Vol. 743 No. 1
54 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if appointments at principal officer level and above have been opened to external competition; and if any appointments at this level and above have been made from outside traditional Civil Service structures. [28637/11]
As part of the reform of the public service, the Government is committed to the introduction of new skills and talent across all Departments. In the Programme for Government we have said that appointments at Principal Officer level and above will be open to external competition.
Since the introduction of the moratorium on recruitment and promotion in March 2009 no general open recruitment campaigns have taken place for positions in the civil service. Some specialised recruitment has taken place where there is a clear and targeted identification of specific skills needs. For example, in late 2010 the Revenue Commissioners recruited by open competition Principal Officers and Assistant Principal Officers with relevant skills (taxation, IT and audit) and Solicitors. The competition resulted in a very significant proportion of appointments from the private sector. Of the 4 appointed to Principal Officer, all were from the private sector, of the 22 appointed to Assistant Principal Officer, 18 were from the private sector and of the 2 Solicitors appointed, one was from the private sector.
In relation to appointments above Principal Officer level, the Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC) holds competitions for and advises Ministers/Government as appropriate on appointments to civil service posts at Secretary General, Deputy Secretary and Assistant Secretary and equivalent levels. Since early 2007 the policy has been that open competitions are held for Assistant Secretary and Deputy Secretary and equivalent posts and more recently this policy has been extended to Secretary General posts, with the exception of a limited number of Secretary General posts which are filled by the Government without a TLAC competition. In 2010 and 2011 (to date) six appointments have been made from TLAC competitions from the private/ broader public sector.
In respect of future recruitment campaigns any decisions will be taken in the context of the business needs of the relevant organisation, the moratorium on recruitment and promotion and any redeployment arrangements agreed for the civil and public service.
55 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of money he is seeking to achieve through the sale of semi-State assets and/or the sale of so called minority stakes in State assets. [28641/11]
Under the EU/IMF Programme of financial support for Ireland, the Government is committed to an ambitious programme of asset disposals, based on the Programme for Government and the report of the Review Group on State Assets and Liabilities. The Programme for Government includes a target of €2bn to be raised from the sale of non-strategic State assets. The Government has already decided that it is prepared to dispose of a minority stake in ESB. It has also agreed that it is prepared, in principle, to undertake further assets sales, but no decision has been taken in relation to any other State assets at this stage.
My Department and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources are jointly chairing an inter-departmental group which is considering the best approach to the sale of a minority stake in ESB, including energy policy, regulatory, legal, financial and economic considerations. This group will report back to Government by end-November with a recommendation. Targets for receipts from the ESB minority sale will be determined by the outcome of this process. These targets will take account of the need to strike a balance between achieving the highest return and maintaining appropriate policy goals, bearing in mind the likelihood that pre-determined transactional targets do not result in the optimum market response.
A second group, to be led by my Department, has also been established to consider possible candidates for further assets sales in order to inform any further decisions that the Government may wish to make on this matter.
56 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider capping all civil and public sector pay at €100,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28633/11]
I refer to my reply to Question No. 20298/11 of 14 July 2011.
57 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his role in relation to the sale of shares in State companies; if he will outline all companies that have been examined in this process; the way the decision was made in respect of Coillte, Bord Gáis, EirGrid, ESB, and Bord na Móna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28504/11]
Under the EU/IMF Programme of financial support for Ireland, the Government is committed to considering options for an ambitious programme of asset disposals, based on the Programme for Government and the report of the Review Group on State Assets and Liabilities, and to preparing a draft programme of asset disposals in this context to be discussed with the Troika in advance of taking final decisions on the programme to be pursued. The Government has already decided that it is prepared to dispose of a minority stake in ESB. It has also agreed that it is prepared, in principle, to undertake further assets sales, but no decision has been taken in relation to any other State assets at this stage.
My Department and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources are jointly chairing an inter-departmental group which is considering the best approach to the sale of a minority stake in ESB, including energy policy, regulatory, legal, financial and economic considerations. This group will report back to Government by end-November with a recommendation. A second group, to be led by my Department, has been established to consider possible candidates for further assets sales in order to inform any further decisions that the Government may wish to make on this matter.
58 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which applications for redeployment throughout the public service have been met to date with particular reference to addressing the need for extra staff in areas and Departments most affected by the economic situation; if any assessment has been done to identify the number of requests for redeployment or transfer within or between various branches of the service with emphasis on the extra workload in some sectors while at the same time meeting in so far as possible individual requests for transfers or exchanges within and between Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28501/11]
206 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which the various Government Departments, local authorities and health service have experienced increased or reduced staffing levels through redeployment or otherwise in the past five years and to date in 2011; if the various sectors remain to be effective and cost effective in terms of meeting the new challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28859/11]
208 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to review or reform the structures affecting public or civil servants seeking transfers or relocation within or inter-Department with a view to achieving a more streamlined and seamless response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28861/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58, 206 and 208 together.
Ensuring a more flexible and responsive public service is a key element of the Government's reform programme. Measures to increase staff mobility and to ensure that resources are allocated to priority areas in a timely and strategic manner will form part of the reform programme implementation plan, which is currently being developed in my Department. My Department will prepare the legislation necessary to remove legislative barriers to cross-sectoral redeployment and to address other issues that might arise on changing employer. Much of the data the Deputy is seeking is readily available on my Department's website, www.per.gov.ie, including employment numbers by sector and year. Again, in relation to the wider public service such data is published, as matter of course, by the various public bodies.
The deployment and management of staff are primarily a matter for the head of a Department or other body in the first instance, having regard to its employment control framework (ECF), policy and operational priorities and the budgets available. Changes in the services provided and their delivery, in the allocation of work and in the use of information technology are taking place on an ongoing basis within the public service, against a background of falling numbers. Significant redeployment of staff and reassignment of work has taken place in that context.
The Public Service Agreement 2010-14 (Croke Park Agreement) provides for agreed redeployment arrangements to apply in the Civil Service and in other parts of the public service, and for these arrangements to take precedence over other methods of filling vacancies. In general redeployment opportunities are to be sought in the first instance within each sector (e.g. health, education, local authority, etc.). Redeployment allows staff to be moved from activities which are of lesser priority, or which have been rationalised, reconfigured, or restructured, to areas of greater need. In practical terms these arrangements represent a means of facilitating the targeted reduction in public service numbers in the period to 2014 while sustaining the ongoing delivery of services. The progress made in implementing the provisions of the Croke Park Agreement, including examples of progress on redeploying public servants within and across sectors of the public service, are set out in the website of the Implementation Body at http://implementationbody.gov.ie/progress-and-delivery/.
The reorganisation of Ministerial responsibilities earlier this year involved several transfers of functions between Departments which resulted in exchanges of staff and resources, often at multiple locations. This process also included transfers and reassignment of staff to achieve the best organisational fit and, in some cases, redeployment to meet priority needs in other organisations in particular locations. There has also been a substantial redeployment of staff in the context of structural re-organisations or levies, both of which are specifically recognised in the Croke Park Agreement. For example, in recent years over 500 staff transferred, mainly under levies and trawls, to the Department of Social Protection and to the CSO for Census 2011. A further 2,000 or so HSE and FÁS staff are transferring to the Department of Social Protection with their functions.
The Public Appointments Service (PAS) has put in place a system of Resource Panels of Civil Service and State Agency staff to support the redeployment processes in those sectors agreed under the Croke Park Agreement. It is a matter for the employer to identify the number and grades of posts to be redeployed in the first instance and to upload the posts onto the PAS panels. Posts to be filled by redeployment are offered in the first instance to the relevant panel or panels. My Department is working on an ongoing basis with PAS and other stakeholders to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the redeployment processes and of the panel system in particular.
Where staff are not available for redeployment in a particular location, the post, if approved for filling by my Department, may be offered to staff who had already indicated an interest in transferring there, whether directly to the Department concerned or through the Central Applications Facility (CAF). Since 2003, the CAF has also facilitated the wishes of substantial numbers of public servants to transfer to alternative locations under the Decentralisation Programme. However, the possibilities to facilitate requests for such transfers are now more limited due to ongoing reductions in public service numbers and the necessity for redeployment to take precedence. The Senior Public Service (SPS) provides mobility opportunities for Assistant Secretaries to move to posts at equivalent level within the civil service. As the SPS is extended to the wider public service, mobility will be extended on an incremental basis.
59 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider capping annual civil and public sector pension payments at €35,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28634/11]
My Department estimates that the average public service pension is around €20,000 and would not be affected by the cap proposed by the Deputy. Indeed, fewer than 1 in 100 public service pensioners has a public service pension in excess of €60,000.
As the Deputy may know, public service pensions have been reduced already, under provisions introduced by the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2010. The public service pension reduction (PSPR), effective from 1 January 2011, is as shown in the Table below.
|
Annualised Public Service Pension amount (€) |
Reduction |
|
First 12,000 |
Exempt |
|
Between 12,000 and 24,000 |
6% |
|
Between 24,000 and 60,000 |
9% |
|
Balance above 60,000 |
12% |
I am advised that a cap on civil service pensions above €35,000 would save (ignoring the PSPR) in excess of €43 million in the civil service alone. However, as a public service pensioner in receipt of a pension in excess of €35,000 would be paying tax and the universal social charge, the Exchequer would receive only a proportion of these savings in net terms.
There are complex legal and constitutional issues surrounding any further change to vested property rights which would arise if the Government was to pursue a policy along the lines indicated by the Deputy. Such an interference, in the case of a potentially vulnerable class of citizens without other alternative income sources, such as pensioners, would need to be both proportionate and clearly in the public interest. The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts 2009 and 2010 cited, in recitals to the legislation, the particular circumstances which, in the public interest, necessitated the reductions brought in by those statutes.
60 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the most recent Exchequer figures; the expectation that GDP will grow by 1.8% next year; the impact it will have on the projected public expenditure budget adjustment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28532/11]
I presume that the Deputy is referring to the Central Bank's recent autumn quarterly bulletin, where the Bank marginally revised down its GDP growth forecast for 2012 to 1.8 per cent. This was not unexpected given the signs of slowing activity in our main trading partners in recent months and a worsening global outlook more generally. The most recent Exchequer figures covering the period to end-September were published on 4 October. Excluding the very significant impact of banking related expenditure, the Exchequer deficit in the period to end-September, is over €3 billion lower than it was in the same period last year. This shows that real progress is being made in returning our public finances to a more sustainable position. The Exchequer Primary Balance target set for end-September as part of the Joint EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support was also met, which is to be welcomed.
Both my own Department and the Department of Finance are currently in the process of assessing what implications the latest budgetary and economic data might have for 2012 and beyond. Such assessment will, along with later data, inform Government in the context of its budgetary preparations over the coming months. The two Departments are in the process of putting together the Pre-Budget Outlook which will include macroeconomic forecasts for the period 2011-2015 and the most up to date developments will be taken into account in these forecasts. It is expected that the Pre-Budget Outlook will be published before the end of this month.
61 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the evaluation, if any, that has been made when reducing the public service wage bill on the new demands that might accrue such as longer pension payments, gratuities, welfare payments; when front line gaps result, staff replacement on either a permanent, temporary or contract basis; the expected net savings in the early retirement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28147/11]
63 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if risk assessments have or are being compiled in the various parts of the public and civil service prior to the current early retirement scheme; if so, if he will provide these to the various Oireachtas committees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28148/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 63 together.
My Department has estimated that the payback time for public servants availing of an early retirement scheme is in the region of 26 months. This represents a substantial ongoing saving to the Exchequer. The Government is committed to delivering better value in the public sector in order to reduce the deficit and protect frontline services. There is scope for re-deploying resources which managers must seek to use.
Over the last number of years, enhanced numbers monitoring systems and multi-annual employment frameworks have been put in place. These arrangements will be strengthened to ensure that effect is given to Government decisions on public service numbers and will aid public bodies in adjusting to future staffing levels without sacrificing services. Nevertheless, it is part of the day to day function of the Boards and Management of all public bodies to assess, budget and plan for current and ongoing staffing requirements within necessarily reduced resources.
With regard to existing early retirement schemes there is currently only one very limited early retirement scheme in operation in the public or civil service in the agricultural advisory authority Teagasc. Teagasc is seeking to reduce its staffing levels by 109 using a voluntary early retirement/voluntary redundancy scheme, or through external redeployment to other State agencies or parts of the civil service.
62 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will amend the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 to eliminate the situation in which privately employed workers, many of them extremely low paid, have had the public sector pension levy imposed on them when they do not receive a public sector pension or any of the entitlements of public sector workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27910/11]
Only public servants pay the public service pension-related deduction. This is clearly provided for at section 2(1)(a) of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. Section 2 of the Act further requires that a public servant must meet a pensionability condition in order to be made subject to the pension-related deduction. This condition requires that the public servant is a member of a public service pension scheme, is entitled to a benefit under such a scheme or receives a payment in lieu of membership in such a scheme. An annual exemption threshold of €15,000 applies in relation to the pension-related deduction.
65 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of suggestions received from members of the public to the comprehensive review of expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28503/11]
Members of the public were invited to submit suggestions to the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure through my Department's website. The period for suggestions to be put forward for consideration has now elapsed. In total there were in the order of 1,000 submissions made by way of e-mail and hard copy formats. All suggestions received as part of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure have been forwarded to the relevant parent Department for appraisal and consideration in the context of preparing the Departmental expenditure report, as part of the overall pre-budget deliberations of the Government.
68 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will enforce sections 6 and 7 of the Superannuation and Pensions Act 1963 and rescind special severance gratuity payments and added years awarded to existing senior civil servants such as Secretaries General and county managers on their retirement. [28630/11]
Sections 6 and 7 of the Superannuation and Pensions Act 1963 provide for added years and severance for retiring civil servants in certain circumstances. They are discretionary and are only applied in the context of effecting efficiency and economy in the organisation. In the case of retiring Secretaries General, the enhanced retirement terms only apply where the individual has not been appointed to another post in the Civil or Public Service or in an international body.
A Secretary General is appointed for a fixed term which, as a result of the individual's age at the date of appointment, expires before age 65, and in many cases before age 60. In circumstances where an individual is obliged to retire at the end of his/her term and before age 65, a severance payment and enhanced retirement benefits may be granted, subject to certain conditions, in recognition of the fact that the individual has foregone the right to continue in employment to age 65 and accrue further pension benefits. These terms are designed to encourage younger people to apply for such posts who might otherwise wish to continue working until age 65.
The terms which have been approved on the appointment of Secretaries General will be honoured by this Government. These terms provide for a reassignment of the officer or the granting of superannuation terms in line with 1987 Government decision. I am conducting a full review of the TLAC terms in the context of new appointees as Secretary General. I would add that I have just published the new Single Public Service Pension Scheme Bill. This will provide for pension calculation on the basis of career-average. No enhancement of superannuation benefits will be applicable in the case of Single Scheme members in the future.
The Superannuation and Pensions Act 1963 does not cover the superannuation position of County Managers, whose terms are dealt with in section 78 of the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Amendment Scheme 1998, as amended by Section 23 of the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Amendment Scheme 2007 and made pursuant to section 47 of the Local Government Act 1991. This legislation is the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.
69 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures contained within the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme) and Remuneration Bill that will end the culture of excessively high pension pay outs to senior civil servants. [28631/11]
74 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views that the culture of excessively high pension pay outs to senior civil and public servants will be ended by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme) and Remuneration Bill. [28638/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 74 together.
The cost-saving features of the proposed Single Scheme which will be most effective in reducing the value of the pension packages of senior civil servants, by comparison with current arrangements, are the switch to a career-average calculation method, and the adoption of inflation-linkage for both in-service benefit indexation and subsequent post-retirement pension increases.
Many senior civil and public servants experience several promotions over the course of a full career, with final pay potentially being a high multiple of starting pay. It can be expected that the pension benefits of public servants with this kind of career profile will be considerably lower under the Single Scheme than under current arrangements: this prospective reduction in benefit value will be attributable in particular to the switch to career-average calculation of benefits.
70 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding flood relief works on the River Suck; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28502/11]
The River Suck forms part of the River Suck Joint Drainage District, and as such the responsibility for maintenance rests with the relevant local authorities, in this case Galway and Roscommon County Councils. The maintenance of the drainage district is undertaken by the River Suck Joint Drainage District Committee, which comprises of 16 members elected by members of Galway and Roscommon County Councils. Annual funding is provided to the Committee by the Councils.
Under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, as amended, all local authorities are required to furnish to the Office of Public Works an annual report in respect of the conditions of the Drainage Districts within their care. The report for the year ended 31st December, 2010 submitted by the River Suck Joint Drainage District Committee shows that the Committee expended €203,000 on maintaining the district, which comprised the removal of silt and weed from the main river and tributaries, and the repair of sluice gates and bridges.
In addition to the maintenance works undertaken by the Committee, the Office of Public Works has provided significant funding to Roscommon and Galway County Councils under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works Scheme to undertake flood alleviation measures at a number of locations on the River Suck.
To date, Galway County Council has been allocated funding of almost €1.7m under the Scheme for flood alleviation measures in Ballinasloe Town and the surrounding areas. This allocation includes funding of €1.1m to undertake substantive works at Derrymullen/Ashfield which are now complete and funding of €163,000 for various works at East Bridge. Funding of €54,000 was also provided to undertake drainage works at Ballyglass, Ballymoe, which are also complete.
Roscommon County Council has been allocated almost €338,000 for a number of projects in the area. This allocation includes an amount of €270,000 for the construction of a weir and overflow channel at Athleague, together with the undertaking of channel maintenance, and an amount of €54,000 to increase pipe capacity at Valeview, Castlerea.
The consideration of flooding matters in the River Suck catchment is also being addressed through the Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study which commenced earlier this year. The Deputy will be aware of the current position regarding this study from my reply of 4th October, 2011 to PQ 26920/11 which details the progress made to date.
71 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he intends to publish in full the review of expenditure, as supplied by Departments before or after the budget. [28632/11]
The Comprehensive Review of Expenditure is a process involving input from all Departments and their agencies as well as work on cross cutting issues being carried out by my Department. These Departmental submissions are a central part of the pre-budget deliberations of the Government and it is envisaged that the reports submitted as part of the CRE process can be made publicly available following the completion of the budgetary and Estimates process.
72 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his rationale for selling off a stake in the ESB to private interests, a self-financing critical component of the State’s strategic infrastructure that has paid €4.5 billion over the past ten years to the State in taxes and dividends, for a fraction of the latter figure. [28643/11]
As the Deputy is aware, the State is currently dependent on financial assistance provided under an EU/IMF funding programme for its continued day-to-day operations. In this context, and given the current state of the public finances, it would be negligent not to examine all reasonable ways in the public interest to reduce expenditure and raise revenue, including through the sale of certain non-strategic State assets.
As part of the EU/IMF Programme, the Government is committed to considering options for an ambitious programme of asset disposals, based on the Programme for Government and the report of the Review Group on State Assets and Liabilities, and to preparing a draft programme of asset disposals in this context to be discussed with the Troika in advance of taking final decisions on the programme to be pursued. The Government has decided that it is prepared to dispose of a minority stake in ESB. The Government believes that by releasing value from this State asset, while still retaining ownership and control of the asset, it can free up resources that can be put to productive use in the economy and help reduce debt levels.
The Government intends to combine proceeds from State asset sales with existing NPRF resources, subject to the agreement of the external partners, to fund the NewERA programme. 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 energy, water and broadband. It will also examine other commercial investments and build upon existing work of the NPRF by developing a Strategic Investment Fund, to develop over time into a Strategic Investment Bank.
73 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which public expenditure reduction targets identified in the context of the EU-IMF bailout have been achieved and are on target to date under the various headings identified, those which have exceeded expectations and those below target; the extent of capital and current expenditure involved; if it is possible to indicate the areas most likely to yield the most potential for contribution to economic recovery with least negative impact on growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28500/11]
Under the terms of the EU-IMF Programme of Financial Support, an overall current expenditure reduction of €2,090 million was targeted in 2011, with an additional €1,800 million from capital. This reduction was to be made up of social protection expenditure reductions, a reduction in public service employment numbers, a reduction on existing public service pensions on a progressive basis and other programme savings. These savings were introduced in Budget 2011, and underpin the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2011, approved by the Dáil in July of this year.
