that such action would represent interference in the work of the independent financial regulator.
21 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance his plans to reduce the current €250 threshold for qualifying for tax relief on charitable donations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27643/11]
Section 848A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 allows tax relief at the marginal rate on donations made by either individuals or corporate bodies to eligible charities and other approved bodies. In order to qualify for the tax relief currently, a minimum donation of €250 must be made to the body concerned. The number of donors in respect of whom tax relief was claimed was approximately 155,000 in 2009. Reducing the threshold to allow tax relief on smaller donations, as the Deputy has proposed, could significantly increase the current cost of the scheme to the Exchequer.
Representatives of the charities sector estimated in 2005, that were the threshold to be reduced to €100, that it could double the cost of the scheme.
The tax relief available for donations is already very generous. There is no upper limit on the amount that can be donated generally and relief is granted at the donor's marginal rate of income tax. Donations can be cumulative, so that a donation of just €5 per week over the course of a year would qualify.
Reducing the threshold would greatly increase the administration overhead associated with the scheme. For example, many donors making such smaller donations may not be paying tax at all, but may not indicate this on the relevant form, with the result that the charitable body might claim a refund from Revenue on the basis that the donor is a PAYE taxpayer. The additional checking required and possible denial of the refund would increase the administrative burden all round.
The €250 threshold has not changed since it was introduced in 2002. Normal inflation levels effectively have reduced the value of the threshold over time. In addition, the donations scheme was introduced to encourage the donation of large sums of money to charities and certain other bodies. It was never envisaged that the scheme should subsidise smaller donations, which in all likelihood, would be made in any event.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Deputy will be aware that all tax reliefs and incentives are subject to regular review as part of the annual Budget and Finance Bill process. Any significant decisions taken by the Government to change such reliefs or incentives in this regard would normally be announced on Budget Day.
It is worth also noting that the Government has re-established the Forum on Philanthropy and Fundraising and it will be considering how philanthropy can be encouraged, including suggestions for tax changes.
22 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider publishingan annual list of all tax expenditure; and its cost to the State in advance of budget 2012. [27676/11]
The Office of the Revenue Commissioners is the main source of statistics and data on tax incentives and expenditure. They provide costs of tax credits, allowances and reliefs in their Annual Statistical Reports. The most recent figures related to tax expenditures appear in the 2009 report, which sets out the total identifiable costs to the Exchequer of all income tax and corporation tax allowances, reliefs, exemptions and tax credits available for 2007 and 2008, the most recent year for which information is available. Details for the following year will be published as soon as they become available. In my response to Deputy Pearse Doherty's question of 7th June last on the cost of tax expenditures (PQ 14499) I outlined the position regarding the Commission on Taxation's comprehensive review of tax expenditures and the costings therein. In addition my Department periodically publishes aggregate data relating to tax expenditures, and as recently as July 2010 published a review of tax expenditures announced in Finance Bill 2010.
All tax expenditures are kept under review and as a matter of course form part of the Tax Strategy Group's (TSG) discussions in advance of the Budget. The TSG papers are subsequently published on the Department of Finance's tax policy website (www.taxpolicy.gov.ie).
For these reasons I do not consider it appropriate to do as the Deputy asks but, as I have previously suggested, if there is any serious tax relief to which the Deputy can draw my attention, concerning which he believes the cost is great and the abolition thereof would lead to a significant yield, I will ask Revenue to provide as detailed a costing as possible.
23 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which the Central Bank of Ireland here, through the European Central Bank, influenced this country’s and EU lending and borrowing policies over the past ten years; the degree to which the ECB directed such policies; the lessons, if any, learned in the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27608/11]
The relationship between the Central Bank of Ireland and the European Central Bank is governed by the Treaty of Rome and the Statute of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB). The independence of the Governor and the Central Bank of Ireland in carrying out their ESCB related functions is guaranteed in statute. Section 6A (3) of the Central Bank Act 1942 provides that the Minister for Finance may not request information relating to ESCB functions from the Governor or the Bank. Additionally, section 19A (2) of the Act provides that the Governor has sole responsibility for the performance of the functions imposed, and the exercise of powers conferred, on the Bank by or under the Rome Treaty or the ESCB Statute.
24 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the number of the persons employed in the 50 most senior positions in Anglo Irish Bank pre-nationalisation that are currently still employed by Anglo Irish Bank or any of its subsidiaries; the position and responsibilities they held pre-nationalisation and the positions and responsibilities that they currently hold within the bank; and the number of these that earn more than €175,000 a year. [27658/11]
As the Deputy is aware the Board of the bank is responsible for the day to day operations of the bank including the remuneration of staff other than senior management of the bank. The Bank has informed me that their Legal advice dictates that the bank can respond to this question in general terms only and is not in a position to provide any personal information or information that would lead to the identification of any individuals employed by the Bank. However, the bank has indicated that since nationalisation there has been an extensive re-structuring of the governance and management of Anglo Irish Bank. None of the current executive or non executive directors of the Bank were involved with the Bank prior to nationalisation. None of the direct reports into the Group Chief Executive, Mike Aynsley, were direct reports to the previous Chief Executive at the end of 2008. Of the 50 most senior people employed pre-nationalisation, 28 have since left the Bank. Of the remaining 22 people, the majority now have different roles and responsibilities to those held pre-nationalisation, as the principal role of the Bank has become that of an asset recovery vehicle. Of the 22 individuals remaining, 19 have a base salary in excess of €175,000.
25 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance his view or the view of the capacity of the covered institutions to absorb losses from domestic mortgages without requiring further capitalisation. [27659/11]
As the Deputy is aware, the Central Bank of Ireland's Prudential Capital Assessment Review (PCAR), which was published in March 2011 and formed part of the Financial Measures Programme, provides for an annual stress test of the capital resources of the domestic banks under a given stress scenario. The loan loss exercise in the Financial Measures Programme, which includes estimated losses on residential mortgages, measures the loan losses banks might experience under the base and adverse (stress) scenarios over both a three year and a loan-lifetime horizon, stretching out to 2040. The Central Bank's three year projected base loss for the Irish residential mortgage loan book is estimated to be 5.8% (€5.7bn) while the adverse (stress) scenario is 9.2% (€9bn). BlackRock Solutions performed an independent loan loss assessment exercise and show lifetime loan losses post-deleveraging for the total mortgage loan book is 10% (€9.7bn) in the base scenario which the adverse (stress) scenario is 16.7% (€16.3bn).
Under the PCAR requirements, the banks will be capitalised to meet the projected Central Bank's three year stress losses, this includes a significant proportion of the projected life time losses to 2040. It is important to point out that these stress loan-loss estimates are not considered likely to materialize, they are an input designed to ensure the associated capital requirements are fully convincing as being sufficient to cover even extreme and improbable losses.
The recapitalisation commitment from the Irish State is lower than initially expected as a result of the LME exercises with subordinated bondholders conducted since 31st March 2011 and private sector investment in Bank of Ireland. Out of the total identified capital of €70.3 billion, at the end of July actual capital investment was circa €63 billion. There will be further stress tests in 2012 by the Central Bank of Ireland through a PCAR and also by the European Banking Authority. I believe that the Irish banks will have sufficient capital to absorb losses from domestic mortgages.
26 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance if he will give a clear commitment that there will be no consideration of lifting the cap of €500,000 on bankers’ pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27640/11]
27 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that the remuneration cap for bank officials will not be breached during his term of office, including the recent application from Allied Irish Bank. [27663/11]
28 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Finance his views on what he regards to be an appropriate remuneration package, including basic salary, for the next chief executive of AIB; if he will provide a progress report on the remuneration and severance arrangements that apply at the covered institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27628/11]
47 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Finance if he will give a clear commitment that there will be no consideration of lifting the cap of €500,000 on bankers’ pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27650/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 to 28, inclusive, and 47 together.
As I stated in a reply to a question on this matter yesterday (ref. 27136/11 of 4 October 2011), no decision has been made on the matter. As the Taoiseach, indicated in the Dáil last week, I, as Minister for Finance, will consider the matter having regard to the existing policy and bring any proposal to Government for decision.
A review of remuneration policies and practices by each of the covered institutions is ongoing. I fully recognise that there is a real public interest in the levels of remuneration at the covered institutions and I will endeavour to have this completed in the shortest timeframe possible with a view to putting the information into the public domain.
29 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Finance if he or any other Government Department has applied for funding to the European Investment Bank to part fund major capital intensive infrastructure projects to be initiated during the lifetime of the Government. [27670/11]
My Department has no direct role in relation to capital investment projects. The Department of Public Expenditure & Reform has a role in terms of setting the overall capital investment framework and the basic principles to be observed for the appraisal, assessment, procurement and evaluation of projects. Individual Ministers are responsible for projects and programmes in their areas, within that overall framework. Decisions on the funding arrangements for those projects are also the responsibility of individual departments. Departments are obliged to seek the opinion of the National Development Finance Agency whose statutory role is to advise any State authority of what, in the opinion of the Agency, are the optimal means of financing the cost of public investment projects in order to achieve value for money. Details about the funding arrangements for individual projects can be obtained directly from the relevant Department. However, I am aware that the European Investment Bank has given provisional approval to co-finance a number of PPP projects in the transport and education sectors.
30 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Finance if he has completed the review of the universal social charge as committed to in the programme for Government; the outcome of this review; if he will make the findings public; and if he intends to amend or abolish the USC. [27669/11]
The Review of the Universal Social Charge is currently underway. The Terms of Reference of the Review are broad and wide-ranging and include, but are not limited to, the following areas:
Low paid income earners;
Persons over 65;
Medical Card Holders;
Widows/Widowers;
Self-employed;
Public Service Pensioners;
Employer contributions to PRSAs; and
Any other issues (including any operational issues that have arisen in the administration of the charge).
When the Review is completed and the findings are presented to me, I will make any necessary decisions in the context of Budget 2012.
31 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the steps which he is taking to deal with mortgage arrears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27387/11]
33 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to assist homeowners with mortgage arrears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27388/11]
40 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Finance the work he has undertaken to coordinate Government policy on the mortgage crisis facing many householders and families. [24429/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31, 33 and 40 together.
There are a number of measures in place to assist people who are having genuine difficulties in meeting their mortgage repayments. The Central Bank's revised Code of Conduct for Mortgage Arrears (the Code) applies to mortgage lending activities with borrowers in respect of their principal private residence in the State. Compliance with the Code is mandatory on all mortgage lenders registered with the Central Bank. The Code came into effect on 1 January 2011. With effect from 30 June 2011, lenders must have in place the required systems and trained staff necessary to support the implementation of the Code. The Code sets out the framework that lenders must use when dealing with borrowers who are in arrears or are in pre-arrears. For the purposes of the Code a "pre-arrears" case arises when the borrower contacts the lender stating that he or she is in danger of getting into financial difficulties and/or is concerned about getting into mortgage arrears. The Code can be accessed at www.centralbank.ie.
The main provisions of the Code are as set out below:
(1) Lenders must establish a Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process known as "MARP" and use this framework when dealing with borrowers who are in arrears or in pre-arrears situations.
(2) The lender must not apply to the courts to commence legal action for repossession of the borrower's primary residence until every reasonable effort has been made to agree an alternative arrangement with the borrower or his/her nominated representative.
(3) Where a borrower cooperates with the lender, the lender must wait at least 12 months from the date the borrower is classified as a MARP case (i.e. 31 days from the date the arrears first arose) before applying to the courts to commence legal action for repossession of a borrower's primary residence.
(4) Where a borrower is in mortgage arrears, a lender may commence legal action for repossession of the property without the 12 month period applying, only in the following circumstances:—
where a borrower does not cooperate with the lender,
in the case of fraud perpetrated on the lender by the borrower, or
in the case of a breach of contract by the borrower other than the existence of arrears.
(5) A lender must not require a borrower to change from an existing tracker mortgage to another mortgage type as part of an alternative arrangement offered to the borrower in arrears or in pre-arrears.
(6) Lenders must establish an Appeals Support Unit which must be adequately staffed, to manage cases under the MARP.
(7) Borrowers can make an appeal in relation to the decision of the Arrears Support Unit and the lender's treatment of the borrowers under the MARP, to an internal Appeals Board which lenders are required to establish.
The Central Bank has produced, with input from the National Consumer Agency, a consumer guide to assist consumers in understanding the new process under the revised Code that lenders representing the majority of the market have already implemented or indicated their willingness to implement a Deferred Interest Scheme (DIS) or a variation of it as recommended by the Expert Group on Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt. A DIS is intended to allow borrowers, subject to certain criteria being satisfied, to pay at least 66% of their mortgage interest but less than 100%. Payment of the balance may be deferred for up to 5 years.
Financial assistance is available to eligible claimants under the Department of Social Protection's Mortgage Interest Supplement Scheme.
People in debt or in danger of getting into debt can avail of the services of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service. This is a national, free, confidential, and independent service.
I would like to assure the Deputies that the Government is acutely aware of the increasing financial stress that some householders are facing arising from difficulties in meeting their mortgage commitments. Against this background, the Government's Economic Management Council, prior to the summer recess, requested an Inter-Departmental Group to consider further necessary actions to alleviate the increasing problem of mortgage over-indebtedness and to report to it by the end of September.
The outcome of the work carried out by the Group, which was chaired by my Department and comprised representatives from other relevant Departments, the Central Bank and expertise from the banking sector, has been presented to the Economic Management Council. I will bring the Report to Cabinet next week, after which it will be published. My preference is that the Dáil will be given an opportunity to debate fully the contents and the findings soon afterwards.
32 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the targets contained in the EU-IMF support programme for Ireland need to be adjusted downwards in view of the downward adjustment of growth projections for the EU and US economies and concerns that the global economy is heading for a second recession. [27666/11]
As the Deputy implies, recent data indicate a slowing in activity in the US and EU economies. However, the extent of this slowdown is not yet clear and policy-makers are considering a number of measures to support growth. While some commentators are saying that the global economy is headed for recession, this is not the view of the lead international forecasting institutions. Indeed, while the IMF has identified a number of risks to global growth prospects and revised down its outlook for the global economy in September's World Economic Outlook, it still expects world economic output to grow by 4 per cent both this year and in 2012. While Ireland cannot expect to remain immune from a slowdown in the pace of the global recovery, the Quarterly National Accounts (QNA) data recently published by the CSO for the second quarter were encouraging. These showed that GDP in the first half of the year grew by 1.3 per cent on an annual basis. My Department's latest published projection for the year as a whole contained in the April Stability Programme Update was for GDP growth of 0.8 per cent. Although the slowdown in economic activity over the summer months points to a weaker second half to the year, it is still reasonable to assume that overall economic activity in the region of the earlier published Stability Programme Update forecasts remains achievable. My Department is currently reviewing its economic and fiscal forecasts for 2011 and later years in light of the emerging data and revised forecasts will be published later this month in the Pre-Budget Outlook.
The Ecofin Council implementing decision of 7 December 2010 on the granting of financial assistance to Ireland, set out that Ireland's General Government deficit shall not exceed 10.6 per cent of GDP in 2011 and 8.6 per cent in 2012. My Department's most recent forecasts are for a deficit of around 10 per cent of GDP this year, which is within the Programme target. Budgetary consolidation of €3.6 billion is required under the EU-IMF Programme, but I have already stated that if there are downward revisions to our growth projections for next year, a higher adjustment package may be required to ensure we meet the deficit target. As noted already, the Department of Finance will set out its assessment of the likely amount of consolidation required to achieve the deficit target of 8.6 per cent of GDP as per our Programme target.
As has been continually noted, both domestically and internationally, Ireland is making good progress under the terms of the EU-IMF Programme and we are meeting our fiscal targets. This fact has been recognised by the markets, as reflected in the very significant reduction in the yields on Irish Government bonds. It is essential that we continue to deliver on our recovery strategy through reforming our banking system, restoring growth to our economy and returning sustainability to our public finances.
34 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an accurate figure of the total number of non-life insurance policyholders to which the new insurance compensation fund levy of 2% will apply. [27664/11]
The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available within either my Department or the Central Bank. Based on information received from the Revenue Commissioners and the Irish Insurance Federation, however I have been able to establish that about 2.5 million policies were issued in 2010, including renewals of existing policies. While it is acknowledged that this figure does not represent the number of policyholders, as persons may hold multiple insurance policies (e.g. motor, home, health), it does give some general insight into the number of people to whom the levy will be applied.
35 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he or his Department, directly or through the Central Bank of Ireland, has monitored the borrowing requirements of the business sector over the past 12 months on a monthly basis; the extent if any to which the banks have responded positively to such requirements; the discussions if any he has had with both sectors with a view to ensuring an adequate supply of credit in order to provide for an acceptable level of economic growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27609/11]
Both pillar banks provide my Department with monthly figures on balance sheet volumes, sanctioned facilities and geographic and industrial breakdowns of their SME lending. The Deputy may also be aware that under the terms of the Government recapitalisation, both banks also produce a quarterly report which incorporates figures for sanctions and drawdowns by SMEs. The data contained in these reports will continue to be reviewed and analysed by my Department and the Credit Review Office to ensure that the banks are compliant with the terms of the Government recapitalisation as it relates to the provision of credit for SMEs. 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.
Both pillar banks have provided me with their plans to ensure that the 2011 target is achieved. This is particularly relevant given the comments contained in the fifth quarterly report of the Credit Review Office, which stated that "it will be a challenge for each of the banks to reach their €3 billion sanction target for new and restructured facilities in the current year."
On the issue more generally of the demand for credit, my Department is in the process of commissioning an independent survey of the demand for credit within the SME sector. The outcome will provide the necessary information to better inform Government policy in this important sector of the Irish economy.
It is vital that the banks continue to make credit available to support economic recovery. However, it is not in the interest of the banks, businesses or the economy for finance to be provided unless the business is viable and has the capacity to meet the interest payments and repay the sum borrowed.
36 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide figures on household debt as a percentage of household income for the years 2010 and 2011 broken down by quarter. [27662/11]
Figures on household debt are taken from the Central Bank's Quarterly Financial Accounts — Table 8.1b — total loans outstanding of households and non-profit institutions serving households. Figures for disposable household income are taken from the quarterly Institutional Sector Accounts produced by the CSO. This represents all income earned by the household in a particular quarter. This is not readily comparable with the level of debt. In order to make these figures more broadly comparable, the quarterly income figures have been annualised.
|
Debt (€m) |
Income (€m) |
Ratio |
|
|
Q1 2010 |
193,978 |
86,668 |
2.24 |
|
Q2 2010 |
188,690 |
91,856 |
2.05 |
|
Q3 2010 |
187,722 |
89,220 |
2.10 |
|
Q4 2010 |
185,615 |
82,740 |
2.24 |
|
Q1 2011 |
184,912 |
85,488 |
2.16 |
37 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered imposing a large additional universal social charge on the bonuses being paid to some senior public servants such as top civil servants and county managers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27389/11]
The issue of remuneration, which includes the granting of Performance Related Awards Schemes for senior public servants and county managers, is a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in the first instance. I am informed by my colleague, Deputy Brendan Howlin, T.D., Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform that Performance Related Award Schemes were available to certain posts in the following areas of the public service:—
1. Civil Service
2. Permanent Defence Forces
3. An Garda Síochána
4. Health Service
5. Local Authorities
6. A number of Non Commercial State Agencies
However, against the background of the deterioration in the public finances it was considered that such schemes were no longer appropriate. In this context the schemes for Civil Service, the Permanent Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána, the Health Service or the Local Authorities were suspended in 2009 (and no awards were made in 2009 in respect of 2008 performances). This remains the position.
Moreover, I do not believe that the tax code or, more specifically, the Universal Social Charge should be the preferred mechanism to deal with bonuses paid to senior public servants. If performance related bonuses are not justifiable or affordable they should not be paid in the first place rather than being taxed after the fact.
38 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Finance if he is preparing any contingency plans to deal with the possibility of the State being unable to re-enter the financial markets at the end of 2013 and if so, if he will outline these plans. [27680/11]
44 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the State can re-enter the financial markets in part during 2012 and in full by mid 2013. [27679/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 44 together.
Under the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support, Ireland has access to sufficient funding for its requirements until late 2013.
The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) has maintained a low-level presence in the markets in recent months, borrowing for very short durations. The Agency would hope to be in a position to expand its borrowing in the latter part of 2012 by slowly extending the maturity of the debt raised before beginning efforts to raise long-term debt. Ultimately, the timing of these decisions will depend on many different circumstances, both national and international, and on Ireland's continued success in implementing the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support. The recent improvement in the performance of Irish Government bonds on the secondary markets is encouraging in this respect.
The conclusion of the third review under the EU/IMF Programme was that Ireland is meeting all of the conditions and targets of our Programme, that the Programme is on track and that Ireland is making progress. We have met the fiscal, banking and structural reform targets on time. Indeed, implementation of some of the financial sector reforms occurred ahead of schedule. The third quarterly review was completed successfully on 2 September when the IMF Executive Board and the ECOFIN Council approved the completion of the third quarterly review. This enables the next disbursement of the agreed funding by the IMF and the EU's funding mechanisms.
The strong start we have made to delivering on Programme commitments has been maintained and it remains the Government's key priority. This performance and the Government's continuing commitment to keep the Programme on track is the best way to ensure that we emerge successfully from this Programme. That will mean that we can return safely to the financial markets for funding in as timely a manner as possible.
Deputies will also be aware that the statement by Heads of State or Government of the euro area and EU Institutions on 21 July last affirmed their determination to continue to provide support to Programme countries until they have regained market access, provided they successfully implement those Programmes.
39 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost to the State arising from any commitments contained in the European Stability Mechanism. [27665/11]
As the Deputy will be aware, the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) will replace the temporary mechanisms of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) and the European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism (EFSM) which will remain in force until June 2013. The function of the ESM will be to mobilise funding and provide financial assistance, under strict conditionality, to the benefit of Euro-Area Member States, which are either experiencing, or threatened by, severe financing problems, if seen as indispensable to safeguarding the financial stability of the euro area as a whole.
Under the proposed ESM Treaty, the capital structure of the ESM will have a total subscribed capital of €700bn. Of this amount, €80 billion will be in the form of paid-in capital by the Euro Area Member States, paid in five equal annual instalments from July 2013. The balance of €620bn will be callable capital. The contribution key for each Member State is based on the ECB capital contribution key. For Ireland the key is 1.592% of the total paid and committed capital.