Overall current and capital expenditure to the end of September is running 2.2% or €749 million behind profile in net expenditure terms, with a breakdown as set out in the attached table which was published on 4 October. As regards the contribution to economic recovery, this is a key consideration for the Government in assessing the outcome of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure and the Capital Review, and will have a major bearing upon the budgetary decisions to be made by the Government in the period up to the December budget.
|
Performance against profile at end-September |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ministerial Vote Group |
End September Profile |
End September Outturn |
Variance |
Variance |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
% |
|
|
Agriculture, Fisheries & Food |
887 |
723 |
-164 |
-18.5% |
|
Current |
678 |
566 |
-113 |
-16.6% |
|
Capital |
209 |
157 |
-52 |
-24.8% |
|
Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht |
185 |
182 |
-3 |
-1.5% |
|
Current |
155 |
153 |
-2 |
-1.1% |
|
Capital |
30 |
29 |
-1 |
-3.3% |
|
Children and Youth Affairs |
163 |
112 |
-50 |
-30.9% |
|
Current |
160 |
111 |
-49 |
-30.7% |
|
Capital |
3 |
2 |
-1 |
— |
|
Communications, Energy & Natural Resources |
160 |
141 |
-19 |
-11.8% |
|
Current |
74 |
66 |
-8 |
-10.8% |
|
Capital |
86 |
75 |
-11 |
-12.7% |
|
Community, Equality & Gaeltacht Affairs |
105 |
105 |
0 |
0.0% |
|
Current |
98 |
98 |
0 |
0.0% |
|
Capital |
7 |
7 |
0 |
0.0% |
|
Defence |
643 |
627 |
-16 |
-2.4% |
|
Current |
637 |
621 |
-16 |
-2.5% |
|
Capital |
5 |
6 |
0 |
5.0% |
|
Education & Skills |
6,183 |
6,115 |
-68 |
-1.1% |
|
Current |
5,861 |
5,791 |
-69 |
-1.2% |
|
Capital |
322 |
323 |
1 |
0.3% |
|
Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation |
533 |
489 |
-44 |
-8.3% |
|
Current |
226 |
219 |
-7 |
-3.2% |
|
Capital |
307 |
270 |
-37 |
-12.1% |
|
Environment, Community & Local Government |
963 |
863 |
-100 |
-10.3% |
|
Current |
442 |
427 |
-15 |
-3.4% |
|
Capital |
520 |
436 |
-85 |
-16.2% |
|
Finance |
257 |
246 |
-11 |
-4.2% |
|
Current |
256 |
244 |
-11 |
-4.4% |
|
Capital |
1 |
2 |
1 |
44.0% |
|
Foreign Affairs and Trade |
581 |
509 |
-72 |
-12.4% |
|
Current |
580 |
508 |
-72 |
-12.4% |
|
Capital |
2 |
2 |
0 |
-7.4% |
|
Health**** |
9,916 |
9,889 |
-27 |
-0.3% |
|
Current |
9,640 |
9,657 |
17 |
0.2% |
|
Capital |
276 |
232 |
-44 |
-16.0% |
|
Justice & Equality |
1,568 |
1,609 |
41 |
2.6% |
|
Current |
1,514 |
1,566 |
52 |
3.4% |
|
Capital |
55 |
43 |
-11 |
-20.3% |
|
Social Protection |
10,228 |
10,110 |
-118 |
-1.2% |
|
Current |
10,222 |
10,107 |
-115 |
-1.1% |
|
Capital |
6 |
4 |
-2 |
-39.1% |
|
Public Expenditure and Reform |
586 |
563 |
-23 |
-3.9% |
|
Current |
509 |
490 |
-19 |
-3.8% |
|
Capital |
77 |
73 |
-4 |
-5.1% |
|
Taoiseach’s |
147 |
128 |
-19 |
-13.0% |
|
Current |
147 |
128 |
-19 |
-13.0% |
|
Capital |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
|
Transport, Tourism and Sport |
1,028 |
1,001 |
-27 |
-2.6% |
|
Current |
477 |
481 |
4 |
0.9% |
|
Capital |
551 |
520 |
-31 |
-5.6% |
|
Less Departmental Balances |
30 |
59 |
29 |
|
|
Total Net Cumulative Voted Spending |
34,101 |
33,353 |
—749 |
—2.2% |
|
Current |
31,644 |
31,173 |
—471 |
—1.5% |
|
Capital |
2,458 |
2,180 |
—278 |
—11.3% |
75 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of jobs that have been lost here due to cuts in public services and the reduction in capital expenditure in 2011. [28884/11]
As set out in the Programme for Government and consistent with EU-IMF Programme the Government is committed to reducing public expenditure and tackling the budgetary deficit while seeking to protect frontline services. As part of this the Government is committed to reducing the overall size of the public service. Data on staffing number reductions is available on my Department's website.
It is a matter for local management to reorganise work, change methods of service delivery or redeploy staff to the most critical areas in order to ensure services are maintained in keeping with Government policy. The Public Service Agreement (Croke Park) is an important enabler of the Governments ambitious reform programme in this regard. The capital allocation for 2011 is €4.69 billion. This represents a reduction of €1.57 billion from the 2010 provisional outturn of expenditure of €6.26 billion. This lower figure reflects price reductions as much as volume effects. The exact impact of this on employment is difficult to assess.
76 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach the number of external consultants who have been engaged by all Government Departments since March 2011; the cost of same; and the consultants used. [28149/11]
80 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Taoiseach the amount that he intends to spend on consultancy fees in 2011, in particular those contracted to identify value for money in Government Departments. [28419/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 80 together.
Since March 2011 my Department engaged QTS Limited, to carry out an annual risk assessment and update the Department's 2011 Health & Safety Statement at a cost of €1,271. Procedures are in place in my Department for ensuring the expenditure undertaken on consultancy is necessary and that relevant guidelines are being followed.
77 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the occasions on which he cleared the use of the Government jet for use by Government Ministers for travel. [28150/11]
I have approved use of the Ministerial Air Transport Service on 24 occasions since 9 March. For the Deputy's information, in 2010, the Ministerial Air Transport Service was used on 93 occasions, on 126 occasions in 2009 and on 195 occasions in 2008.
78 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Taoiseach the details of any organisation under his Department which has informed him of staffing difficulties which may impinge upon its ability to effectively oversee the spending of public funds; and his views regarding same. [28377/11]
The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only body under the aegis of my Department. NESDO has not informed me of any staffing difficulties which may impinge upon its ability to effectively oversee the spending of public funds.
79 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Taoiseach if he will outline the organisations under his Department for which an employment control framework has been agreed; the current numbers they have in place; if they have been waiting more than one month to receive sanction to proceed to fill or retain any positions in spite of such positions falling below the agreed ECF ceiling. [28393/11]
The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only body under the aegis of my Department. An employment Control Framework is in place for NESDO and it currently employs 19.2 whole time equivalents. The questions of awaiting sanction to fill or retain positions do not arise.
81 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the work undertaken by him in planning the Irish Presidency of the EU in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28197/11]
As stated in my response to PQ 21421 (and related PQs 24708/11, 24724/11 and 26099/11) which issued on 4 October 2011, I retain overall Ministerial responsibility for the co-ordination of EU affairs, including preparations for Ireland's Presidency of the EU in 2013.
Following the transfer of the European Union Division at my Department to the Department of the Taoiseach, the Second Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach will be responsible for the management of an integrated EU co-ordination function and will report to both the Taoiseach and me as appropriate on our particular duties at European level, including for Presidency planning and management. This appointment, and the establishment of a unified EU Division at the Department of the Taoiseach, will result in more effective coordination and promote a greater strategic direction of Ireland's engagement with the EU in all Departments and across the Government, including in our preparation for, and management of, Ireland's Presidency in 2013.
Planning for Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2013 is coordinated by two interdepartmental groups; the first group leads on policy preparations (and is chaired by the Minister of State for European Affairs), while the second group is coordinating logistics planning. Ireland is a member of a Presidency ‘Trio' that also includes Lithuania (which will succeed Ireland as Presidency in the second half of 2013) and Greece (which will take over the Presidency in January 2014). Last July I met the Lithuanian Prime Minister to discuss preparations for our Presidencies in 2013. I have also met with the Lithuanian Foreign Minister on two occasions in recent months. I also hope to meet my Greek counterpart shortly.
The Taoiseach met Herman van Rompuy, President of the European Council, at Government Buildings in June and their discussions included the forthcoming Irish Presidency. Similarly, during his visit to Ireland this summer the Taoiseach and I met Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament, and the Irish Presidency was a significant topic in those meetings.
The Minister of State for European Affairs has met a number of her counterparts including the Greek European Affairs Minister, the Secretary General of the European Parliament and the Secretary General of the European Commission to discuss Ireland's Presidency and other issues. Officials have also held meetings with representatives of the EU institutions and with Trio partners. Contacts at all levels will become more frequent over the coming months as preparations for the Presidency intensify.
82 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current funding for water, sanitation and hygiene as a percentage of total bilateral aid; if that percentage will be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28169/11]
Approximately 2.5 billion people, roughly one-third of global population, lack safe sanitation facilities and 885 million people lack access to improved sources of drinking water. While progress has been made, only twenty six out of fifty four African countries are on track to meet Millennium Development Goal 7 "to halve, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to basic drinking water and sanitation". The 2006 White Paper commits Ireland to "support activities across the programme to increase access to water and sanitation”. Ireland, through the Government’s Overseas Development Programme, Irish Aid, works with central and local Government in its priority Programme Countries, with civil society groups and with multilateral organisations to make progress on the achievement of MDG-7.
Ireland recognises that sustained and equitable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation is not only a life saving intervention in humanitarian responses, but is also critical to address the complex and multi-dimensional nature of poverty and vulnerability, especially relating to child mortality, food security and gender equality. In its policy dialogues with partners, Ireland continues to focus on increasing access to safe drinking water through various channels; national development plans, advocacy and governance reforms, humanitarian and recovery programme and climate change adaptation. Ireland also recognises the existence of human rights obligations relating to access to safe drinking water and sanitation and has supported initiatives at the UN Human Rights Council, including the Resolution on human rights and access to safe drinking water and sanitation, adopted at the 15th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva in September 2010 and co-sponsored by Ireland.
In 2010, Ireland allocated over €7 million to support water, sanitation and hygiene programmes. Additionally Ireland supports UN Agencies such as UNICEF which works across ninety countries to improve water supplies and sanitation facilities in schools and communities, and to promote safe hygiene practices.
83 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support an Irish citizen (details supplied) arbitrarily detained in Sri Lanka; and if he will make this a priority issue. [28267/11]
As the Deputy will be aware from my previous replies in relation to the person mentioned by him my officials remain in close and direct contact with his wife and family. They liaise directly with her on any request for assistance and on any developments in his case. Our Ambassador and officers in our Embassy in New Delhi, which is accredited to Sri Lanka, have also been very active in pursuit of progress in this difficult case.
I am aware that a meeting between his wife, and other family members, and senior officials of my Department took place on 22 July 2011. At this meeting it was agreed that, if there was no outcome to a Fundamental Rights Hearing before the local Sri Lankan Courts due to take place on 30 August 2011 that I would write to the Sri Lankan Minister for External Affairs. At the hearing the case was postponed to 31 October 2011 and I have, accordingly written to the Sri Lankan Minister for External Affairs asking that the person mentioned by the Deputy either be charged or be released from custody as soon as possible. I can assure the Deputy that all possible consideration will continue to be given to this complex matter.
84 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of any organisation under his Department which has informed him of staffing difficulties which may impinge upon its ability to effectively oversee the spending of public funds; and his views regarding same. [28371/11]
85 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the organisations under his Department for which an employment control framework has been agreed; the current numbers they have in place; if they have been waiting more than one month to receive sanction to proceed to fill or retain any positions in spite of such positions falling below the agreed ECF ceiling. [28387/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 85 together.
The only organisation under my Department which deals directly with the spending of public funds is the International Fund for Ireland. That organisation has not reported any difficulties to me concerning its ability to oversee public funds. There are no organisations under my Department for which an Employment Control Framework has been agreed.
86 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of public petitions that have been submitted to him in the past four years, in tabular form; the nature of the petition campaign; the date on which the petition was submitted; the number of signatories on each petition; the action undertaken by him following consideration of the submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28424/11]
Petitions addressed to me or to my Department are received from time to time. There is no prescribed format for such a petition and they have no particular status. They may range in scale from a few dozen signatures to several thousand or more. They may come from particular interest groups, from concerned individuals and from Ireland or from overseas. Such petitions are generally related to topical foreign policy issues and they are treated as an input to policy-making. As such, they are directed to the relevant section in my Department dealing with the topic in question, where they are given consideration. There is no central registry of such petitions in my Department and it is not therefore possible to provide the statistical information requested by the Deputy.
87 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the persons who are members of the export trade council; the number of times same will meet; and the remit of the council. [28555/11]
I chaired the first meeting of the Export Trade Council, on Thursday 29 September 2011. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, as well as the Minister of State for Trade and Development also participated in the meeting. Other relevant Government Departments were represented at senior official level and the Chief Executive Officers of relevant State Agencies were also present.
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, the private sector is represented on the Council. Representatives of IBEC and the Irish Exporters Association as well as a number of individuals from private sector companies with a track record in the export sector participated in the first meeting. The full list of Council members is set out in the list for the Deputy's information. The participation of private sector participants in the Council is on a voluntary basis and is without remuneration. As a high-level body, the Council will convene up to three times annually. Under its Terms of Reference, a copy of which I attach for the Deputy's information, working groups may also be established to examine specific topics between plenary meetings if necessary. I intend to hold the second meeting of the Council early in 2012.
The Council will strengthen cooperation and coordination across all Government Departments and State Agencies involved in the promotion and development of trade and exports. The Council subsumed the existing Foreign Trade Council and will oversee the progressive implementation of the recommendations set out in Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy published last autumn.
Members of the Export Trade Council
Chair — Eamon Gilmore T.D., Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
Richard Bruton T.D, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
Leo Varadker T.D., Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport
Jan O'Sullivan T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
John Callinan — Department of the Taoiseach
Aidan O'Driscoll — Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries
Niall O Donnchú — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
Alan Wall — Department of Education and Skills
Willie Funnell — Revenue
Aidan Cotter — Bord Bia
Eugene Downes — Culture Ireland
Frank Ryan — Enterprise Ireland
Martin Shanahan — Forfás
Barry O' Leary — IDA — Ireland
Acting Director General — John Travers-Science Foundation Ireland
Niall Gibbons — Tourism Ireland
Representatives of the private sector who have agreed to participate in the work of the Council for the coming year are;
Ruth Andrews — Irish Tour Operators Association
Pat Beirne — Mergon International
Breda Maher — Cooleeney Cheese
Tom McCabe — Teva,
James McMahon — CG Power Systems
John Moloney — Glanbia
Tony Murphy — Daon
Pat O'Connor — Marine Harvest,
Pól Ó Moráin — Enterprise Lab
Mairead Sorenson — Butlers Chocolates
Greg Timmons — Takeda
John Hearne — Curam Software Ltd.
John Whelan — IEA (Irish Exporters Association)
Danny McCoy — IBEC (Irish Business and Employers Confederation)
Terms of Reference for the Export Trade Council
In accordance with the commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, will chair the Export Trade Council to strengthen cooperation and coordination across all key Departments and State Agencies involved in promotion and development of trade and exports. The Council will oversee the progressive implementation of the recommendations set out in the Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy strategy and action plan and will subsume the role of the previous Foreign Trade Council.
In addition to the Tánaiste, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Minister of State for Trade and Development and the Minister of State for Research and Innovation will participate in the Council. The following Departments and State Agencies will be represented on the Council, where indicated above at Ministerial level, or at least at Assistant Secretary General or Chief Executive Officer, as appropriate.
Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
Department of Education and Skills
Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Department of the Taoiseach
Department of Transport Tourism and Sport
Office of the Revenue Commissioners
Bord Bia
Culture Ireland
Enterprise Ireland
Forfás
IDA — Ireland
Science Foundation Ireland
Tourism Ireland
The Tánaiste will invite one representative each from IBEC and the Irish Exporters Association to participate in the Council and he will also invite up to twelve individual representatives from the private sector with appropriate experience to participate in the work of the Council on a yearly basis. The Council will meet not less than twice annually and will:
1. Oversee the implementation of the Strategy and Action Plan for Irish Trade, Tourism and Investment to 2015.
2. Provide guidance to the local market teams chaired by the Ambassador of Ireland in priority markets and including representatives of the relevant State Agencies.
3. Review the annual local market plans for these priority markets and reports on their implementation as well as technical progress reports on targets in relation to each priority market from Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland, IDA- Ireland, Tourism Ireland.
4. Establish temporary working groups to examine specific topics between its plenary meetings if necessary.
The role of the Export Trade Council will be reviewed at end of its first year in operation as part of the review of the new arrangements for trade promotion put in place by the Government.
88 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to strengthen relations with New Zealand, in particular trade and tourism links. [28721/11]
Ireland and New Zealand have traditionally enjoyed close relations, with shared historic and heritage links. We have a very good working relationship across a range of international issues, including disarmament and non-proliferation. Ireland's interests in New Zealand are represented by the Embassy in Canberra, which is accredited to New Zealand, and by the Honorary Consul General who is based in Auckland. Both are very active in promoting Ireland's economic interests, in engaging with Irish interest groups and encouraging more New Zealanders to identify with their Irish heritage. My Department, through the Emigrant Support Programme, has co-funded a number of cultural projects in New Zealand, including the Auckland St Patrick's Day parade and the annual National Feis.
Tourism Ireland has a local representative in Auckland, working in tandem with their regional office in Sydney. Over 20,000 New Zealanders travel to Ireland every year. Tourism Ireland coordinates a number of promotional activities throughout the year, including online campaigns, joint promotions with airlines, and media engagement. The staging of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand is also raising the profile of Ireland and every opportunity is being taken to translate our positive performance into increased visitor numbers.
A very successful Working Holiday Agreement between Ireland and New Zealand is also in place. From 1 January to 30 September 2011 109 young New Zealanders have been granted Working Holiday Authorisations for Ireland and 2281 young Irish have been granted working holiday visas for New Zealand. In addition to the regional Manager who is based in Sydney, Enterprise Ireland has a representative on the ground in Auckland who works closely with the Honorary Consul General. There are approximately 28 Irish companies currently operating in New Zealand. New Zealand was Ireland's 48th largest merchandise trading partner in 2010.
IDA Ireland's Sydney office covers New Zealand. In 2010 a New Zealand company, Straker International, announced the creation of 25 jobs with the establishment of its European Headquarters and Customer Support Hub in Tralee. I am very aware of New Zealand's importance to Ireland as a bilateral partner, including in the trade and tourism sectors and contact is maintained at political level on a regular basis.
It was on this basis that my colleague, Minister Frances Fitzgerald, travelled to New Zealand in March 2011 to demonstrate the value which we place on the relationship and to express solidarity in the aftermath of the shocking earthquakes. My colleague, Minister of State Lucinda Creighton met the New Zealand Minister for Trade this year, in the margins of an OECD meeting. President McAleese visited New Zealand in 2007.
89 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Finance if he will review a decision made on a recent application for primary medical certificate in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [28602/11]
The initial application for a Primary Medical Certificate under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994, is made to the Senior Medical Officer of the relevant local Health Service Executive administrative area. If the Primary Medical Certificate has been refused in this case, the named person may appeal the refusal to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. I would point out that the Medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions.
90 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Finance if he will review a matter (details supplied) regarding credit unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29095/11]
113 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding credit unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28619/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 113 together.
The correspondence referred to in the Questions relate to lending restrictions imposed by the Registrar of Credit Unions and amendments to the Central Bank and Credit Institutions (Resolution) (No. 2) Bill 2011. The role of the Minister for Finance is to ensure that the legal framework for credit unions is appropriate for the effective operation and supervision of credit unions. The role of the Registrar of Credit Unions is to administer 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. This is an independent role. It would not be appropriate for the Minister for Finance to comment on whether the placing of lending restrictions is necessary on a case by case basis. Such action would represent interference in the work of the independent financial regulator.
I am aware that the Registrar of Credit Unions has imposed lending restrictions on a significant number of credit unions in recent months. The imposition of lending restrictions is the responsibility of the Registrar, who is the independent regulator for the sector. Within his independent regulatory discretion, the Registrar 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 lending restrictions in place. Restrictions are imposed on a case-by-case basis and are reviewed regularly. The Registrar advises that no new policy is being implemented and that this is part of normal regulation and supervision of the sector.
The Registrar advises me that the restrictions 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.
Any restriction on a credit union is determined by the Registrar 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.
The correspondence also makes reference to recent amendments to the Credit Union Act 1997 which were brought forward at Committee Stage of the Central Bank and Credit Institutions (Resolution) (No. 2) Bill 2011. In the main, the purpose of these amendments is to enhance the Central Bank's existing powers to issue regulatory directions. I have asked my officials to consult with the Credit Union Advisory Committee, the Commission on Credit Unions, the Irish League of Credit Unions, the Credit Union Development Association and the Credit Union Managers' Association. On foot of these consultations, further amendments are proposed for Report Stage of the Bill which will take account of the concerns of credit unions without compromising the ability of the Central Bank to act on financial stability grounds.
Under the Credit Union Act 1997, the Registrar of Credit Unions, as part of the Central Bank, has an independent role in the regulation of credit unions and is required, from time to time, to act to support the prudential soundness of individual credit unions, to maintain sector stability and to protect the savings of credit union members. Such actions are within the Registrar's independent statutory mandate and are a necessary part of an effective regulatory regime. While the work of the Commission on Credit Unions is ongoing, and its interim and final reports will inform Government policy, it should not prevent or delay regulatory action where it is needed in the meantime.
91 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the tax take in respect of alcohol excise duty for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28199/11]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the tax take in respect of alcohol products tax for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 are as follows:
|
Beer |
Spirits |
Wine |
Cider |
Total |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
2008 |
427.2 |
350.9 |
231.3 |
60.6 |
1,069.9 |
|
2009 |
404.3 |
264.1 |
242.5 |
57.1 |
968.0 |
|
2010 |
320.1 |
243.5 |
218.8 |
44.0 |
826.4 |
92 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance his views on the fact that the current excise duty for an off-licence makes no distinction between off-licences that have a small volume of sales and those that sell large quantities of alcohol such as supermarkets; his plans to introduce a graduated fee structure based on sales; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28200/11]
Historically, flat rates of duty applied to the various licences for the sale of alcohol. That position was changed, however, by the Finance Act 1992, which introduced a new system of duty related to turnover for spirit retailers' on-licences (that is, pub licences). The duty for off-licences is still charged on a flat rate basis. The rates of duty for pub licences have not been increased since 1992, but the rates for off-licences have been increased during that period. Most recently, the Finance (No. 2) Act 2008 set the rate of duty for retailers' off-licences at €500.
Separate retailers' off-licences are required for the sale of the various types of alcohol products. A person wishing to sell the full range of products would require three licences (beer, wine and spirits), at an annual cost of €1,500. By comparison, a pub with a turnover of between €381,000 and €634,999 would be subject to an annual licence duty of €1,140. Licensing arrangements are being reviewed by the Department of Justice and Equality, with a view to modernising and streamlining them.
93 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the number of off-licences issued and the total receipts to the Exchequer from the excise licence in this sector in the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28201/11]
The Revenue Commissioners inform me that the number of off-licences issued and the total receipts to the Exchequer from excise licences in this sector in the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 are as follows:
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
||||||
|
No. Issued |
Receipts |
No. Issued |
Receipts |
No. Issued |
Receipts |
No. Issued |
Receipts |
No. Issued |
Receipts |
|
|
Off-Licences |
||||||||||
|
Spirit Retailer’s |
1,170 |
€295,750 |
1,342 |
€339,750 |
1,487 |
€426,900 |
1,770 |
€811,567 |
1,537 |
€770,250 |
|
Beer Retailer’s |
1,170 |
€295,750 |
1,431 |
€360,750 |
1,525 |
€438,450 |
1,779 |
€816,267 |
1,541 |
€772,250 |
|
Cider Retailer’s |
16 |
€4,000 |
15 |
€3,750 |
14 |
€3,950 |
15 |
€6,700 |
14 |
€7,000 |
|
Wine Retailer’s |
3,465 |
€691,250 |
3,691 |
€935,250 |
3,718 |
€1,066,050 |
3,705 |
€1,678,658 |
3,206 |
€1,608,350 |
|
Sweets Retailer’s |
— |
— |
9 |
€2,250 |
15 |
€3,750 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Total |
5,841 |
€1,486,750 |
6,488 |
€1,641,750 |
6,759 |
€1,939,100 |
7,269 |
€3,313,192 |
6,298 |
€3,157,850 |
94 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the number of pub licences issued and the total receipts to the Exchequer from the excise licence in this sector in each of the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28202/11]
The Revenue Commissioners inform me that the number of pub-licences issued and the total receipts to the Exchequer from excise licences in this sector in the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 are as follows:
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
||||||
|
No. Issued |
Receipts |
No. Issued |
Receipts |
No. Issued |
Receipts |
No. Issued |
Receipts |
No. Issued |
Receipts |
|
|
Publicans |
||||||||||
|
Full |
9,541 |
€7,957,667 |
9,402 |
€7,863,980 |
8,857 |
€7,365,733 |
9,067 |
€8,221,743 |
8,393 |
€6,536,025 |
|
Six-Day |
7 |
€2,260 |
7 |
€2,260 |
2 |
€500 |
13 |
€4,905 |
10 |
€4,155 |
|
Six-Day and Early-Closing |
7 |
€2,005 |
9 |
€2,505 |
8 |
€5,810 |
2 |
€755 |
2 |
€755 |
|
Total |
9,555 |
€7,961,932 |
9,418 |
€7,868,745 |
8,867 |
€7,372,043 |
9,082 |
€8,227,403 |
8,405 |
€6,540,935 |
95 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the total receipts to the Exchequer from the sale of alcohol in the off-licence sector in the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28203/11]
96 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the total receipts to the Exchequer from the sale of alcohol in the pub licence sector in the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28204/11]
97 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the total volume of alcohol in litres in the off-licence sector in the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28205/11]
98 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the total volume of alcohol in litres in the pub licence sector in the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28206/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 to 98, inclusive, together.
I assume the Deputy is referring to the excise receipts to the Exchequer, and the associated volumes, from excises on alcohol. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that as excise receipts on alcohol are not distinguished between alcohol subsequently sold in licensed pubs and sold in off-licences there is no statistical basis on which the figures requested by the Deputy can be compiled.
99 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the number of products designated as low alcoholic beverages which qualify for the 50% rate of excise duty; the revenue forgone by the Exchequer as a result of the reduced excise rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28207/11]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that beer with an alcoholic strength by volume of more than 1.2 per cent and not more than 2.8 per cent is subject to a rate of Alcohol Products Tax which is 50 per cent of the rate that applies to beer with a strength by volume of more than 2.8 per cent. Cider or perry not exceeding 2.8 per cent alcohol by volume is subject to a rate of tax corresponding to 50 per cent of that which applies to such products with a strength of more than 2.8 per cent but not more than 6 per cent alcohol by volume. The amount of Alcohol Products Tax foregone as a result of the reduced rate that applies to these lower strength products was €46,600 in 2010.
100 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the reasons for the delay in the restructuring of the boards of the banks and the appointment of new board members following the public advertisements for expressions of interest last April; when he plans to make such appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28208/11]
I would not accept the Deputy's contention that there has been a delay in the restructuring of the boards of the covered institutions. I announced on 31 March 2011 that the covered institutions were to draw up plans to restructure their respective boards. The present policy concerning directors at the covered institutions is that all directors, who presided over the failed lending practices in the period to September 2008, should be removed. In line with this approach, the respective AGMs of the institutions held over the summer months and the merger of some of the institutions have resulted in departures of certain directors and the reconfiguration of certain boards. Based on information supplied to my Department, 10 pre-crisis directors now remain in office pending the conclusion of certain necessary formalities.
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has announced its intention to assess any incumbent directors who plan to remain in office post 1 January 2012 in relation to the new powers available to them in the Central Bank Reform Act 2010 which comes into practical effect on 1 December 2011. I am advised by the CBI that no decision on any individual case has been taken, nor will decisions be taken until after the 1 December 2011 date.
From the public advertisement process seeking expressions of interest for appointment or nomination to the boards of certain banks I now have available to me a panel of 30 suitably qualified people from which to select individuals with the right skill sets to ensure that the corporate governance culture of the institutions is substantially improved. Over the coming months I would intend to use this and other avenues to make new and fresh appointments to the boards of some of the covered institutions. Any such nominations will of course be subject to regulatory approval.
101 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance his views on a submission (details supplied); the action, if any, he proposes to take to overcome the problems as outlined in the submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28229/11]
The submission supplied by the Deputy refers to concerns raised by a credit union in relation to the manner and extent of the actions of the Registrar of Credit Unions and, in particular, recent actions which are reported by the media to have intensified. While the submission does not directly mention lending restrictions, I expect that this is the recent activity to which the submission refers.
The role of the Minister for Finance is to ensure that the legal framework for credit unions is appropriate for the effective operation and supervision of credit unions. The role of the Registrar of Credit Unions is to administer 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. This is an independent role. It would not be appropriate for the Minister for Finance to comment on whether the placing of lending restrictions is necessary on a case by case basis. Such action would represent interference in the work of the independent financial regulator.
Within his independent regulatory discretion, the Registrar 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 lending restrictions on a number of credit unions in recent months. Restrictions are imposed on a case-by-case basis and are reviewed regularly. The Registrar advises that no new policy is being implemented and that this is part of normal regulation and supervision of the sector.
Any restriction on a credit union is determined by the Registrar 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. The Registrar advises me that the restrictions 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.
102 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance his plans to end the VAT subsidisation loophole in below cost selling of alcohol when the retailer chooses to sell the product below cost as a loss leader to drive footfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28253/11]
105 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered and estimated the amount of VAT that may be lost to the State due to below cost selling of alcohol; if not, if he will consider asking for the amount to be calculated; if he will support a ban on below cost selling of alcohol to stop this VAT subsidisation loophole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28258/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 105 together.
VAT is a tax on the value added to a supply and the collection and recovery of VAT takes place at each stage of the chain of supply from manufacturing to retailer. Under EU and domestic VAT rules traders who are registered for VAT collect VAT on the goods and services that they sell. In turn such traders are entitled to recover the VAT they incur on their business inputs used in the purchase or production of goods or delivery of services. Consequently, if there is a decrease in value at any stage in the process the trader is entitled to a refund of the excess of VAT incurred over that collected.
As regards calculating the VAT impact of below cost sales, separate figures are not available for input VAT on goods that were subsequently sold at a discount because traders' VAT returns show only the total input VAT and the total output VAT for the period covered by the return. I would point out however, that the refund of VAT is part of the operation of the VAT system.
103 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his plans to sign into law the tax relief for certain home energy insulation works as set out in the Finance Act 2011. [28255/11]
Section 13 of Finance Act 2011 provided for income tax relief at the standard rate for expenditure incurred by individuals on a range of works carried out to improve the energy efficiency of residential premises situated in the State. The underpinning legislation for the scheme was subject to Commencement Order. However, that legislation, on review, was found to have flaws and would have required amendment before it could be implemented.
As part of the announcement in the recent Jobs Initiative, the Government undertook to provide further funding for the grants available under the Better Energy Homes scheme operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Because of these circumstances, I decided to review the requirement for a co-existing tax incentive for similar works and, following this review, I have decided not to proceed with the introduction of the tax relief scheme.
104 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance if VAT returns from persons and companies registered for VAT provide a breakdown of the amount arising from individual transactions on goods and services; the way the Revenue Commissioners ensure that the correct amount is paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28256/11]
With regard to the breakdown of VAT returns, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that details of cumulative data rather than individual transactions are required to be entered on VAT returns. In the case of the VAT3 return, which is submitted bi-monthly, tri-annually or bi-annually depending on certain criteria, traders are required to enter the total VAT charged by them on sales/services and the total VAT charged to them on purchases/services for that period. The difference is the amount of VAT payable/repayable. In addition they enter details of the value of goods sent to and received from other EU countries. This approach minimizes the administrative burden and compliance costs for businesses.
VAT registered customers are also obliged to complete an annual Return of Trading Details (RTD). There are four categories on the Return of Trading Details —
1. value of supplies of goods & services;
2. value of acquisitions from EU countries, net of VAT & VAT free imported parcels;
3. value of stock for resale (purchases, intra-EU acquisitions & imports);
4. value of other deductible goods & services (purchases, intra-EU acquisitions & imports).
Under each of these categories, customers record a cumulative figure for each of the VAT rates (exempt, 0% exports and 0% home, 4.8%, 5.2% flat-rate addition, 9%, 13.5% and 21%).
As regards ensuring that the correct amount of VAT is paid, in accordance with Revenue's risk-based approach, cases are selected for intervention based on the presence of various risk indicators and other information available, with the aid of our computerised risk analysis system, REAP. The type of intervention to be undertaken is, in any particular case, the one considered to be the most appropriate to target the specific risk identified. In many cases this may lead to a single tax head, multi tax head or single-issue audit rather than a comprehensive audit. REAP includes the data from VAT3 and RTD returns. VAT3 data is included from 2007 to 2011. RTD data is included from 2007 to 2010. Various rules within REAP are designed to interpret this data, and to identify risks for further consideration by Revenue auditors.
106 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of information submitted by him to the European Commission on 16 January 2011 regarding the contemplated resolution of the businesses of Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28299/11]
The European Commission has cleared under EU state aid rules a joint plan for Anglo Irish Bank (Anglo) and Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS) whereby they will be merged and resolved over a period of 10 years. The final plan was lodged with the EU Commission on 31 January 2011 in line with the timelines agreed with the IMF, ECB and EU for approval under state aid rules. Anglo Irish Bank and INBS together received a total of Eur34.7 billion in recapitalisations and both institutions furthermore benefitted from guarantees and the NAMA impaired asset measure.
As noted by the Commission, the joint plan fulfils the EU criteria on restructuring aid for banks as it: (i) provides for an orderly resolution of both institutions, (ii) contains appropriate measures to ensure that burden-sharing is achieved by their stakeholders and (iii) limited the distortion of competition through the complete exit of Anglo and INBS from the markets in which they operate (mostly Ireland, UK and US).
The plan sets out in detail how the two institutions' loan books will be resolved over the ten year period. To ensure that the assets are managed in a way consistent with the resolution of both institutions, several commitments have been put in place, such as that the merged Anglo and INBS entity cannot enter into new activities; make acquisitions or exceed a cap on new lending. The Commission stated on 29 June 2011 that it has therefore approved all aid measures granted to Anglo, INBS and to the merged entity as restructuring aid and closed its investigation into the restructuring of Anglo Irish Bank. The non-confidential version of the decision setting out the details of the plan is available to view on the DG Competition website.
107 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Finance the details of any organisation under his Department which has informed him of staffing difficulties which may impinge upon its ability to effectively oversee the spending of public funds; and his views regarding same. [28370/11]
108 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the organisations under his Department for which an employment control framework has been agreed; the current numbers they have in place; if they have been waiting more than one month to receive sanction to proceed to fill or retain any positions in spite of such positions falling below the agreed ECF ceiling. [28386/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 108 together.
The following table outlines the ECF for 2011 and 2012 for my Department and organisations under the aegis of my Department.
|
Department/Office |
2011 ECF |
2012 ECF |
|
Finance |
282 |
280 |
|
Comptroller & Auditor General |
152 |
153 |
|
Office of the Appeal Commissioner |
4 |
4 |
|
Revenue Commissioners |
5,944 |
5,913 |
|
Total |
6,382 |
6,350 |
It is important in any reply to clarify that the ECF is not a target number of posts to be filled. It is simply a ceiling on serving numbers below which Departments and Offices must ensure total serving numbers remain. The Moratorium on recruitment and promotion effectively means that any exception i.e. filling of a post, will arise in "very limited circumstances only", and will require the prior sanction of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. I am not aware of any staffing difficulties which may impinge upon the organisation's ability to effectively oversee the spending of public funds.
109 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners are prepared to enter negotiations with a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28427/11]
This is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. I am advised by Revenue that in July of this year following contact between them and the person concerned a satisfactory arrangement was concluded in regard to this matter and that this was communicated to the person concerned in writing by them, at the time.
110 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if senior officials of the Revenue Commissioners are prepared to meet with a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28428/11]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, based on the contract entered into by the person concerned, tax was due by 31 October 2004. This tax was paid on 29 October 2004. The person concerned subsequently withdrew from the contract. The Revenue Commissioners received confirmation of this on 24 June 2009. The liability was recalculated at that time, in accordance with tax legislation, and a refund issued on 7 July 2009.
Revenue officials have examined this transaction in detail, and based on the facts disclosed, the capital gains tax liability has been calculated in accordance with tax legislation. There is no legislative basis for any further tax relief. A Revenue official from the Kildare Office previously met with the spouse of the person concerned in July 2009 and letters explaining in detail the position have been sent to her by the Kildare Office and by the Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners.
If it is considered that a further meeting to explain the position is needed this can be arranged by contacting Ms Geraldine Morrissey, Kildare Revenue District, Athy Business Campus, Castlecomer Road, Athy, Co. Kildare, telephone 059 8643253. However, the capital gains tax liability of the person concerned has been calculated in accordance with the relevant tax legislation and no further tax relief is available.
111 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Finance his views on waiving sheriff fees in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork that has been settled and that was only in arrears as the person was waiting on a VAT refund which was in excess of the amount owing to the Revenue Commissioners for PAYE tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28470/11]
This is matter for the Revenue Commissioners. I am advised by Revenue that at the time the debt in question was sent to the sheriff for collection, the person concerned had been given full credit for VAT repayments due to him up to that time. He had failed to engage with Revenue on the payment of the balance of the debt due and therefore the debt was correctly referred to the sheriff for collection. Subsequently, he was given credit for repayments that arose after the referral of the debt to the sheriff.
Revenue is satisfied that the debt in question was correctly referred to the sheriff. The collection of fees where a debt has been correctly referred to the sheriff is a matter for the sheriff — sheriffs are officers of the court. In the circumstances of this case, Revenue has no role in the waiving of fees.
112 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if vehicle registration tax applicable to safety equipment in new vehicles will be removed or reduced in an effort to encourage consumers to avail of optional extra safety equipment in new vehicles, such as side airbags, ABS and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28488/11]
Vehicle registration tax is charged on the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) of a vehicle which for new vehicles is defined in Section 133 (2) of the Finance Act 1992 as
(2) (a) For a new vehicle on sale in the State which is supplied by a manufacturer or sole wholesale distributor, such manufacturer or distributor shall declare to the Commissioners in the prescribed manner the price, inclusive of all taxes and duties, which, in his opinion, a vehicle of that model and specification, including any enhancements or accessories fitted or attached thereto or supplied therewith by such manufacturer or distributor, might reasonably be expected to fetch on a first arm's length sale thereof in the open market in the State by retail.
There are no plans to reduce or remove the VRT from vehicles where part of the VRT is derived from optional extra safety equipment, such as side airbags, ABS etc. as part of the "enhancements or accessories fitted or attached" and as such are included in the VRT charge.
114 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Finance if the principal sum due on loans taken out by a person or company was reduced by an amount either less than or up to the amount that was given in the haircut provided to the individual bank from which it originated when it was transferred to the National Asset Management Agency; if NAMA will seek the full amount of loans from the specific developer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28689/11]
NAMA has not reduced the principal on loans for borrowers. The Chairman of NAMA recently assured the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform that NAMA remains as focused as ever on pursuing each developer for the full amount owed.
He also explained that NAMA's minimum target is to recover what it has paid for the loans, plus any other moneys advanced as working capital or for development, plus interest on these moneys. This does not mean, however, that NAMA will stop at that threshold. Under Section 10(2) of the National Asset Management Agency Act, NAMA is required to operate so that it obtains the best achievable financial return for the State and that means pursuing all debts to the greatest extent feasible.
It is important also to point out that the agency's targets are based on the existing state of the property market. Overall, NAMA's best estimate at present is that it will, at the very least, recover the consideration it has paid for loans, plus any additional funding it advances to preserve or enhance asset values. It aims to recover significantly more than that and the extent to which it can do so will depend largely on the performance of the Irish and UK economies over the next five to seven years. If the outlook for property improves as a result of economic growth, NAMA's expectations for the realised value of the portfolio as a whole and for individual debtors will increase.
115 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the number of pub licences granted for the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; and the number of pub licences that were refused in each of the same years. [28733/11]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they are responsible for the administration of the issue or renewal of public house licences. The numbers of licences issued for each of the calendar years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 to date are set out. Please note that the licensing year runs from the 1st October to the 30th September.
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 to date |
|
|
No. Issued |
No. Issued |
No. Issued |
No. Issued |
No. Issued |
No. Issued |
|
|
Publicans: |
||||||
|
Full |
9,541 |
9,402 |
8,857 |
9,067 |
8,393 |
5,578 |
|
Six-Day |
7 |
7 |
2 |
13 |
10 |
6 |
|
Early-Closing |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Six-Day and Early-Closing |
7 |
9 |
8 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Additional Duty — No. issued |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Total |
9,555 |
9,418 |
8,867 |
9,082 |
8,405 |
5,586 |
The Revenue Commissioners may only facilitate the issue of a licence when the appropriate certificate has been issued by a District Court and certain conditions, as set down in the legislation, are met. These include:
Valid, Original Court Certificate (New Licensee)
Valid Tax Clearance Certificate
Short Certificate of Incorporation (if Licensee is a company)
Certificate of Registration of Business Name
The Revenue Commissioners facilitate the issue of publican licences on the instruction of the Court Certificate and therefore the right of refusal to apply for a licence rests with the Court. Accordingly the Revenue Commissioners do not record the numbers of refusals in any particular period.
116 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the average age of farmers here is high yet the agricultural colleges are fully subscribed; in view of the importance of this sector and the prospect of increasing both productivity and expertise, if he will lengthen the time for the payment of inheritance tax from one year to three years in cases in which farms transfer in these circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28740/11]
I am aware of the importance of the farming sector and of making the sector more productive. To that end, tax legislation already contains a number of reliefs and allowances which reduce the tax burden on transfers of land from one generation to another. Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) includes gift and inheritance tax. There are group tax free thresholds for CAT which are based on the relationship between the person who provided the gift or inheritance (known as the disponer) and the person who received the gift or inheritance (the beneficiary) below which no CAT is payable. The current thresholds are:
Group A: €332,084 — applies where the beneficiary is a child (including adopted child, step-child and certain foster children) or minor child of a deceased child of the disponer. Parents also fall within this threshold where they take an inheritance of an absolute interest from a child.
Group B: €33,208 — applies where the beneficiary is a brother, sister, a nephew, a niece or lineal ancestor or lineal descendant of the disponer.
Group C: €16,604 — applies in all other cases.
Tax at the rate of 25% is payable once the relevant tax-free threshold is exceeded.
Qualifying farmers can avail of agricultural relief, which reduces the value of the agricultural holding by 90% for tax purposes. In order to qualify for agricultural relief, 80% of a farmer's assets, after having received the gift or inheritance, must consist of qualifying agricultural assets. If the beneficiary does not qualify for agricultural relief by virtue of the assets test, s/he may be able to claim business property relief, which reduces the value of business property by 90%. Nephews or nieces who have worked in a family farm or business can avail of the Group A threshold in certain circumstances. The combination of the Group A tax free threshold and agricultural or business property relief means that an individual could inherit or be gifted a farm up to €3.32 m in value without incurring a CAT liability.
As well as the generous reliefs and exemptions from CAT, there is an exemption from Stamp Duty on the purchase of agricultural land by young trained farmers who have the required agricultural qualification; and a farmer aged over 55, who has worked the land for the ten years leading up to its disposal, may be able to claim retirement relief from Capital Gains Tax (CGT), which would fully relieve any CGT liability on the transfer of those assets within the family. In light of the various exemptions and reliefs outlined above, I have no plans to extend the time period for payment of inheritance tax on agricultural assets as suggested by the Deputy.
117 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider a reduction in the cost of a wine licence for small, convenience and grocery stores owing to the very modest turnover generated from such sales and in view of the fact that such small, local businesses are in competition with the large multiples who pay the exact same amount for such licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28781/11]
The Deputy will be aware the rate of excise duty on off-licences was reviewed in the context of the 2008 and 2009 Budgets. The annual excise duty payable on each off-licence was increased from €250 to €500. An off-licence for a shop selling only wine costs €500. An off-licence selling the full range of alcohol products require three licences — spirits, beer and wine. Consequently, supermarkets who wish to sell wine, beer and spirits must obtain Retailers Off Licences which cost €1,500 per annum. It is the general practice that excise duty on licences to trade are set at one rate and do not differentiate based on the volume or quantity of activity undertaken by the holder of the licence, except in the case of licences for public houses.