Therefore Ireland's share of the €80 billion of paid in capital will be just above €1.27bn to be paid in five equal instalments, of approximately €254 million each, starting in July 2013. Ireland's share of the €620bn callable capital will amount to €9.87bn.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Euro Area Heads of State or Government (HOSG) decided on 21 July 2011 to increase the flexibility of the EFSF and the ESM by allowing them to act on the basis of a precautionary programme, finance recapitalisation of financial institutions through loans to Governments and to intervene in primary and secondary markets on the basis of ECB analysis. This decision means that the ESM Treaty signed by Euro Area Finance Ministers in July 2011, subject to the necessary Parliamentary procedures, will now require amendment. Discussions are continuing at technical level on the text of these amendments. When finalised, these amendments along with the original Treaty, will be brought forward in draft legislation later this year.
43 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Finance his response to the IMF’s World Economic Outlook report and the UNCTAD report in terms of austerity; if he has read these reports; the impact their analysis might have for the economy here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27651/11]
Like other reports that have been published in recent times, both reports consider that the recovery of the global economy has weakened considerably and downside risks have increased sharply. The International Monetary Fund's World Economic Outlook (WEO) was published on 20 September 2011. The IMF forecasts world growth of about 4% in both 2011 and 2012 (revised down from 4.5% for both years in the April WEO forecast). However, they point to the recovery being very unbalanced — with growth of 6.4% forecast for emerging market countries for 2011, but only 1.6% for advanced economies. The UNCTAD Trade and Development Report, published 6 September, considers that, after a rapid post-crisis recovery, the world economy is slowing down from about 4% GDP growth in 2010 to around 3% in 2011, with developing countries showing stronger growth. The European Commission in its Interim Forecast published on 15 September revised down its forecast for global output to 4% in 2011 (a downward revision of about ½ percentage point compared to the spring forecast). Reflecting this weaker global outlook, the Fund revised down its growth projections for the Irish economy in 2011 and 2012. It now expects growth of 0.4% this year and 1.5% next year, representing downward revisions of 0.1% and 0.4%, respectively, from those published in the previous WEO in April. It is important to note, however, that these revisions were made prior to the release of second quarter national accounts data by the Central Statistics Office which confirmed that the Irish economy grew at a very strong pace in the first half of this year. Real GDP increased by 1.9% and 1.6% in the first and second quarters respectively (on a quarter-on-quarter basis). Furthermore, the Fund continues to anticipate average annual growth of around 3% in the Irish economy over the medium term (2013 to 2016).
The UNCTAD is of the view that fiscal contraction is harming overall growth at the global level. However the IMF Managing Director in her recent comments about fiscal consolidation at the global level was careful to distinguish between those countries that have the space to stimulate and those that do not. She was of the view that countries which have solid measures to anchor savings in the medium and long term can do more in the short term to accommodate growth. She specifically stated that the amount of available space depends, of course, on country circumstances. We are clearly in the category of first needing to put our budgetary position in order as soon as we can do so.
In this regard I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate this Government's firm commitment to restoring sustainability to Ireland's public finances. Clearly, this will present challenges for policymakers, but we must remain steadfast in our commitment to reduce the deficit to below 3 per cent of GDP by 2015. Accordingly, the agreed deficit target of 8.6% of GDP for 2012 must be achieved. Ireland needs to remain on a credible path of budgetary adjustment, particularly when there is so much uncertainty further afield. Through continuing to deliver upon our targets we can limit the risks of contagion and continue to rebuild confidence in this economy and return to a path of solid growth.
45 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding his programme for Government commitments on tackling mortgage distress including increasing mortgage interest relief to 30% for first time buyers in 2004 to 2008, introducing a two year moratorium on repossessions of modest family homes when a family makes an honest effort to pay their mortgage and making greater use of mortgage interest supplement to support families who cannot meet their mortgage payments. [27660/11]
I wish to confirm to the Deputy that the Government is examining a number of proposals in relation to the commitment in the Programme for Government to help those persons who are experiencing difficulty with the repayment of mortgages. With regard to the proposal relating to increasing mortgage interest relief to 30% for first time buyers who bought during the period 2004 to 2008, the position is that when the proposals have been examined and the findings presented to me, I will make any necessary decisions in the context of Budget 2012. As regards a moratorium on repossession of family homes, the Deputy might wish to note that the Central Bank's Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears contains the provisions set out below.
(1) Lenders must establish a Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process know as "MARP" and use this framework when dealing with borrowers who are in arrears or in pre-arrears situations.
(2) The lender must not apply to the courts to commence legal action for repossession of the borrower's primary residence until every reasonable effort has been made to agree an alternative arrangement with the borrower or his/her nominated representative.
(3) Where a borrower co-operates with the lender, the lender must wait at least 12 months from the date the borrower is classified as a MARP case (i.e. 31 days from the date the arrears first arose) before applying to the courts to commence legal action for repossession of a borrower's primary residence.
(4) Where a borrower is in mortgage arrears, a lender may commence legal action for repossession of the property without the 12 month period applying, only in the following circumstances:-
where a borrower does not co-operate with the lender,
in the case of fraud perpetrated on the lender by the borrower, or
in the case of a breach of contract by the borrower other than the existence of arrears.
As regards making greater use of the Mortgage Interest Supplement Scheme, this is a matter in the first instance for my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection.
46 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Finance if he has made a submission to the Department of Justice and Equality on the issue of upward only rent reviews and the impact this would have on the financial stability of the banks and on the National Assets Management Agency; and if he will outline those concerns. [27667/11]
In the context of the Government's consideration of Upward Only Rent Reviews, my Department prepared a short economic assessment of the potential effects of removing the ban on upward only rent reviews, with a view to informing the policy response being developed by the Minister for Justice and Equality. I sent this assessment to the Minister for Justice and Equality in July. A ban on upward only rent reviews would have a downward effect on the market value of certain properties, including properties which underpin loans transferred to NAMA or remaining with the banks. Any potential downside from a NAMA/banks perspective would have to be weighed against the necessary objective of easing pressures on the commercial sector.
The Deputy will be aware that the Minister for Justice and Equality recently announced that following on from an initial consultation process, he forwarded outline proposals to the Attorney General for further examination and development and that those proposals have been the subject of preliminary discussion by Government. The recently published legislative programme indicates the relevant legislation will be published by the Minister for Justice and Equality during the current Dáil session.
Question No. 47 answered with Question No. 26.
48 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Finance if the EU-IMF programme requirement to reduce private pension tax reliefs will be adhered to in budget 2012 and, if so, if he will provide details of same. [27675/11]
The gradual reduction from marginal to standard rate tax relief on pension contributions commencing in 2012 forms part of the fiscal consolidation measures in the agreement with the EU, IMF and the ECB over the period 2011 to 2014. When introducing the temporary pension scheme levy to pay for the Jobs Initiative on 10 May last, I gave a commitment to examine the issue of reducing the tax relief on pension contributions to the standard rate.
The Government is carrying out a Comprehensive Review of Expenditure in order to provide it with a set of decision options to meet the overall fiscal consolidation objectives and re-align spending with the Programme for Government priorities. Once completed, the Government will then examine the findings and, in consultation with the EU, IMF and ECB, will introduce fiscally neutral changes to the detail of the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland while maintaining the overall commitment to fiscal consolidation.
I will examine the scope for any change to the proposed standard rating of tax relief on pension contributions in that context.
49 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance when he will issue a commencement order to give effect to the legislative basis included in Finance Act 2001 for restricting the use of legacy property reliefs and ultimately guillotine all outstanding reliefs. [27657/11]
As the Deputy notes Finance Act 2011 provided a legislative basis for initially restricting the use of legacy property reliefs and ultimately ‘guillotining' all outstanding reliefs subject to a commencement order. The Act required that an economic impact assessment be undertaken in advance of the commencement of the measures. In the Programme for Government we committed to reducing, capping or abolishing property tax reliefs and other tax shelters which benefit very high income earners. Accordingly I requested that my Department carry out an impact assessment of the potential effects of amending, curtailing and/or abolishing the "legacy" property reliefs. This assessment will assist in providing an evidence base and better understanding of the benefits that may accrue to the Exchequer in terms of additional tax yield as well as the consequences for investor groups and the wider economy.
In order to enable all interested parties to submit their views my Department undertook a public consultation, which concluded in July. Over 700 submissions were received from a wide range of organisations and individuals in response to the consultation. (This is an update of an estimate of over 500 provided in September last in my reply to PQ's 23400/11 and 24193/11.)
These submissions are currently being examined and will feed into the overall impact assessment process. The results of the assessment will be considered in the context of the budgetary process. As is customary, I do not propose to comment in advance of the Budget on any matters that may be the subject of Budget decisions.
50 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Finance the steps he has taken in directing mortgage providers in receipt of State support to cut their costs, over and above existing plans, in a fair manner by a sufficient amount to forgo a 25 basis point increase on their variable rate mortgage. [27661/11]
As I have informed this House previously as part of the restructuring and recapitalising plans announced last March as part of the PCAR and PLAR exercise, the banks are engaging in cost cutting plans, which are already underway. The effects of these cost-cutting plans will be to enable costs saving through shared services and economies of scale. They are also expected to bring about cost reductions which will improve operating margins and permit the banks to better absorb funding costs.
The Government remains in consultation with the banks in connection with the more significant parts of these plans.
51 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Finance his plans for the regulation of home budgeting services including the form such regulation will take and the estimated date when the necessary legislation will be brought before Dáil Éireann. [27673/11]
The Government is committed to having in place an effective regulatory/supervisory system for those firms providing a household budgeting and bill payment service, a debt management service and/or a debt advice service. The Central Bank has informed me that it is undertaking a review of all firms in the State which appear to offer consumers debt advice and/or debt management type services. The findings of the investigations by the Central Bank will inform what regulatory/supervisory system should be put in place for firms providing these services — whether provided separately or bundled together — or, alternatively, what amendments to the current regulatory/supervisory framework may be required. Following completion of this work, the timing of any proposed legislation will be determined.
52 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his view on the news that 20 medics have been sentenced to up to 15 years imprisonment by a court in Bahrain for treating injured protesters earlier this year; the actions he will take in co-operation with his European and international partners to address this outrage; and his further views on the appropriateness of the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland continued commercial partnership with the Bahraini Government in these circumstances. [27735/11]
I am very concerned at the verdicts handed down last week to a group of medical doctors and nurses in Bahrain, a number of whom were either trained by or have worked with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). The sentences, which are being appealed, range from five to fifteen years. I am concerned at both the lack of due process — for example, allegations of torture while the accused were in custody and the fact that these civilians were tried in military courts — and the severity of the sentences. The sentences undermine prospects for much-needed national dialogue, reconciliation and reform in Bahrain. I recall that Bahrain is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which upholds the right to a fair trial. The Government has been pressing for an active response at EU level. I fully support the statement of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on 30 September which Ireland together with other EU partners encouraged as a response to these sentences. The US has also issued a highly critical statement on the sentencing as has UN Secretary General Ban who has expressed his deep concern over the harsh sentences handed down. It is important that the Bahraini authorities should now facilitate the requested visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights as soon as possible.
I have already requested our Ambassador in Saudi Arabia, who is accredited to Bahrain, to make known our concerns directly to the Bahraini authorities. I would also strongly urge that none of those convicted on 29 September should be re-arrested, pending the appeal process which is now underway. I understand that these cases will now be transferred to a civilian legal appeal process, which hopefully will allow for a more sympathetic consideration of these cases. The Government will continue to convey its concerns in the fullest terms to the Bahraini authorities, through our Embassy in Riyadh and through EU and other appropriate channels.
In relation to the RCSI, I have already placed on record that it is necessary to distinguish between the involvement of the Royal College of Surgeons in the training of Bahraini medical personnel, which is entirely positive, and the detention of medical personnel by the Bahraini authorities, about which the Government is very concerned. The RCSI is a private third-level institution which has its own relationships in Bahrain and which must decide for itself the extent to which it wishes to comment on developments there. It also needs to be acknowledged that the RCSI has been involved on a commercial basis in Bahrain for some years now and that the medical campus and facilities which it operates represent a very substantial investment which is of direct economic relevance to this country. I know from my discussions with them that the RCSI has sought to use its influence in a positive way, by encouraging the Bahraini authorities to embark upon a process of reconciliation and pointing out the damage that current actions are having on Bahrain's international reputation.
I would further add that I regard the activities of the RCSI in assisting with the training of foreign medical personnel overseas as a highly worthwhile activity through which the College makes a significant contribution to the quality of life of millions of people around the world. The RCSI, as an educational provider, also has a responsibility to all of its students and ensuring they are able to complete their medical training.
53 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason Ireland is the only European State not to ratify the co-operation agreement of 26 October 2004 between the European Community and its member states, on the one part, and the Swiss Confederation on the other part, to combat fraud and any other illegal activity to the detriment of their financial interests. [27736/11]
In 2004, the EU and Switzerland signed a Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Swiss Confederation, of the other part, to combat fraud and any other illegal activity to the detriment of their financial interests. The Agreement provides for comprehensive cooperation between European and Swiss administrative and justice authorities by way of administrative and mutual assistance. The scope of the Agreement covers indirect tax (VAT and excise duties) and customs offences (including smuggling), corruption and money laundering. As a mixed agreement, it must be approved and ratified by the European Union and its Member States. It will enter into force one month after the last notification of instruments of ratification or approval is received. However, pending its entry into force any Contracting Party may at any time declare that it shall be bound by the Agreement in its relations with any other Contracting Party having made the same declaration. Thus, implementation of the terms of the Agreement need not be held up pending its ratification.
The Department of Justice and Law Reform is responsible for ensuring that constitutional and legislative requirements have been fulfilled in order that Ireland may ratify the Agreement. Ratification of the Agreement by Ireland has been delayed because not all of the domestic legislation that is required is yet in place. Some of the legislative requirements were provided for in the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008. The Office of the Attorney General has advised the Department of Justice and Law Reform that specific statutory measures are also needed to deal with the provisions in the Agreement concerning mutual assistance for the recovery of claims relating to certain levies, duties, taxes and other measures. It is proposed that the statutory measures in question will be included in a Bill that is currently being drafted by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners to enable Ireland to comply with its obligations under the OECD Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters. It is expected that draft legislative proposals will be submitted to the Oireachtas early in the New Year. Once this legislation is in place, the Department of Justice and Law Reform will then be in a position to ask the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to seek Government approval to enable Ireland to ratify the Agreement.
54 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider the introduction of a minimum fine for cigarette smuggling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27730/11]
60 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that according to Retailers Against Smuggling, the Exchequer lost €460 million from the avoidance of tobacco duty here in 2010; the measures he proposes to tackle this revenue loss; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27720/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 60 together.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners who are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax, and for tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco products, that the tackling of this illicit trade is a key objective.
The strategies employed by Revenue to tackle this illicit trade are multi-faceted. They include ongoing analysis of the nature and extent of the problem, developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, ongoing review of operational policies, development of analytics and deployment of detection technologies, optimum deployment of resources at point of importation and internally to intercept the contraband product and to prosecute those involved.
Interception at the point of importation is achieved through a combination of risk analysis, profiling, intelligence, and the screening of cargo, vehicles, baggage and postal packages. Revenue enforcement officers also target this illicit trade at the post-importation level by carrying out intelligence-based operations and random checks at retail outlets, markets and private and commercial premises. Revenue also carries out regular multi-agency operations, particularly in relation to large maritime importations and in checks at inland markets.
They have established a high level internal group, chaired at Commissioner level, to examine the risks related to tobacco products tax and to oversee and optimise the detection of counterfeit and contraband tobacco products. This group has promoted a number of initiatives aimed at counteracting the illicit trade in tobacco. These include adoption of a comprehensive tobacco strategy and action plan.
Revenue continually reviews and updates their strategies and in July 2010, Revenue launched a series of nationwide tobacco ‘blitz' type operation, which concentrated additional Revenue resources at ports, airports and at various inland retail points, including markets for the purpose of identifying illicit tobacco products. To date, Revenue has conducted seven tobacco blitz operations that have resulted in the seizure of in excess of 33.2m cigarettes. Further large-scale nationwide operations are scheduled to take place during the last quarter of 2011. In addition to this, there is a programme of Regional level blitz type operations that target markets and other distribution points.
To date in 2011, a total of 92m cigarettes with a retail value of approximately €38.7m and 9,156 kgs of tobacco with a retail value of approximately €3.3m have been seized.
I am aware that various figures have been quoted by the Retailers Against Smuggling and other bodies as representing the loss to the exchequer from the avoidance of tobacco duty. However, the Revenue Commissioners have advised me that a survey commissioned by Revenue and the Office of Tobacco Control in 2009 estimated that 20% of cigarettes consumed in the State had not been taxed in this jurisdiction. The 20% figure was further broken down as 14% illicit product and 6% legally imported by passengers arriving into the State from other jurisdictions. Revenue and the Office of Tobacco Control commissioned a similar survey in the last quarter of 2010 and the results of this latest survey show a consistency with the 2009 figures i.e. 20% of all cigarettes consumed in the State were not taxed in the State with 14% again classified as illegal product and 6% classified as legal non-Irish duty paid product. Based on an estimate of 14%, the loss to the exchequer from illicit cigarette consumption during 2010 would be in the region of €250m (excise duty + VAT).
Regarding the introduction of a minimum fine for cigarette smuggling, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the penalties for cigarette smuggling are contained in section 119, as amended, of the Finance Act 2001. That section sets out the various actions that constitute offences of evasion or attempted evasion of excise duty, as well as the penalties, by way of a fine or imprisonment, or both fine and imprisonment, for such offences.
Where a conviction occurs following a summary prosecution, the fine that may be imposed is €5,000. For convictions following prosecution on indictment, the applicable fine is an amount not exceeding €126,970 or, where the value of the excisable products concerned is greater than €250,000, not exceeding three times the value of the products.
The fine that applies in the case of conviction following summary prosecution was last increased in 2008. The fine for convictions following prosecution on indictment was increased substantially by the Finance Act 2010. That Act also brought the penalty that applies where a case is dealt with under section 13 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1967 into line with that for summary convictions.
The penalty to be imposed in any particular case is, of course, a matter for the Courts. Section 130(2) of the Finance Act, 2001 permits a trial judge, in his or her discretion, to mitigate a fine incurred for an offence under excise law, provided that the amount so mitigated is not greater than 50% of the amount of the fine.
The question of possible increases in the penalties for tobacco smuggling will be considered in the context of the Finance Bill 2012, in consultation with the Revenue Commissioners.
55 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider the purchase of an additional scanner, with the assistance of EU funding, for use in our ports to assist in the efforts to reduce cigarette smuggling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27731/11]
67 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if the Customs Service has an adequate number of scanning machines; the location of these machines; if they are mobile; if it is intended to purchase additional machines; if there are EU sources of funding available for such machinery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27811/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 67 together.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax, that the use of detection technologies, including scanning machines, is just one part of a multi-faceted strategy employed by Revenue to tackle the illicit trade in tobacco products. This strategy includes ongoing analysis of the nature and extent of the problem, developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, ongoing review of operational policies, development of analytics and deployment of detection technologies, optimum deployment of resources at point of importation and internally to intercept the contraband product and to prosecute those involved.
Interception at the point of importation is achieved through a combination of risk analysis, profiling, intelligence, and the screening of cargo, vehicles, baggage and postal packages.
Revenue maintains an up-to-date knowledge of all currently available technology, and the selection and deployment of detection technologies is constantly reviewed. Revenue has made use of the EU Hercule 11 Programme in the past to fund detection technology and will consider applying for funding, as appropriate in the future. The actual technology selected and the deployment of that technology is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners.
Under the present rules of the Hercule 11 Programme, Ireland would have to fund a minimum of 50% of the capital costs and 100% of the on-going operational costs. The capital cost of a new mobile X-ray container scanner is in the region of €3 million with annual running costs of approximately €320,000.
Revenue currently has 2 mobile X-ray container scanning systems. One is based in Dublin Port, while the second is located at Rosslare Ferry Port, but both scanners are available for deployment at other ports as required. Revenue intends to maintain and increase the frequency and variety of scanner deployments at various locations throughout the country.
In addition to the container scanners, smaller static baggage/parcel scanners are deployed at all major ports, airports and postal depots.
Revenue seized a total of 178.3 million cigarettes with a retail value of approximately €75.3 million in the course of 2010. In addition, during the period January 2011 to date, a total of a total of 92 million cigarettes with a retail value of approximately €38.7 million were seized.
56 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Finance his views on the proposal to lower the VAT rate on personal protective equipment to 0% to encourage more persons to avail of such equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27774/11]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) clothing for children up to 10 years of age is liable to VAT at the zero rate in accordance with paragraph 10(1) of Schedule 2 of the Value-Added Tax Consolidation Act 2010. The supply of PPE clothing for children older than 10 years and adults is liable to VAT at the standard rate of 21% as provided for in Section 46(1)(a) of the VAT Consolidation Act. The application of a reduced rate of VAT in Ireland to the supply of PPE clothing to older children and adults is prohibited by the EU VAT Directive, with which Irish VAT law must comply. Article 110 of that Directive provides that Member States which, at 1 January 1991, applied a zero rate or a reduced rate of VAT could continue to apply those rates. The standard rate of VAT applied to older children and adult PPE clothing at 1 January 1991 so Ireland could not and cannot apply a VAT rate lower than the standard rate to these items.
57 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance his plans to add new penalties including minimum fines for the sale of illicit tobacco products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27807/11]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that it is an offence, under section 78 (as amended) of the Finance Act 2005, to offer cigarettes for sale other than in packs to which the appropriate tax stamp is affixed in the prescribed manner. Where a person is convicted of such an offence, the Courts may impose a fine or a term of imprisonment, or both. Where a conviction occurs following a summary prosecution, the fine that may be imposed is €5,000. For convictions following prosecution on indictment, the applicable fine is an amount not exceeding €126,970 or, where the value of the excisable products concerned is greater than €250,000, not exceeding three times the value of the products.
The fine that applies in the cases of conviction following summary prosecution was last increased in 2008. The fine on conviction following prosecution on indictment was increased substantially by the Finance Act 2010. That Act also brought the penalty that applies where a case is dealt with under section 13 the Criminal Procedure Act 1967 into line with that for summary convictions.
The fine to be imposed in a particular case is, of course, a matter for the Courts. Section 130(2) of the Finance Act 2001 permits a trial judge, in his or her discretion, to mitigate a fine incurred for an offence under excise law, provided that the amount so mitigated is not greater than 50% of the amount of the fine.
The question of possible changes to the penalties for tobacco-related offences will be considered in the context of the Finance Bill 2012, in consultation with the Revenue Commissioners.
58 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if staff of Customs and Excise are regarded as front line workers; if he is satisfied that there are sufficient staff employed in this area in view of the evidence of smuggling products such as tobacco, fuel, and so on; his plans to increase staff numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27808/11]
I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they are a fully integrated tax and customs administration. Revenue currently has over 2,000 staff engaged on activities that are dedicated to target and confront non-compliance. These front-line activities include audit, assurance checks, anti-smuggling, investigations, prosecutions and anti-avoidance. Revenue, in tackling the illicit trade in tobacco products and mineral oil, deploy officers at all key ports and airports in the state and at strategic locations along the land frontier with Northern Ireland. Revenue enforcement officers also target this illicit trade at the post-importation level by carrying out intelligence-based operations and random checks at retail outlets, markets and private and commercial premises. Staff deployed at these locations are often augmented by additional staff from other areas when specific operations are organised. The Revenue Commissioners are subject to the Employment Control Framework staffing reductions. However, the need to replace the loss of key skills and experience in Revenue while meeting the existing Employment Control Framework allocations is recognised. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has recently sanctioned the recruitment by Revenue of 40 Information and Communications Technology specialists. In the context of expected retirements by February 2012, the Revenue Commissioners will continue to review their staffing requirements. The Revenue Commissioners will consider making a business case to replace the loss of key skills, if required.
59 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the steps he has taken to impose burden sharing on the guaranteed Anglo Irish Bank senior bond, MTN No. 339A, which is due to mature on 2 November 2011 at a cost of €703,900,000; if he will indicate whether he has considered instructing Anglo Irish Bank not to pay this bondholder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27957/11]
As you are aware, the Government is considering burden sharing with senior bondholders in both Anglo and INBS in consultation with our EU partners. In the current circumstances, the State is not in a position or minded to act unilaterally in this regard. I had the opportunity to meet with President Trichet on the margins of the Ecofin meeting in Poland on Saturday, 17th September. I raised with him the issue of the burden sharing with the senior unguaranteed bondholders in Anglo (including INBS). This was unresolved business and I pressed the case for such burden sharing. However, President Trichet was of the strong view that such action was not in the interests of Ireland or the Euro Area, particularly given the challenges facing the euro area at this time and the contagion that we witnessed recently that has affected Italy and Spain. Commissioner Rehn also made the same point on this issue when I met him at a separate meeting.
President Trichet was very complimentary of the progress being made by Ireland and he noted the narrowing of bond spreads that had taken place, which he would not wish to see put at risk. I noted the points he made and I said I would report back to Government on the discussion.
I also mentioned to President Trichet, and in the separate meeting with Commissioner Rehn, the situation in relation to the Promissory Notes. These Promissory Notes are amounts due from the State to Anglo Irish Bank as consideration for the capital provided in 2010. While the State has budgeted to meet both the interest and cash requirements I am eager to have the Promissory Notes examined to see if they can be re-engineered in a better way for the State, for example, by lengthening their maturity and reducing their interest rate. This re-engineering would have to be completed in a manner which does not impact on the capital position of Anglo. This may or may not be feasible. I proposed that our experts get together to examine the technical aspects and the implications of any potential changes. They were agreeable to this on the basis that there is clearly no commitment on their part upfront. We are now proceeding on that basis.
61 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the entirety of the agreement between him and the EU-ECB-IMF as part of the programme of financial support for Ireland has been published on his Department’s website with the programme documents dated 16 December 2010; if he will confirm if there are any further elements of the agreement contained in unpublished letters or correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27776/11]
The EU/IMF Programme of Financial Assistance for Ireland documentation dated 16 December 2010 sets out the policy conditions for the provision of financial support to Ireland by EU Member States and the International Monetary Fund. These documents underpin the three year Programme of banking and economic measures that have been agreed with the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund (the Troika). The documents are:
the Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP)
the Memorandum of Understanding on Specific Economic Policy Conditionality, (MoU)
the Letters of Intent to the IMF and the EU Authorities; and
the Technical Memorandum of Understanding (TMU) attached to the Letter of Intent (LoI) to the IMF.
All of these documents can be found on the Department's website: www.finance.gov.ie.
In addition to this documentation, there was correspondence which was confidential because it contained commercially sensitive information concerning planned financial sector reform including the restructuring of Anglo Irish and INBS.
As the Deputy will be aware, following the joint first and second quarterly programme review in April 2011 and the third quarterly review in July 2011, the programme documentation was revised. The revised documentation dated 28th April 2011 and 28 July 2011 can also be found on the Department's website.
62 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the National Asset Management Agency plans to establish a deferred purchase scheme for residential properties which requires an amendment to the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27777/11]
The deferred consideration initiative was recently approved by the NAMA Board and the agency has written to me seeking my agreement to the initiative commencing. The proposal as submitted to me does not foresee any amendment to the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009. The details of the initiative are currently being reviewed within my Department and I will respond to NAMA when that review has been completed.
63 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if there is any evidence that financial institutions, regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland have sought to break the contractual arrangement in place with borrowers in respect of tracker mortgages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27778/11]
The Central Bank's revised Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears (the Code) applies to mortgage lending activities with borrowers in respect of their principal private residence in the State. Compliance with the Code is mandatory on all mortgage lenders registered with the Central Bank. The Code came into effect on 1 January 2011. With effect from 30 June 2011, lenders must have in place the required systems and trained staff necessary to support the implementation of the Code. The Code sets out the framework that lenders must adhere to when dealing with borrowers who are in arrears or in pre-arrears. Pre-arrears arises when a borrower contacts a lender stating that he or she is in danger of getting into financial difficulties.
Under the Code, lenders must establish a Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process known as MARP and use this framework when dealing with borrowers who are in arrears or in pre-arrears situations. For MARP cases, the lender must not require the borrower to change from an existing tracker mortgage to another mortgage type, as part of any alternative arrangement offered by the borrower. For MARP cases on existing tracker mortgages, where an alternative repayment arrangement this is put in place includes a fixed interest period, the borrower must be permitted to revert to an interest rate that corresponds to the margin over prevailing ECB rate or other tracked rate as specified in the original mortgage contract, at the end of the fixed interest period.
In August 2010, the Central Bank published the findings of an examination of switching practices related to tracker mortgages by lenders and relevant customer communications. The examination did not find any evidence that customers are being offered incentives to move off tracker rate mortgages but mortgage lenders have been instructed to give careful consideration before offering any incentive to customers to move from tracker rate mortgages and to notify the Central Bank in advance of any such proposals. Concerns were also identified during the examination about the level of disclosure and transparency when consumers moved from tracker rate mortgages to other forms of mortgages.
As a result of this finding, mortgage lenders were requested to disclose fully, with immediate effect, the impact of any switch from a tracker mortgage rate in all customer communications. Customers must be notified that switching from a tracker rate may mean they will lose the ability to avail of a tracker rate mortgage in the future, where this is the case.
Mortgage lenders have been advised to include new information in all customer communications regarding switching from tracker rate mortgages, for any reason, with immediate effect. This information should include:
indicative comparisons of the cost of monthly repayments of the customer's current tracker rate mortgage and the rates being offered,
details of the advantages and disadvantages of the tracker mortgage rate compared to the other rates being offered.
The examination did not find evidence that customers were being offered incentives to move off tracker rate mortgages. Mortgage lenders have been instructed, by the Central Bank, to give careful consideration before offering any incentives to customers to move from tracker rate mortgages and to notify the Central Bank in advance of any such proposals.
I have been informed by the Central Bank that, where banks and other lending agencies made errors in removing persons from tracker rate mortgages, the Bank expects that such customers have been or will be compensated by the agency in question.
64 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if there is legislation on the Statute Book which provides for the offence of reckless management of a financial institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27779/11]
There is no specific provision for an offence of reckless management of a financial institution in the Statute Book. However, most incorporated financial institutions are subject to potential liability for reckless or fraudulent trading under the Companies Acts and to the supervision requirements of the Central Bank.
On the broader question of enforcement action and sanctions applicable to those who have contravened Irish financial services law, the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Bill 2011 enhances the Central Bank's ability to ensure compliance and take enforcement action where necessary. The Bill also provides for a doubling of the maximum fine applicable to individuals found to have contravened Irish financial services legislation. These provisions will complement the roll-out of the Central Bank fitness and probity regime which sets the standards to apply to those performing senior and influential roles in financial institutions. Those found not to be in compliance with those standards may be suspended or prohibited from performing certain functions or, in the case of pre-approval controlled functions, prevented from performing those functions in the first place.
The question of ensuring the necessary legislative provisions are in place to provide for proper supervision of financial institutions is under continuing review by my Department.
65 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the number of persons currently working with Anglo Irish Bank as contractors as opposed to as employees of the bank; the number of contracting firms involved in such arrangements; the duties being performed by such persons and in each case, if he will show the date on which the person started working with the bank as a contractor and the amount of money being paid each month to each person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27780/11]
As the Deputy is aware the Board of the bank is responsible for the day to day operations of the bank including the recruitment and remuneration of staff, including payments to contract staff. The Bank has indicated that their Legal advice dictates that the bank can respond to this question in general terms only and is not in a position to provide any personal information or information that would lead to the identification of any individuals employed or commercial details of individual contracts with the bank.
However, the bank has informed me that Anglo Irish Bank had a total staff of 1,160 at the end of August 2011. This number includes a total of 289 staff employed by the Bank on fixed rate contacts for periods of up to 12 months. In addition to this total number of staff employed at that date, the Bank had retained the services of 93 separate contactors in the areas of special projects, operations, IT and work on cases administered on behalf of NAMA. These contractors have varying working arrangements with the Bank including working on call or a number of days a month.
Given the level of detail in this question, the Bank has indicated that it cannot provide a fuller response within the notice given and will revert at the earliest opportunity with:
the number of contracting firms involved in such arrangements;
the duties being performed by such persons and in each case,
the date on which the person started working with the bank
I will write to the Deputy directly with this information once it becomes available to me.
66 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Finance in view of unsound investments that have been made in recent years, the regulations that are in place for financial advisers. [27810/11]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to financial advisers who provide advice to consumers in relation to investment products. The main regulations governing financial advice in relation to the sale of investment products are set out below.
1. Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MIFID), 2007
This EU Directive provides harmonised regulation for the provision of investment services across the 30 member states of the European Economic Area. The main objectives of the Directive are to increase competition and consumer protection in investment services. Included in MIFID are regulations governing conflicts of interest, conduct of business obligations when providing investments services to clients, provision of information to clients, portfolio management, handling of complaints and assessment of suitability and appropriateness.
2. Life Assurance (Provision of Information) Regulations, 2001
These regulations apply to the sale of all life assurance polices sold after 1 February 2001. The Regulations set out the information that must be provided to the consumer prior to signing a proposal form and at the policy "cooling off" stage. The information provided includes details such as the projected benefits, charges and commissions, as well as other general product information.
3. The Central Bank's Minimum Competency Requirements
These requirements were introduced in 2007 to establish a minimum standard of knowledge for financial firms providing services to consumers. A revised Minimum Competency Code was published by the Central Bank on 1 September 2011 and it will come into effect on 1 December 2011.
Finally, the Central Bank's Consumer Protection Code includes provisions that, when providing a product or service to a customer, a financial institution must comply with the ’Knowing the Customer’ and ‘Suitability Provisions’ of the Code. This process involves, inter alia, gathering relevant information from the customer about his/her financial situation, individual circumstances and needs. The revised Code, which will come into effect on 1 January 2012 contains a chapter on investment products.
68 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding debt forgiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27817/11]
As I stated to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform on 1 September 2011, the issue of indebtedness, particularly mortgage indebtedness, is a complex one and it is clear that there is no quick and easy solution to solve all problems.
There have been many contributions to the debate, including suggestions for the granting of debt forgiveness. As the Deputy will appreciate, this is simply not a realistic option. Solutions must be found on a case by case basis through open and meaningful engagement between the borrower and the lender. The planned reform of the bankruptcy and debt settlement arrangements by my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality and Defence, is also a key element in any consideration of potential policy options.
The Government is acutely aware of the increasing financial stress that some householders are facing arising from difficulty in meeting their mortgage commitments. Against this background, the Government's Economic Management Council, prior to the summer recess, requested an Inter-Departmental Group to consider further necessary actions to alleviate the increasing problem of mortgage over-debtedness and to report to it by the end of September.
The outcome of the work carried out by the Group, which was chaired by my Department and comprised of representatives from other relevant Departments, the Central Bank and expertise from the banking sector, has been presented to the Economic Management Council. I will bring the Report to Cabinet next week, after which it will be published. My preference is that the Dáil will be given an opportunity to debate fully the contents and findings soon afterwards.
69 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance if there are any incentives available for a private citizen or corporation to provide a loan to a small or medium enterprise; if there are, the terms of such schemes; if there are no such incentives, if any consideration has been given to such schemes by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27841/11]
I presume the Deputy is referring to any tax incentives. The Business Expansion Scheme (BES) is already available to encourage investments in certain small and medium-sized businesses. Private citizens can provide investments under this scheme provided they are not considered "connected" for the purposes of the scheme.
This scheme is being amended to become the Employment and Investment Incentive. Under the new incentive, the lifetime limit that can be raised by companies will be increased from €2 million to €10 million, and the amount that can be raised in any twelve-month period will be increased from €1.5 to €2.5 million. The certification requirements will also be simplified. Full details of the incentive were set out in Section 33 of Finance Act 2011. However, the measure is subject to the approval of the European Commission. Pending the receipt of this approval, the existing BES will continue to operate.
In addition to the BES, firms in the normal course of events, may be able to claim interest relief on loans made to other firms, as a legitimate business expense.
Incentives for businesses, other than tax incentives, are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
At present, I have no plans for any other specific tax incentive in this area.
70 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if he will review a matter (details supplied) regarding banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27855/11]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the charging of a fee for the counting of funds to be lodged is an operational matter for the bank concerned. The Government operates at arm's length from the institutions and does not consider it appropriate to direct a bank on such a matter.
71 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons currently employed by the National Treasury Management Agency, broken down by its constituent entities; if he will further show, in the case of each entity, the number of employees that have specific provision in their contracts of employment for performance based payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27856/11]
72 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the pension arrangements that apply for employees at the National Treasury Management Agency, including details for each of its constituent entities; if there are separate schemes for each of the entities; if the schemes are defined benefit or defined contribution in nature; the percentage of salary that employees pay towards their pension by way of contribution and the percentage contributed by the employer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27857/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 72 together.
I am informed by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) that staff numbers rose from 169 at end-2009 to 411 as of 30 September 2011. The increase in staff numbers since end-2009 is mainly in respect of the National Asset Management Agency. Staff are assigned as set out in the following table.
|
Number |
|
|
Funding and Debt Management |
12 |
|
Banking Unit (on secondment to Dept of Finance) |
10 |
|
State Claims Agency |
61 |
|
National Pensions Reserve Fund |
13 |
|
National Development Finance Agency |
39 |
|
National Asset Management Agency |
180 |
|
Finance, IT and Risk |
62 |
|
HR and Corporate Services |
8 |
|
Legal, Control and Compliance |
13 |
|
Other |
13 |
|
Total |
411 |
The NTMA's shared services (Finance, HR, IT etc) provide support to all of the Agency's business functions.
The legislation which established the NTMA in 1990 positioned it outside of the wider public service structures with operational freedom to negotiate market-competitive salaries.
Staff assigned to NAMA are recruited on the basis of specified purposed contracts — their employment lasts for as long as their function is required by NAMA.
Superannuation entitlements of all NTMA staff, irrespective of assignment, are conferred under a defined benefit superannuation scheme set up under section 8 of the National Treasury Management Agency Act 1990. Contributions are transferred to an externally-managed fund.
The NTMA contribution is determined on the advice of an independent actuary and is, at present, set at a level of 25 per cent of payroll in respect of members of the scheme who will receive benefits based on final salary. A contribution of 10 per cent of payroll is made in respect of new members of the scheme from 1 January 2010. These new entrants, including employees whose superannuation arrangements were previously based on Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs), will receive benefits based on career average earnings. Other than in respect of a small number of employees who transferred from the Department of Finance to the NTMA upon its establishment, post-retirement increases are linked to the Consumer Price Index.
Employee contributions are 1.5 per cent of salary in respect of members who joined the pension scheme prior to 1 January 2010 and 2 per cent of salary in respect of new members admitted from 1 January 2010.
A small number of employees whose superannuation arrangements were based on PRSAs prior to 1 January 2010 opted not to join the defined benefit scheme. The NTMA makes a contribution of 10 per cent of salary to PRSAs in respect of these employees.
All NTMA staff pay the Public Service Pension Deduction.
As I have previously stated, it is my intention to examine the approach to remuneration in the NTMA in more detail in the coming months following consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. I have also sought the views of the NTMA and the NTMA Advisory Committee in this regard. I will then see what changes, if any, might be appropriate in relation to the remuneration of all staff in the NTMA, having regard to the changing economic circumstances of the State and the need for transparency in public expenditure.
73 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, according to Bank of Ireland’s published annual report for 2010, four executive directors (details supplied) earn a gross salary in excess of the €500,000 pay cap imposed in March 2009; if his approval has been sought for any of these salaries; if he will confirm the gross salary being paid to each person; if each person has a contractual arrangement governing their individual salary; if he has the power to intervene and insist that the salaries are brought within the cap; if he intends to raise this matter with the board of Bank of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27858/11]
As the Deputy points out in his question this information has been in the public domain as part of the publication, in April 2011, by Bank of Ireland of its annual report for 2010. The salary cap that the Deputy refers to was introduced following the report of the Covered Institutions Remuneration Oversight Committee of February 2009. The then Government decided to implement a base salary cap of €500,000 to be applied to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position at some of the Covered Institutions. This cap was waived, by the previous Government, in the case of the appointment of the CEO at Bank of Ireland.
The Deputy will be aware that the base salary cap applied to the CEO post only. The legal advice available was that pre-existing contracts conferred certain legal entitlements and so other senior executives were encouraged to bring their base salary in line with the cap but could not be compelled to comply. Two of the named executives waived a proportion of their salary to bring their base salary into line with the cap.
In recognition of the policy above, the remaining senior executive waived 10% of his base salary in 2010. Waivers to base salary were applied to all four named senior executives in 2009 and 2010. As indicated above the factual details on the extent of the waivers were published by the bank in its annual report for 2010.
All of the named individuals would have a contractual arrangement governing their respective salaries.
74 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if he will reduce from €250 to €100 the amount of money on which tax relief can be achieved when being donated to charitable causes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27876/11]
Section 848A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 allows tax relief at the marginal rate on donations made by either individuals or corporate bodies to eligible charities and other approved bodies. In order to qualify for the tax relief currently, a minimum donation of €250 must be made to the body concerned. The number of donors in respect of whom tax relief was claimed was approximately 155,000 in 2009. Reducing the threshold to allow tax relief on smaller donations, as the Deputy has proposed, could significantly increase the current cost of the scheme to the Exchequer. Representatives of the charities sector estimated in 2005 that such a measure could double the cost of the scheme.
The tax relief available for donations is already very generous. There is no upper limit on the amount that can be donated generally and relief is granted at the donor's marginal rate of income tax. Donations can be cumulative, so that a donation of just €5 per week over the course of a year would qualify.
Reducing the threshold to €100 would greatly increase the administration overhead associated with the scheme. For example, many donors making such smaller donations may not be paying tax at all, but may not indicate this on the relevant form, with the result that the charitable body might claim a refund from Revenue on the basis that the donor is a PAYE taxpayer. The additional checking required and possible denial of the refund would increase the administrative burden all round.
The €250 threshold has not changed since it was introduced in 2002. Normal inflation levels effectively have reduced the value of the threshold over time. In addition, the donations scheme was introduced to encourage the donation of large sums of money to charities and certain other bodies. It was never envisaged that the scheme should subsidise smaller donations, which in all likelihood, would be made in any event.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Deputy will be aware that all tax reliefs and incentives are subject to regular review as part of the annual Budget and Finance Bill process. Any significant decisions taken by the Government to change such reliefs or incentives in this regard would normally be announced on Budget Day.
It is worth also noting that the Government has re-established the Forum on Philanthropy and Fundraising and it will be considering how philanthropy can be encouraged, including suggestions for tax changes.
75 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if a VAT compensation scheme for charities will be introduced operating within the EU Commission rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27877/11]
Charities and non-profit groups engaged in non-commercial activity are exempt from VAT under the EU VAT Directive, with which Irish VAT law must comply. This means they do not charge VAT on the services they provide and cannot recover VAT incurred on goods and services that they purchase. Essentially only VAT registered businesses which charge VAT are able to recover VAT. I have no plans to introduce a VAT refund scheme for charities. It is not clear that refunding VAT paid by charities is an appropriate method as opposed to grant-aiding the activities of charities using other criteria.
The tax code already treats charities in a favourable manner. The tax code currently provides exemption for charities from Income Tax, Corporation Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Deposit Interest Retention Tax, Capital Acquisitions Tax, Stamp Duty, Probate Tax, Dividend Withholding Tax and the uniform scheme of tax relief for donations.
76 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the priority issues he intends to raise with the EU-ECB and IMF during their forthcoming mission review visit here with particular regard to the possible renegotiation of elements of the memorandum of understanding. [27884/11]
The fourth quarterly review of the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland takes place from the 11th to the 21st October 2011. The review will comprise of a series of meetings to evaluate all the elements of the programme covering fiscal developments including the Comprehensive Spending Review and potential asset disposal, the macroeconomic outlook, progress on commitments in restructuring the financial sector and structural reform. Clearly, for the forthcoming review, the primary focus will be on our performance against the targets due by the end of the third quarter of 2011 and assessing progress on targets due in coming quarters. I have already signalled that notwithstanding the substantial consolidation already carried out, in particular the amount being delivered this year, difficult decisions in relation to future consolidation remain. There is no doubt that Budget 2012 will be another difficult Budget. Under the terms of the EU-IMF Programme Memorandum of Understanding, an adjustment of at least €3.6 billion is to be implemented next year. But as I have already signalled, consolidation above that amount may be required if we are to adhere to the General Government deficit target set for 2012. That will become clearer in the coming weeks in light of the continuing assessment of the most up-to-date information available.