118 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide figures for the past five years showing the amount of money returned by Revenue to persons claiming for dental treatment for which tax relief is allowable, through form Med 2, Dental Expenses, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28791/11]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that data on claims for tax relief for dental expenses are not captured in a such a way as to provide a dedicated basis for compiling estimates of cost to the Exchequer. Claims for this relief are aggregated in Revenue records with other health expenses claims. Accordingly, the specific information requested is not readily available and could not be obtained without conducting a protracted investigation of the Revenue Commissioners' records. However, information on the cost to the Exchequer of tax relief for health expenses generally is available for the income tax years 2004 to 2009 inclusive, the most recent year for which final data is available. These figures are as follows:
|
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009* |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
110 |
134 |
167 |
226 |
267 |
146 |
For 2009 and later years tax relief for health expenses, other than for nursing home expenses, is relieved at the standard rate of income tax.
119 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 146 of 4 October 2011, if he will provide details of the total number of individual residential properties in the ownership of mortgage lenders regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland; the way these properties are being managed; if he will provide a breakdown of the properties between those repossessed, voluntarily surrendered or secured by another means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28798/11]
The information to answer Parliamentary Question No. 146 of 4 October 2011 was acquired directly from the covered institutions and reflected the up-to-date position at each of the covered institutions. However, if we include all mortgage providers then the Central Bank of Ireland is the only comprehensive source of information on residential mortgage arrears, repossessions and restructures available. The Central Bank has informed me that the most up-to-date information is as at end of June 2011 and is published on the following web address http://www.centralbank.ie/press-area/press-releases/Pages/LatestMortgageArrearsDatashow72ofMortgageAccountsinArrears.aspx .
The Government understands the concerns many people have regarding their mortgage commitments. As the Deputy is aware, a number of measures have already been put in place to assist homeowners in mortgage difficulty, including the adoption of a revised Central Bank Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears which provides a framework that mortgage lenders must use when dealing with borrowers in arrears or pre-arrears.
However, it is clear that the mortgage arrears issue remains a significant one and the Government Economic Management Council asked that further work be carried out with a view to identifying a range of possible further responses appropriate to individual circumstances, and also to the wider economic and banking situation. This work was carried out by an inter-Departmental group, which was chaired by my Department and comprised representatives from other relevant Departments, the Central Bank and expertise from the banking sector.
I have not yet had the opportunity to present the report to Government. However, it is my intention to do so as soon as possible and it will then be a matter for Government to consider the report and its conclusions, and to decide on any future actions it way wish to take in the light of the inter-departmental report.
120 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 144 of 4 October 2011, if he will provide details on the number of residential mortgages which have been reported to the Central Bank of Ireland as being in arrears of less than 90 days as at 30 June 2011. [28799/11]
The Central Bank has informed me that each quarter it publishes data from lenders on mortgage arrears greater than 90 days in relation to principal private residences. While details of loan accounts in arrears, including loans greater than 90 days in arrears and loans less than 90 days in arrears are reported to the Central Bank, it is data relating to arrears greater than 90 days that give a more accurate reflection of the level of current arrears and the trend therein. Data relating to arrears of less than 90 days is not published because this is not particularly reliable and can include various once off factors such as a payment missed due to a holiday or a single missed direct debit.
121 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will deal with the following matter (details supplied) regarding a home tuition grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28228/11]
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has approved home tuition from the commencement of the current school year until the 14th October 2011 for the child concerned. The purpose of this provision is to facilitate transitional arrangements for the child to take up a school placement. My Department will consider, as an exceptional measure, extending this period further to facilitate transitional arrangements for the child once he has been enrolled in a school based placement. I understand from officials in my Department that the claim for home tuition funding is currently being processed and payment will issue to the parent shortly.
122 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary has been provided with school transport. [28554/11]
Bus Éireann which operates the School Transport Schemes on behalf of my Department, has advised that the pupil in question is currently availing of concessionary school transport.
123 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school place in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [28673/11]
The selection and enrolment of pupils in schools is the responsibility of the authorities of the individual school. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in an area. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. As schools may not have a place for every applicant, a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.
Under section 15 (2) (d) of the Education Act, 1998, each school is legally obliged to disclose its enrolment policy and to ensure that as regards that policy that principles of equality and the right of parents to send their children to a school of the parents choice are respected.
Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 provides for an appeal by a parent or guardian to the Secretary General of my Department, or in the case of a Vocational Educational Committee (VEC) school to the VEC in the first instance, where a Board of Management of a school, or a person acting on behalf of the Board, refuses to enrol a student in a school. My Department has no authority to compel a school to admit a pupil, except in the case of an appeal under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 being upheld.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for the provision of a range of educational services at local and national level for students with special educational needs. In particular, its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) co-ordinates special needs education provision at local level and arranges for the delivery of special educational services. The SENOs act as single points of contact for parents of students with special educational needs. Another specific function of the SENO is to identify appropriate educational placements for children with special educational needs. SENOs are a valuable source of support to parents who are actively sourcing a placement for their children and can assist parents in identifying placements. The NCSE can be contacted at NCSE 1/2 Mill Street, Trim Co. Meath phone number 046-9486432.
The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB may be able to offer assistance and advice on securing a school placement within the pupil's area. The contact details for the NEWB in Dublin 11 is National Educational Welfare Board, Block 3, Floor 1, Grove Court, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, phone number 01-8103260.
124 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm that a new school building for a school (details supplied) in County Galway is now a priority after planning permission for the project was granted following approval of material contraventions of local areas and development plans; the timeframe for development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28152/11]
I wish to advise the Deputy that when the site acquisition process has been completed the progression of a project for this school, as with all large scale building projects, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme with due regard to the demand for increased education provision at both primary and post primary level in the coming years. The current status of all projects on the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this will be updated regularly throughout the year.
125 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28172/11]
The Government is proceeding with the drafting of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Bill on the basis of the General Scheme prepared by my Department. These proposals followed extensive consultations with survivors of residential abuse and the groups which support them, together with a public consultation process. The General Scheme, together with a copy of a Report on the Consultation Process is available on my Department's website. I intend to introduce the legislation in the Autumn with a view to having it enacted by the end of the year.
While some former residents advocate a simple distribution of the available money, I believe that the Fund should target resources at services to support former residents' needs. To that end, the General Scheme provides for approved services to include, counselling, psychological support services and mental health services together with such health and personal social services, educational services and housing services as the Fund may determine. Further services can be prescribed as appropriate.
The Statutory Fund will focus solely on victims of residential institutional abuse, with eligibility being confined to those who received an award from the Redress Board or an award following a court decision or settlement who would otherwise have received an award from the Redress Board. Over 13,000 victims have received awards from the Redress Board to date. I am satisfied that it is the correct approach, with the focus of the Statutory Fund being on those former residents who have successfully completed the redress process.
The Government intends that some €110 million will be available to the Fund, this being essentially the cash portion of offers made by religious congregations in the aftermath of the publication of the Ryan Report. To date, €21.05 million of these cash contributions have been received and placed in a special interest bearing account in the Central Bank pending the establishment of the Statutory Fund.
126 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he will publish the location of the headquarters for the new amalgamated vocational education committees. [28181/11]
Last week, I announced and published 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 details are set out in the table.
|
Local Education and Training Board |
Headquarter location |
|
City of Dublin |
Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 (No change) |
|
City of Cork and County Cork |
Cork (greater city area) |
|
County Dublin and Dun Laoghaire |
Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
|
Limerick City and County and Clare |
Limerick (greater city area) |
|
Donegal |
Letterkenny (no change) |
|
Kerry |
Tralee (no change) |
|
Tipperary |
Nenagh (sub-office in Clonmel) |
|
Wexford and Waterford |
Wexford (sub-offices in Waterford City & Dungarvan) |
|
City and County Galway and Roscommon |
Athenry (sub-office in Roscommon Town) |
|
Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim |
Castlebar (sub-offices in Sligo & Carrick-on-Shannon) |
|
Cavan and Monaghan |
Monaghan (sub-office in Cavan Town) |
|
Louth and Meath |
Drogheda |
|
Longford and Westmeath |
Mullingar |
|
Laois and Offaly |
Portlaoise |
|
Kildare and Wicklow |
Naas (sub-office in Wicklow) |
|
Kilkenny and Carlow |
Carlow Town |
127 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he will enact the Teaching Council Act 2001, in particular, Part 5 covering the complaints procedure and investigation process; the measures he has put in place to enable independent investigation against school staff and/or members of the board of management; the number of notified complaints which remain unresolved to the satisfaction of children and/or their parents since the powers of investigation were effectively removed from him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28184/11]
As the Deputy is aware, Part 5 of the Teaching Council Act, 2001 sets out the Council's investigating and disciplinary functions. The Council or any person may apply to the Council's Investigating Committee for an inquiry into the fitness to teach of a registered teacher. When it is deemed appropriate to do so, the Council's Disciplinary Committee will conduct a hearing on a complaint referred to it by the Investigating Committee. Such hearings may lead to withdrawal of registration on a temporary or permanent basis. Discussions between my Department and the Teaching Council regarding the commencement of Part 5 have taken place, and I intend to commence Part 5 as soon as is practicable.
There are currently procedures in place under Section 24 of the Education Act 1998, which provide that the appointment, suspension and dismissal of teachers are the responsibility of boards of management. In the case of VEC schools, section 20 of the Vocational Education (Amendment) Act 2001 provides that the appointment of teachers and other staff are a matter for each VEC. Removal from office of a VEC officeholder is provided for by section 8 of the Vocational Education (Amendment) Act 2001 and requires a decision of the Minister.
Under Circulars 59/2009 (VEC Schools) and 60/2009 (all other schools) procedures were agreed relating to both professional competence issues and procedures relating to work, conduct and matters other than professional competence. This agreement was made under the terms of Towards 2016 and the procedures were issued in September 2009. The procedures serve a dual purpose in that they provide a framework which enables schools to maintain satisfactory standards, and for teachers and principals to have access to procedures whereby alleged failures to comply with these standards may be fairly and sensitively addressed.
The Department does not have an investigatory role in relation to parental complaints against staff of a school or its Boards of Management. The Department does clarify for parents the steps they can take to progress their complaint. The Department does refer concerns of child protection reported to department staff to the relevant school authorities and at the same time notifies the Health Service Executive of same. Further information in relation to the department's role in relation to child protection and parental complaints is available on the department's website, www.education.ie.
Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 provides for an appeal by a parent or guardian to the Secretary General of my Department, or in the case of a Vocational Educational Committee (VEC) school to the VEC in the first instance, where a Board of Management of a school, or a person acting on behalf of the Board, refuses to enrol a student in a school, expels a student or suspends a student for 20 or more days in any school year. My Department has no authority to compel a school to (re)admit a pupil, except in the case of an appeal under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 being upheld.
Half of appeals lodged with the Secretary General do not go to full appeal hearing primarily because the appellant withdraws their appeal or the facilitator brokers an agreement between the parents and the school concerned. Statistically, approximately 4 out of every 10 appeals that go to hearing are upheld in favour of the parent.
128 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the current number of places available on the Youthreach programme; the current number of participants; the funding for the programme in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28212/11]
There are almost 6,000 places available nationwide under the Youthreach umbrella. Almost 3,700 of these places are provided by VECs in Youthreach centres, approximately 2,100 are provided by FÁS in Community Training Centres and the remainder are provided in Justice Workshops through funding from the Department of Justice and Equality. All of these places are fully utilised throughout the year. The 2011 allocation for the Youthreach programme funded by my Department is €112.2 million, of which €67.2 million is for those operated by VECs and €45 million for those operated by FAS. This includes staff costs, non-pay costs and learner allowances.
129 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the University of Dublin, Trinity College, will provide a facility to allow students to pay the student contribution in two instalments as is available for student fees; if the university does not provide such a service whether he will request it to do so; if he will confirm that Trinity College charges a late payment replacement fee of €358; his views on whether it is appropriate to charge those in financial difficulty such a large fine for being late; if he will request the college to reduce same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28254/11]
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 in the case of Trinity College they have system limitations which do not allow at present for payment by instalments. All institutions have been requested to accommodate students who present with financial difficulties on a case by case basis and again I understand that in Trinity College such students will be accommodated through their existing financial assistance programmes.
A late payment replacement fee is charged by Trinity where a student wants to be re-admitted to their course having failed to register by the end of the Michaelmas term and is therefore deemed to have withdrawn from their course. Students who present to the University with financial difficulties and are granted an extension on the payment of the Student Contribution Charge are not charged a fee.
130 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of vocational education committees that own their headquarters; the number of VEC headquarters that rent their premises; if he will indicate which headquarters are rented; and the cost involved. [28271/11]
Information provided by the VECs to my Department indicates that 13 of the 33 VECs own their headquarter premises, while 20 rent or lease their premises. The following VECs rent or lease their premises: Co. Wexford VEC; Co. Wicklow VEC; Co. Kilkenny VEC; Co. Kildare VEC; Dunlaoghaire VEC; Co. Dublin VEC; City of Galway VEC; Co. Longford VEC; Co. Limerick VEC; Co. Kerry VEC; Co. Waterford VEC; City of Waterford VEC; South Tipperary VEC; Co. Offaly VEC; Co. Westmeath VEC; Co. Cavan VEC; Co. Monaghan VEC; City of Cork VEC; Co. Cork VEC; City of Dublin VEC.
In arriving at the decision to designate the Headquarters of the amalgamated VECs, I considered a range of factors including the need to ensure that the location of a VEC headquarters will, to the greatest extent possible, facilitate staff redeployment under a redeployment scheme within the context of the Croke Park Agreement and the need to operate at lowest cost having regard to the accommodation available in existing locations.
131 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the circumstances under which a family in County Donegal can have its school transport charges reviewed on grounds of health and income if the family does not meet the qualifying distance laid down by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28288/11]
Pupils who are eligible for school transport under the terms of my Department's Primary and Post Primary School Transport Schemes are subject to an annual charge towards the cost of providing these services. Eligible pupils who hold valid Medical Cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from these charges. There is no provision within the above schemes to waive charges for pupils who are not eligible for school transport.
132 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the assistance that will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is attending a third level course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28300/11]
Students wishing to apply for grant support to attend a full-time course in further education are required to submit a grant application to the VEC in the area where they are normally resident. All applications for financial support are assessed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Student Grant Scheme.
Students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for financial assistance where they satisfy the relevant conditions including those relating to residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. The decision on grant eligibility is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant VEC. It is now possible to make an on-line application to a number of VECs, including Co. Kildare VEC. Further information on the application process and eligibility requirements can be found at www.studentfinance.ie
133 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills in the case in which a school bus service is being discontinued as a result of not meeting the minimum number of pupils availing of the service, whether it is permissible to amalgamate both primary and secondary bus services in those cases in which such an arrangement would be practical locally and when this would be of no extra cost to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28325/11]
One of the changes to the School Transport Scheme, which was announced in the 2011 Budget, was an increase to ten in the minimum number of eligible pupils, residing in a distinct locality, required to establish or retain an individual school transport service. Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Schemes on behalf of my Department, is responsible for the routing and timetabling of services. Buses may operate double trips in the morning and afternoon to facilitate primary and post primary schools which have different starting and finishing times. This ensures that school transport vehicles are fully utilised in the most efficient and cost effective manner.
If the Deputy wishes to forward details of the particular circumstances of the case in mind, I will be happy to ask Bus Éireann to report on the matter. I would also like to advise the Deputy that families of eligible pupils, for whom there is no school transport service available, may apply for a remote area grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements.
134 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that pending the establishment of a new qualifications agency and the development of new quality assurance guidelines and programme validation criteria, FETAC has decided not to process current applications for provider registration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28342/11]
135 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reasons for the delay in a particular application to FETAC to become an accredited provider (details supplied) under its regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28343/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 135 together.
Legislation providing for the dissolution of the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) and its amalgamation with the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) and the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) was published in July 2011 and is currently progressing through the Houses of the Oireachtas. In order to manage the transition of functions to the new amalgamated agency, FETAC has decided that no new applications for provider registration will be accepted. Applications for provider registration that have already been received by FETAC will be further processed if they have progressed past the initial ‘expression of interest' stage of the registration process. FETAC is contacting the providers concerned, including the provider referred to by the Deputy.
136 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills the details of any organisation under his Department which has informed him of staffing difficulties which may impinge upon its ability to oversee effectively the spending of public funds; and his views regarding same. [28368/11]
137 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the organisations under his Department for which an employment control framework has been agreed; the current numbers they have in place; if they have been waiting more than one month to receive sanction to proceed to fill or retain any positions in spite of such positions falling below the agreed ECF ceiling. [28384/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 136 together.
The current Employment Control Framework agreed for my Department covers the period 2010 to 2014 and comprehends staff working in a range of bodies and organisations across the education area. Details regarding the framework and the bodies and organisations covered by it are set out in the table.
Under the terms of the Framework my Department has delegated sanction to fill vacancies arising in certain areas, subject to the ceiling figures for those areas not being exceeded, e.g. in the cases of teachers, special needs assistants, certain non-teaching staff in schools and staff at third level. In other cases, in line with Government policy and the moratorium on public sector numbers, requests for exceptions to the Moratorium must be sought from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform prior to the awarding or renewal of an employment contract. Such requests are considered promptly by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the decision communicated to the body requesting the exception. In a small number of cases further information regarding particular vacancies has been required by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, which has had the effect of extending the period before a post can be filled.
Each area of my Department, together with the bodies and agencies under the aegis of the Department, is required to order and prioritise its work and working practices to take account of any limitations resulting from the application of the Employment Control Framework. This process of effectively managing staffing resources is ongoing and is regularly monitored with a view to ensuring continued effective delivery by the Department of its key services.
|
Functional Classification |
Org./Body Name |
End 2010 |
2011 ECF Ceiling |
2012 ECF Ceiling |
2013 ECF Ceiling |
2014 ECF Ceiling |
|
Total |
96,074 |
95,212 |
95,912 |
96,764 |
97,437 |
|
|
1. Civil Service |
Total |
1,589 |
1,569 |
1,549 |
1,524 |
1,504 |
|
Includes: |
National Council for Special Education |
|||||
|
State Exams Commission |
||||||
|
Department of Education & Skills, incl NEPS |
||||||
|
National Council for Curriculum and Assessment |
||||||
|
|
Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse |
|||||
|
|
Residential Institutions Redress Board |
|||||
|
2. Education Sector |
Total |
93,050 |
92,269 |
93,059 |
93,994 |
94,710 |
|
Includes: |
First Level Education |
41,504 |
41,279 |
41,991 |
42,787 |
43,292 |
|
Primary Teachers |
||||||
|
|
Clerical Assistants |
|||||
|
|
Caretakers |
|||||
|
Model Schools and other projects |
||||||
|
Special Needs Assistants |
||||||
|
Second Level Education |
32,990 |
32,741 |
32,828 |
32,975 |
33,195 |
|
|
Secondary, Vocational and C&C Teachers |
||||||
|
Clerical Assistants |
||||||
|
Non-Teachers in VECs and in C&C Schools |
||||||
|
|
Special Needs Assistants |
|||||
|
Third Level Education (core-funded posts)* |
18,556 |
18,249 |
18,240 |
18,232 |
18,223 |
|
|
|
Universities/HEA Institutions |
|||||
|
|
Institutes of Technology |
|||||
|
|
Colleges of Education/Non-HEA Institutions |
|||||
|
|
Dublin Dental Hospital |
|||||
|
Royal Irish Academy |
||||||
|
Royal Irish Academy of Music |
||||||
|
Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies |
||||||
|
3. Non-Commercial State Agencies |
Total |
1,435 |
1,374 |
1,304 |
1,246 |
1,223 |
|
Includes |
National Qualifications Authority of Ireland |
|||||
|
|
Further Education & Training Awards Council |
|||||
|
|
Higher Education & Training Awards Council |
|||||
|
|
Grangegorman Development Agency |
|||||
|
|
Higher Education Authority |
|||||
|
|
Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering & Technology |
|||||
|
Irish Research Council for the Humanities & Social Science |
||||||
|
National Centre for Technology in Education |
||||||
|
Teaching Council |
||||||
|
FÁS |
*Other posts at third level/higher education are not subject to ECF ceilings. These include (i) non-core funded research and related posts funded from Exchequer resources external to the institution and (ii) other research and/or specialist non-Exchequer funded posts.
138 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to address the current situation of retired teachers who remain working on a temporary and substitute basis in all State-funded schools while teaching graduates remain on the live register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28416/11]
I issued a Circular in May of this year which requires schools to prioritise teachers over unregistered persons, appropriately qualified teachers over teachers qualified for different sectors, and unemployed teachers over teachers in receipt of a public sector pension. In relation to short-term absences, where all efforts to secure an appropriately qualified and registered teacher who is not retired fail, the school may employ a retired appropriately qualified registered teacher. If none are available, it may move on to employ a teacher registered under any regulation of the Teaching Council, giving preference wherever possible to one who is not retired.
Any decision to employ a retired teacher is a local decision made by the school authorities. School principals must keep a record as to why a retired teacher has had to be employed and must also report to the school's Board of Management on the instances where this arises. In addition to the above, teachers who are retired and who return to teaching are now remunerated at the first point of the revised salary scales applicable to new entrants. This represents a significant financial disincentive for teachers who retired at the top of their salary scale to return to teaching.