The Government has repeatedly stated its commitment to the Programme targets. Meeting these conditions on time and on target, is the best way to ensure that we emerge successfully from this programme. That will mean that we can return safely to the financial markets for funding in as timely a manner as possible. This is one of the principal objectives of the programme. The Government's commitment to the Programme does not stop us from seeking and agreeing changes to aspects of the programme. We have already done this successfully. The Government will continue to do so at the appropriate time.
77 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance in view of the fact that he has now received the report from the group chaired by Mr. Declan Keane established to examine ways to assist persons in difficulty with their mortgage, his views on the recommendations of the report; and the actions he intends to take, and when he intends to take them, arising from this report. [27885/11]
The Government is acutely aware of the increasing financial stress that some households are facing arising from difficulty in meeting their mortgage commitments. Against this background, the Government's Economic Management Council, prior to the summer recess, requested an Inter-Departmental Group to consider further necessary actions to alleviate the increasing problem of mortgage over-indebtedness and to report to it by the end of September.
The outcome of the work carried out by the group, which was chaired by my Department and comprised of representatives from other relevant Departments, the Central Bank and expertise from the banking sector, has been presented to the Economic Management Council. I will be bringing the Report to Cabinet next week after which it will be published and my preference is that the Dáil will be given an opportunity to fully debate the contents and findings soon afterwards. Until the report has been considered by Government and released into the public domain, I do not wish to make any further comment on the contents.
78 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when it is expected that the banking sector will provide the necessary credit for business in order to maintain reasonable growth prospects in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27886/11]
79 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the stage at which it is expected that Irish banks will lend sufficiently to meet the requirements of businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27887/11]
84 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if the banks have given any indication as to their willingness to meet the borrowing requirements of the business and domestic sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27892/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 78, 79 and 84 together.
The restructuring of the domestic banking sector creates capacity for the pillar banks to lend in excess of €30 billion over the next three years in SME and other important sectors. This is in excess of Central Bank estimates of the likely demand for SME and mortgage credit over this period. Both pillar banks are concentrating on the Irish economy and need to issue credit to make profits and rebuild their balance sheets.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Government has imposed lending targets on the two domestic pillar banks for the three calendar years, 2011 to 2013. Both banks will be required to sanction lending of at least €3 billion this year, €3.5 billion next year and €4 billion in 2013 for new or increased credit facilities to SMEs.
Both pillar banks have provided me with their plans to ensure that the 2011 target is achieved. This is particularly relevant given the comments contained in the fifth quarterly report of the Credit Review Office, which stated that "it will be a challenge for each of the banks to reach their €3bn sanction target for new and restructured facilities in the current year."
On the issue more generally of the demand for credit, my Department is in the process of commissioning an independent survey of the demand for credit within the SME sector. The outcome will provide the necessary information to better inform Government policy in this important sector of the Irish economy. It is vital that the banks continue to make credit available to support economic recovery. However, it is not in the interest of the banks, businesses or the economy for finance to be provided unless the business is viable and has the capacity to meet the interest payments and repay the sum borrowed.
80 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the full extent of national debt including the liability taken on by the State in the context of banking guarantees and or other supports in each of the past eight years to date in 2011; the extent to which this situation is expected to improve in the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27888/11]
The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the table below, which has been compiled by the National Treasury Management Agency.
|
Year |
(€m) |
|
2004 |
37,846 |
|
2005 |
38,182 |
|
2006 |
35,917 |
|
2007 |
37,559 |
|
2008 |
50,398 |
|
2009 |
75,152 |
|
2010 |
93,446 |
|
2011 (end-August) |
114,406 |
The purpose of Government borrowing is to meet the overall gap between total expenditure and total revenue and, as such, borrowing does not relate specifically to any expenditure item.
The sharp contraction in economic activity since 2007, three years of large budget deficits and the significant level of State support required for the banking sector have combined to drive up Ireland's national debt level. This rapid rise in the debt levels, which is evident in the figures above, underlines the importance of reducing the deficit and restoring order to the public finances. It is expected that national debt will continue to rise in the coming years, albeit at a reducing rate, as we will have to continue to borrow to fund the gap between expenditure and revenue.
Although much of the borrowings of the six covered institutions are being supported through the various bank guarantees, the debts of these institutions are not included in the calculation of the National Debt. It should be borne in mind that the fees paid over to the Exchequer from the Bank Guarantee Schemes, which totalled €1,333 million and 2010 and €972 million in the period to end-September 2011 reduces the national debt level in those years.
In terms of the impact on the national debt resulting from the State support to the banking sector, the Exchequer funded, in 2009, a €4 billion capital injection into Anglo Irish Bank.
In 2010, the Exchequer funded a €625 million payment to EBS and a €100 million payment to INBS by way of special investment shares, which gave the State extensive powers and full economic ownership of the two building societies.
Injections into the banks funded from the National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF), such as into Allied Irish Banks and Bank of Ireland in 2009 and Allied Irish Banks again in 2010 do not directly affect the national debt. However, in 2009 there was a frontloading of the 1% of GNP Exchequer contribution to the NPRF for 2009 and 2010 to assist in the recapitalisations of those institutions. The total Exchequer payment to the NPRF in 2009 was €3 billion and this increased the Exchequer deficit in that year.
The Deputy should be aware that while the €30.85 billion in Promissory Notes committed to Anglo Irish Bank, INBS and EBS in 2010 were added in full to the stock of General Government debt in that year, the annual payments affect the national debt on a phased basis only, beginning in 2011. The first of those payments, totalling €3,085 million, were funded through the Exchequer in the first half of 2011, thereby adding to the Exchequer deficit at that point.
The Exchequer has also funded €7,568 million in banking recapitalisation related payments this year and has, to end-September 2011, received €233 million in revenues from the sale of part of the State's shareholding in Bank of Ireland. These receipts help to reduce the national debt level in 2011.
81 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he will indicate any advice given, if known, directly to Irish banks or through the Central Bank of Ireland by the ECB and or the European Commission in each of the five years prior to 2008; the extent to which such advice, if any, was followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27889/11]
Under the EU and domestic regulatory framework for financial services, the Central Bank of Ireland has responsibility for the regulation and supervision of banks and other financial institutions. National competent authorities responsible for supervision of the financial services sector are also, since the start of 2011, supported in their roles through the work of the new European Supervisory Authorities and the European Systemic Risk Board.
In line with its role under the EU treaties, the primary responsibility of the European Commission in the field of financial services is to develop proposals for legislation, which may subsequently be adopted by the Member States acting in co-decision with the European Parliament. In this context, the European Commission does not provide advice to banks in individual Member States either directly or through national central banks.
Notwithstanding this, the European Commission does have a general surveillance role in relation to economic and financial matters and prepares reports on a regular basis on, inter alia, the economic outlook in individual member states as well as for the euro area and the EU as a whole. The Commission also prepares an annual European Financial Stability and Integration Report which addresses market and policy developments and presents indicators on financial integration, efficiency, stability and competitiveness. These reports are addressed to a general audience and not to individual financial institutions. In a similar vein, the European Central Bank publishes a bi-annual Financial Stability Review.
The relationship between the Central Bank of Ireland and the European Central Bank is governed by the Treaty of Rome and the Statute of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB). The independence of the Governor and the Central Bank of Ireland in carrying out their ESCB related functions is guaranteed in statute. Section 6A(3) of the Central Bank Act 1942 provides that the Minister for Finance may not request information relating to ESCB functions from the Governor or the Bank. Additionally, section 19A(2) of the Act provides that the Governor has sole responsibility for the performance of the functions imposed, and the exercise of powers conferred, on the Bank by or under the Rome Treaty or the ESCB Statute.
82 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the full extent if known of savings held here; if incentives can be introduced to encourage the investment of such savings in a strategic fashion to benefit the economy directly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27890/11]
According to the CSO's quarterly Institutional Sector Accounts, household savings during the first quarter of 2011 were €2,761m. Looking at the stock of household deposits, according to figures from the Central Bank (Money and Banking Statistics, June 2011 — Table A1), monies on deposit amounted to €92,215m at end June 2011.
The Deputy will be aware that the NTMA, through the State Savings brand, offer's a suite of personal savings products which are used to finance the exchequer.
With regard to investment in a strategic fashion, the Deputy will also be aware that the Government recently announced the establishment of NewERA and the Strategic Investment Fund under the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA).
Using the proceeds of the sale of State assets and subject to the agreement of the external partners, NewERA will work with line Departments and the private sector to develop and implement proposals for commercial investment in line with Programme for Government commitments in the areas of energy, water, broadband and bio-energy and forestry.
NewERA will also examine other commercial investments and build upon existing work by the NPRF by working with it to develop the Strategic Investment Fund.
The Strategic Investment Fund, which will be the forerunner of the Strategic Investment Bank, will, following appropriate legislative changes to the investment policy of the NPRF, channel commercial investment from the NPRF towards productive investment in the Irish economy. As well as money from the NPRF, the Strategic Investment Fund will seek matching commercial investment from private investors and target investment in areas of strategic significance to the future of the Irish economy.
83 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which legislation arising from the Bretton Woods Agreement has been amended in recent years; the purpose of such amendments already undertaken or proposed; the extent to which neighbouring EU member states or others have legislated on these or related issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27891/11]
The Bretton Woods Agreements (Amendment) Act, 2011 was enacted earlier this year in order to enable Ireland to convey to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) its acceptance of amendments to the Articles of Agreement of the IMF, which were approved by the Board of Governors of the IMF in 2008. The relevant amendments relate mainly to the arrangements for the appointment of Alternate Executive Directors, the investment of profits from gold sales by the Fund and increases in the voting power of low income countries.
In July 2011, the Government approved the drafting of the Bretton Woods Agreements (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2011 to provide for acceptance by Ireland of a further amendment to the Articles which was approved by the Board of Governors in 2010. This amendment relates to reform of the IMF's Executive Board. It provides that, in future, all Executive Directors will be elected in contrast to the present position whereby, in the case of the five largest member countries, Executive Directors are nominated. The Bill is currently being drafted and is included in the Government's legislative programme for the current Dáil session.
Relevant legislation was enacted by the required number of IMF members including EU member States to enable implementation of the 2008 Reforms by March 2011. As regards the 2010 Reform, the related resolution of the Board of Governors calls on IMF member States to take the necessary steps by autumn 2012.
The amendments to the Articles of Agreement are required to be implemented before the changes to members' quotas which were concluded in 2008 and 2010, as part of IMF governance reform, become effective. (A country's IMF quota is broadly based on its relative position in the world economy and determines its maximum financial commitment to the IMF, its voting power and has a bearing on its access to IMF finance.) As the Deputy may be aware, Ireland was allocated increases in its quota as part of both reviews. These increases in quota have the effect of reducing the cost of Fund borrowings by Ireland under the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support. While the 2008 quota increase became effective in March 2011, the 2010 increase will not come into effect until the 2010 reforms are accepted by the required number of IMF member States.
Apart from the aforementioned legislation, an amending provision to the Bretton Woods legislation was included in the Finance Act, 2010. The purpose of this provision was to enable Ireland to participate in a mobilization of resources for the IMF following the global financial crisis. However, as Ireland is now in receipt of assistance from the IMF, this does not arise at the current time.
Question No. 84 answered with Question No. 78.
85 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he and his EU colleagues have identified the full extent of the requirement to stabilise the eurozone countries, with particular reference to the need for restoration of confidence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27893/11]
87 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when it is expected that a unified approach to the debt crisis throughout the eurozone can be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27896/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 87 together.
A unified approach to the crisis was evident in July of this year, when euro area Heads of State or Government reaffirmed their commitment to do whatever is needed to ensure the financial stability of the euro area as a whole and its Member States.
The measures announced are indeed significant, and include a new programme for Greece, improved terms and conditions for financial assistance to Member States experiencing difficulties, increased flexibility of the EFSF, and a commitment to further enhancing economic governance in the euro area.
Of course, implementation of the agreed outcome takes time, and since then the situation continues to be one of nervousness and uncertainty. But the reforms in train are significant and I believe that once the situation normalises, a stronger, more integrated euro area will emerge.
86 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the degree, if any, to which it might be possible in future years to modify or moderate some of the most negative aspects of the financial bailout entered into with the EU and the IMF by his predecessors, with particular emphasis on areas that are likely to cause long-term damage to the country’s economic prospects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27894/11]
As the Deputy will be aware, under the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland, the external partners will provide up to €67.5 billion subject to compliance with the conditionality set out in the Programme. In addition to the external funding of €67.5 billion, Ireland is using €17.5 billion of its own resources and this brings the overall EU/IMF Programme up to a total value of €85 billion. The key objective is to restore confidence and return the economy to a path of sustained growth and to support job creation. This will result in Ireland regaining access to market funding at reasonable rates. The fourth quarterly review of the EU / IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland takes place from the 11th to the 21st October 2011. The review will comprise of a series of meetings to evaluate all the elements of the programme covering fiscal developments including the Comprehensive Spending Review and potential asset disposal, the macroeconomic outlook, progress on commitments in restructuring the financial sector and structural reform.
From my dealings to date, I have found the Programme partners are open to changes in the actions and conditions set out in the EU/IMF Programme provided any such changes are accompanied by compensatory measures of equal value or effect. The primary forum for such consultation is the quarterly review missions with the Programme partners.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has already successfully renegotiated elements of the Programme — for example the Jobs initiative, the ending of further asset transfers to NAMA, and reversal of the Minimum Wage cut. More recently, we have successfully renegotiated the interest rate charged for the loans along with important changes and improvements to the EU's EFSF funding facility. For the forthcoming review, the Government focus will be on issues such the composition of fiscal policy both for Budget 2012 and for the medium term along with issues such as asset disposals.
88 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent the lending sector has accommodated or is willing to accommodate those with mortgage arrears; if the total number of households now in such arrears can be identified accurately; if the financial institutions are prepared to accept any culpability for the current levels of arrears in view of the abandonment of good lending practices in the preceding years; if it is recognised that a major implosion in terms of mortgage lending could occur if these issues are not addressed, with particular reference to the issue of the application of compound interest, which makes it impossible for those with mortgage debt to recover; if new guidelines can be set out or arrangements entered into to address such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27897/11]
I wish to advise the Deputy that lenders representing the majority of the market have already implemented or indicated their willingness to implement a Deferred Interest Scheme (DIS) or a variation of it, as recommended by the Expert Group on Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt. A DIS is intended to allow borrowers, subject to certain criteria being satisfied, to pay at least 66% of their mortgage interest but less than 100%. Payment of the balance may be deferred for up to 5 years. In addition to the DIS, all mortgage lenders are obliged to adhere to the requirements of the Central Bank's Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears (CCMA). The Code sets out specific requirements that mortgage lenders must adhere to when dealing with borrowers in arrears and those at risk of falling into arrears. The CCMA requires that each lending branch must have at least one person with specific responsibility for dealing with arrears and pre-arrears cases. It also requires front-line staff to be made aware of the lender's policy for dealing with arrears and pre-arrears cases and the relevant contact person and process involved. The revised CCMA also introduced the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process framework for the handling of arrears and pre-arrears cases. Provision 9 of the CCMA states that:
Lenders are restricted from imposing charges and or surcharge interest on arrears arising on a mortgage account in arrears to which this Code applies and in respect of which a borrower is co-operating reasonably and honestly with the lender in the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process. (Lenders will have been notified individually of the charges to which this applies)".
Full details of the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears and on the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process may be found on the Central Bank's website: www.centralbank.ie.
I would like to inform the Deputy that figures published by the Central Bank on 29 August 2011, show that, at the end of June 2011, there were 777,321 private residential mortgage accounts held in Ireland, to a value of 115 billion euro. Of these, 55,763 accounts, or 7.2%, were in arrears for more than 90 days. Of the 55,763 mortgage accounts in arrears, because of remortgages, top-ups etc., the actual number of households in arrears is somewhat lower with the Central Bank estimating the household number to be of the order of 45,000.
The Central Bank's press release dated 29 August 2011 is available on the Central Bank's website.
The Government is acutely aware of the increasing financial stress that some householders are facing arising from difficulty in meeting their mortgages commitments. Against this background, the Government's Economic Management Council, requested an Inter-Departmental Group to consider further necessary actions to alleviate the increasing problem of mortgage over-indebtedness and to report to it by end of September.
The outcome of the work carried out by the Group, which was chaired by my Department and comprised of representatives from other relevant Departments, the Central Bank and expertise from the banking sector, has been presented to the Economic Management Council. I will bring the Report to Cabinet next week, after which it will be published. My preference is that the Dáil will be given an opportunity to debate fully the contents and findings soon thereafter.
89 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide information on which universities are accepting stage payments for the student contribution; his plans to extend stage payments to all universities and State-funded third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27721/11]
91 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will engage with third level education institutes nationwide to ensure that student contributions can be paid in two instalments rather than one at the start of the academic year to ease financial pressure on students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27725/11]
110 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, in view of the financial pressure that students and their families are under at present, he will make a direction to all colleges, universities and so on that fees will in all cases be allowed to be paid in instalments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27864/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 91 and 110 together.
A new student contribution of €2,000 was introduced in higher education institutions with effect from the 2011/12 academic year. The student contribution replaces the Student Services Charge and applies to all students who benefit under the free fees scheme. In recognition of the financial pressures that the student contribution may place on families, my Department requested higher education institutions to consider putting in place arrangements under which a student may opt to pay the student contribution charge in two instalments in a given academic year. I have again asked the Higher Education Authority to request institutions to allow the payment of the charge in two moieties.
I understand that a few institutions do not have this facility at present due to technical/systems limitations and administrative issues that make it impractical to allow for payment by instalments. However, all institutions have been requested to accommodate students who present with financial difficulties on a case by case basis and, from the academic year 2012/13 onwards, to have systems in place that allow for the payment of the student contribution in two instalments.
The position with regard to each University is set out in the table below.
|
University |
Position |
|
UCD |
Accepts payment in two instalments |
|
UCC |
Accepts payment in two instalments |
|
NUIG |
Accepts payment in two instalments |
|
NUIM |
Accepts payment in two instalments by arrangement |
|
TCD |
Students in financial difficulties will be accommodated through existing financial assistance programmes |
|
DCU |
Assistance will be provided to students in financial difficulties |
|
UL |
Accepts payment in two instalments by arrangement |
90 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, in view of the increased need for the student assistance fund, he will increase the budget for SAF. [27722/11]
103 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that there are agreed national procedures and criteria for the administration and distribution of the student assistance fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27834/11]
105 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if further funding will be made available for the student assistance fund (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27859/11]
114 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills, with regard to the student assistance fund, if an increase will be provided in the current funding levels to cater for the increased number of students in severe financial difficulty and for continuing students affected by changes in non-adjacent grant eligibility criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27868/11]
115 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to introduce a fund for students pursuing further education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27869/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90, 103, 105, 114 and 115 together.
The management of the Third Level Access Measures Fund rests with the Higher Education Authority and the allocation of funding for the various access measures, one of which is the Student Assistance Fund, is a matter for that authority. Some €15.3m is available in the Fund overall to support individual students under these initiatives.
Agreed national guidelines for the operation of the Fund are in place. However, to take account of the individual needs of students in different institutions, the institutions have discretion to target the resources at those deemed most in need of support. This approach supports the dual function of the fund, which is to provide ‘once-off' emergency financial need and also provide assistance to students in need of ongoing financial support.
Each institution has an SAF Committee which adjudicates on decisions for support to students. The Committee can include (but is not limited to) the following personnel; access officer, student welfare officer, financial officer, mature student officer and chaplain.
The Deputies will be aware that the Student Assistance Fund is complementary to the student grant scheme and, in this regard, students on particularly low incomes continue to receive a top-up in the special rate of student grant and have their fees or student contribution paid on their behalf.
92 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a further increase in student contribution fees and post-leaving certificate fees can be avoided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27728/11]
111 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will place an immediate freeze on third level student contribution fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27865/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 111 together.
The reality of the economic situation and the public expenditure corrections which must be made present challenges to the Higher Education sector. Future demand for participation growth needs to be reconciled with limitations on public resources and a need to protect and enhance core quality. Although the nature of these difficult trade-offs are described in the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030, the strategy also identifies the need for more detailed analysis.
I have asked the Higher Education Authority to undertake further work on the sustainability of the existing funding framework, the intention of which is to assess the inter-relationship and tensions between three parameters of: growth in student numbers, funding constraints and quality. This work will inform consideration by Government of policy options in relation to future funding of the higher education sector. I am anxious to ensure that any new funding framework will not impact on access for students.
In relation to Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses, Budget 2011 provided for the introduction of a €200 annual PLC programme participant contribution, with effect from this September (the 2011/2012 academic year). Decisions in relation to such funding matters are generally made as part of the annual Estimates process. Full medical card holders (in their own right and their dependant children), those eligible under the student grant scheme and those in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) or Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) allowances are exempt from paying the contribution, which should ensure that those who are less well off will continue to access PLC courses.
93 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on salary costs as a percentage of overall higher education sector spend; if he is satisfied with the current percentage cost; his plans to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27729/11]
The 2011 current funding provision for the higher education sector, which is in the region of €1.2 billion, is down 7% on the allocation for 2010. This reduction is a net 3% when additional income from the new Student Contribution charge of €2,000 is taken into account. Pay expenditure represents approximately 70% of total current expenditure in the sector. This represents a significant proportion of total expenditure and given that these, for the most part, are fixed costs it impacts on the flexibility institutions have in managing their budgets.
The economic circumstances of the country are such that a staffing moratorium was introduced across the public sector by the previous Government in 2009. A 6% reduction in numbers was required over the 2009-2010 period and this has been achieved. Earlier this year I agreed a renewed framework covering the 2011 to 2014 period which requires a further reduction in posts over this period.
94 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the third level grant, the non-adjacent grant, which has been changed to 45 km from 25 km for persons who live in rural areas in which there is no public transport and who have to travel to the nearest town to pick up public transport, which adds up to more than 45 km; if the rules can be altered to facilitate this, particularly when students are renewal students who received the higher amount last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27733/11]
97 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to change the distance limit for the adjacent and non-adjacent higher education grant; and if he will allow discretion to the local authorities in certain circumstances. [27755/11]
106 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to reverse the changes in criteria to qualify for the non-adjacent rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27860/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 94, 97 and 106 together.