139 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of funding to schools under the auspices of the vocational education committees in the 2010/11 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28417/11]
Financial allocations are made to the VECs on the basis of the financial year rather than the academic year, and are paid as a block grant. VECs are given a high level of autonomy in the management and appropriation of their budgets and each VEC is allowed to distribute its allocations in line with its priorities and perceptions of need. My Department's general and post primary expenditure grant to a VEC is divided between pay and non-pay.
General and post primary non-pay covers all items other than pay and grants for committed items that are provided for separately. It includes costs associated with VEC administrative offices and other administrative costs as well as costs associated directly with schools. The total non-pay cost of the general and post primary programme in 2010 amounted to some €81m in 2010. This was funded primarily by my Department's block grant of €67m, but also by non-pay receipts retained by the VECs of €14m.
The total general and post primary pay cost in 2010 was €693m. Of this, instruction and SNA pay in VEC schools and colleges, including PLC provision, accounted for €613m approximately, administrative pay was €51m approximately, and some €29m was for maintenance pay. Pay costs were funded primarily by the pay grant issued by my Department of €645m, but also by pay receipts retained by the VECs of €48m, comprised principally of retained superannuation contributions.
140 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of public petitions that have been submitted to him in the past four years, in tabular form; the nature of the petition campaign; the date on which the petition was submitted; the number of signatories on each petition; the action undertaken by him following consideration of the submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28422/11]
I am not in a position to provide the information sought as it is not recorded in the format requested by the Deputy. Petitions tend to be rather voluminous and it would take an inordinate amount of official time to research and compile the information requested. However, if the Deputy has an interest in a particular case I would be happy to provide further details about that matter.
141 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review a matter in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [28472/11]
I wish to advise the Deputy that it is my intention to lease the entire former community school site referred to by the Deputy, including the portion of a building occupied by the school to which he refers, to the City of Dublin VEC. This matter is currently being handled by legal advisors for both parties. Once this lease is executed between my Department and the VEC, the VEC will then be in a position to sublease the relevant portion of the building to the patron of the school referred to by the Deputy. The legal advisors for the VEC will be in contact with the representatives of the school patron in relation to this matter in due course.
142 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of special needs assistant posts which have been cut as from the commencement of the current school term; if this number is greater than 475 posts that are being held unfilled to allow for emergencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28497/11]
143 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of filled special needs assistant posts at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28498/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together.
The Deputy will be aware that 10,575 whole time equivalent (WTE) posts are being provided for SNA support for 2011. This is a significant number of posts and unlike other areas of the public sector, which are subject to a recruitment moratorium, vacancies may be filled up to this number. At June 2011, there were 10,802 posts in place, which was 227 over the cap to be reached by the end of 2011.
This situation arose when the 13 centres that had been funded in the ABA pilot scheme applied for and were granted official recognition as special schools for children with autism. Staff working in the centres who accepted posts as SNAs in these schools have had to be counted within the overall limits for SNA posts and their recategorisation has impacted on the overall numbers in the context of managing the aforementioned cap on SNA posts.
Approximately 10,100 whole time equivalent SNA posts have been allocated to date for the current school year. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has advised all mainstream schools of their Special Needs Assistant (SNA) allocations for the 2011/12 school year. SNA provision in special schools is currently being reviewed. 475 posts were held back from the initial allocation in September 2011 in order to allocate them over the coming school year in cases such as emergency, appeals, acquired injuries or new school entrants with special needs care.
The NCSE 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 NCSE expects to respond to emergency cases on hand within the coming weeks. The outcome of a review of special school SNA allocations is expected early in the school year. Other demands from mainstream schools will be responded to up to the end of the school year. Through these arrangements it is expected that the majority of the SNA posts which have yet to be allocated, will have been allocated by early in 2012.
144 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he will grant approval to County Cork Vocational Education Committee to purchase the identified site for a school (details supplied) in County Cork [28499/11]
I can confirm that County Cork VEC has identified a possible site to accommodate the amalgamated school referred to by the Deputy. Following assessment of the site's suitability, my Department will be in touch with County Cork VEC in relation to this matter. However, given the sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally, I am not in a position to comment further at this point in time. The acquisition of the site and the delivery of the school building project will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.
145 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding funds in respect of a survivor of institutional abuse (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28538/11]
The Government is proceeding with the drafting of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Bill on the basis of the General Scheme prepared by my Department. These proposals followed extensive consultations with survivors of residential abuse and the groups which support them, together with a public consultation process. The General Scheme, together with a copy of a Report on the Consultation Process is available on my Department's website. I intend to introduce the legislation in the Autumn with a view to having it enacted by the end of the year.
While some former residents advocate a simple distribution of the available money, I believe that the Fund should target resources at services to support former residents' needs. To that end, the General Scheme provides for approved services to include, counselling, psychological support services and mental health services together with such health and personal social services, educational services and housing services as the Fund may determine. Further services can be prescribed as appropriate.
The Statutory Fund will focus solely on victims of residential institutional abuse, with eligibility being confined to those who received an award from the Redress Board or an award following a court decision or settlement who would otherwise have received an award from the Redress Board. Over 13,000 victims have received awards from the Redress Board to date. I am satisfied that it is the correct approach, with the focus of the Statutory Fund being on those former residents who have successfully completed the redress process.
The Government intends that some €110 million will be available to the Fund, this being essentially the cash portion of offers made by religious congregations in the aftermath of the publication of the Ryan Report. To date, €21.05 million of these cash contributions have been received and placed in a special interest bearing account in the Central Bank pending the establishment of the Statutory Fund.
In terms of survivor groups, my Department currently funds 5 such groups in Ireland and 3 Outreach services in the UK. The groups are funded to provide an information and referral service for former residents wishing to access the various bodies established by the Government such as the Redress Board, the National Counselling Service, the Education Finance Board, etc. All groups are required to submit annual audited accounts or receipts to fully account for all expenditure. They are further required to give a detailed account of all activities undertaken in any one particular year. As responsibility for information for survivors will also be taken on by the Statutory Fund, funding of survivor groups by my Department will cease.
146 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding funds in respect of survivors of institutional abuse (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28539/11]
The Government is proceeding with the drafting of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Bill on the basis of the General Scheme prepared by my Department. These proposals followed extensive consultations with survivors of residential abuse and the groups which support them, together with a public consultation process. The General Scheme, together with a copy of a Report on the Consultation Process is available on my Department's website. I intend to introduce the legislation in the Autumn with a view to having it enacted by the end of the year.
While some former residents advocate a simple distribution of the available money, I believe that the Fund should target resources at services to support former residents' needs. To that end, the General Scheme provides for approved services to include, counselling, psychological support services and mental health services together with such health and personal social services, educational services and housing services as the Fund may determine. Further services can be prescribed as appropriate.
The Statutory Fund will focus solely on victims of residential institutional abuse, with eligibility being confined to those who received an award from the Redress Board or an award following a court decision or settlement who would otherwise have received an award from the Redress Board. Over 13,000 victims have received awards from the Redress Board to date. I am satisfied that it is the correct approach, with the focus of the Statutory Fund being on those former residents who have successfully completed the redress process. The Government intends that some €110 million will be available to the Fund, this being essentially the cash portion of offers made by religious congregations in the aftermath of the publication of the Ryan Report. To date, €21.05 million of these cash contributions have been received and placed in a special interest bearing account in the Central Bank pending the establishment of the Statutory Fund.
Funding for the Education Finance Board, which was established on a statutory basis in 2006, has been provided from the €12.7 million contribution provided by the religious congregations under the 2002 Indemnity Agreement specifically earmarked for educational support for former residents and their families. Prior to its establishment, grants were paid to eligible applicants under an administrative scheme. At the end of 2010 the total funds available to the Board was €3.649 million approximately with the Board estimating that the remaining funds would be committed prior to the end of 2011 or shortly thereafter. As noted in the Board's 2010 Annual Report, it has been the Board's policy to estimate the costs to completion of the course and to reserve the amount of these future costs or the balance of the persons overall grant limit whichever is the lower. If all such commitments at 31 December, 2010 were to be realized, the remaining funds available to the Board for new applications would be reduced by an additional amount in the order of €1.358 million.
Under the terms of the proposed Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Bill, the Education Finance Board will be dissolved and its staff will transfer to the Statutory Fund, which will assume its functions in relation to the remaining moneys available to the Board. When the remaining moneys fall below €0.1m, the Minister will direct the National Treasury Management Agency to close the relevant account and transfer the remaining balance to the Statutory Fund and the Fund's functions in relation to the Education Finance Board provisions will be terminated.
147 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total costs of the National Council for Special Education on an annual basis for each of the years since it was established. [28551/11]
My Department has approved the following funding for the National Council for Special Education since its establishment.
|
Year |
Total Issued |
|
2004 |
€1,666,394.31 |
|
2005 |
€4,325,000 |
|
2006 |
€7,187,000 |
|
2007 |
€8,515,000 |
|
2008 |
€8,219,671.50 |
|
2009 |
€9,250,000 |
|
2010 |
€9,652,000 |
148 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount that has been spent on the provision of special needs assistants in each of the past five years. [28552/11]
151 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of special needs assistants employed in schools in each of the past five years. [28603/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 148 together.
The Deputy will be aware of this Government's commitment to special education provision at a time when savings are being required across a range of expenditure areas, which will ensure that children with special educational needs can continue to have access to educational facilities in line with their requirements. Some 10,575 whole time equivalent (WTE) posts are being provided for SNA support for 2011. This is a significant number of posts and unlike other areas of the public sector vacancies may be filled up to this number. The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the table.
|
End-year |
Number of Special Needs Assistants Whole Time Equivalent |
Expenditure €000 |
|
2006 |
8,390 |
224,095 |
|
2007 |
9,824 |
278,836 |
|
2008 |
10,442 |
333,087 |
|
2009 |
10,342 |
344,703 |
|
2010 |
10,543 |
333,991 |
149 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the level of saving to the Exchequer in 2011 from cuts in the provision of special needs assistants. [28553/11]
Approximately 15% of the entire budget of my Department — some €1.3 billion — will be spent in support of children with Special Educational Needs this year. This provision is in line with expenditure in 2010 and shows that despite the current economic difficulties, funding for special education has not been cut. The continued commitment of this Government to special education provision, at a time when savings are being required across a range of expenditure areas, will ensure that children with special educational needs can continue to have access to educational facilities in line with their requirements. Some 10,575 whole time equivalent (WTE) posts are being provided for SNA support for 2011. This is a significant number of posts and unlike other areas of the public sector vacancies may be filled up to this number. There were 10,543 WTE SNA posts in place at the end of 2010. It is therefore not estimated that there will be savings in relation to the Special Needs Assistant scheme in 2011.
150 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to review the mature student grant system for higher education; the meetings he has had with representative groups or agencies regarding such a review; if so, the results of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28563/11]
Under Budget 2011, the previous Fianna Fáil-Green party Government introduced changes to the qualifying criteria for the non-adjacent rate of student grant. These changes remove the automatic entitlement of mature students to the non-adjacent rate of grant and increase the qualifying distance criterion for that rate of grant to 45kms.
As the previous Government had factored in the savings from these changes to the public expenditure programme for 2011, I regret that I am not in a position to reverse or vary them. However, while a qualifying student may receive a lower rate of grant for the 2011/12 academic year, they will not loose grant assistance. Students on particularly low incomes will also receive a top-up in the special rate of grant. Students in exceptional financial circumstances can apply for assistance under the Student Assistance Fund. Information on the Fund is available through the access offices of third-level institutions. The access offices themselves will also continue to provide support and advice to students to enable them to continue with their studies.
I understand the concerns of mature students regarding the 2011 budgetary measures and I will take account of these in considering any future changes to the student grant schemes as part of the budgetary process for 2012 and beyond, having regard to the position of the public finances. I have met with the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) and discussed a range of topics including the changes to the student grant scheme and the impact on students of the 2011 budgetary measures.
152 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of staff employed by the National Council for Special Education in each of the past five years. [28604/11]
The number of staff employed by the National Council for Special Education in each of the past five years, as at end December each year, was:
|
Year |
Number of staff employed |
|
2006 |
92.5 |
|
2007 |
94.5 |
|
2008 |
104.5 |
|
2009 |
109.5 |
|
2010 |
109.1 |
153 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the criteria used in selecting the locations for the headquarters for the amalgamated vocational education committees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28658/11]
156 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the relatively low rental cost of the Longford Vocational Education Committee, its central facilities, and its accessibility were taken into consideration in the locating of the headquarters of the newly amalgamated Longford and Westmeath VEC; if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28684/11]
157 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason Longford was not designated as the headquarters of the merged Longford and Westmeath vocational education committees, in view of the considerable investment made in its facilities by him, over the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28685/11]
158 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on Longford Vocational Education Committee as a sub-office should it not be possible to redeploy all staff to Mullingar, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28686/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 156 to 158, inclusive, together.
In arriving at this decision, I considered a range of factors including the need to ensure that the location of a VEC headquarters will, to the greatest extent possible, facilitate staff redeployment under a redeployment scheme within the context of the Croke Park Agreement and the need to operate at lowest cost having regard to the accommodation available in existing locations. In determining Mullingar as a headquarter location, I was aware that both Co. Westmeath and Co. Longford VECs are very closely matched on the criteria mentioned above. However, I am satisfied that geographically, Mullingar is the most favourable location for the HQ.
154 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of providing each child attending primary school with a daily lunch meal. [28667/11]
Further to the Deputy's parliamentary question 26452 of 28th September last, the estimated cost of providing a daily lunch meal for 509,652 school going children in primary schools currently and based on an estimate of €3 per lunch, would cost in the region of €280 million per annum.
155 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a definitive breakdown of the potential financial outlay associated with the locating of the headquarters of the merged Longford and Westmeath vocational education committees in Mullingar, County Westmeath, with particular reference to rental cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28683/11]
In November of last year, my officials sought information regarding head office accommodation from Co. Westmeath VEC and Co. Longford VECs. Information provided on foot of that request indicates the office in Mullingar has 630 square meters of office space with capacity for a total of 41 staff and that there were 39 head office staff in total employed in both VECs. The rental costs of VEC buildings are not collated centrally. However, both headquarter buildings in Mullingar and Longford are leased.
In arriving at this decision, I considered a range of factors including the need to ensure that the location of a VEC headquarters will, to the greatest extent possible, facilitate staff redeployment under a redeployment scheme within the context of the Croke Park Agreement and the need to operate at lowest cost having regard to the accommodation available in existing locations. In determining Mullingar as a headquarter location, I was aware that both Co. Westmeath and Co. Longford VECs are very closely matched. I am satisfied that geographically, Mullingar is the most favourable location for the HQ.
159 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason an application from a school (details supplied) in County Mayo for an administrative principal position has been refused when another school has been successful; and the reason the ancillary grant for this school is less than other schools of same study. [28688/11]
As the Deputy will be aware the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is an independent agency with responsibility for determining the appropriate staffing levels in relation to the support of pupils with special educational needs in mainstream and special schools. The NCSE operates within my Department's policy in allocating this support. The special school referred to by the Deputy has an authorised staffing of 1 Principal and 3 full-time teachers. My Department has previously outlined directly to the school, the position in relation to the provision of an administrative principal post in the school. The Report of the Special Education Review Committee outlines that an administrative principal post should be appointed in a special school at the point at which the six teacher (5th assistant) is about to be appointed to a school. Special schools are paid an ancillary services grant based on the number of authorised full-time teaching staff approved for the school. The special school referred to by the Deputy receives an ancillary services grant of €24,050.00, based on its authorised staffing level.
160 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the cuts that have been made regarding fee-paying religious schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28700/11]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the decision of the previous Fianna Fail — Green Party Government to increase the pupil/teacher ratio in schools and to remove certain funding from Protestant fee-charging schools in the Budget of October 2008. There are currently 55 fee-charging second level schools in the country, of which 20 are Protestant, two Inter-denominational, one Jewish and the remaining 32 Catholic. It is estimated that the withdrawal, with effect from 1 January 2009, of the ancillary grant to fee-charging schools with a Protestant ethos has realised an annual saving of €2.8m to the Exchequer. The grant was withdrawn due to concerns about the constitutionality of making it available to fee-charging schools of one ethos and not to those of another.
Fee-charging schools do not receive capitation or related supports and since becoming Minister, I have prioritised the limited funding available for Summer Works Schemes to non fee-paying schools on the grounds of equity. The previous Government also decided in October 2008 to make changes to how fee-charging schools should be treated in relation to the number of publicly funded teaching posts they are allocated. Teachers in fee-charging schools are now allocated at a pupil teacher ratio of 20 to 1, which is a point higher than allocations in non fee-charging post-primary schools.
Teachers in all fee-charging schools are paid by the State; this arrangement predated the introduction of free education arrangements and has existed since the foundation of the state. The estimated cost of these posts in 2011 is in the order of €100m and the estimated saving for a one point increase in the pupil/teacher ratio is €3 million. I am already on record as saying that this is not a simple matter as these arrangements, which are historic and of long standing, impact upon a substantial number of schools which cater for religious minorities.
161 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the refusal to grant an additional preschool teacher to a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the cost to the State of providing such a preschool teacher for a fixed period of one year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28712/11]
As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports including the approval of special classes for autism. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I understand that the NCSE is currently engaging with the school in question in relation to staffing levels and the approval of an additional class for children with autism. I have arranged for the information requested by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their direct reply. The annual cost of a pre school teacher is approximately sixty thousand euro per annum.
162 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills the date on which each member of the board of FÁS and the State Examination Commission was appointed; and the date on which the term of each member of both boards is due for renewal. [28720/11]
The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the table.
|
An Foras Áiseanna Saothair (FÁS) |
Name |
Date Appointed |
Renewal Date |
|
Michael Dempsey (Chair) |
21/01/2010 |
21/01/2015 |
|
|
Tony Dempsey |
22/01/2010 |
21/01/2013 |
|
|
Michael Moriarty |
28/07/2011 |
21/01/2015 |
|
|
Emer Gilvarry |
21/01/2010 |
21/01/2014 |
|
|
Martin Hogan |
21/01/2010 |
21/01/2013 |
|
|
Annette Hughes |
21/01/2010 |
21/01/2014 |
|
|
Paddy McDonagh |
16/06/2010 |
21/01/2014 |
|
|
Brendan Murphy |
21/01/2010 |
21/01/2013 |
|
|
Sean O’Longáin |
21/01/2010 |
21/01/2015 |
|
|
Margaret Sweeney |
21/01/2010 |
21/01/2015 |
|
|
Paul O’Toole (DG FÁS) |
21/01/2010 |
21/01/2015 |
|
|
State Examinations Commission (SEC) |
Richard Langford (chair) |
06/03/2006* |
06/03/2012 |
|
Breda Nolan (deputy chair) |
06/03/2009 |
06/03/2012 |
|
|
Eleanor Walsh |
06/03/2006* |
06/03/2012 |
|
|
Ivor Gleeson |
06/03/2006* |
06/03/2012 |
|
|
Tony Behan |
06/03/2009 |
06/03/2012 |
*First appointed on 06/03/2006. Re-appointed on 06/03/2009.
163 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is legislation or a code of practice in the area of school bullying. [28754/11]
Responsibility for tackling bullying falls to the level of the individual school, as it is at local level that an effective anti-bullying climate must be established and at that level that actions should be taken to address allegations of bullying.
Under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, all schools are required to have in place a Code of Behaviour and this code must be drawn up in accordance with the guidelines of the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB). The NEWB guidelines were issued to schools in 2008 and make it clear that each school must have policies to prevent or address bullying and harassment and schools must make clear in their code of behaviour that bullying is unacceptable. The guidelines further state that as well as making explicit that bullying is prohibited in the school, and having an anti-bullying policy, the code of behaviour should indicate what action the school will take in relation to alleged breaches of the school's bullying policy.
Every school therefore must have in place a policy, within the framework of the school's overall school code of behaviour, which includes specific measures to deal with bullying behaviour. Such a code, developed through consultation with the whole school community and properly implemented, can be the most influential measure in countering bullying behaviour in schools.
My Department has also issued Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour as an aid to schools in devising measures to prevent and deal with instances of bullying behaviour. These guidelines were drawn up following consultation with representatives of school management, teachers and parents, and are sufficiently flexible to allow each school authority to adapt them to suit the particular needs of their school.
As a further aid to post-primary schools, my Department published a template that can be used by post-primary schools in developing an anti-bullying policy. The anti-bullying policy template is based primarily on the key document Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour. However, it also takes account of more recent legislative and regulatory changes, and reference is made to issues of contemporary concern such as the need to tackle text bullying, cyber-bullying and homophobic bullying.
164 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will, for a set period of time, permit the recruitment of extra staff to Westmeath Vocational Education Committee in order to deal with the backlog of applications for student grants. [28756/11]
A moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public sector is being implemented following a decision by the previous Government in Mach 2009, and is binding upon all Government departments, non-commercial state bodies and agencies. No public service post, however arising, may be filled by recruitment, promotion or payment of an allowance for performance of duties at a higher grade. Where vacancies arise, departments and agencies must reallocate or reorganise work or staff accordingly. The Department of Finance has advised that any exceptions to this principle will arise in very limited circumstances only and will require the prior sanction of the Minister for Finance. To date, my Department has not received any correspondence from Co. Westmeath Vocational Education Committee in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy.
165 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider the construction and development of a new primary level school in the Dundalk area of County Louth; and if he will consider a group (details supplied) as a patron for any new primary school that may be planned for Dundalk. [28764/11]
In June of this year I announced that up to 40 new schools are to be established within the next six years, comprising of twenty new primary schools and twenty new post-primary schools to cater for the increase in school going population across these identified locations. It is not proposed to open a new primary school in the general Dundalk area as the demographics of the area do not support the need for a new school.
166 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reinstate the two teaching posts at a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [28777/11]
167 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will retain the full complement of special needs assistant staffing at a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [28778/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 167 together.
The Deputy will be aware the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating teaching staff and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to special schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Departments criteria in allocating such support, which now includes a requirement for the NCSE to have regard to an overall cap on the number of SNA posts.
As set out in my Departments Circular 0042/2011, in order for the NCSE to complete the processing of applications for mainstream schools in the first instance, the existing 2010/11 level of SNA supports have been maintained in special schools for the coming school year, other than for schools with declining enrolments, with a review to take place in Autumn of the 11/12 school year. The school referred to by the Deputy has therefore not received a reduction in its SNA staff levels over those applying at the end of the last school year. The review of SNA support at special schools is currently ongoing.
In relation to teaching posts, Circular 0042/11 states that there are a small number of special schools which have significant excess teacher posts and that the NCSE may therefore contact such schools to review the individual circumstances in these schools. The Circular indicated that the NCSE may suppress a post in schools which have excess teaching posts in order to create a post in a school which does not have excess posts and which has growing pupil numbers.
The special school referred to by the Deputy caters for pupils with severe/profound disability and ASD. The correct teacher allocation ratio for schools catering for children with severe and profound disability is 6:1. In 2010/11 the school had 7 approved class teaching posts and 3 surplus posts and 28 SNAs. The enrolment is 38 pupils, including the 9 new children enrolled for September 2011. One of the surplus teachers retired at the end of the last school year and the school is not eligible for a replacement. A further surplus post has been withdrawn leaving the school with 1 surplus post above recommended staffing allocation levels.
It is the position of both my Department and the NCSE that given the exceptionally high levels of teaching and support staff which have been allocated to the school, that the school has sufficient support within its overall allocation to enable it provide for the teaching and care support requirements of all of the children enrolled to the school. I understand that all of the children enrolled to the school are now attending the school.
168 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm that the lease for County Offaly Vocational Education Committee head office at Castle Buildings, Tara Street, Tullamore, which includes 766.63 square metres of office space with immediate capacity for 30 additional staff at no extra cost, has 16.5 years remaining at a minimum cost of €2,225,000 to the Exchequer or Department; and if he will provide the cost either through refurbishment or new build of accommodating the additional staff resulting from this merger at the current VEC head office, Portlaoise, County Laois. [28802/11]
In November 2010, my officials sought information regarding head office accommodation from VECs the subject of merger proposals, including the VEC referred to by the Deputy. Information provided by Co. Offaly VEC on foot of that request, indicates that its head office has 766.63 square meters of office space with capacity for a total of 44 staff, that the lease has approximately 15 years and 7 months to run and that there are 14 staff in the office.
The information provided by Co. Laois VEC indicates that its head office, which is owned by the VEC, has 652 square meters of office space with capacity for 35 staff and that there are some 15 staff in the office. In addition, Co. Laois VEC owns other property close by which has an estimated capacity for up to 65 staff. The detail in relation to the disposal of existing property interests and any upgrading or refurbishment of accommodation that arises will be worked through by my Department in conjunction with the VECs involved and the new merged body when established.
169 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he will publish the results of the comprehensive review of expenditure process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28153/11]
The Comprehensive Review of Expenditure is a process involving input from all Departments and their agencies as well as work on cross cutting issues being carried out by my Department. These Departmental submissions are a central part of the pre-budget deliberations of the Government and it is envisaged that the reports submitted as part of the CRE process can be made publicly available following the completion of the Budgetary and Estimates process.
170 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the meeting of the annual regulatory forum on 2 June last; the issues discussed and actions agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28198/11]
197 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of staff that are working in the better regulation unit of his Department; their roles; the remit of this unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28797/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos.170 and 197 together.
In line with the 2009 Government Statement on Economic Regulation, the Taoiseach and relevant Cabinet Ministers met with key economic regulators on 2 June this year. The meeting was chaired by the Taoiseach and attended by the Ministers for Finance; Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation, and Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport was represented by his Secretary General. Representatives of the Central Bank, the Commission for Energy Regulation, the Commission for Communications Regulation, the Commission for Aviation Regulation, the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, the National Transport Authority, the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Authority were also in attendance.
The purpose of the meeting was to examine ways in which Ireland's regulation of major sectors of the economy, such as energy, financial services, transport and post and telecommunications, can contribute to stronger economic recovery through facilitating investment and employment growth and minimising business costs. The agenda specifically included discussions of: investment and innovation; business costs; consumer welfare and competition as well as broader regulatory issues.
Participants at the Forum recommitted their organisations to cost minimisation and investment promotion in the interest of maintaining and growing jobs. All parties agreed to work together on developing benchmarks on utility costs and quality. There was also agreement on the need to progress the statutory underpinning of improved governance and accountability arrangements.
The Better Regulation function has historically been shared between the Departments of the Taoiseach and Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. During the re-configuration of Departments following the appointment of this Government, the staff previously assigned to the Better Regulation Unit within the Department of the Taoiseach transferred to my Department but have been assigned to other duties. There is no specific Better Regulation Unit within my Department and the locus of responsibility for the Better Regulation agenda has yet to be finalised.
171 Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will explain the delays in carrying out the conveyance of lands for the development of a new coast guard station at Doolin, County Clare (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28265/11]
The Commissioners of Public Works have been informed by the Chief State Solicitor's Office that the case involves a number of complex conveyancing issues; in particular, the easement required for the provision of drainage from the proposed coast guard station, which extends through several different properties. The Commissioners have been assured by the Chief State Solicitor's Office that the case is receiving urgent attention and will be dealt with as a matter of priority.
172 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding an income cap on public sector and private sector workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28277/11]
177 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will deal with a matter (details supplied) regarding the salaries of higher paid civil servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28907/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 177 together.
Apart from instances where statutory rates of pay apply, pay rates in the private sector are generally a matter for negotiation between individual employers and employees and the Government has no direct input to that process. My responsibilities in relation to pay extend to the public service where the Government has a direct role in the determination of pay rates as employer. Pay rates in the public service have already been reduced by up to 15% and a progressive pension related reduction applied through the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts of 2009. More recently, the Government accepted my proposals to introduce a general pay ceiling of €200,000 for future appointments to higher positions across the public service, a general pay ceiling of €250,000 for future appointments to CEO posts within Commercial State Companies and a voluntary waiver system of up to 15% for current post holders who have salaries in excess of the relevant pay ceiling.
All new appointments to the Public Service are being made in line with the policy adopted by the Government on pay ceilings. New pay rates for Secretary Generals of Government Departments have been introduced effective from June 2011 with a maximum rate of €200,000. This represents a reduction of almost 30% on Secretary General Level I pay at September 2008 (€285,341). These new reduced pay rates will also reduce Exchequer pension costs into the future for those appointees. In addition, a significant number of existing incumbents of posts in the public service that attract salaries in excess of the general pay ceilings adopted by the Government have to date responded positively to the Government's request for a voluntary waiver of up to 15% of their salaries.
173 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of apprentices from the Office of Public Works who have served their time and then not been kept on since the introduction of the moratorium on recruitment; if he will provide an estimate based on the current amount of apprentices in the OPW that will be serving their time in the next year who will also not be kept on due to the moratorium on recruitment; the number of apprentices that have been let go before serving their time since the introduction of the moratorium; if he will provide a breakdown of the trades and the years served of these apprentices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28328/11]
Thirteen apprentices (four carpenters, three stonemasons, two fitters, two electricians, one painter and one plasterer) are scheduled to complete their training within the next year. In order to meet exceptional operational requirements at key work location, the OPW may seek the sanction of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to retain a small number of these apprentices, but at this juncture this consideration is still uncertain. Notwithstanding the requirements of the moratorium, as a matter of established practise, the OPW does not retain all of the apprentices that it trains. For instance, over the past ten years ninety-one apprentices were taken on, but only twenty-two were retained permanently on completion of training.
Since the introduction of the moratorium, the engagement of one apprentice carpenter was terminated prior to the completion of training. In addition to the foregoing, the OPW are also facilitating FÁS by providing placement for twenty-seven apprentices to complete their training under the Redundant Apprentice Programme.
174 Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an actuarial breakdown of the extra yearly cost to the Exchequer for pensions awarded to those public servants who can retire at 50 years instead of 68 years; if these costs may be reconsidered due to the fact that civil servants retire at a much earlier age than ordinary workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28339/11]
Most Civil Servants recruited before 1 April 2004 may retire with immediate payment of pension from age 60. For those recruited to the Civil Service on or after 1 April 2004 (excluding Prison Officers) the minimum pension age is 65. Prison Officers recruited prior to 2004 may retire and receive immediate pension from age 50 provided they have completed 30 years service in the Prison Service. For those recruited since 2004 the corresponding minimum pension age is 55.
Civil Servants, who resign within 10 years of reaching the relevant preserved pension age, can apply for the immediate payment of preserved pension and lump sum, both of which will be actuarially reduced. Early retirement is also available on grounds of ill health. The new Public Service Single Pension Scheme proposes that the minimum pension age for future recruits to the Civil Service (other than Prison Officers) will be linked to the Social Welfare pension age. The minimum pension age for Prison Officers will not change under the new scheme.
The latest estimates on the annual cost of Civil Service occupational pension terms are contained in the Comptroller and Auditor General Report on Public Service Pensions (August 2009). This Report found that the annual gross cost for currently serving Civil Servants (excluding Prison Officers) to be 22.3% of pay. The cost for future recruits to the Civil Service was estimated to be 24.6% for established Civil Servants and 9.5% of pay for recruits with non-established pension terms. The Report found that the annual pension cost for currently serving Prison Officers was 29.6% of pay; the corresponding cost for Prison Officers recruited after 2004 was estimated at 27.8%. All these gross costs make no allowance for the pension contributions made by staff.
175 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the Construction Contracts Bill will be introduced into Dáil Éireann; and in view of the regulatory impact assessment carried out if he will consider the non-binding adjudication, the restriction to limit the application of the Bill to figures of greater than €200,000 and the right to suspend work for non-payment must not be time restricted before the Bill is considered further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28705/11]
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce new legislation to protect small building subcontractors that have been denied payments from bigger companies. In addition, you may be aware that the Construction Contracts Bill 2010 was introduced by Senator Feargal Quinn and passed Committee and remaining stages in the Seanad on 8 March 2011. It is now before the Dáil.
My colleague, Minister of State Mr Brian Hayes, has been working with Senator Quinn to develop the Bill into a robust piece of legislation. In this regard, Minister Hayes and Senator Quinn met relevant stakeholders and opposition spokespersons on 28 June 2011. This consultation highlighted a number of matters relating to the Bill that required further consideration. These have been taken into account now in the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) on the Bill which was completed recently and published on 27 September. The Report is available on my Department's website: www.per.gov.ie/reports.
The RIA examined issues relating to payment practices in the construction sector and assessed the need for legislative intervention. It found that legislation is desirable to improve payment practices and to allow swift resolution of payment disputes by way of adjudication, allowing projects to be completed without wasting time and money in litigation. In addition, the RIA examined the main proposals to amend the Bill that were raised during the Seanad debate and subsequent consultation. It found that there were merits to considering amending the Bill in a number of respects e.g. to bring lower value contracts within its scope and to make the adjudicators award binding in payment dispute cases. It concluded that any such amendments should be formulated in such a manner that would protect the taxpayer.
In addition to the issues dealt with in the RIA, Minister Hayes has asked the relevant officials to re-examine other issues raised during the consultation, including the time limit on suspension, to see if a more effective solution can be formulated in such a manner that would protect the taxpayer. Minister Hayes will reflect on the findings of the RIA and incorporate them into the legislative proposals which will be brought to Government shortly for approval. It is essential that the solution to this issue needs to be balanced so as to avoid imposing regulatory or cost burdens on parties in dispute, the State or others.
176 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views that there is scope to strengthen the Construction Contracts Bill when it comes before the Dáil Eireann; when he expects this legislation to be forthcoming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28717/11]
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce new legislation to protect small building subcontractors that have been denied payments from bigger companies. In addition, you may be aware that the Construction Contracts Bill 2010 was introduced by Senator Feargal Quinn and passed Committee and remaining stages in the Seanad on 8 March 2011. It is now before the Dáil.
My colleague Minister of State Mr Brian Hayes has been working with Senator Quinn to develop the Bill into a robust piece of legislation. In this regard, Minister Hayes and Senator Quinn met relevant stakeholders and opposition spokespersons on 28 June 2011. This consultation highlighted a number of matters relating to the Bill that required further consideration. These have been taken into account now in the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) on the Bill which was completed recently and published on 27 September. The Report is available on my Department's website: www.per.gov.ie/reports. I understand that a note on this issue was recently circulated to all Oireachtas members.
The RIA examined issues relating to payment practices in the construction sector and assessed the need for legislative intervention. It found that legislation is desirable to improve payment practices and to allow swift resolution of payment disputes by way of adjudication, allowing projects to be completed without wasting time and money in litigation. In addition, the RIA examined the main proposals to amend the Bill that were raised during the Seanad debate and subsequent consultation. It found that there were merits to considering amending the Bill in a number of respects e.g. to bring lower value contracts within its scope and to make the adjudicators award binding in payment dispute cases. It concluded that any such amendments should be formulated in such a manner that would protect the taxpayer.
In addition to the issues dealt with in the RIA, Minister Hayes has asked the relevant officials to re-examine other issues raised during the consultation, including the time limit on suspension, to see if a more effective solution can be formulated in such a manner that would protect the taxpayer. Minister Hayes will reflect on the findings of the RIA and incorporate them into the legislative proposals which will be brought to Government shortly for approval. It is essential that the solution to this issue needs to be balanced so as to avoid imposing regulatory or cost burdens on parties in dispute, the State or others.
178 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will enforce sections 6 and 7 of the Superannuation and Pensions Act 1963 by rescinding special severance gratuity payments and added years awarded to existing senior civil servants such as Secretaries General and county managers on their retirement. [28653/11]
Sections 6 and 7 of the Superannuation and Pensions Act 1963 provide for added years and severance for retiring civil servants in certain circumstances. They are discretionary and are only applied in the context of effecting efficiency and economy in the organisation. In the case of retiring Secretaries General, the enhanced retirement terms only apply where the individual has not been appointed to another post in the Civil or Public Service or in an international body.
A Secretary General is appointed for a fixed term which, as a result of the individual's age at the date of appointment, expires before age 65, and in many cases before age 60. In circumstances where an individual is obliged to retire at the end of his/her term and before age 65, a severance payment and enhanced retirement benefits may be granted, subject to certain conditions, in recognition of the fact that the individual has foregone the right to continue in employment to age 65 and accrue further pension benefits. These terms are designed to encourage younger people to apply for such posts who might otherwise wish to continue working until age 65.
The terms which have been approved on the appointment of Secretaries General will be honoured by this Government. These terms provide for a reassignment of the officer or the granting of superannuation terms in line with 1987 Government decision. I am conducting a full review of the TLAC terms in the context of new appointees as Secretary General. I would add that I have just published the new Single Public Service Pension Scheme Bill. This will provide for pension calculation on the basis of career-average. No enhancement of superannuation benefits will be applicable in the case of Single Scheme members in the future.
The Superannuation and Pensions Act 1963 does not cover the superannuation position of County Managers, whose terms are dealt with in section 78 of the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Amendment Scheme 1998, as amended by Section 23 of the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Amendment Scheme 2007 and made pursuant to section 47 of the Local Government Act 1991. This legislation is the responsibility of the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government.
179 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform with regard to the public service moratorium on recruitment, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the mechanism is leading to failures in the system, such as the effective closure of entire public sector operations or units which are left without the minimum level of staffing; his plans to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28895/11]
It is unhelpful to Ireland's standing with our international funding partners if Deputies make unjustifiable claims of "failures in the system" when so many people in our public services are striving to deliver a first class service within reduced resources.
The Government has to deliver better value in the public sector in order to reduce the deficit and protect frontline services. Over the last number of years, enhanced numbers monitoring systems and multi-annual employment frameworks have been put in place. These arrangements will be strengthened to ensure that effect is given to Government decisions on public service numbers and will aid public bodies in planning future staffing levels. It is part of the day to day function of the Boards and Management of all public bodies to assess, budget and plan for current and ongoing staffing requirements including the identifying of key posts and services. Ireland is committed under the EU-IMF programme to reducing the overall size of the public service.
Delivering this reduction will require continued implementation of the moratorium on recruitment with exceptions being limited to only essential posts and the utilisation of redeployment as the primary mechanism to fill posts which have been approved. In order to protect frontline services, the Government is committed to making fundamental changes to the way the public service operates. This will inevitably mean changes in the way in which services to the public are delivered, however, I am certainly not aware of any so called catastrophic failures in the system.
In order to protect crucial services exceptions to the Moratorium may be granted on the following basis:
a) statutory posts which have to be filled for legal reasons;
b) where failure to fill posts would result in a breach of EU/international regulations and impact upon exports etc.;
c) safety related posts — failure to fill them could leave the state open to potential legal liabilities or for security reasons;
d) specialist/technical posts to ensure continuity of operations e.g. legal officers; laboratory staff, maritime safety, etc.;
e) to ensure continuity of frontline services.
In the case of the Education and Health Sector a number of grades are exempted from the Moratorium in order to ensure that these vital services are maintained.
180 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform with regard to the public service moratorium on recruitment, his views that including maternity leave in the moratorium is explicitly discriminatory; his plans to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28897/11]
The reason for any vacancy (maternity leave, career break, resignation, retirement etc) is not a factor in decisions relating to the Moratorium. It should be noted by the Deputy that a number of exceptions have been granted by my Department to cover maternity leave where the posts in question met the agreed exemption protocols in order to protect crucial services.
Ireland is committed under the EU-IMF programme to reducing the overall size of the public service. Delivering this reduction will require continued implementation of the moratorium on recruitment with exceptions being limited to only essential posts and the utilisation of redeployment as the primary mechanism to fill posts which have been approved. In order to protect frontline services, the Government is committed to making fundamental changes to the way the public service operates.
In order to protect crucial services exceptions to the Moratorium may be granted on the following basis:
a) statutory posts which have to be filled for legal reasons;
b) where failure to fill posts would result in a breach of EU/international regulations and impact upon exports etc.;
c) safety related posts — failure to fill them could leave the state open to potential legal liabilities or for security reasons;
d) specialist/technical posts to ensure continuity of operations e.g. legal officers; laboratory staff, maritime safety, etc.;
e) to ensure continuity of frontline services.
All Government Departments and agencies simply have to deliver better value to the public in order to reduce the deficit and protect frontline services. Over the last number of years, enhanced numbers monitoring systems and multi-annual employment frameworks have been put in place. These arrangements will be strengthened to ensure that effect is given to Government decisions on public service numbers and will aid public bodies in planning future staffing levels.
It is part of the day-to-day function of the Boards and Management of all public bodies to assess, budget and plan for current and ongoing staffing requirements including the identifying of key posts. However, it remains a matter for local agency and parent Department management to decide on operational priorities within the framework of Government policy and resources allocated.