I regret that the economic circumstances of the country are such that I am not in a position to reverse or vary any of the changes to the student grant schemes announced in Budget 2011 by the previous Government because that Government had factored the savings from these measures into the public expenditure programme for 2011. The measurement of the distances for student grant purposes is a matter for grant awarding bodies. There has been no change as to how these distances are measured. As in the past for all cases, the shortest most direct route to the institution attended is measured.
In the interest of fairness to all students, it is not possible to make exceptions to the terms and conditions of the grant schemes.
95 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the acceptable documents that are required by vocational education committees to satisfy the proof of residency condition for a student applying for a maintenance grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27734/11]
From the details supplied, it appears that the Deputy is referring to proof of independent residency to allow a student to be assessed as an independent mature student. Firstly, to enable such an assessment, a student must be at least twenty three years of age on the first of January of the year of entry or re-entry to an approved course. Assuming that is the case, the documentary evidence normally required to support independent residency includes utility bills, such as telephone, gas or electricity bill, evidence of registration with the Private Residential Tenancies Board or official documentation received at the address, from, for example, a Government Department.
In exceptional circumstances, where it is not possible to produce such proofs, the awarding authority may, at its discretion, agree to accept other documentary evidence that provides an acceptable degree of proof of independent living.
96 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in County Donegal is in danger of losing a teacher; and if he will clarify this matter. [27747/11]
The criteria used for the allocation of teachers to schools are published annually on my Department's website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing schedule for the 2011-2012 school year was published on my Department's website in March 2011.
The staffing schedule also includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board. It is open to any Board of Management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board. Details of the criteria for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule, Circular 0019/2011. The final staffing position for all schools will ultimately not be known until the autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed for mainstream classroom teachers and any appeals to the Staffing Appeals Boards will have been considered.
The school referred to by the Deputy has been sanctioned a developing post on a provisional basis for the current school year which is dependent on confirmation of actual enrolment on 30th September 2011.
98 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider making an exception to the changes which were brought about last year to the qualifying distance for the non-adjacent grant, which has resulted in difficulty for some students (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27757/11]
I regret that the economic circumstances of the country are such that I am not in a position to reverse or vary any of the changes to the student grant scheme announced in Budget 2011 by the previous Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government. These changes include the removal of the automatic entitlement of mature students to the non-adjacent rate of grant and an increase in the qualifying distance criterion for the non-adjacent rate of grant.
However, it might be helpful for the student in question to know that she can apply for assistance under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund at some €5m continues to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need. The access offices themselves will also provide support and advice to students to help them to continue with their studies.
99 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review a matter regarding mature students (details supplied). [27767/11]
Under the Student Grant Scheme, an approved course is defined as a full-time undergraduate course of at least two years duration or a full-time postgraduate course of not less than one year duration pursued in an approved institution. I regret that given the level of demand on the funding available to me for student grants I have no plans at present to extend the scope of the student grant schemes to part-time courses. However, it may be useful to the student to know that tax relief is available for fees for part-time courses. Full details of this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.
100 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the grants and assistance available to a person attending a new college course which is the same level as a course they commenced the previous year but are now attending a different college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27775/11]
In general, students who previously pursued a course of study are not eligible for grant assistance for a second period of study at the same level, which appears to be the case here, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously. Subject to the conditions of the student grant scheme, grants are available where students are progressing to a course at a higher level. The objective of this policy is to assist as many students as possible in obtaining one qualification at each level of study. 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. This information may be of assistance to the student concerned.
101 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will assign a special needs assistant to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [27803/11]
The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. This now includes a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of SNA posts.
The NCSE has now advised all mainstream schools, including the school referred to by the Deputy, of their SNA allocation for the current school year, taking into account the care needs of qualifying pupils attending the school. The NCSE has recently published statistical information in relation to the allocation of Special Needs Assistant posts and resource teaching hours to Primary Special and Post Primary Schools. The information is provided on a county by county and school by school basis on its website at www.ncse.ie.
The school referred to by the Deputy has an allocation of 1 SNA post and 5.9 Resource Teaching Hours. It is considered that, with equitable and careful management and distribution of these resources, there should be sufficient posts to provide access to SNA support for all children who require such care support to attend school, in accordance with Departmental criteria.
I wish to clarify that the recruitment and deployment of SNAs within schools are matters for the individual Principal/Board of Management. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated. It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.
The NCSE will advise schools early in the new school year of a process to review allocation decisions to ensure that correct procedures were followed and that they comply with my Department's policy. The merits of individual allocation decisions will not be open to appeal under this mechanism. It will be expected that schools, before requesting a review, will be in a position to demonstrate that they have made every effort to manage their allocation of SNA posts to best effect.
102 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a decision has been made, and when will he announce the location of the headquarters of the newly restructured Carlow-Kilkenny Vocational Education Committee. [27806/11]
Yesterday I decided and announced the headquarter locations where VECs are being merged as a result of the Government decision to reduce the number of VECs from 33 to 16. The headquarters for the newly merged Carlow/Kilkenny VEC will be located in Carlow Town.
104 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason funding to an early education centre (details supplied) was cut by a further 5% recently in view of the achievements of the centre since its foundation in 1994 in providing quality education through a pre-school service in a district which has battled problems associated with unemployment and low income over recent decades. [27849/11]
My Department's main intervention in pre-school services is the Early Start Programme which is a targeted programme for children aged 3-4 who are at risk of educational disadvantage. My Department doesn't fund the Early Education Centre referred to by the Deputy. I understand that this Early Education Centre is funded by the HSE and as this is a direct service provision, the matter has been referred to the HSE for a response to the Deputy
107 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to remove the three year rule to qualify as an independent student for learners entering postgraduate education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27861/11]
My Department increased the duration of the studies break requirement in the 2010 student grant schemes and onwards from one year to three years. This was done because, in some cases, students who would not otherwise have qualified for a grant on the basis of parental income were availing of a ‘gap year' which had the effect of creating a break in studies. The break in studies clause as it stood allowed these students to be re-classified as independent mature students and to qualify for grants and fees based on their own, rather than their parents' income. This was not the intention of the provision. The intention of the clause was to focus resources on genuine second chance and mature students. The increase to three years will ensure that the emphasis is, as intended, on facilitating these students to return to education and I have no plans to change this.
108 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for independent learners under 23 years to qualify for the maintenance grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27862/11]
The Student Support Act provides the Minister with the power to regulate for different classes of applicants. This power would enable me, if there are compelling reasons and adequate resources to do so, to consider extending the circumstances where a student could be assessed without reference to parental income.
My Department will review the circumstances where a means assessment independent of parental income would be appropriate in the context of the continuing programme of legislative and administrative reform of student grants which will include the on-going development of the new single unified scheme of student grants, introduced for the 2011/12 academic year. However, any extension of the provision of assessment as an independent student will have to be carefully considered to ensure it is highly targeted at very specific circumstances where students can demonstrate that they have been genuinely self-supporting and living independently for a period of time before commencing their studies. The potential costs of any such policy change will be a decisive factor in the current fiscal climate and the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will be required for any proposed change.
109 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for a continuation of the existing income criteria and payment rates in budget 2011 with regard to the maintenance grant for students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27863/11]
I assume that the Deputy is referring to potential changes to the student grant scheme under the Budget for 2012. The Deputy will appreciate that the preparation of the Estimates for any Budget is carried out on a strictly confidential basis and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on specific issues or proposals, including those relating to student grants, in advance of the Budget announcement.
112 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the post-leaving certificate registration fee will be fixed at its current level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27866/11]
Budget 2011 provided for the introduction of a €200 annual Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programme participant contribution, with effect from this September (the 2011/2012 academic year). Decisions in relation to funding matters such as these are generally made as part of the annual Estimates process.
Full medical card holders (in their own right and their dependent children), those eligible under the student grant scheme and those in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) or Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) allowances are exempt from paying the contribution, which should ensure that those who are less well off will continue to access PLC courses.
113 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will maintain the current funding levels in the higher education sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27867/11]
This year my Department is providing some €1.2 billion in current funding to the higher education sector.
The reality of the economic situation presents challenges for the higher education sector. Future demand for participation growth needs to be reconciled with limitations on public resources and a need to protect and enhance core quality.
While the nature of these difficult trade-offs are described in the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030, it also identifies the need for more detailed analysis. I have asked the Higher Education Authority to undertake further work on the sustainability of the existing funding framework. This work will inform consideration by Government of policy options in relation to future funding of the sector.
As the Deputy will be aware, my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, is undertaking a Comprehensive Expenditure Review across all areas of Government spending. This process will inform budgetary allocations for the coming years. In this context, the Deputy will appreciate that I am not presently in a position to comment on specific areas of expenditure within my Department.
116 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the report into smaller schools is to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27882/11]
A value for money review on small primary schools is currently underway in my Department. This review is part of the normal review processes undertaken by all Departments on an annual basis on selected areas of expenditure and is being conducted in line with the standard procedure for value for money reviews. The review is expected to be completed by the end of the year and a report should be available to me then. I will then have to consider its outcomes and proposals. When this process is complete, publication will be arranged.
117 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the annual cost of the pension and all other entitlements available to each retired President still living in this country. [27819/11]
Under the Presidential Establishment (Amendment) Act, 1973, the personal salary of the President is set at the rate paid to the Chief Justice plus ten per cent. In accordance with the Act, the salary of the current President is €325,507 p.a. I acknowledge that notwithstanding the Constitutional protection afforded to the emoluments and allowances of the President while in Office, the current President has voluntarily waived sums due in respect of her entitlements under the legislation. Under the current legislative arrangements, the President of Ireland is entitled to a full pension of half pay on leaving office.
The Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme) and Remuneration Bill 2011 has been published. It proposes a career-averaged rather than final salary pension for a President who is a member of the new Single Scheme. The pension that such a President may accrue will also be subject to a cap of 50% of the pay of the Office, to cater for a two-term President. In addition, the Bill provides that abatement will apply for a public service pensioner who takes up a public service position, including the Presidency. Finally, it provides for a reduction in the pay of the new President to €249,014, which will reduce future pension entitlements.
A retired President would be provided with transport on State occasions.
There is only one living retired President. The residency of a retired President is not taken into account by the Paymaster General when issuing payments.
118 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the changes that are due to be implemented for public sector pensions; the implications if a person retires before end February 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27830/11]
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. It should be noted that pensions in payment or which come into payment before the end of the ‘grace period' are subject to the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR) introduced in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2010. Pensions coming into payment after that date, which will be affected by the pay cuts, will not be subject to the PSPR.
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.
119 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when Clonark Garda station, County Roscommon will be formally handed over to the Garda for occupation by the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27851/11]
I had recently indicated to the Deputy (Question 192 of 20th September 2011) that the renovated Clonark Garda Station, Co. Roscommon, would be available to An Garda Síochána by mid-October 2011. However, due to a delay with the ESB connection, it is now expected that the building will be available for Garda use at the end of October 2011.
120 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he is considering amending the Casual Trading Act specifically in regard to amending the fines for selling tobacco products for which duty has not been paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27805/11]
The Casual Trading Act, 1995 is the legislation which establishes the regime for the regulation of selling goods in public places. Section 2(1) of the Act defines casual trading as "selling goods at a place (including a public road) to which the public have access as of right or any other place that is a casual trading area". Casual trading is regulated by the 88 local authorities who have the legal capacity to make bye laws under the Act. I, as Minister, have no role in the day to day regulation of casual trading by local authorities.
The enforcement of casual trading bye laws is a function of the local authority in the place where the selling of goods is taking place through their authorised officers for the purposes of the Act and through An Garda Síochána. The authorised officers of the local authorities have the usual powers to enter, inspect and examine any place where they have reasonable cause to believe that casual trading is taking place and to require information from traders etc. Also, An Garda Síochána have additional powers. An Garda Síochána can arrest without warrant a person they believe to be contravening the provisions of the Act and can seize and remove any goods which that person is selling or has possession for sale.
As I have stated I have no direct operational function in regards to casual trading regulation by local authorities. However, I would be surprised if any local authority has licensed a trader to sell tobacco products. Therefore the powers of An Garda Síochána to seize products apply here as selling goods without a licence is an offence under the Act of 1995.
The sale of tobacco products has its own regulatory regime established under the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts, 2002 and 2004. Under this legislation it is an offence to sell tobacco products without being registered with the National Tobacco Control Office which is part of the Health Service Executive (HSE). Therefore anyone selling tobacco products without being registered is committing an offence. The penalties for not being registered to sell tobacco are on summary conviction a fine not exceeding €1,900 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or to both or on conviction on indictment to a fine not exceeding €125,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not exceeding 2 years or to both. Another aspect of the sale of tobacco products to which the Deputy refers is the payment of excise duty. The non-payment of excise duty is, I believe, an offence and subject to prosecution by Customs and Excise.
While I agree that there is a need to review the penalties under the Casual Trading Act, 1995 I would not propose to introduce a new offence for the sale of tobacco products for which excise duty had not been paid. I do, however, recognise the harm caused to the economy both in terms of lost revenue for the State and the adverse consequences for legitimate traders from the sale of tobacco on which duty has not been paid. Much of this activity is connected to criminal conduct and as such the competent authorities best suited to cope with this are An Garda Síochána and Customs and Excise. This would be in addition to the enforcement activities of the National Tobacco Control Office of the HSE. I do not feel that casual trading regulation is suited to cope with what is essentially a criminal enterprise.
121 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding financial assistance (details supplied). [27818/11]
The initiatives taken by the Minister for Finance to restructure and re-capitalise the banking system is the principal response to making credit available. These initiatives are designed to secure an adequate flow of credit into the economy to support economic recovery, even as the banking system is down-sized.
At the end of March 2011, a range of measures was announced to reorganise, recapitalise and deleverage the domestic financial system in order to restore the banks to health and continue to provide a secure banking system for deposits. The three main elements to this strategy — recapitalisation, strong liquidity standards and a radical reorganisation and downsizing of the banking sector with the establishment of two pillar full-service banks — are fundamental to economic recovery and job creation.
This latest 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. 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. The two banks are also obliged to submit revised lending plans to the Department of Finance to demonstrate how these annual targets will be met.
It is vital that the banks continue to make credit available to support economic recovery. However, it is not in the interest of the banks, businesses or the economy for finance to be provided unless the business is viable and has the capacity to meet the interest payments and repay the sum borrowed.
Businesses having difficulty with credit refusals can use the services of the Credit Review Office which will carry out an independent and impartial review of a bank's decision to refuse or reduce credit. In the context of the CRO's work, there is scope for cases to be considered where the bank's actions are tantamount to a refusal of credit even where a formal refusal has not issued. This is another means of ensuring that the money is lent to the productive sector. With effect from 9 July, the limit for loan applications that can be reviewed by the Credit Review Office has been increased from €250,000 to €500,000. This is a positive development and should encourage more businesses to use the Credit Review Office. In addition to the initiatives of the Minister for Finance and as part of the Jobs Initiative and the commitment given in the Programme for Government, work is underway within the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on the design of a Temporary Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme. The Scheme will provide a level of guarantee to banks against losses on qualifying loans to job-creating firms to get banks lending again to industry and entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, a Microfinance Start-Up Fund to provide loans to small businesses is being developed. Micro-finance is defined as loans of up to €25k, typically over a term of three years, repayable monthly, aimed at start-up early development micro businesses (businesses employing not more than 10 people). The Microfinance fund is not intended to replace any current bank lending nor is it intended to address any broader deficiencies in the banks' provision of lending to the SMEs sector. The Fund, including scheme design and appropriate delivery mechanisms, will be developed with a view to formalising proposals in the context of Budget 2012.
These initiatives are not to replace lending through the normal banking system but to provide additional lending where specific measures are warranted.
122 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which the relevant section of his Department has carried out a close examination of cost factors affecting industry and business in this country with particular reference to identifying the reasons for relocation to other jurisdictions; the best way that these issues can be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27895/11]
The National Competitiveness Council (NCC), which is independent of my Department, reports to me on costs and other competitiveness issues in the Irish economy through its suite of reports, including the annual benchmarking report "Ireland's Competitiveness Scorecard" and the "Costs of Doing Business in Ireland" report.
The latest report on Costs of Doing Business in Ireland, published in June 2011, analyses Ireland's cost competitiveness across five key business inputs: Labour costs, Property costs, Utility costs, Business and Professional Services costs and Indirect business costs such as consumer prices. The main findings of the report are that the Irish economy continued to show an improvement in its competitiveness in 2010, building on a gradual restoration of performance since 2008.
Costs of doing business in Ireland have reduced in relation to labour, property, utilities and business services. However, in order to improve our relative competitiveness position, the pace of cost reduction must outstrip that of our trading partners. The NCC points out that some of the cost reductions achieved to date are cyclical in nature rather than structural, and more needs to be done to ensure that costs do not rise again as the economy recovers.
The Costs of Doing Business report made a number of recommendations to embed competitiveness in the economy in a structural way. I have brought these recommendations to the attention of my Ministerial colleagues in Government and I will continue to work with them to identify further actions that can be taken to improve our competitiveness, reduce costs to business and remove obstacles to employment creation.
There are many differing and complex factors that can influence a firm's decision to relocate in today's modern globalised economic environment. Companies adjust their plant location and utilisation strategies to address matters such as accessing new markets, moving production nearer to customers, meeting firm or market specific customer relationship issues and accessing technology, in addition to business takeovers and consolidations.
For much of the last decade, company location has been positive overall for Ireland. IDA Ireland has continued to attract and retain high value investments from leading global corporations. The combined influence of Ireland's improving competitiveness, our commitment to maintaining our 12.5% corporate tax rate, the development of our national infrastructure, the Government's investment in science, technology and innovation, and our strong skills base has been instrumental in this regard, and will continue to attract and increase the level of inward investment in Ireland. To date in 2011, the IDA has announced investment decisions which will create over 4,500 jobs in the Irish economy as the investments come on stream.
123 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the purpose of city and county enterprise boards as specified by the relevant legislative provisions; when this specification was last reviewed or changed; if he has any intention of reviewing the specification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27835/11]
The purpose of the County and City Enterprise Boards is set out in Section 10(1) of the Industrial Development Act 1995. Section 10(1) specifies the following "this section applies to any body, referred to in the Schedule to this Act as a County Enterprise Board ("a Board"), established for the purpose of promoting and assisting economic development within its area of operations and incorporated with the approval of the Minister as a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act, 1963."
While the issue of restructuring the Boards has been in the Public domain for some time the fundamental purpose of the Boards is not, and has not been, under review. The promotion of local economic development remains a key element of this Department's industrial policy.
124 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will review a matter (details supplied) regarding small businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27854/11]
Legislative arrangements in respect of the banking sector and the supervision of charges and fees are matters of responsibility of the Minister for Finance and the Financial Regulator. Particular banking arrangements apply to cheque payments in respect of exports. As there is no centrally managed cross-border clearing system in operation for cheques, cheques drawn on banks in foreign countries which are lodged in a bank in Ireland must be cleared individually and may take a considerable time to clear or may be returned unpaid in accordance with the legislation and/or clearing rules in place in the country in which the cheque is drawn. If the cheque is denominated in another currency, the beneficiary will be exposed to exchange rate fluctuations until the value for the cheque is received. Charges applied to such transactions reflect the additional processing costs involved. The paper based nature of cheque payments leads to lengthy and more costly transaction procedures. These procedures can be reduced by using electronic payments for accepting or making cross-border payments.
125 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the vetting of internships on JobBridge sites; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27832/11]
A variety of measures have been introduced to protect the intern and to ensure the integrity of the JobBridge scheme. In order for all applications from host organisations to be approved they must meet a number of criteria so as to ensure that the potential internships are of sufficient quality. These include the following:
that the internship does not allow the intern to work unsupervised;
that the internship is not displacing an employee; and
that the intern accrues significant experience throughout the entire internship.
In order for an internship to commence a Standard Internship Agreement must be signed by both the intern and the host organisation. This Agreement clearly stipulates the terms of the internship and states the specific learning outcomes the intern will receive over the course of their internship.
To ensure compliance with the scheme, the Department of Social Protection and the Employment Services Division of FÁS are monitoring internships to ensure that they are of sufficient quality and that both host organisations and interns are abiding by the spirit and the rules of the scheme. This involves the monitoring of monthly compliance reports that are required to be submitted by the host organisation verifying that the internship is proceeding as set out in the Standard Internship Agreement. In addition, contact with the host organisations and interns including random site visits will begin shortly as part of this process. A ‘whistle blowing' feature has been introduced, where any individual who suspects that an internship may be in breach of the scheme's criteria, including in cases of suspected displacement or poor quality, may contact the National Call Centre. All such claims will be investigated.
126 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Social Protection the reasons the heating supplement was discontinued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27881/11]
Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, a special heating supplement may be paid to assist people in certain circumstances that have special heating needs (e.g. in the case of ill health, infirmity or a medical condition). In order to qualify for a heating supplement, the claimant must live alone or only with a qualified adult or child and satisfy the standard means test for receipt of SWA. The person concerned has been refused a heating supplement as the household income is in excess of the limit allowable. The person concerned has been advised of his right to appeal the decision, however to date no appeal has been made.
127 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when an appeal will be decided regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27739/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 20 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.
128 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has had their payment dates changed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27743/11]
The person concerned was in receipt of a payment of Illness Benefit from the Department until June 2011. The payment was issued weekly every Monday in line with the date of receipt of medical certification from the person concerned. The person concerned is currently in receipt of a weekly Supplementary Welfare Allowance payment since July 2011 pending a decision in relation to her application for a Disability Allowance. The payment day for SWA is normally on a Thursday.
129 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Protection if a recent graduate who starts and continues to sign on to the live register for three months but does not receive any social welfare payment during that time will be eligible for JobBridge at the end of those three months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27744/11]
In order for an individual to be eligible to participate in JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme, an individual must be:
Currently in receipt of a live claim (Jobseekers Allowance/Jobseekers Benefit/Signing for Credits) on the Live Register;
have been in receipt of Jobseekers Benefit, Jobseekers Allowance or signing for Social Insurance Contribution Credits for a total of 78 days or more in the last 6 months.
A recent graduate who signs for credits onto the Live Register and does not receive any payment will be eligible to participate in JobBridge 78 days from the day they first signed on.
130 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason payment of basic supplementary welfare allowance was stopped in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if this case will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27754/11]
Since April 2000 the needs of asylum seekers are catered for under the direct provision system operated by the Reception and Integration Agency of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Under the system asylum seekers are provided with full board accommodation and other facilities such as laundry services and access to leisure areas. To take account of the services provided, a direct provision allowance of €19.10 per adult per week and €9.60 per child per week is payable in respect of any personal requisites required.
Following the introduction of the statutory habitual residency condition in May 2004, asylum seekers are generally not entitled to receive social welfare support. Since then, the payment of this weekly direct provision allowance is being made on an administrative basis by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive on behalf on the Department of Justice and Equality. This is an interim measure pending finalisation of arrangements by the Department of Justice and Equality to integrate payment of an allowance with its management of accommodation and related services for asylum seekers.
The person concerned failed to present himself to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) at the end of August as he was required to do under the terms of the direct provision system and on this basis the weekly direct provision payment was stopped. If the person concerned complies with the terms of the direct provision system a review of his entitlements can be undertaken.
131 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the six-month delay in processing family income supplement applications is preventing those on social welfare from taking up low-paid or part-time employment, where they would also be entitled to FIS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27788/11]
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. At the end of August, there were approximately 9,595 new FIS applications and approximately 2,737 renewal applications awaiting approval. 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 over the next three months;
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. In addition to these measures cases of urgent need are prioritised and customers who qualify for FIS are promptly paid any arrears due, back to the date of their original application, when their claim is awarded. The position is being closely monitored and kept under review by the Department.
132 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the information or research if any that is available or is being conducted into the level of citizens awareness to their entitlements if unemployed; the findings or information available; if there is any intention to conduct any further research; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27837/11]
The primary objective of the information policy of the Department is to ensure that all customers are made aware of the wide range of schemes and services available and that they are kept informed of changes and improvements as they occur.
The Department operates a network of some 125 local and branch offices throughout the country. Each local office has officers who are dedicated to providing information and are available to explain supports and services to people. Information officers provide a range of information to customers on their entitlements including, in broad terms, the effect that taking up work may have on their social welfare payments.
These locally-based services are supported by a central Information Unit which operates a LoCall information line (1890 66 22 44) which customers may call for information and guidance on their entitlements. The www.welfare.ie website contains full information on the range of schemes and services, including supports that may be available to jobseekers on return to the workforce such as Family Income Supplement, Money Advice and Budgeting Service, etc. There is a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ section dedicated to jobseekers which is available in English, Irish and Polish and provides answers to some of the most common queries the Department receives on topics such as taxation of benefits and on options available regarding training, employment, self-employment and voluntary work.
The Employer Job (PRSI) Incentive Scheme, which was launched last year, is advertised in a number of relevant sections on our website. The Department also operates a PRSI mailing list via the website that has almost four thousand subscribers, primarily employers and tax practitioners, who receive updates on PRSI changes each year. The Citizens Information Board, which comes under the aegis of the Department, is the national information agency with responsibility for supporting the provision of independent information and advice on the broad range of social services including social welfare services. Information is provided through Citizen Information Centres and other offices throughout the country, through the Citizens Information Phone Service (1890 777 121) which operates from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday and on their website at www.citizensinformation.ie.
The Citizens Information Board launched a website dedicated to people recently made unemployed, called www.losingyourjob.ie. This site provides a single point of information for anyone looking for assistance with unemployment or reduced hours. Funding is provided annually to the Irish National Organisation for the Unemployed (INOU) to produce their booklet “Working for Work”, which contains full information on jobseekers payments, the training and development options available to jobseekers as well as advice on job searching, tax and other social services provided by other Departments and agencies. The INOU provides free copies of the “Working for Work” booklet to people in receipt of social welfare payments.
In addition, the Department's network of facilitators work closely with FÁS and other agencies at a local level to identify and target appropriate education, training and development opportunities for people. Work is continuing on the transfer of the employment and community services programmes of FÁS to the Department to give effect to the Government's plan for the integration of income support and activation measures and the delivery of more streamlined and effective supports for the unemployed.
The Department has not carried out targeted research on the level of awareness of unemployed citizens to their entitlements however the Department holds a number of customer panel focus group meetings annually to gain feedback on the Department's schemes and services in order that it can best meet the needs of customers. In addition, customer representative group meetings are held regularly and provide a forum for engagement with stakeholders of the Department who represent a broad range of customers such as the unemployed, older people, carers and disability groups etc.
Future research will be conducted, and feedback sought from customers and customer representatives, in the context of developing and implementing the new National Employment and Entitlements Service (NEES) and in developing the Departments new Customer Action Plan 2012-2014. I am satisfied that the Department will continue to increase and improve the channels through which it delivers information services to all its customers.
133 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the reasoning behind the stepped rates of payment of jobseeker’s allowance for those between the ages of 18 and 24 years; the way the age brackets were decided upon; her views whether the system is just in the current economic circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27839/11]
Receiving the full adult rate of a jobseekers payment without a strong financial incentive to engage in education or training can lead to welfare dependency. While many young people with low levels of education and training were able to get work in construction and other areas when the economy was doing well, they are likely to find it much harder to get work over the course of the next few years. The measures referred to encourage young jobseekers to improve their skills and remain active in the labour market in order to avoid the risk of becoming long-term unemployed and will help them to progress into sustainable employment on a long-term basis.
The €100 rate of jobseeker's allowance was introduced for claimants aged under 20 in April 2009 and this rate was applied to claimants aged up to 21, with a €150 rate applying to claimants aged 22-24, from 31 December, 2009. The extension of the measures reflected the need to encourage more young jobseekers to improve their skills by either pursuing further study or accessing a labour market programme.
There are a wide range of education and training opportunities available to jobseekers through my Department and the Department of Education and Skills to support them in strengthening their qualifications and skills base and thereby maximising their chances of meeting the requirements of the modern labour market and gaining employment.
134 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has had a back to school clothing and footwear allowance refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27845/11]
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) scheme operates from the beginning of June until the end of September each year. A person may qualify for payment of a back to school clothing and footwear allowance if they are in receipt of a social welfare or Health Service Executive (HSE) payment and getting an increase for a qualified child, or are participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education and training course and have household income below certain levels.
Those customers who did not receive an automated payment were required to complete and return an application form to the Department. In all cases a letter issued 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 was outlined to customers.
The person concerned was refused BSCFA as she is not a child dependant on 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.
135 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Social Protection further to correspondence in relation to a visit (details supplied) if a specific date will be given for such a visit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27850/11]
I look forward to visiting Obair in Newmarket on Fergus, County Clare. As the Deputy appreciates, coming up to the Budget I have a lot of commitments in my diary.
136 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review a matter (details supplied) regarding jobseeker’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27853/11]
Where a person states that they have found work, it is normal practice for a jobseeker claim to be closed. However, in cases where the customer is taking up a short period of temporary work (up to 4 weeks) or training (up to 8 weeks), arrangements are now in place to simplify the process of signing off and back on at the end of this period. In these cases, instead of closing the claim, the local office temporarily suspends payment for the duration of the work or training. When the person signs on again after the period of work or training, the claim can be reactivated very quickly and payment restored within a few days. It is important for the customer to make clear to the local office in advance that the work is expected to last for up to 4 weeks only or 8 weeks in the case of training.
137 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reduce the JobBridge criteria from 12 weeks to four weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27870/11]
In order for an individual to be eligible to participate in JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme, an individual must be:
Currently in receipt of a live claim (Jobseekers Allowance/Jobseekers Benefit/Signing for Credits) on the Live Register;
have been in receipt of Jobseekers Benefit, Jobseekers Allowance or signing for Social Insurance Contribution Credits for a total of 78 days or more in the last 6 months.
Time spent on Back to Education Allowance, VTOS, FÁS/Fáilte Ireland Training courses, Youthreach, FIT, Community Employment Schemes, TÚS, the Rural Social Scheme, Back to Work Scheme, FÁS Job Initiative or Job Assist may now count towards the 78 day qualifying period.
However, individuals must still have signed back on to the Live Register and be in receipt of JobSeekers Benefit/Allowance or Jobseeker credits immediately before commencing on JobBridge. The policy objective of the Scheme is to prioritise scarce resources on those on the Live Register so as to increase their chances of leaving it thereby ensuring a reduction in Exchequer costs over time. The optimum time for interventions of this nature is at three months and, therefore, the 3 month eligibility criteria for the scheme will remain in place.
138 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to modify the social welfare code to enable employers to give a modest stipend to interns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27871/11]
Individuals participating in the national internship scheme receive an allowance equivalent to their current Social Welfare allowance plus an additional €50 per week for the duration of the internship (internship allowance). Host organisations must not pay top up contributions. Should an intern be in receipt of a stipend from their host organisation it may affect their underlying entitlements. There is nothing to prevent a host organisation reimbursing an intern for expenses incurred as part of the internship. However, expenses should not be provided for normal activities such as travel to and from the intern's base and normal expenditure incurred on a day to day basis.
139 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection her views that JobBridge interns under the age of 25 years should qualify for the maximum rate of job seekers benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27872/11]
All interns on the national internship scheme receive an internship allowance equivalent to their current jobseeker entitlements plus an additional €50 per week for the duration of the internship.
Individuals under 25 years of age are entitled to their current rate of jobseeker entitlement plus the weekly top-up of €50. When they participate in JobBridge these individuals are not entitled to the maximum rate of jobseekers allowance unless they had already been in receipt of it prior to commencing their internship.
140 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on an application for back to school allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27898/11]
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 procedure for review of the decision is outlined to customers.
The person concerned was refused BSCFA as she 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.
141 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details on the number of sick days taken by public sector employees across the civil and public service in 2009 and 2010 respectively; the total cost to her in the provision of illness benefit payments and other associated costs to the Exchequer in respect of these workers for the respective years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27899/11]
142 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details on the number of sick days taken by private sector employees in 2009 and 2010 respectively; the total cost to her in the provision of illness benefit payments in respect of these workers in the respective years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27900/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 142 together.
The Department does not separately record the number of sick days taken by public sector or private sector employees. It operates the illness benefit scheme which is a payment for insured people who cannot work due to illness. A person, whether employed in the public or private sector, may qualify for illness benefit if s/he is unable to work due to illness, satisfies the Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) conditions, and is under age 66.
It is not possible to determine the number of illness benefit claim paid days in respect of public sector employees as opposed to private sector employees. An analysis carried out by the Department as a once-off exercise indicated that, in 2010, illness benefit was paid in respect of 25.9 million claim days arising from claims from across the public and private sectors. The average duration of illness benefit claims closed in the years 2009 and 2010 was 10 weeks. In 2009 total expenditure on illness benefit was €919.7m and in 2010 it was €942.8m.
143 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of family units here who are currently under investigation by her for being suspected of claiming benefits in excess of what they are entitled to; the location of each family, the number of persons in each, the benefits being administered in respect of each person within the family unit, and the total amount paid to the family in 2010 in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27902/11]
The prevention of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system is an integral part of the day-to-day work of the Department. The Department processes in excess of 2 million claims each year and it makes payments to over one million people every week. The vast majority of people are receiving the entitlement due to them. My Department does not record the total number of family units who are under investigation for suspected fraud. It records its data per social welfare scheme and on an individual basis. In 2010, my Department reviewed over 929,000 cases which resulted in control savings of €483 million.
144 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are plans to introduce monitoring of bank accounts in respect of suspected welfare frauds; if this is the case, the way she purports to introduce such a measure; if she will provide a provisional timeline of when it will take effect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27907/11]
Section 17 of the Social Welfare and Pensions (No.2) Act, 2009, amended the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 2005, to include provision for the appointment of authorised officers who, in certain circumstances, will have the power to obtain information from financial institutions without the consent of the customer. It is intended that these powers will be confined to a limited number of officers and will be used only in exceptional circumstances. The authorised officer must have reasonable grounds to believe that there has been a contravention of the Act by a claimant or beneficiary. The Department has reached agreement with the Irish Banking Federation in relation to the procedures for implementation of this legislation. The new provisions will be operational within a matter of weeks.
145 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm the highest amount of social welfare paid out to a person here; the number and name of the various schemes under which they are entitled to payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27909/11]
My Department operates a wide range of schemes under which a person may be entitled to receive a payment if they satisfy all of the various conditions for receipt of that payment. The conditions for receipt of a primary weekly payment, such as Disability Allowance or State Pension, typically include experiencing a prescribed contingency, such as unemployment, disability or old age, and satisfying either a means test or social insurance contribution test.
In cases where a person satisfies the general conditions for more than one type of primary weekly payment in general they will be entitled to receive only one primary weekly payment. For example if a person has a disability and is aged 66 years or more, they will not receive both a disability and an old-age payment. Increases in primary weekly payments may be paid in respect of a qualified adult dependant and any qualified child dependants.
However, there are some exceptions to this, including the following examples: A person who has a Widow's Pension or One-Parent Family Payment and who becomes ill may be entitled to receive a reduced rate of Illness Benefit in addition to her Widow's Pension, if she or he also satisfies the conditions for receipt of Illness Benefit. A person who is entitled to a State Pension Contributory may also be entitled to receive a half-rate payment of Carer's Allowance if they are caring for another person on a full time basis.
In addition to primary weekly payments, a person may be entitled to a monthly child benefit payment, monthly domiciliary care allowance, an annual respite care grant and/or a weekly guardian's payment. It should be noted that entitlement to these payments is not dependent on being in receipt of a primary weekly rate of payment and that these payments are also equally available to persons who are not dependent on welfare, provided the relevant conditions for receipt of these schemes is satisfied. In the case of some couples, all payments may be made to one member of the couple while, in the case of others, each member may be personally in receipt some payments but not all. Child benefit is normally paid to a mother.
The average payment varies across the various schemes operated by the Department. Details are set out in the tabular statement. The most typical rate paid to people of working age is €188 per week, while the most typical rate paid to people aged 66 years or more is €230.30 per week. In addition to their primary weekly payment, people may also receive secondary benefits, such as Rent Supplement or Fuel Allowance if they also satisfy the conditions for receipt of those payments. For example, 12% of people on the Live Register also receive Rent Supplement and 16% receive Fuel Allowance. The most typical rate of Rent Supplement is €100 per week, while Fuel Allowance is €20 per week from October to April.
The majority of people receive a payment for themselves alone. For example, 70% of people who receive Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit receive a personal rate only, the maximum rate of which is €188 per week, and 54% of these receive less than €188 per week. In general, the highest aggregate payments arise in cases where there is a large number of children and rent or mortgage interest supplement is in payment or where multiple disability and care payments are made. These are relatively few in number. For example, there are currently 853 people in receipt of increases in their Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit in respect of 6 or more children. These represent less than one fifth of 1% of the Live Register. The maximum amount of Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit payable to a person with six children is less than €512 per week, while the maximum amount of Rent Supplement that could be in payment is an additional €230 per week.
In the light of the facts set out above and the fact that individual payments are delivered across a range of computer systems, it is not possible to extract the specific data requested in respect of total social welfare payments issued to individuals in the State.
|
Scheme |
Average value (€ weekly) |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
245.05 |
|
State Pension (Transition) |
243.59 |
|
Widow(er)s Contributory Pension |
240.22 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
227.84 |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
224.43 |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
213.31 |
|
Illness Benefit |
208.29 |
|
Jobseeker’s Allowance |
202.96 |
|
Disability Allowance |
201.81 |
|
Carer’s Allowance |
183.73 |
|
Jobseeker’s Benefit |
176.75 |
Note: The data presented above is scheme specific and does not take into account the fact that some individual recipients may be in receipt of more than one personal rate of a primary payment e.g. State Pension Contributory and a Half-Rate Carer's Allowance (over 40% of all Carer's Allowance recipients receive more than one primary personal payment per week). The weekly averages include arrears and increases/allowances (except fuel).
146 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the action he will take on the mink problem in view of the potential damage that a further growth in population could cause; if he will consider introducing a bounty for mink; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27723/11]
Wild mink are not protected species under the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2010 and thus they can be controlled by landowners and their agents. Mink found in the wild in Ireland are descended from animals that escaped from fur farms. They have been breeding in the countryside since the 1950s and are now found throughout much of the country.
A report published by my Department in 2009 estimated the population of wild mink in the State could reach a total of between 20,500 and 33,500 individuals. The report identified ground nesting birds as the species most vulnerable to mink predation. Accordingly, my Department is concentrating its resources on protecting the nesting sites of rare and threatened bird species, including red-throated diver, corncrake, grey partridge, waders and terns, from a range of predators including mink. Experience has shown that targeted control of predators at specific times can have a significant benefit to the breeding success of these species. Last year, some €73,000 was spent on this work. At this time my Department is considering options for effective augmentation of the current levels of mink control.
147 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide details of the extent of State liability and investment in Dublin Contemporary 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27815/11]
Dublin Contemporary 2011 (DC2011) is the largest contemporary visual art event of its kind and scale ever held in Ireland. Its mission is to create a dynamic experience of contemporary visual art within the specific cultural context of Dublin, that resonates both locally and globally. Ireland has a unique cultural brand that is globally recognised and Dublin needs to be reinforced as an open, vibrant city that attracts and retains talented people, where creativity and innovation are encouraged and where leading companies want to invest.
DC2011 previewed on 5th September and is due to run until the 31st October. In its first month, it has already attracted much favourable media coverage — both at home and abroad — and it has also been critically well received. Visitor numbers are also understood to be on target. The programme budget for DC2011 is of the order of €4m. This budget is to be met through a mix of revenues from ticket sales and merchandising, sponsorship, philanthropy and Exchequer support. To date in 2011, €1.16m has been paid by my Department in respect of the DC2011 programming budget. Once final costs, revenues and incomes are determined and audited, the full Exchequer contribution to the programming costs will be finalised.
148 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the corncrake grant scheme is available nationwide; if so, the rates of finance involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27826/11]
The Corncrake Grant Scheme is available in any part of the country, once the presence of a corncrake on the land has been confirmed.
Landowners receive a grant/payment if they agree to delay mowing of meadows, carry out corncrake-friendly mowing (i.e. cutting starts in the centre of the field and proceeds outwards, to maximise the chances of young corncrakes moving out of danger to the margin of the field) and leave an uncut strip of meadow for cover, along the side of the plot, if required. To enter the scheme, an application must be completed by 1 July and mowing or grazing must be delayed until at least 1 August.
The payment rates are outlined in the following table:
|
Option |
Payment €/ha |
|
Delay mowing until 1 August |
€250 |
|
Delay mowing until 20 August |
€325 |
|
Delay mowing until 1 September |
€375 |
|
Corncrake-friendly mowing |
€45 |
149 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount that was spent in 2010 by the National Gallery leasing property or buildings; if he will provide a breakdown of the amount spent on each individual lease; the location of each building or property; the purpose for which each building is leased; if he will specify if any of these leases are on property which is in the control of the National Asset Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27844/11]
I am advised that the National Gallery of Ireland does not hold any property on lease.
150 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will introduce new rules and regulations with regard to Larsen cages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27879/11]
My Department has responsibility for regulating the use of traps, snares and nets for catching wildlife. This is done in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2010 and the Wildlife Act 1976 (Approved Traps, Snares and Nets) Regulations 2003. The use of Larsen Traps complies with the provisions of these regulations and is acceptable when carried out with due care.
151 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will consider a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27790/11]
Currently, there is no EU-wide universal service obligation for broadband, apart from a guarantee of "functional broadband connectivity", which equates to a dial-up service. The EU Commission has recently embarked on a process aimed at looking at whether this should be extended to include universal access to broadband and Ireland will be participating fully in any discussions on such proposals.
In Ireland we are achieving full access to broadband through a combination of market forces and targeted Government intervention.
The provision of broadband services here is, in the first instance, a matter for private sector service providers operating in Ireland's fully liberalised telecommunications market. Broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e. over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, fibre and satellite. In cases of market failure the Government will intervene, where it is appropriate and possible to do so. The Group Broadband Scheme, National Broadband Scheme (NBS) and Rural Broadband Scheme are all examples of where Government has intervened to ensure broadband availability in areas, particularly rural ones, where commercial investors have failed to provide services.
The delivery of these schemes, along with private sector investment has resulted in all parts of Ireland now having broadband available, some three years ahead of the target date of 2013 set by the EU Commission in its "Digital Agenda".
Accordingly, between the significant private and public sector investments over recent years all areas of the country now have access to at least a basic broadband service. In addition to the NBS, the Rural Broadband Scheme, which recently closed for applications, aims to identify the remaining individual premises in rural Ireland, outside the NBS areas that are unable to obtain a broadband service and to provide a basic broadband to those premises, where requested.
The challenge now is to accelerate the delivery of next generation broadband. The Next Generation Broadband Taskforce (NGBT), which I chair, aims to assist in developing a roadmap for the delivery of such services across Ireland. The Taskforce, and four Working Groups reporting to it, are considering issues such as appropriate targets, private sector investment plans, and the role of Government in driving and facilitating investment. The Taskforce met recently and will meet again in December. In the interim, the four working groups will continue their work. I expect that the Taskforce will help to identify the optimal policy to deliver wider customer access to high-speed broadband generally and thereby assist in delivering on the commitment in the Programme for Government.
152 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the level of uptake in the rural broadband scheme in County Waterford; if he will supply a breakdown of broadband households in County Waterford, in numbers, in tabular form that have fibre optic, wireless, dongles, dial up and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27880/11]
Almost 5,000 applications have been received under the Rural Broadband Scheme and work is continuing on the processing of approximately 1,200 of these applications where address details need to be clarified. A total of 95 applications has been received from County Waterford — this number is provisional and may change once all addresses have been clarified.
My Department does not collect or possess the type of statistical data referred to in the Deputy's Question. However, ComReg, in its role as regulator and the promoter of competition in the Irish market, does publish quarterly data on a national level, which provides a wide range of information in relation to broadband penetration by technology platform. This statistical information on the Irish electronic communications market and benchmark data from other countries is collected and analysed by ComReg's Trend Unit and is available on its website www.comstat.ie.
153 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will establish a centralised debt management service for local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27727/11]
Earlier this year, I established the independent Local Government Efficiency Implementation Group to drive forward relevant recommendations of the Local Government Efficiency Review Report (July 2010) in areas including shared services, procurement, value for money and audit. The Group has been asked to focus on key recommendations that will remove costs and yield earliest financial gains for the benefit of the sector. The Group has been considering the recommendations contained in the Report on treasury management and has met with the County and City Managers' Association in this regard. It has also met with the Housing Finance Agency on financial pooling arrangements for the local government sector and will be further considering its recommendations on the issues surrounding such arrangements shortly. The Group will report to me at regular intervals on progress being made in implementing relevant recommendations and its first report is due shortly.