183 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has denied any requests to proceed with retaining or filling posts from any public sector entity which is working within the figures for an agreed employment control framework; and if he will provide details of such cases. [28362/11]
Data on the third quarter of the year is currently being compiled and will be communicated to the Deputy as soon as it is to hand. The tables cover up to the 30th June 2011.
|
Dept / Office Title |
Exception Sought1 |
Grade |
No of Exceptions Sought Promotion/ Recruitment Redeployment |
Decision |
Sanction Date |
Exceptions Granted Promotion/ Recruitment Redeployment |
Basis of Sanction |
|
Courts Service |
5 Legal Researchers |
Legal Researchers |
5 |
Approved |
01-Jun-09 |
5 |
Approved but next 6 Tipstaff to be suppressed |
|
1 Co. in Limerick from PAS Co. panel |
CO |
1 |
Approved |
18-Nov-09 |
1 |
1 Co. from PAS |
|
|
1 Co. in Waterford from PAS Co. panel |
CO |
1 |
Approved |
18-Nov-09 |
1 |
1 Co. from PAS |
|
|
Dep Gen Solicitor (AP) acting to Gen Solicitor (PO) to be made substantive |
Gen Solicitor |
1 |
Approved |
06-Nov-09 |
1 |
Sanctioned as substantive Gen Solicitor on basis of suppressing Dep Gen Solicitor post |
|
|
Tip staffs (criers and ushers) for judiciary |
Tip Staff (criers and ushers) |
5 |
Approved |
11-Mar-10 |
5 |
Operational needs. |
|
|
Permanent Court messenger Galway |
Court Messenger |
1 |
Approved |
21-Jan-10 |
1 |
Statutory requirements |
|
|
10 Judicial Fellowships to the High Court |
Fellowships |
10 |
Approved |
16-Jun-10 |
10 |
Fellows considered to provide key support to the Judiciary |
|
|
4 Assistant Principal Officer posts in Dublin |
Assistant Principal |
4 |
Part Approved |
01-Nov-10 |
2 |
3 to replace 4 normal retirements and 1 lateral transfer |
|
|
3 Executive Officers in Dublin |
Executive Officer |
3 |
Not Granted |
2 to replace retirements and 1 to replace transfer |
|||
|
1 Clerical Officer Wexford/Waterford |
Clerical Officer |
1 |
Not Granted |
To replace staff member transferring to a Garda Station |
|||
|
Service Officer with Allowance for Dublin |
Service Officer |
1 |
Not Granted |
Vacancy created on retirement of incumbent |
|||
|
1 Higher Executive Officer Wexford |
HEO |
1 |
Approved |
19-Oct-10 |
1 |
||
|
1 Executive Officer Clonmel |
EO |
1 |
Approved |
19-Oct-10 |
1 |
||
|
Judicial Secretaries |
CO |
2 |
Approved |
19-Oct-10 |
2 |
||
|
Private Secretary to President High Court |
CO |
1 |
Approved |
01-Nov-10 |
1 |
Essential Post |
|
|
Registrar Special Criminal Court |
AP |
1 |
Refused |
Operational needs. |
|||
|
Tip staffs (criers and ushers) for judiciary |
Tip Staff (criers and ushers) |
1 |
Approved |
20-Dec-10 |
1 |
||
|
Tip staffs (criers and ushers) for judiciary |
Tip Staff (criers and ushers) |
1 |
Approved |
10-May-11 |
1 |
||
|
Temporary Clerical Officer Cover |
TCO |
3 |
Approved |
10-May-11 |
3 |
Vacancies arising as a result of shorter working year |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer Donegal |
Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
Approved |
10-May-11 |
1 |
Acting up allowance EO to HEO for 6 months |
|
|
Higher Executive Officer Ballinasloe |
Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
Under consideration |
10-May-11 |
|||
|
Tip staffs (criers and ushers) for judiciary |
Tip Staff (criers and ushers) |
2 |
Under consideration |
||||
|
Executive Legal Assistant to Chief Justice |
Executive Legal Assistant |
1 |
Under consideration |
||||
|
Judicial Researcher |
Judicial Researcher |
1 |
Under consideration |
||||
|
2 Supervisory Allowances for Service Officers |
Service Officer |
2 |
Under consideration |
||||
|
PRA |
Examiner of Maps |
Examiner of Maps |
Part Approved |
20-Jan-00 |
20 |
20 Mapping Draughts persons promoted to next level. Old grade defunct while their new grade has big workload. Part Granted (no allowance for 15 staff) |
|
|
Deputy Registrar |
Approved |
01-Jan-00 |
1 |
Business Critical Post |
|||
|
Mapping Advisor |
Approved |
01-Jan-00 |
1 |
Business Critical Post |
|||
|
PO |
PO |
Approved |
01-Jan-00 |
1 |
Business Critical Post |
||
|
AP |
AP |
Part Approved |
01-Jan-00 |
Promotions |
|||
|
Service Officer |
Service Officer |
Approved |
03-Jan-00 |
||||
|
Assistant Sec |
Assistant Sec |
Part Approved |
01-Jan-00 |
||||
|
JELR |
CEO Legal Aid Board |
CEO |
1 |
Approved |
28-Aug-09 |
1 |
Statutory Post, extension for a 5 year fixed term contract |
|
CEO Equality Authority |
CEO |
1 |
Approved |
23-Apr-09 |
1 |
Statutory Post, extension for a 5 year fixed term contract |
|
|
Employment Assistance Officer (EAO) |
Employment Assistance Officer |
1 |
Approved |
06-May-09 |
1 |
Existing Civil Servant, cost neutral |
|
|
Garda Inspectorate — 2 members |
Garda Inspectorate |
2 |
Approved |
07-Aug-09 |
2 |
2 new members of Inspectorate sanctioned for a 2 year period |
|
|
Deputy Chief State Pathologist |
Deputy Chief State Pathologist |
1 |
Approved |
07-Jul-09 |
1 |
Exception made to make temp contract established (see file) |
|
|
Head of IT |
Head of IT |
1 |
Approved |
17-Feb-10 |
1 |
Acting up allowance for 1 year |
|
|
2 Legal Researchers -INIS/ORAC |
Legal Researcher |
2 |
Approved |
02-Feb-10 |
2 |
Renewal of Contracts for 1 year |
|
|
Director General (Dep Sec) |
DG |
1 |
Part Approved |
25-May-10 |
1 |
Approved at lower level. |
|
|
International Policy (Asst Sec) |
Asst Sec |
1 |
Suppressed |
01-May-10 |
0 |
— |
|
|
JELR ISER 10 PO posts |
PO |
8 |
Part Approved |
— |
4 |
— |
|
|
JELR shared services (Payroll Project Team 1 AP, 2 HEOs and 1 EO) |
Eo to AP |
5 |
Under Consideration |
— |
— |
— |
|
|
JELR shared services (1 AP, 2 EOs and 2 Cos) |
Co. to AP |
5 |
Under Consideration |
— |
— |
— |
|
|
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Personal Secretary, Assistant, Civilian drivers, special advisers |
3 |
Approved |
24-Mar-11 |
Ministerial Appointments |
||
|
12 Junior Solicitors — Legal Aid Board |
Solicitors |
12 |
Approved |
15-Apr-10 |
12 |
Value for Money |
|
|
Office of Data Protection Commissioner Commissioner, 5 year contract |
Asst Sec |
1 |
Approved |
26-May-10 |
1 |
Statutory Post, extension for a 5 year fixed term contract |
|
|
National Manager of Detention School Services |
1 |
Under Consideration |
|||||
|
Deputy Director Probation Services |
1 |
Refused |
|||||
|
1 Senior Legal Reseacher |
1 |
Refused |
|||||
|
4 Legal Researchers |
4 |
Approved |
3 |
Essential expertise needed |
|||
|
Senior Investigations Officer GSOC |
AP |
1 |
Refused |
||||
|
3 Forensic Scientists Grade III |
3 |
Refused |
|||||
|
2 Scientists |
2 |
Refused |
|||||
|
Assistant Principal Probation Officer |
AP |
1 |
Refused |
||||
|
Probation Officers |
5 |
Refused |
|||||
|
3 Assistant Principal |
AP |
3 |
Part Approved |
26-Aug-10 |
2 |
Business Critical Posts |
|
|
7 Executive Officers |
EO |
7 |
Part Approved |
26-Aug-10 |
3 |
Business Critical Posts |
|
|
2 Senior Probation Officers |
Senior Probation Officers |
2 |
Approved |
26-Aug-10 |
2 |
Business Critical Posts |
|
|
8 Probation Officers |
Probation Officers |
8 |
Approved |
26-Aug-10 |
8 |
Business Critical Posts |
|
|
5 Community Service Supervisors |
Community Service Supervisors |
5 |
Part Approved |
26-Aug-10 |
3 |
Business Critical Posts |
|
|
Refugee Appeals Tribunal Chairperson of Refugee Appeals Tribunal |
1 |
Approved |
30-Aug-10 |
1 |
Statutory Post |
||
|
A/Sec — Finance and Corporate |
Asst Sec |
1 |
Approved |
30-Sep-10 |
1 |
||
|
2 Executive Officers Anti-Money Laundering Unit |
EO |
2 |
Approved |
22-Oct-10 |
2 |
Business Critical Posts |
|
|
Extradition & Mutual Assisitance Unit, Increased e-data. |
1 HEO, 2EOs, 2 Cos |
5 |
Part Approved |
09-Nov-10 |
3 |
Increased Statutory function |
|
|
GSOC Head of Communications |
1 PO |
1 |
Part Approved |
December |
1 |
Business Critical Posts |
|
|
Driver Inspector of Prisons |
Driver |
1 |
Approved |
26-Oct-10 |
1 |
||
|
Allowance for GSOC PA |
CO |
1 |
Approved |
08-Nov-10 |
1 |
||
|
Minister Alan Shatter |
Special Advisor |
1 |
Approved |
24-Mar-11 |
1 |
Ministerial Appointment |
|
|
Special Advisor |
1 |
Approved |
1 |
Ministerial Appointment |
|||
|
Personal Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
1 |
Ministerial Appointment |
|||
|
Minister of State for Defence Paul Kehoe |
Special Adviser |
1 |
Approved |
1 |
Ministerial Appointment |
||
|
Minister Alan Shatter |
Personal Assistant |
1 |
Approved |
23-May-11 |
1 |
Ministerial Appointment |
|
|
10 Executive Officers INIS |
Executive Officers |
10 |
Under consideration |
||||
|
4 Higher Executive Officers INIS |
Higher Executive Officers |
4 |
Under consideration |
||||
|
4 Assistant Principal |
Assistant Principal |
4 |
Under consideration |
||||
|
Irish Prison Service |
Renewal of Contract for the Director General |
Director General |
1 |
Approved |
June 09 |
1 |
Renewal of 5 year contract |
|
Chief Officer competition |
Chief Officer |
1 |
Approved |
31-Jul-09 |
1 |
Prison operational reasons. |
|
|
40 Recruit Prison Officers |
Prison Officer |
40 |
Approved |
31-Jul-09 |
40 |
Prison operational reasons. |
|
|
3 Governor 1’s |
Governor |
3 |
Approved |
31-Jul-09 |
3 |
Prison operational reasons. |
|
|
2 Governor 2 posts |
Governor |
2 |
Approved |
20/10/09 |
2 |
Prison operational reasons. |
|
|
1 Governor 2 Post |
Governor |
1 |
Approved |
20/10/09 |
1 |
Prison operational reasons. |
|
|
Recruit grade prison officers |
Prison Officers |
40 |
Part Approved |
23-Oct-09 |
40 |
Prison operational reasons. |
|
|
Mandatory Drug Testing (Allowances) |
— |
2 |
Approved |
13-Oct-09 |
2 |
Prison operational reasons. |
|
|
Governor posts |
Governor |
15 |
Approved |
01-Feb-09 |
15 |
Fill front line vacancies in prisons |
|
|
Recruit grade prison officers |
Prison Officer |
40 |
Approved |
22-Jan-10 |
40 |
38 recruit prison officers and 2 psychologists |
|
|
Assistant Chief Officer |
Asst Chief Officer |
15 |
Approved |
11-Feb-10 |
1 |
— |
|
|
Governor III |
Governor |
1 |
Under Consideration |
Required for Transformation Implementation Team |
|||
|
Assistant Governor |
Asst Gov |
1 |
Under Consideration |
Required for Transformation Implementation Team |
|||
|
Assistant Principal |
Assistant Principal |
1 |
Under Consideration |
Required for Transformation Implementation Team |
|||
|
2 Clerical Officers |
Clerical Officer |
2 |
Under Consideration |
Required for Transformation Implementation Team |
|||
|
150 Prison Officers |
Recruit Prison Officer |
150 |
Approved |
19-May-10 |
150 |
Prison operational reasons. |
|
|
14 promotions to Assistant Chief Officer |
Assistant Chief Officer |
14 |
Approved |
05-Jul-10 |
14 |
Prison operational reasons. |
|
|
Allowance for campus Governor |
Governor 1 |
1 |
|||||
|
1 Assistant Principal |
AP |
1 |
Approved |
Oct |
1 |
Required for Transformation Implementation Team |
|
|
2 Clerical Officers |
CO |
2 |
Refused |
||||
|
9 Chief Officer I |
Chief Officer I |
9 |
Part Approved |
18-Oct-10 |
5 |
Prison operational reasons. |
|
|
9 Chief Officer II |
Chief Officer II |
9 |
Part Approved |
18-Oct-10 |
5 |
Prison operational reasons. |
|
|
Psychologists Grade II |
Psychologists Grade II |
2 |
Approved |
December |
2 |
Prison operational reasons. |
|
|
4 Psychology Assistants |
Psychology Assistants |
4 |
Under Consideration |
||||
|
10 Nurse Officer Posts |
Nurse Officers |
10 |
Refused |
October |
|||
|
Coordinator of Education |
1 |
Under Consideration |
|
Dept / Office Title |
Exception Sought1 |
Grade |
No of Exceptions Sought Promotion/ Recruitment Redeployment |
Decision |
Sanction Date |
Exceptions Granted Promotion/ Recruitment Redeployment |
Basis of Sanction |
|
5 Governor III posts |
Governor III |
5 |
Approved |
15-Jul-10 |
5 |
Prison operational reasons. |
|
|
2 Governor I posts |
Governor I |
2 |
Approved |
15-Jul-10 |
2 |
Prison operational reasons. |
|
|
1 Assistant Governor |
Asst Gov |
1 |
Approved |
15-Jul-10 |
1 |
Prison operational reasons. |
|
|
Psychologists Grade II |
Psychologists Grade II |
2 |
Approved |
03-Sep-10 |
2 |
Prison operational reasons. |
|
|
150 Prison Officers |
Prison Officers |
150 |
Part Approved |
27-Sep-10 |
79 |
||
|
Assistant Industrial Supervisors |
Assistant Industrial Supervisors (prison officers) |
64 |
Part Approved |
01-Dec-10 |
32 |
Prison operational reasons. |
|
|
Acting up allowances |
Not Granted |
— |
— |
— |
|||
|
Garda Civilians |
GPO head of HR strategy |
PO |
1 |
Not Granted |
— |
— |
— |
|
Head of Garda Infor Services centre |
PO |
1 |
Not Granted |
— |
— |
— |
|
|
Head of Training unit Templemore |
AP |
1 |
Approved |
12-Mar-10 |
1 |
1 year contract extension |
|
|
IT staff 9 |
Various |
9 |
Part Granted |
19-Apr-11 |
4 |
2 HEOs and 2 EOS subject ot CMOD approval |
|
|
31 staff for emergency call answering |
CO |
31 |
Refused |
01-Jun-10 |
— |
— |
|
|
35 Staff for Garda Vetting Unit |
CO |
35 |
Part Granted |
16-Feb-11 |
10 |
six month contracts to clear backlog |
|
|
Head of legal affairs |
PO higher |
1 |
Approved |
19-Apr-11 |
1 |
||
|
OSCAM |
Various |
4 |
Part Granted |
19-Apr-11 |
2 |
||
|
GISC |
HEO |
3 |
Approved |
19-Apr-11 |
3 |
||
|
Accident Damage Manager |
HEO |
1 |
Not Granted |
19-Apr-11 |
0 |
||
|
Vehicle inspectors |
EO |
2 |
Part Granted |
19-Apr-11 |
1 |
||
|
Dr |
Dr |
1 |
Not Granted |
19-Apr-11 |
0 |
||
|
HR manager |
HEO |
2 |
Approved |
19-Apr-11 |
2 |
||
|
Crime analyst |
HEO |
2 |
Not Granted |
19-Apr-11 |
0 |
||
|
GNIB |
EO |
6 |
Under consideration |
||||
|
Head Grooms Person — An Garda Siochana |
Head Grooms Person |
1 |
Under consideration |
1 |
Replacement for retirement |
||
|
D/E&S |
Programme for Govt 22 Psychologist & 3 SENO staff |
Psychologists/SENO |
25 |
Approved |
25-May-09 |
25 |
Extending a service and reducing spend on panel scheme |
|
Chief Inspector vacancy from retirement |
Chief Inspector |
1 |
Approved |
Nov 09 |
1 |
Business Critical Post |
|
|
A/Secretary post |
Asst Secretary |
2 |
Part Approved |
08-Oct-09 |
1 |
Business Critical Post |
|
|
CEO of State Examinations Commission |
Asst Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
08-Oct-09 |
1 |
Business Critical Post |
|
|
School Inspectorate |
10 Retired School Inspectors |
10 |
Approved |
03-Feb-10 |
10 |
||
|
NCCA |
8 Education Officers (temp.) |
8 |
Approved |
22-Jun-10 |
8 |
Business Critical Post |
|
|
SEC |
EAM (maths) |
1 |
Approved |
16-Sep-10 |
1 |
Specialist post |
|
|
NCCA |
Director Curr. Assess. |
1 |
Approved |
22-Sep-10 |
1 |
Business Critical Post |
|
|
SEC |
Director (HEAD) |
1 |
Approved |
09-Mar-11 |
1 |
Busines critical case (Junior & Leaving Certs) |
|
|
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Civilian drivers |
2 |
Approved |
07-Apr-11 |
2 |
Ministerial Appointments (Cannon) |
|
|
DES |
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Special Advisor |
1 |
1 Approved |
07-Apr-11 |
1 |
Min. appointment (Quinn) |
|
DES |
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Personal Assistant |
1 |
1 Approved |
07-Apr-11 |
1 |
Min. appointment (Cannon) |
|
DES |
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Personal Secretary |
1 |
1 Approved |
04-May-11 |
1 |
Min. appointment (Quinn) |
|
DES |
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Personal Assistant |
1 |
1 Approved |
12-May-11 |
1 |
Min. appointment (Quinn) |
|
DES |
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Civilian Driver |
1 |
1 Approved |
13-May-11 |
1 |
Min. appointment (Quinn) |
|
DES |
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Special Advisor |
1 |
1 Approved |
02-Jun-11 |
1 |
Min. appointment (Quinn) |
|
DES |
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Personal secretary |
1 |
1 Approved |
01-Jun-11 |
1 |
Min. appointment (Cannon) |
|
DES |
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Civilian Driver |
1 |
1 Approved |
01-Jun-11 |
1 |
Min. appointment (Quinn) |
|
DES |
3 Post-primary Inspectors |
Education |
3 |
2 approved |
20-May-11 |
to hold a competition for possible vacancies in the primary & post-primary inspectorate (specific sanction required for any appointment by D/Fin) |
|
|
DES |
4 Temp Cos form PAS + 2 redeployed from other local depts. |
CO |
6 |
6approved |
03-Jun-11 |
6 |
4 Temp Cos form PAS + 2 redeployed from other local depts to cover absences in large scale operational areas. |
|
NCCA |
1 new education officer |
Officer |
1 |
1 approved |
05-Jul-11 |
new post had been approved previously. 2 other staff retiring in august will also be replaced. |
|
|
DES |
replace senior statistician on 5 year secondment |
Senior statistician |
5 |
approved |
06-Jul-11 |
replacement will return to Cso when DES statistician returns from ICTU |
|
|
D/Social Protection |
New Management Board Structure |
A/Sec and Director |
4 |
Agree in principle to fill two of three A/Sec arising in ’09 and to replace over ’09 and ’10 four departing Directors by two /Secs. |
Decision by Minister 8/10/09 to proceed. Sanction issued 19 April ’10 to appoint 2 A/Secs to replace 4 departing Directors. |
4 |
Agreed to restructure responsibilities at Mgt Board level from 5 A/Sec and 5 Directors to 6 A/Sec and 1 Director. |
|
To fill vacancy resulting from retirement in Child Family & Supplementary Policy & Services |
Asst Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
Oct-09 |
1 |
Business Critical Post |
|
|
Regional & Pensions Service Delivery |
Asst Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
Oct-09 |
1 |
Business Critical Post |
|
|
General Register Office |
Asst Secretary |
1 |
Refused |
— |
0 |
— |
|
|
GPs required to operate med assessment scheme |
Medical Assessors |
4 |
Approved |
09-Nov-09 |
4 |
Control function in monitoring validity of illness cases |
|
|
Dep Head for med assessment scheme |
Deputy Chief Medical Advisor |
1 |
Approved |
13-Jul-09 |
1 |
To provide management level to ensure appropriate monitoring of illness cases |
|
|
Director — This is a statutory post |
Chief Appeals Officer |
1 |
Approved |
23-Oct-09 |
1 |
Statutory Requirement to have Director in place |
|
|
Head of Office — renewal of contract |
Pension Ombudsman |
1 |
Approved |
01-Apr-09 |
1 |
Statutory requirement to have Ombudsman in place |
|
|
3 posts sanctioned for Buncrana Office Donegal |
Service Officer |
3 |
Approved |
24-Aug-09 |
3 |
Not possible to recruit Service Officer staff locally or via CAF |
|
|
8 Buncrana Office Donegal |
Staff Officer |
8 |
Approved |
06-Oct-09 |
8 |
Supervisory posts |
|
|
Promotions (Dundalk) |
Co. to SO |
20 |
Approved |
01-Jul-09 |
20 |
Reduce Live Register “waiting time” for new claimants |
|
|
Promotions Dundalk Initiative |
Co. to SO |
25 |
Approved |
23-Dec-09 |
25 |
Reduce Live Register “waiting time” for new claimants |
|
|
Sanction to run competition for PO post in Sligo |
Principal Officer |
Approved |
18-Jan-10 |
1 |
No assignment to date |
||
|
Package of up to 100 posts being requested — 50 promotions in 2010 and 50 in 2011. |
SO, EO and HEO, AP, |
100 |
Part Approved |
25-Mar-10 |
20 |
To deal with increases in the Live Register |
|
|
Social Welfare Appeals Officers (Retired) |
AP |
12 |
Approved |
20-May-10 |
12 |
Backlog of Appeals office Claims requiring decisions |
|
|
Special Adviser to Minister |
PO Standard |
1 |
Approved |
06-May-10 |
1 |
Ministerial appointments to D/SP |
|
|
Special Media Adviser to Minister |
PO Standard |
1 |
Approved |
06-May-10 |
1 |
Ministerial appointments to D/SP |
|
|
Personal Assistant to Minister |
HEO |
1 |
Approved |
06-May-10 |
1 |
Ministerial appointments to D/SP |
|
|
Personal Secretary to Minister |
Personal Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
06-May-10 |
1 |
Ministerial appointments to D/SP |
|
|
Request to fill posts by internal competition |
PO, AP and HEO |
3 |
Approved |
17-Aug-10 |
3 |
Essential to the maintenance of critical IT projects connected with increased workload arising from increases in the Live Register and also resulting from the integration of IT systems associated with transfers of functions to the D/SP. PO post is to be filled from existing internal panel while other 2 posts are to filled from redeployment if possible. |
|
|
Medical Assessors |
Medical Assessors |
13-Jul-10 |
Approval given to run competition — additional sanction will be required to fill posts. The Medical Review and Assessment Services (MRAS) is the principal control mechanism for illness, disability and carer payment schemes administered by DSP. |
||||
|
Filling of Senior Management Posts |
1 Deputy Secretary and 1 Assistant Secretary |