In addition, my Department has been working with local authorities to advance the efficiency agenda. The first progress report on the Local Government Sectoral Action Plan to the Implementation Body on the Public Services Agreement identified savings of €223 million for the reporting period to the end of March 2011. Actions have been taken to develop corporate websites which provide full ranges of E-payment options and in providing multi services through telephone and in-house queries allowing for easier access to services by members of the public.
154 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of sections of the Planning and Development Act 2010 relating to substitute consent for quarries; when these sections, sections 74 and 75 of the Planning and Development Act 2010, will be brought into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27741/11]
I intent to commence sections 74 and 75 of the Planning and Development Act 2010 by the end of October 2011.
155 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Local Government Audit Service report on Financial Management Reporting in Local Authorities (Report No. 24) published in 2007, recommended that financial management reports should be provided to the elected council on a regular basis, at least quarterly, to support councillors in their financial governance role in local authorities; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the management of Sligo County Council has consistently failed to comply with these recommendations and that the management of Sligo County Council has, despite requests from the elected council, failed to provide reports on the council’s finances; if he will consider introducing regulations to compel the council management to provide the elected council with quarterly financial reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27758/11]
I am aware of the Local Government Audit Service recommendation in this regard. Section 105 of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that a local authority may, by resolution, require the preparation and submission to its members of statements of the financial position of the local authority. In the case of City and County Councils, where such a resolution has not been passed, the Council's Corporate Policy Group may require the preparation and submission to its members of statements of the financial position of the Council. I understand that the Corporate Policy Group in Sligo County Council receives such statements on a quarterly basis.
It is a matter for each local authority, including Sligo County Council, to manage its own day-to-day finances in a prudent and sustainable manner. I have no plans to make any legislative changes in relation to this matter at this time.
156 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to reports from EU bodies that consideration is being given to the reclassification of all incinerator ash as hazardous waste; and if any discussions have taken place within his Department or with the Environmental Protection Agency or other bodies on this issue. [27760/11]
The properties which render waste hazardous are laid down in Annex III of the Waste Framework Directive and are further specified by a European Commission Decision which established a List of Wastes. The List of Wastes is currently under review; however, no decisions concerning the reclassification of incineration by-products or any other wastes have been made to date.
The determination of waste as hazardous, or otherwise, is a matter for the Environmental Protection Agency, and my Department maintains regular contact with the Agency in relation to relevant developments at EU level.
157 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the requirement for local authorities to notify owners of second properties that the non-principal private residence charge is due; if there is none, his plans to introduce same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27772/11]
The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 broadened the revenue base of local authorities through the introduction of the charge on non-principal private residences. The charge is set at €200 and is being levied and collected by local authorities. The Act places the onus on the owner of a residential property to assess his or her liability to the charge in the first instance. As the charge is set at an essentially modest rate of €200 per annum, it is necessary that administrative costs be kept to a minimum. In order to keep costs to the minimum and ensure that the maximum level of revenue raised is available for the provision of local services, there is no legal obligation on local authorities to issue notifications, invoices or reminders. Any such obligation would increase the administrative and resource requirements of implementing the charge and would make its collection less cost-effective.
In practice, a number of measures are undertaken to assist collection of the charge. Nationwide advertising has taken place in each year since the introduction of the charge in 2009 to ensure general awareness of the charge and the liability dates. In addition, local authorities have undertaken their own advertising campaigns locally. As a shared resource, I understand that reminder notifications were issued by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) and local authorities to those who paid the charge last year in respect of their possible liability for 2011.
Reasonable efforts are being made to ensure that property owners are aware of the charge and the liability dates. However, the charge is based on self assessment principles and it is a matter for persons with a liability to pay the charge by the due date to avoid late payment fees. I have no plans, at present, to amend the legislation in this regard.
158 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding provided to Monaghan County Council for unfinished housing estates; the amount allocated per housing estate; his plans to allocate additional funding to the council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27773/11]
The table below sets out details of the funding sought by Monaghan County Council for public safety measures to be undertaken on Category 4 developments and funding which has been approved by my Department.
|
Development |
Location |
Funding Sought |
Funding Approved |
|
Forest Walk |
Monaghan Town |
€3,405 |
€3,405 |
|
Chapel Court |
Carrickroe |
€5,700 |
€5,700 |
|
Wylies Hill |
Ballybay |
€211,715 |
€10,567 |
159 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there has been any discussion between him and Dublin City Council in respect of extending the timeframe for funding for the provision of social housing units at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27781/11]
My Department granted approval of a loan of €4.7 million to Dublin City Council under the Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) for the provision of 21 units of accommodation at the location in question. I understand that the developer is in receivership and that it is not possible to say when the issues surrounding this may be resolved. CLSS is currently being wound down and any claims for such schemes must be submitted and drawn down before the end of 2011. There are no plans to extend CLSS beyond this timeframe.
160 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the funding that he has allocated for the construction of social housing units at a location (details supplied) will be used in an alternative way to acquire lands in that vicinity for the future provision of social housing there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27782/11]
My Department issued approval to Dublin City Council in September 2009 for the acquisition of 112 social units and associated ancillary facilities, including community and day care facilities at the location in question, in the sum of €34.5 million. It is understood that a number of legal issues have arisen in connection with the planning of the development and construction has yet to begin. Until these are resolved it is not possible to comment on how the project will be advanced.
Should Dublin City Council wish to make alternative proposals these will be subject to assessment in the usual way with regard to need and the current financial constraints. The straitened resource environment has accelerated the shift away from a reliance purely on programmes of construction and acquisition, towards the Capital Assistance Scheme, Rental Accommodation Scheme and adaptation and improvement works, primarily focused on meeting the most acute needs.
161 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when an approval for a recycling centre (details supplied) will be approved by him. [27797/11]
A letter issued from my Department on 30 September 2011 offering grant assistance of €1,026,196 under the terms of the Waste Recycling Capital Grants Scheme towards the recycling centre in question. A response from the local authority is awaited.
162 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has received a copy of the Dublin Simon Community report on the 26% increase rise in rough sleepers; his plans to increase housing units for long-term homeless and young homeless persons; if his attention has been drawn to an estimated 23,000 vacant properties in the Dublin area; the estimated numbers of homeless in the gateway cities and towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27809/11]
My Department has not received a copy of the Dublin Simon Community report but is aware that Dublin Simon has publicly stated that on average 40 people are sleeping rough in Dublin city each night, representing a 26% increase. This figure would not in fact represent an increase on the last rough sleeper count which took place on Census night in April 2011 and which found that 60 people were sleeping rough on the night in question.
By its nature homelessness remains difficult to quantify and the next rough sleeper count due to take place next month in Dublin will give the most robust indication of prevalence of rough sleeping in the region.
My Department will continue to work closely with voluntary service providers in the delivery of supports for homeless people including those who sleep rough. In 2011 total statutory funding of just over €1 million has been allocated to enhanced outreach services for the Dublin region, jointly provided by Dublin Simon and Focus Ireland, and targeted at rough sleepers.
The table below details the progress that has been made over a number of years in addressing this particular cohort of homeless persons in the Dublin region.
|
Nov-05 |
Nov-07 |
Apr-08 |
Nov-08 |
Apr-09 |
Nov-09 |
Nov-10 |
Apr-11 |
|
185 |
104 |
111 |
101 |
98 |
60 |
70 |
60 |
In respect of counting numbers of homeless people more generally, the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS) is an accommodation management and inter-agency service user support system which is being developed in accordance with priority actions of the implementation plan set out under the national homeless strategy 2008-2013 The Way Home. The system commenced in January 2011 and is currently in use by almost all service providers of homeless accommodation and outreach supports in the Dublin region. A staged roll out to the rest of the country will begin shortly once ongoing work to ensure consistency of use and accurate information recording by the service providers, as well as the elimination of duplicate records, validation of data etc., has been completed. The PASS system will in future provide good quality, timely, data on homelessness nationally as an evidence base for all homeless services.
The Programme for Government commits to reviewing and updating the current homeless strategy and to adopting a ‘housing led' approach to homelessness. Following consultation within the sector, it is expected that an updated strategy will be introduced later this year, including clear performance targets and associated timelines. A particular emphasis will be on the delivery of accommodation units for homeless persons through the policy approach outlined in the Housing Policy Statement of June 2011. The key elements of the Department's and local authorities' housing programmes, including the future enhanced role of the private rental sector, the voluntary and cooperative housing sector, the leasing programme, RAS, local authority social housing acquisitions and remedial works/upgrading for vacant local authority housing stock, including re-lettings, will contribute to the ongoing supply of units to meet the needs of those moving from long term homeless accommodation to mainstream housing. Maximising delivery from these sources will be essential to prevent homelessness and end long term occupation of emergency facilities.
163 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the value of commercial rates collected by each local authority in the country for each of the past three years; the value of rates written off by each local authority for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27836/11]
Detailed information in relation to the value of commercial rates collected and the value of rates written off by each local authority for 2007, 2008 and 2009, sourced from audited Annual Financial Statements (AFS), is set out in the attached table. Audited information is not yet available for 2010 or 2011. The audit of the 2010 Annual Financial Statements (AFS) is scheduled for completion in March 2012.
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. As with all local charges, the invoicing and collection of due amounts is a matter for the local authority concerned to manage in the light of prevailing local circumstances and in accordance with normal accountancy procedures.
I recognise that these are difficult economic times and I am keeping all matters relating to rates under regular consideration in my Department.
|
Authority Name |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|||
|
Written Off |
Collected |
Written Off |
Collected |
Written Off |
Collected |
|
|
County Councils |
||||||
|
Carlow |
48,659 |
4,269,341 |
63,701 |
4,936,111 |
84,558 |
4,615,309 |
|
Cavan |
106,716 |
8,218,084 |
78,828 |
9,077,253 |
150,332 |
8,603,408 |
|
Clare |
301,577 |
31,413,554 |
419,856 |
32,811,509 |
396,538 |
32,996,202 |
|
Cork |
3,279,302 |
86,011,248 |
3,868,254 |
90,999,463 |
5,041,167 |
90,972,573 |
|
Donegal |
2,137,878 |
17,209,010 |
2,302,580 |
17,633,477 |
1,363,280 |
15,658,398 |
|
Fingal |
886,521 |
103,739,335 |
1,364,689 |
120,712,655 |
2,141,388 |
117,805,390 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
1,464,053 |
84,068,451 |
1,161,247 |
79,314,344 |
1,712,032 |
80,006,996 |
|
Galway |
1,951,482 |
17,439,371 |
2,636,068 |
18,820,596 |
2,727,353 |
17,502,006 |
|
Kerry |
2,050,403 |
16,664,337 |
1,719,763 |
16,804,077 |
2,362,878 |
16,875,495 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
37,052,488 |
0 |
36,730,454 |
0 |
37,248,297 |
|
Kilkenny |
498,011 |
9,930,637 |
1,013,476 |
10,086,427 |
1,237,416 |
9,704,411 |
|
Laois |
119,570 |
8,283,294 |
172,267 |
8,709,980 |
271,481 |
8,105,288 |
|
Leitrim |
339,461 |
3,343,814 |
439,741 |
3,844,568 |
545,554 |
3,704,221 |
|
Limerick |
1,720,067 |
24,868,249 |
1,948,681 |
24,070,136 |
2,644,874 |
22,942,636 |
|
Longford |
272,432 |
3,684,299 |
410,706 |
3,784,351 |
204,541 |
3,589,772 |
|
Louth |
617,097 |
6,137,694 |
654,051 |
6,629,710 |
756,462 |
6,313,800 |
|
Mayo |
1,438,372 |
11,109,870 |
1,649,093 |
11,648,360 |
2,484,383 |
10,962,439 |
|
Meath |
0 |
18,493,501 |
0 |
20,856,003 |
0 |
20,475,209 |
|
Monaghan |
211,786 |
5,348,952 |
274,444 |
5,337,869 |
602,947 |
4,984,210 |
|
North Tipperary |
44,232 |
6,345,252 |
77,122 |
6,475,859 |
188,260 |
6,376,522 |
|
Offaly |
395,289 |
6,296,156 |
567,400 |
6,776,627 |
803,689 |
6,459,394 |
|
Roscommon |
31,383 |
8,631,548 |
751,669 |
8,264,170 |
1,563,232 |
8,156,169 |
|
Sligo |
176,004 |
3,925,892 |
283,838 |
4,109,497 |
579,355 |
3,730,381 |
|
South Dublin |
2,192,432 |
112,784,213 |
-188,700 |
112,235,925 |
1,687,009 |
110,634,633 |
|
South Tipperary |
3,716 |
6,682,219 |
2,380 |
7,131,904 |
1,760 |
7,139,326 |
|
Waterford |
509,005 |
5,242,987 |
383,252 |
5,762,747 |
408,964 |
5,932,664 |
|
Westmeath |
66,805 |
7,258,287 |
1,480 |
7,261,546 |
236,607 |
6,772,598 |
|
Wexford |
606,820 |
15,926,784 |
509,989 |
14,461,292 |
660,644 |
14,398,434 |
|
Wicklow |
579,045 |
12,955,728 |
1,260,842 |
13,546,465 |
1,464,190 |
13,701,249 |
|
City Councils |
||||||
|
Cork |
188,362 |
56,380,937 |
313,373 |
58,660,355 |
1,852,616 |
56,121,873 |
|
Dublin |
17,718,465 |
286,946,966 |
5,616,183 |
296,591,099 |
6,247,794 |
307,480,452 |
|
Galway |
1,500,777 |
26,172,209 |
2,627,132 |
26,405,089 |
2,435,131 |
26,407,815 |
|
Limerick |
2,742,128 |
24,250,191 |
2,079,954 |
24,332,057 |
1,823,528 |
24,116,791 |
|
Waterford |
89,214 |
18,214,978 |
143,235 |
18,569,138 |
189,950 |
17,810,528 |
|
Borough Councils |
||||||
|
Clonmel |
0 |
4,709,800 |
0 |
4,792,980 |
47,189 |
4,071,334 |
|
Drogheda |
952,938 |
9,728,585 |
928,391 |
9,741,726 |
2,149,886 |
9,093,766 |
|
Kilkenny |
234,328 |
4,564,395 |
457,958 |
4,554,651 |
555,533 |
4,781,442 |
|
Sligo |
1,322,193 |
5,680,446 |
661,977 |
5,966,865 |
890,046 |
5,776,438 |
|
Wexford |
303,771 |
3,272,234 |
209,381 |
5,358,699 |
467,995 |
5,468,672 |
|
Town Councils |
||||||
|
Arklow |
258,683 |
1,710,505 |
413,109 |
1,882,824 |
520,877 |
2,506,775 |
|
Athlone |
14,374 |
2,913,332 |
0 |
3,225,775 |
0 |
3,341,585 |
|
Athy |
0 |
1,926,897 |
0 |
1,517,334 |
0 |
1,451,230 |
|
Ballina |
554,858 |
2,734,734 |
525,779 |
2,695,436 |
729,526 |
2,763,260 |
|
Ballinasloe |
272,079 |
1,109,578 |
321,894 |
1,195,213 |
324,172 |
1,169,263 |
|
Birr |
205,713 |
873,432 |
270,109 |
1,038,714 |
233,453 |
848,368 |
|
Bray |
541,561 |
5,649,310 |
734,883 |
5,958,209 |
704,429 |
5,505,673 |
|
Buncrana |
282,927 |
987,087 |
282,303 |
757,821 |
762,828 |
544,465 |
|
Bundoran |
36,039 |
827,363 |
54,630 |
978,347 |
87,232 |
844,621 |
|
Carlow |
58,618 |
5,269,495 |
161,463 |
5,250,385 |
110,825 |
4,752,063 |
|
Carrick on Suir |
14,523 |
696,414 |
3,253 |
693,665 |
4,606 |
609,132 |
|
Carrickmacross |
36,121 |
1,227,694 |
51,037 |
1,245,913 |
88,280 |
1,066,463 |
|
Cashel |
0 |
560,543 |
0 |
590,581 |
0 |
541,937 |
|
Castlebar |
424,300 |
2,795,815 |
537,165 |
2,997,629 |
682,085 |
2,815,840 |
|
Castleblayney |
90,093 |
606,359 |
150,298 |
675,872 |
133,134 |
501,613 |
|
Cavan |
259,398 |
1,335,812 |
213,192 |
1,410,533 |
300,985 |
1,542,812 |
|
Clonakility |
12,773 |
1,231,554 |
12,343 |
1,181,500 |
52,862 |
1,194,989 |
|
Clones |
65,752 |
367,781 |
51,175 |
301,655 |
128,492 |
295,820 |
|
Cobh |
64,784 |
733,836 |
125,741 |
714,659 |
146,664 |
643,627 |
|
Dundalk |
874,504 |
10,935,440 |
409,189 |
11,628,327 |
966,133 |
10,538,426 |
|
Dungarvan |
434,906 |
2,161,173 |
276,356 |
2,292,390 |
311,792 |
2,021,346 |
|
Ennis |
339,577 |
4,167,576 |
540,437 |
4,203,131 |
591,822 |
3,998,872 |
|
Enniscorthy |
11,661 |
1,255,359 |
51,780 |
1,490,383 |
58,316 |
1,300,902 |
|
Fermoy |
102,313 |
900,112 |
138,402 |
969,786 |
204,826 |
843,543 |
|
Kells |
0 |
580,352 |
0 |
529,757 |
0 |
596,111 |
|
Killarney |
715,466 |
6,472,091 |
654,326 |
6,707,677 |
833,203 |
6,071,252 |
|
Kilrush |
4,793 |
576,627 |
1,970 |
592,527 |
7,777 |
663,293 |
|
Kinsale |
15,216 |
988,949 |
51,171 |
748,332 |
14,472 |
867,812 |
|
Letterkenny |
154,583 |
4,299,781 |
347,679 |
4,565,637 |
388,328 |
4,264,540 |
|
Listowel |
103,557 |
1,542,347 |
217,702 |
1,520,017 |
209,707 |
1,515,865 |
|
Longford |
339,919 |
2,236,319 |
339,023 |
2,191,549 |
591,740 |
2,339,321 |
|
Macroom |
4,899 |
677,731 |
5,855 |
879,969 |
51,661 |
798,493 |
|
Mallow |
56,559 |
2,293,738 |
135,168 |
2,179,513 |
171,242 |
2,110,280 |
|
Midleton |
94,332 |
1,469,621 |
80,524 |
1,672,923 |
108,601 |
1,652,934 |
|
Monaghan |
308,221 |
2,684,961 |
299,864 |
2,899,056 |
538,040 |
2,415,801 |
|
Naas |
5,473 |
5,775,886 |
886 |
6,152,362 |
0 |
5,759,815 |
|
Navan |
0 |
1,957,275 |
0 |
2,165,920 |
331,598 |
2,083,747 |
|
Nenagh |
177,348 |
2,995,099 |
247,242 |
2,812,389 |
377,330 |
2,740,789 |
|
New Ross |
24,976 |
1,043,837 |
12,565 |
1,033,210 |
8,065 |
1,050,605 |
|
Skibbereen |
118,618 |
906,502 |
133,064 |
891,432 |
161,644 |
832,117 |
|
Templemore |
5,925 |
394,787 |
14,354 |
417,524 |
16,509 |
387,715 |
|
Thurles |
121,320 |
2,033,096 |
215,490 |
1,893,539 |
344,008 |
1,724,944 |
|
Tipperary |
1,278 |
1,185,974 |
0 |
1,209,697 |
0 |
1,204,559 |
|
Tralee |
982,956 |
7,687,025 |
1,179,870 |
7,548,159 |
2,912,370 |
6,788,930 |
|
Trim |
0 |
632,203 |
0 |
671,235 |
0 |
632,408 |
|
Tullamore |
543,070 |
3,351,668 |
855,628 |
3,480,879 |
736,996 |
3,184,720 |
|
Westport |
164,327 |
2,538,082 |
121,984 |
2,584,867 |
149,391 |
2,509,853 |
|
Wicklow |
191,001 |
1,180,006 |
230,205 |
1,169,120 |
291,953 |
1,029,552 |
|
Youghal |
182,887 |
1,048,613 |
440,598 |
1,046,150 |
339,981 |
1,003,821 |
|
Totals |
56,372,575 |
1,232,785,108 |
47,774,005 |
1,276,265,552 |
64,708,517 |
1,263,368,440 |
164 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding proposals to put in place a national household waste collection waiver system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27843/11]
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. 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. The issue of waivers for low income households will be among the issues for consideration in this context.
165 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a detailed breakdown for each county, of the retired personnel from his Department on full pensions who are now in consultancy contracts with his Department or local government in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27846/11]
In 2010, the last year for which figures are available, eleven retired civil servants in receipt of civil service pensions were re-engaged by my Department on a fee basis at a total cost of €55,415. The abatement principle, which ensures that the fee paid plus pension does not exceed the rate of pay the pensioner would receive if he/she had continued service in their former post, applied to all such payments made. The tasks carried out include membership of expert groups, occasional service on interview boards, value for money reviews and process audits. The information sought in respect of local authorities is not available in my Department.
166 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the submission made to the stakeholder consultations undertaken by him last year as a result of the European Court of Justice ruling on septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems are available as public record. [27905/11]
In October 2010, over 190 stakeholders with a potential interest in the proposed legislation regarding septic tanks and other on-site wastewater treatment systems (including public bodies and representative organisations from the agricultural, environmental, industrial and rural sectors) were invited by my Department to make submissions regarding the implementation of a new inspection and monitoring system for on-site wastewater treatment systems. In total 52 submissions were received.
My Department is making arrangements to contact those stakeholders who made submissions with a view to publication of the submissions on the Department's website as soon as possible.
167 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he intends to make regulations under section 19, sinking funds, of the Multi-Unit Developments Act; if that section has actually been commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27828/11]
The position is that section 19 of the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 entered into operation on 1 April 2011. It requires an owners' management company to establish a sinking fund for the purpose of discharging expenditure incurred in respect of the refurbishment and improvement of the multi-unit development, as well as maintenance of a non-recurring nature.
While section 19 contains general provisions in relation to the establishment of a sinking fund and the obligations on unit owners to make contributions to it, subsection (9) makes provision for possible regulations setting out more detailed rules in relation to procedural and operational matters. To date, my Department has not received any requests from relevant stakeholders to make such detailed rules. However, if experience gained from the operation of section 19 indicates that more detailed rules would be helpful to owners' management companies, I would have no hesitation in making such regulations.
168 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the statement of guiding principles for fund-raising which sets out good practice standards for the sector; if an independent monitoring process is being developed and is expected to commence in January 2012; his views on this matter; the progress that is being made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27875/11]
The Irish charities sector, with the support of the Government, has been involved in the development of non-statutory codes of practice to regulate charitable fundraising over a number of years. This project was previously the responsibility of the former Department of Community, Equality, and Gaeltacht Affairs, and responsibility for this function transferred to my Department in May 2011.
Whilst, as I am sure the Deputy is aware, all elements of my Department's discretionary expenditure are currently under review given the pressures on the public finances, I am therefore not in a position to give absolute assurances in relation to any possible future commitments at this stage. However, I believe that the interface between charities and the general public in the context of fundraising is key to maintaining and developing public confidence in the Irish charities sector. Officials of my Department have recently met with the sectoral representatives with responsibility for developing these codes, and I am hopeful that my Department will be in a position to continue to provide support for this venture within the limited discretionary resources available.
169 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected position in respect of residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27752/11]
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person concerned was given permission to study in Secondary School which was valid to 30 September 2011. If he wishes to study at third level he should contact his local Immigration Office for further permission to remain. If he is not continuing with his studies he should write to the General Immigration Division in INIS to have his case examined and they will advise this person accordingly.
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.
170 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which the factor of violence in their homeland which presents a threat to life was taken into consideration in respect of an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27753/11]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 12th October, 2006. His application was refused following a full consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 30th October, 2007, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should not have a Deportation Order made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection. This application was fully considered under all of the relevant headings before a decision was taken to refuse that application. The person concerned was advised of the refusal of his Subsidiary Protection application by letter dated 8th March, 2011.
The case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, was then considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement before a Deportation Order was made in respect of him on 15th July, 2011. This Order was served by registered post dated 26th July, 2011. Once this Order was served on the person concerned, he was legally obliged to comply with any reporting requirements placed on him by the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
I am satisfied that the case of the person concerned has been given the fullest consideration at all stages of the asylum and immigration processes. As a result, I am satisfied that the decision taken to make a Deportation Order in his case was justified. 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.
171 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a visa in respect of a person (details supplied). [27761/11]
It would appear based on the details provided by the Deputy that the issue at hand relates to a visa application for Australia. Immigration matters relating to Australia are entirely a matter for the Immigration authorities of that country and Ireland has no role or involvement in such matters.
172 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the Property Services (Regulation) Bill 2009 [Seanad]. [27762/11]
The position is that the Dáil Committee Stage is scheduled for 19 October. The Bill has already completed all stages in the Seanad.
173 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of tiger kidnappings that occurred per annum from 2005 to 2010; and the number of tiger kidnappings to date in 2011. [27770/11]
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the number of so-called "tiger" kidnappings that occurred in the period 2005- 2010 is set out in the following table.
|
Year |
No. of incidents recorded |
|
2010 |
8 |
|
2009 |
6 |
|
2008 |
2 |
|
2007 |
5 |
|
2006 |
4 |
|
2005 |
1 |
To date in 2011 (to 4 October 2011) 6 so-called ‘tiger' kidnappings have taken place.
174 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda promotions at the ranks of sergeant, inspector, superintendent, chief superintendent and assistant commissioner that have been approved; if additional posts at these ranks are likely before the end of 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27821/11]
Shortly after taking office, I received sanction from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for the filling of six senior Garda posts and on 22 March 2011 the Government appointed one Deputy Commissioner, one Assistant Commissioner, one Chief Superintendent and three Superintendents in An Garda Síochána. Further derogations were also received in August for the promotion of four Gardaí to Sergeant and four Sergeants to Inspector.
The Deputy will be aware that the moratorium on recruitment and promotions in the Public Service continues to apply to the Garda Síochána for both sworn members and civilian support staff. The situation is continually kept under review by the Garda Commissioner and further derogations can be sought, in exceptional circumstances, from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. In this regard, I have received sanction for the Commissioner to establish promotional panels from which future appointments may be made.
175 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will grant a person (details supplied) in County Waterford temporary Garda National Immigration Bureau registration while the person’s naturalisation application is being processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27825/11]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the person in question was granted permission to remain under the provisions of the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2006 and 2008 for a period of 5 years on 9 May 2006. This permission expired on 25 September 2011. It is now open to the person in question to submit an application for a permanent residence card under the provisions of the aforementioned Regulations to the EU Treaty Rights Section of the Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department. Details on how to do so can be found on the INIS Website, www.inis.gov.ie.
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.
176 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the charges due to be implemented for prison officers who retire after February 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27831/11]
The administration of public service pensions and the arrangements to apply are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
177 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when Clonark Garda station, County Roscommon, will be occupied by the gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27852/11]
The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation around the country is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works, who have responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, following completion of its renovation, the station referred to by the Deputy is expected to be available for Garda use shortly.
178 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will review a matter (details supplied) regarding a visa extension. [27908/11]
As the Deputy will be aware the ’New Immigration Regime for Full Time Non-EEA Students’ was published in September 2010 and has been in operation since 1 January 2011. A number of the recommendations contained in the Report came into effect from 1 January 2011 including the introduction of maximum periods of residence in the State on foot of a student permission and the introduction of a differentiated approach between “Degree Programme” courses and those at the “Language or Non-Degree Programme” level. In addition, “Guidelines for non-EEA national students registered in Ireland before 1 January, 2011”, which clarify the position in relation to a non-EEA student registered in Ireland prior to that date, have been available on the INIS website at www.inis.gov.ie since January 2011. The Deputy may also wish to note that an e-mail facility — studentreviewgroup@justice.ie — has been in operation to address queries raised by non-EEA students with regard to the operation of the new regime.
I am advised by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (INIS) of my Department that the persons referred to by the Deputy have been dealt with in accordance with the new rules outlined in the New Immigration Regime for Full Time Non-EEA Students and as clearly set out in the guideline notes available on the INIS website.
However it is open to the persons referred to by the Deputy to write directly to studentreviewgroup@justice.ie clearly setting out full details of their case. In any such correspondence the persons referenced should outline in detail the efforts made to secure an employment permit as part of the special "Timed Out" student permission which allows — as a special concession — "Timed Out" Students to apply for an employment permit/green card from within the State. Upon receipt of this information this case will be considered further.
179 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 785 of 14 September 2011, when payment will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27764/11]
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1 November 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 query arose in relation to the application from the person named in relation to the area cross-check with the Single Payment Scheme application. This particular problem is now being addressed with a view to issuing payment as quickly as possible. In the event of any further queries arising, my Department will be in direct contact with the person named.
180 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a disadvantaged area payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for the delay; the reason this delay has been caused again this year when the person in question was informed last year that mapping would not cause a delay in the future; when it is expected that this payment will issue; his views whether this delay is acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27785/11]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 29 April 2011. This application was selected for and was the subject of a Ground Eligibility and Full Cross Compliance Inspection. The inspection process is now complete and payment under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme will issue shortly. 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. In the majority of inspected cases, 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 updated. When processing these amendments priority is given to applications that were the subject of a Ground Eligibility Inspection.
181 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the area aid application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if there are any outstanding matters pertaining to this application; if he will set out same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27816/11]
An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 20 April 2011. The processing of the application has recently been completed, thereby allowing payment to issue under the 2011 Disadvantaged Area Scheme on 4 October 2011. The 50% advance payments under the Single Payment Scheme are scheduled to commence issuing as and from 17 October 2011.
182 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a farmer gets listed for contiguous testing; the justifications there are for this; if this testing is compulsory; the restrictions that are imposed on such farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27829/11]
A farmer may be listed for a contiguous test if his or her herd is identified as being contiguous to infective fragments of a high-risk TB breakdown. The purpose of the contiguous herd test is to prevent and control the spread of TB from herds contiguous to a TB breakdown to herds that are otherwise clear. This test is compulsory. Under existing arrangements, following the disclosure of reactors in a herd and the subsequent categorisation of the herd as high-risk, notices are issued to those herds contiguous to the infected fragment and a contiguous testing programme is undertaken in those herds, provided that the herd has not been tested in the previous four months. Currently, such herds are free to trade until the test commences. However, experience has shown that a significant number of animals from such herds move to other clear herds before the test is conducted and introduce TB into those herds. In view of this and in line with my Department's policy of confining the disease to the herds where it is detected, my Department intends to impose a temporary trade restriction on holdings contiguous to a herd in which TB has been disclosed in the case of high risk breakdowns. In such cases, trading status would be immediately restored once the herd passes the contiguous test.
183 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason an area based payment has not been made to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27883/11]
An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2011. The processing of the application has recently been completed and payment under the 2011 Disadvantaged Area Scheme issued to the applicant on 4 October 2011. The 50% advance payments under the Single Payment Scheme are scheduled to commence issuing as and from 17 October 2011.
184 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the contacts he has initiated with other EU leaders concerning proposed changes to the Common Agricultural Policy. [24704/11]
Since I was appointed Minister on 9 March last, I have had formal bilateral meetings with my French, UK, Spanish and Danish Ministerial colleagues. I have taken the opportunity to meet formally with my Ministerial colleagues from the other Member States and the EU Commission at the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers meetings held in Brussels and Luxemburg and also at the Informal Ministerial Councils held in Hungary and Poland. The main purpose of these contacts was to build alliances with like-minded Member States regarding the upcoming reform of the CAP. Most recently, I met my French counterpart, Bruno Le Maire, in Paris last week and we agreed a common set of priorities for the forthcoming negotiations, namely to ensure the negotiations for the next EU budget framework deliver at least a stable budget for the CAP to support sustainable food production in the EU; to obtain the necessary flexibility for Member States in relation to payment models and transition arrangements for distribution of single payment funds to farmers; to ensure that future greening of the direct income support schemes should be simple to apply both for farmers and Member State administrations and should not entail additional costs for either, with the scope of the greening being pegged to the budgetary resources allocated to the CAP; to ensure an appropriate market support framework for agricultural markets, including economic and sanitary measures, that is capable of responding flexibly as the need arises; and to keep CAP processes as simple and as effective as possible and to minimise unnecessary bureaucracy for the farmer and costs for the Member State. As negotiations intensify over the coming period, I will continue to interact with my Ministerial colleagues and with the Commission and European Parliament.
185 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will expedite an application for national lottery funding in respect of a project (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [27763/11]
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.
186 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 242 of 9 November 2010, when the review will be published; the reason for the delay in publishing this report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27804/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
187 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will give consideration to the request for funding from a programme (details supplied) in view of its potential to leverage a large and very valuable voluntary input from the community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27827/11]
The 2011 budget allocation for the Youth Affairs Unit of my Department is €60.154m on current expenditure and €800,000 on capital expenditure. This funding supports the delivery of a range of youth work programmes and services for all young people, including those from disadvantaged communities through grants in aid.
Foróige is currently in receipt of €6.037m from Youth Affairs Unit for projects run under a number of schemes including the Youth Service Grant Scheme, Special Projects for Youth Scheme, four (4) Youth Information Centres and for a number of projects under the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund (Rounds 1 and 2).
The Youth Affairs Unit of my Department is aware of the Big Brother Big Sister Programme which is run by Foróige. However, having regard to the reductions in public expenditure that must be achieved by Government Departments and State Agencies and the limited funding available, it was not possible to consider funding for the programme in 2011. In light of expected budgetary constraints in 2012, it is unlikely that any new applications for funding will be considered next year.
188 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress being made on waiting lists for psychological services at the community child care centre at Waterford Regional Hospital in view of the fact that Waterford families are being faced with a wait of at least one year for such services; if resources will be prioritised to tackle this backlog; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27958/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
189 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will consider initiating a public awareness campaign on the dangers of consuming counterfeit tobacco products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27732/11]
The Office of the Revenue Commissioners has responsibilities in the area of detection of counterfeit and contraband tobacco products. Smuggling cigarettes into Ireland is illegal and penalties prescribed in this regard reflect the gravity of such acts; however, policy with respect to the consumption of cigarettes is largely oriented towards reducing smoking — and it does not discriminate between the consumption of legal or illegal cigarettes. This is predicated on the fact that one in every two smokers will die from a tobacco-related disease — a stark fact that is central to the HSE's health education QUIT campaign aimed at encouraging smokers to quit.
With regard to the measures being taken to reduce smoking, it seems appropriate to firstly reflect on the comprehensive range of tobacco control legislation that has been introduced in Ireland since 2002, particularly the successful implementation of the smoke-free initiative in 2004; the ban on the sale of packs of cigarettes of less than 20 in 2007; and the ban on in-store display and advertising and the introduction of the retail register in 2009. This comprehensive nature of our tobacco control legislation places Ireland in the top rank of countries internationally in this regard. Ultimately, the legislation further de-normalises smoking among children and will, I believe, reduce childhood initiation in the long term.
In addition to the HSE's QUIT campaign, other measures to encourage people to quite smoking include Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT) — which are available to medical card holders — and Smoking Cessation Services within the Health Service Executive that offer services in different areas -where available. Specialist Smoking Cessation Counsellors are trained to deliver these services on full time, part time and sessional basis nationally. Health Promotion Departments within the HSE also offer an extensive programme of training that includes developing skills for health care practitioners to support people wishing to stop smoking; they also provide support to schools around the issue of smoking and substance misuse, and support to workplaces on developing smoking policies.
The HSE funds the National Smokers Quitline which, in conjunction with the Irish Cancer Society, provides a smoking cessation advice and support service. This provides the public with access to a telephone support service from a trained smoking cessation counsellor. Referral to local smoking cessation services can also be arranged and a quitting booklet is offered and sent out to all callers who request it.
Finally, there is a range of measures under consideration by the Tobacco Policy Review Group (TPRG) including price, enforcement of existing legislation and cessation services. I anticipate that the report of the TPRG will be completed in the coming months and that this will be brought to Government for decision.
190 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the report on the admissions policy for a home (details supplied) in County Cork; if he will ensure the retention of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27737/11]
191 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he intends to honour the commitment he gave last July to meet a committee (details supplied) in County Cork; if so, when the meeting will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27738/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 191 together.
The Deputy's questions regarding future services at a home in County Cork and its admission policy are service matters for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Requests to meet my colleague Minister Reilly are normally arranged through his Office. Such requests can be made electronically to ministersoffice@health.gov.ie. I suggest that a representative from the Group to which the Deputy refers, contact the Minister's Office and officials will be able to assist with the request accordingly.
192 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27740/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
193 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application for a full medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will indicate a timeframe for dealing with the matter. [27749/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
194 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite the approval of a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [27750/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
195 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the reason fourth year student nurses who are entering their fourth year internship within the hospital system, and who will work a 37 hour week as full members of staff under supervision, now face a further reduction in their wages; and the progress made in reviewing the situation facing staff nurses. [27759/11]
Last Autumn the previous Government decided to implement a range of budgetary measures including the phased abolition of pay to student nurses when undertaking the rostered placement, with progressive reductions from 2011 to 2014 and abolition from 2015. This decision was also made in the context of the favourable manner, compared with other countries, in which Ireland has treated student nurses as paid employees for part of their education programme while giving them the same status as other university students.
Following my appointment, I requested a review of this decision and invited the nursing unions to become involved in the process. I also advised that a more general review of the degree programme for nurses would follow. The promised review of the pay issue is under way at present.
196 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will review a matter regarding health and safety at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [27765/11]
The matter referred to does not fall within the remit of my Department.
I am advised by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government that under the Water Services Act, 2007, the owner/occupier of a premises has a responsibility to ensure that their drains do not cause a nuisance while the local authorities are responsible for the operation and maintenance of wastewater collection and treatment systems. I will arrange that the matter be referred to my colleague, Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government for his consideration and direct reply to you.
197 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will review a matter regarding home help in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [27766/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
198 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will not be granted a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27768/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
199 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the only paediatric rheumatologist in the country is due to go on maternity leave in November; the plan of action that has been put in place to provide clinic and emergency services to the 1,000 or so juveniles suffering from arthritis in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27783/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
200 Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be arranged with a neurologist in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27787/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
201 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health his plans for mental health service staffing level in 2012; if these plans will be consistent with the commitments made in the vision for change policy document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27791/11]
202 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health his plans for the continued roll out of community mental health teams in 2012; the financial commitment this will take from the 2012 health budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27792/11]
203 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health the current progress of the introduction of the Directorate for Mental Health Services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27793/11]
205 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health the Departments he is working with to create employment opportunities for persons with mental health difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27795/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 to 203, inclusive, and 205 together.
This Government is committed to implementing A Vision for Change and reforming our model of healthcare delivery so that more and better quality care is delivered in the community. In this regard 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, structures and identifiable person(s) responsible for driving the change including delivery on the commitments in our Programme for Government. The question of a Directorate for mental health and issues related to staffing levels particularly in community mental health teams will be examined in this context.
It is the Government's intention that over time access to modern mental health services in the community will be significantly improved. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to ring-fence €35 million annually from within the health budget to develop community mental health teams and services. This is currently being considered as part of the Estimates process for 2012 and future years.
A Vision for Change also recognised that all citizens should be treated equally and that access to employment for people with mental health difficulties should be on the same basis as any other citizen. We are endeavouring, through housing, education and community based health care, to provide the environment in which employment opportunities can be availed of by all on an equal basis.
204 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health the point at which the plans to close inadequate psychiatric hospitals and provide community based accommodation in its place; if there is a departmental timeline that is being followed to implement the transfer of service users to the new accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27794/11]
A Vision for Change provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over a 7 to 10 year period. It recommends that steps be taken to bring about the closure of all psychiatric hospitals and that the resources released by these closures should be reinvested in the mental health service. It emphasises that this process should take place on a phased basis with wards closing sequentially as the clinical needs of the remaining patients are addressed in more appropriate settings, such as additional community residences, day hospitals and day centres. A Vision for Change describes a wholly new service model which is designed around the service user, is recovery oriented and community based.
Significant progress has been made in closing the old traditional psychiatric hospitals and providing modern acute in-patient facilities. Progress has also been made in providing appropriate alternative continuing care accommodation for those service users who require such accommodation.
Following are details of the psychiatric hospitals which have now closed or have closed to acute admissions;
|
Traditional Psychiatric Hospital Closed / Closed to new admissions |
|
|
HSE West: |
St. Conal’s Letterkenny |
|
St. Columba’s Sligo |
|
|
St. Mary’s, Mayo |
|
|
St. Patrick’s, Roscommon |
|
|
Our Lady’s, Clare |
|
|
HSE South |
Our Lady’s, Cork |
|
St. Canice’s, Kilkenny |
|
|
St. Senan’s, Wexford |
|
|
St. Otteran’s, Waterford |
|
|
St. Dymphna’s, Carlow |
|
|
HSE Dublin Mid Leinster |
St. Brendan’s, Grangegorman |
|
HSE DNE |
St. Ita’s, Portrane |
Closure plans are in place for the remaining old hospitals; however hospitals will only close when the clinical needs of the remaining patients have been addressed in more appropriate community based settings.
206 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health the number of rehabilitation and recovery teams currently in place here to support persons with a mental health problem to enable them to live independently in the community; the plans there are to increase this number as older psychiatric wards close; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27796/11]
A Vision for Change sets out a comprehensive framework for the development of all mental health services over a 7 to 10 year time frame and contains some 200 recommendations. The Report proposes a holistic view of mental illness and recommends an integrated multidisciplinary approach to addressing the biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to mental health problems. It recommends a person centred treatment approach which addresses each of these elements through an integrated care plan, reflecting best practice, and evolved and agreed with both service users and their carers. The aim is to move from the traditional institutional based model of care to a patient-centred, flexible and community based mental health service, where need for hospital admission is greatly reduced, while still providing in-patient care when appropriate.
The core unit of mental health service delivery for adults is the General Adult Community Mental Health Team of which there are 124 in place nationally. The Community Mental Health Team provides secondary care to individuals living in their own home or in supported accommodation within their own community. Rehabilitation and Recovery Teams are specialised mental health teams who provide services to those with severe and enduring mental illness to move towards recovery. There are currently 16 Rehabilitation and Recovery Community Mental Health Teams nationally.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to ring-fence €35 million annually from within the health budget to further develop community mental health teams and services. This is currently being considered as part of the Estimates process for 2012 and future years.
207 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will appoint an ophthalmology surgeon to Tralee General Hospital, County Kerry. [27802/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
208 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of times he has visited Beaumont Hospital, the Mater Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital, Raheny, Dublin since he became Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27822/11]
I have visited the Mater hospital twice since my appointment as Minister to attend two conferences which were hosted there. These were:
a conference on Joint Cardiology and & Cardiothoracic Nursing on May 20th;
a conference on Colorectal Cancer on September 16th.
I have not, to date, visited either Beaumont Hospital or St. Joseph's Hospital. However I have received invitations to visit a number of Dublin hospitals and these invitations are being considered and will be responded to in due course.
209 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the use that was made by him or the Health Service Executive of a property at Myshall, County Carlow, obtained by him or the HSE through the Office of Public Works from the Department of Justice and Equality; the original cost of the property; the value of the property now; the cost of security for the property since its original purchase; the plans if any for the property; if submissions have been made at any time by organisations in the health area for use of this property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27840/11]
Your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply as estate management is a service issue.
210 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27873/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
211 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27874/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
212 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a case in respect of a person (details supplied) [27903/11]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
213 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health if the diabetic retinopathy screening programme will not commence in the first quarter of 2012; when it is anticipated that the screening programme will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27906/11]
Retinopathy screening is ongoing in the Northwest region and in addition, the National Diabetes Working Group is developing — among other things — a national diabetic retinopathy screening programme through 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. The NCSS will be in a position to provide an update on a start-date for the programme in January.
214 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health the measures available to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford to recoup the expenses incurred; the measures that can be put in place to avoid similar situations like this in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27959/11]
As this is a service matter is has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
215 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of buses in the Bus Éireann fleet for the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27823/11]
The issue raised is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
216 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of cars, motorbikes, light vans, buses and HGVs that have used the Dublin Port Tunnel for the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27824/11]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The implementation and management of individual national road projects, including the Dublin Port Tunnel, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2007, in conjunction with the relevant local authorities concerned. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