2 |
Under Consideration |
Business Critical Posts |
|||
|
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Personal Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
20-Apr-11 |
1 |
Ministerial Appointment |
|
|
Filling of Senior Management Posts |
1 Assistant Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
27-Apr-11 |
1 |
Approved on a redeployment basis |
|
|
Payment of PO acting up allowance |
PO |
2 |
Approved |
10-May-11 |
2 |
||
|
Appointment of civilian driver |
Civilian Driver |
1 |
Approved |
25-May-11 |
1 |
Ministerial Appointment |
|
|
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Adviser |
1 |
Approved |
15-Jun-11 |
1 |
Ministerial Appointment |
|
|
Appointment of civilian driver |
Civilian Driver |
1 |
Approved |
16-Jun-11 |
1 |
Ministerial Appointment |
|
|
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Adviser |
1 |
Approved |
28-Jun-11 |
1 |
Ministerial Appointment |
|
|
D/AFF |
Filling of 2 A/Sec posts |
Assistant Secretary |
2 |
Part Approved |
19-Mar-10 |
1 |
|
|
Filling of vacancy in Direct Payment Schemes |
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
10-Jul-09 |
1 |
Business Critical Post |
|
|
Senior Management, technical and scientific (45) to address skills deficits and ensure EU directives compliance |
Various |
45 |
Part Approved |
19-Mar-10 |
21 |
— |
|
|
Statutory posts |
Audit & Senior management |
2 |
Approved |
19-Mar-10 |
2 |
— |
|
|
Acting up allowance |
HEO |
1 |
Approved |
2/10/09 |
1 |
||
|
Senior Management and Technical Posts |
Various |
54 |
Part Approved |
22-Sep-10 |
3 |
To cover financial risk re management of Programmes. Remainder of request still under consideration. |
|
|
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Personal Secretary, Assistant, Civilian drivers, special advisers |
8 |
Approved |
10-Mar-11 |
8 |
Ministerial Appointments |
|
|
appointment of AP |
AP |
1 |
Approved |
21-Apr-11 |
1 |
15 Aps retired in the previous 2 years. Consequential HEO vacancy will not be filled |
|
|
Filling of vacancies in service delivery posts |
Various |
42 |
Part Approved |
18 |
Delivery of service |
||
|
D/EH&LG |
To replace retiring and promoted Assistant Secretary |
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
19/6/09 |
1 |
Business Critical Post |
|
Request for 35 posts, 14 via promotion and 21 via recruitment |
various Tech and administrative grades |
35 |
Part Approved |
27/03/2010 |
22 |
8 Posts in the National Parks & Wildlife Service:1 Grade 1 Inspector, 1 Grade 11 Inspector, 4 Grade 111 Inspectors, 2 Conservation Rangers.6 Posts in Met Éireann: 1 Assistant Director, 1 Meteorologist, 4 Meteorological Officers3 Other Professional/Technical Posts 1 Water Quality Inspector, 1 Principal Adviser (Environment Inspectorate), 1 Inspector Grade 111,5 General Service Posts 1 Principal Officer, 2 Assistant Principals, 1 Administrative Officer, 1 Executive Officer. |
|
|
Met Eireann — Director |
Director |
1 |
Approved |
18-Sep-09 |
1 |
Business Critical Post |
|
|
To replace Principal on loan |
PO |
1 |
Approved |
29/1/10 |
1 |
Acting position |
|
|
To replace retired assistant secretary — Heritage Division |
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
21-Apr-10 |
1 |
Business Critical Post — already deferred for 1 year |
|
|
Replace retiree |
GIS Manager |
1 |
Approved |
10-Jun-10 |
1 |
Required technical post |
|
|
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Personal Secretary, Assistant, Civilian drivers, special advisers |
5 |
Approved |
various 10 March 2011 to 21 March 2011 |
5 |
Ministerial Appointments |
|
|
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Civilian Drivers and Special Advisers |
5 |
Approved |
various 9 May 2011 to 19 July 2011 |
5 |
Ministerial Appointments |
|
|
Met Eireann — Principal Meterological Officer |
Principal Meterological Officer |
1 |
Pending |
||||
|
Enterprise, Trade and Innovation |
|||||||
|
Labour Relations Commission |
Reappointment of 2 Rights Commissioners |
PO equivalent |
2 |
Approved |
28/04/2009 |
2 |
Non-discretionary volume of LRC cases and need to maintain state IR machinery. |
|
DETI |
Personal Assistant, Personal Secretary and 2 Civilian Drivers for Minister of State Kelleher |
HEO, EO, Civilian Driver |
4 |
Approved |
06/05/2009 |
4 |
Political Appointments |
|
DETI |
Personal Assistant, Personal Secretary and 2 Civilian Drivers for Minister of State Lenihan |
HEO, EO, Civilian Driver |
4 |
Approved |
12/05/2009 |
4 |
Political Appointments |
|
ET&I (Labour Relations Commission) |
Deputy Director of Conciliation Services |
PO |
1 |
Approved |
29/5/2009 |
1 |
Business Critical Post in LRC necessary to maintain state IR machinery. |
|
Personal Assistant, Personal Secretary and 2 Civilian Drivers for Minister of State Calleary |
HEO, EO, Civilian Driver |
4 |
Approved |
09/06/2009 |
4 |
Political Appointments |
|
|
ET&I (Labour Court) |
Reappointment of 2 Members of Labour Court |
N/A |
2 |
Approved |
02/06/2009 |
2 |
Statutory posts needed for operation of divisions of Labour Court |
|
ET&I (Office of Director of Corporate Enforcement) |
Part-time services of retired High Court Judge |
High Court Judge |
1 |
Approved |
03/06/2009 |
1 |
To adjudicate on legal documents in Anglo Irish Bank investigation |
|
ET&I (Labour Relations Commission) |
Reappointment of 2 Rights Commissioners |
PO equivalent |
2 |
Approved |
13/08/2009 |
2 |
Non-discretionary volume of LRC cases and need to maintain state IR machinery. |
|
ET&I (National Employment Rights Authority) |
Solicitor |
Solicitor |
1 |
Application was refused |
10/09/2009 |
0 |
|
|
ET&I (Patents Office) |
Request for higher duties allowances for 2 EOs |
HEO |
2 |
Approved |
10/09/2009 |
2 |
Temporary replacements in Trademarks Division |
|
ET&I |
Renew contracts of 2 legal researchers |
EO |
2 |
Approved |
16/09/2009 |
2 |
To provide research for drawing up Companies Consolidation bill. 2 EO posts to be suppressed for duration of temporary contract. |
|
ET&I (Labour Court) |
Deputy Chairman of Labour Court |
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
31/01/2010 |
1 |
Statutory post. Filled by agreement by ICTU nominee. |
|
ET&I |
Additional 10 IT posts |
HEO and EO |
10 |
Partly approved |
02-Jun-10 |
3 |
Critical ICT posts. |
|
ET&I |
Appointment of Legal Adviser on secondment from Office of AG |
Legal Adviser |
1 |
Approved |
24-May-10 |
1 |
Critical legal skills requirement. |
|
ET&I (Labour Court) |
Filling of Ordinary member of Labour Court post |
Principal Officer Higher |
1 |
Approved |
26-May-10 |
1 |
Statutory post. Filled by retention of member until new nomination is received. |
|
Enterprise, Trade & Innovation |
Minister O’Keeffe’s Special Advisors |
Principal Officer |
2 |
Approved |
18-May-10 |
2 |
Political Appointment |
|
Minister O’Keeffe’s Personal Assistant |
Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
Approved |
18-May-10 |
1 |
Political Appointment |
|
|
Minister O’Keeffe’s Personal Secretary |
Executive Officer |
1 |
Approved |
18-May-10 |
1 |
Political Appointment |
|
|
Minister of State Lenihan’s Personal Secretary |
Executive Officer |
1 |
Approved |
21-Jun-10 |
1 |
Political Appointment |
|
|
To give Acting Up to and AO for AP and consequentials to EO and CO |
AP, HEO, EO |
3 |
Under consideration |
||||
|
To hold an internal competition to fill 2 AP posts |
Assistant Principal |
2 |
Under consideration |
||||
|
Enterprise, Trade & Innovation |
To renew the contracts of 2 Legal Researchers |
2 |
Approved |
09-Aug-10 |
2 |
Contractors working on legislation |
|
|
Labour Court |
To re-appoint the Chairman and 2 Ordinary Members |
3 |
Approved |
19-Jul-10 |
3 |
Statutory posts. |
|
|
Labour Relations Commission |
Re-appointment of a Rights Commissioner |
1 |
Approved |
19-Jul-10 |
1 |
Statutory post |
|
|
NERA |
To fill Legal Advisor vacancy |
Solicitor (AP) |
1 |
Approved. |
13-Sep-10 |
1 |
Critical post that will save expenditure on external legal services. |
|
Enterprise, Trade and Innovation |
To fill PO vacancies |
PO |
3 |
Under consideration |
|||
|
Enterprise, Trade & Innovation |
Assistant Secretary post |
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
Under consideration |
Ass Sec posts have reduced from 7 to 4 since April. Post in CSD area — arises due to retirement |
||
|
NERA |
To fill Accountant vacancy |
Accountant Grade I |
1 |
Under consideration |
|||
|
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Personal Secretary, Assistant, Civilian drivers, special advisers |
13 |
Approved |
various 10 March 2011 to 11 April 2011 |
13 |
Ministerial Appointments |
|
|
WAM project — temporary placement |
graduate |
1 |
Approved |
15/03/2011 |
1 |
Temporary replacement for 6 months- administered by the Association of Higher Education Access Disability (AHEAD) |
|
|
Minister of State Sean Sherlock |
Personal Assistant |
Personal Assistant |
1 |
Approved |
01/04/2011 |
1 |
Required for Ministerial Office |
|
” |
Personal Secretary |
Personal Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
01/04/2011 |
1 |
Required for Ministerial Office |
|
” |
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver |
1 |
Approved |
01/04/2011 |
1 |
Required for Ministerial Office |
|
” |
Civilian Driver |
Civilian Driver |
1 |
Approved |
01/04/2011 |
1 |
Required for Ministerial Office |
|
Personal Secretary, Assistant, Civilian drivers, special advisers |
Personal Secretary, Assistant, Civilian drivers, special advisers |
4 |
Approved |
21/03/2011 |
4 |
||
|
Minister Richard Bruton |
Personal Assistant |
Personal Assistant |
1 |
Approved |
12/04/2011 |
1 |
Required for Ministerial Office |
|
” |
Personal Secretary |
Personal Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
12/04/2011 |
1 |
Required for Ministerial Office |
|
” |
Press Adviser |
Press Adviser |
1 |
Approved |
12/04/2011 |
1 |
Required for Ministerial Office |
|
EJ&I |
To fill AP Vacancy |
AP |
6 |
Under Consideration |
|||
|
To Fill PO Vacanct |
PO |
4 |
Under Consideration |
||||
|
CEGA |
|||||||
|
To start up and oversee new Irish SI translation unit. |
Director |
1 |
Approved |
08/04/2009 |
1 |
Response to High Court ruling. |
|
|
To manage the translation of Statutory Instruments into Irish |
Aistritheoir Grád II |
1 |
Approved |
08/04/2009 |
1 |
Response to High Court ruling. |
|
|
To manage the translation of Statutory Instruments into Irish |
Aistritheoir Grád III |
1 |
Approved |
08/04/2009 |
1 |
Response to High Court ruling. |
|
|
Ministerial Staff |
Personal Assistant (HEO) |
1 |
Approved |
06/05/2009 |
1 |
Political Appointment |
|
|
Ministerial Staff |
Personal Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
06/05/2009 |
1 |
Political Appointment |
|
|
Ministerial Staff |
Civilian Driver |
1 |
Approved |
30/04/2009 |
2 |
Political Appointment |
|
|
To translate documents into Irish for EU. |
Detached National Expert |
3 |
Approved |
05/11/2009 |
3 |
Temporary fixed term contracts renewed for 1 year. |
|
|
To replace 2 Assistant Secretaries, one of whom had retired and the other promoted. |
Assistant Secretary |
2 |
Approved |
23/04/2010 & 14/05/2010 |
2 |
Department was operating with only 1 Assistant Sec. Business critical post |
|
|
Charitable, Donations and Bequests Office |
To renew contract of Secretary to Commissioners. |
Solicitor (AP) |
1 |
Approved |
11-Mar-10 |
1 |
Need for continuity during the changeover period leading to the setting up of the Charities Regulatory Authority. |
|
National Advisory Committee on Drugs |
To recruit researcher into drugs. |
Researcher (AP) |
1 |
Approved |
11-Mar-10 |
1 |
Sanction granted to Health Research Board to recruit and second the Researcher to the NACD. Post considered a ‘Business Critical Post’. |
|
Minister Carey’s Special Advisor |
Principal Officer |
1 |
Approved |
19-Apr-10 |
1 |
Political Appointment |
|
|
Minister Carey’s Media Advisor |
Principal Officer |
1 |
Approved |
19-Apr-10 |
1 |
Political Appointment |
|
|
Minister Carey’s Personal Assistant |
Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
Approved |
19-Apr-10 |
1 |
Political Appointment |
|
|
Minister Carey’s Personal Secretary |
Executive Officer |
1 |
Approved |
19-Apr-10 |
1 |
Political Appointment |
|
|
Minister of State White’s Personal Assistant |
Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
Approved |
19-May-10 |
1 |
Political Appointment |
|
|
Minister of State White’s Personal Secretary |
Executive Officer |
1 |
Approved |
19-May-10 |
1 |
Political Appointment |
|
|
Minister of State White’s Civilian Drivers |
Civilian Driver |
2 |
Approved |
19-May-10 |
2 |
Political Appointment |
|
|
Ministerial Staff (Minister of State White) |
Special Advisor |
1 |
Approved |
24-May-10 |
1 |
Political Appointment |
|
|
Additional Assistant Secretary Post |
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
Refused but Director post approved |
22-Jul-10 |
1 |
Critical management post |
|
|
Equality Authority |
Filling of Legal Advisor post |
PO |
1 |
Under consideration |
|||
|
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Personal Secretary, Assistant, Civilian drivers special advisers |
3 |
Approved |
21-Mar-11 |
3 |
Ministerial Appointments |
|
|
To allow substantive AP grade for 4 HEOs who have been on acting up basis for 3 years |
AP |
4 |
Approved |
09-Mar-11 |
4 |
Duration of acting up period. |
|
|
Finance |
Banking specialist (temporary fixed term contract for 3 years) |
Banking Specialist (Assistant Secretary level) |
1 |
Approved |
21/8/09 |
1 |
Urgent need for expertise in banking area. |
|
Package of IT posts. |
1 ICT AP, 2 ICT E0s, 1 promotion EO to HEO (ICT) |
4 |
Approved |
23/12/09 |
4 |
Is in line with the ICT staffing recommendations made by the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes |
|
|
Assistant Secretary in CMOD |
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
Jan 2010 |
1 |
Business Critical Post |
|
|
Secretary General |
Secretary General |
1 |
Approved |
01-Feb-10 |
1 |
Business Critical Post |
|
|
8 POs |
Principal |
8 |
Approved |
12-Apr-10 |
8 |
Business Critical posts in situation where staffing levels were already below approved revised limits |
|
|
Director, Language Training Unit; higher duties allowance |
Assistant Principal |
1 |
Approved |
01-Oct-09 |
1 |
Business Critical post |
|
|
Employee Assistance Officer |
Higher Executive officer |
1 |
Under consideration |
||||
|
Staff Officer |
Staff Officer |
1 |
Approved |
28-June-201 |
1 |
Business critical post |
|
|
Second Secretary Financial Services Division |
Second Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
21-Jul-10 |
1 |
Business critical post |
|
|
Senior Economic Adviser |
Senior Economic Adviser |
1 |
Approved |
27-Sep-10 |
1 |
Business critical post — 3 Year Contract |
|
|
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Personal Secretary, Assistant, Civilian drivers, special advisers |
3 |
Approved |
03-May-11 |
3 |
Ministerial Appointments |
|
|
Revenue |
Promotion of 2 COs to EO |
EO |
2 |
Approved |
24/6/09 |
2 |
Skilled staff. Newly commissioned Cutter to be launched and used in fight against illegal importation of drugs |
|
Package of 200 posts. |
Various Grades |
200 |
Approved |
22/12/09 |
200 |
To fill key management, audit and policy posts to ensure effective tax collection through a mix of redeployment, internal promotion and open competition. |
|
|
To have internal competition for 2 Co. positions in Print Room. |
Clerical Officer |
2 |
Approved |
17-Feb-10 |
2 |
Open to Service Officers — regrading of 2 Service Officer posts to Co. and filled by redeployment — with no overall increase in numbers. |
|
|
Completion of final 2 phases of 2003 Uplift Agreement i.e. uplift of 20 Tax Officers to EO; 28 Higher Tax Officers to HEO & 5 Co. Programmers to EO JSA |
Uplift of 20 Tax Officers to EO; 28 Higher Tax Officers to HEO & 5 Co. Programmers to EO JSA |
53 |
Approved |
30-Mar-10 |
53 |
Revenue Integration to General Service grades. This was a legacy of the Revenue Agreement on Integration agreed with the Unions following the integration of Customs staff with Tax staff. End result is more effective casework management following targeted training. |
|
|
Revenue Solicitor and Asst Secretary post in Investigations and Prosecutions Division |
Revenue Solicitor and Asst Secretary |
2 |
Approved |
22-Apr-10 |
2 |
Particular responsibilities attaching to each post. |
|
|
Creation of additional posts with allowances at Terminal 2 Dublin Airport |
6 Eos, 12 Cos |
18 |
Under consideration |
||||
|
Valuation Office |
Promotions |
Chief Superintendents of Mapping |
2 |
Approved |
2 |
Element of restructuring plan for VO. |
|
|
Higher Superintendents of Mapping |
Higher Superintendents of Mapping |
2 |
Approved |
2 |
Element of restructuring plan for VO. |
||
|
Appeal Officer |
Appeal Officer |
1 |
Approved |
01-Sep-09 |
1 |
Internal competition — no backfilling of resulting vacancies — overall numbers not affected. |
|
|
A minimum of 1 Asst Registrar (HEO) and 3 COs for Valuation Tribunal to deal with ongoing Tribunal Appeals arising from National Revaluation |
1 Asst Registrar (HEO) and 3 COs |
4 |
Approved |
15-Apr-10 |
4 |
To ensure that the statutory deadlines for processing of appeals following the Revaluation process be met. Sanctioned on basis that an EO post be suppressed for 1 year, while an EO filled the HEO position on an acting up basis. 1 Co. post to be filled on redeployment and the other 2 on temp contract for 11 mths each. |
|
|
3 Student Valuers |
3 Student Valuers @ Co. level |
3 |
Approved |
17-Jun-10 |
3 |
On 1 year contracts on 1st pt of the Co. scale, replacing students |
|
|
To replace Service Officer retiring on age grounds |
Service Officer |
1 |
Approved |
01-Oct-10 |
1 |
To be filled by redeployment, and that the overall number of Service Officers be reduced from 4 to 3 by end 2010 |
|
|
1 Managing Valuer (PO equiv) |
1 Managing Valuer |
1 |
Approved |
05-Nov-10 |
1 |
To be filled internally with no backfilling i.e. suppress resulting AP equiv post |
|
|
1 Cleaner and a promotion in situ of a Cleaner to Superintendent of Cleaners to replace upcoming retiree in latter grade |
Cleaner & Superintendent of Cleaners |
2 |
Part approved |
17-Dec-10 |
1 |
To be filled through redeployment. |
|
|
C&AG |
Vacancies at various Grades |
4 PO, 4.7 AP, 14.5 HEO/EO, 1.7 Co. (Total 24.9) |
24.9 |
Approved |
15-Mar-10 |
24.9 |
Extra responsibilities e.g. NAMA, new Accounting Standards, extra work on Revenue account |
|
1 Director of Audit |
Assistant Sec level |
1 |
Approved |
30-Apr-10 |
1 |
Scale of operations and complex issues involved. |
|
|
Trainee Auditor to fill vacancies |
Trainee Auditor |
2 |
Approved |
03-Aug-10 |
2 |
Temporary appointment to cover vacancy caused by secondment of a Detached National Expert to the EU, and relocation of other staff member. |
|
|
Trainee Auditor |
Trainee Auditor |
1 |
Approved |
28/04/2011 |
1 |
To replace Auditor recently deceased, during busiest period for auditing. |
|
|
OPW |
Upgrade |
Architect |
1 |
Refused |
29/5/09 |
0 |
|
|
To fill vacancies |
Service Officers |
3 |
Approved |
22/6/09 |
3 |
No viable alternatives to filling vacancy |
|
|
Commissioner (Property Management Services) |
Commissioner (Assistant Secretary) |
1 |
Approved |
26-Aug-09 |
1 |
To enable OPW to effectively deliver on the current demands for its services made by Government, other Departments and their agencies and the public. |
|
|
Recruit 16 graduates at a reduced salary to replace those finishing the Graduate Architect Training Scheme. |
Architect training programme |
16 |
Approved |
14/08/09 |
16 |
Participation in scheme for 5 years, — reduced salaries and fees |
|
|
To fill vacancy in new section |
Quantity Surveyor |
1 |
Approved |
08/12/09 |
1 |
NPPOU section in Trim |
|
|
To fill possible vacancy in Director of the Botanic Gardens pending decision on 3 yr career break for incumbent to assume major positions in US |
Acting up Director of Botanic Gardens |
1 |
Approved |
01-Apr-10 |
1 |
Provided that the previous post of the new Acting Director remain unfilled for the duration of the Director’s absence on career break |
|
|
Filling of Management/ Administration and Technical Posts |
Various |
142 |
Part Approved |
24-Sep-10 |
2 |
Employee Assistance Officer and Payroll expert approved — business critical posts. Remainder of submission under consideration. |
|
|
National Procurement Service (NPS) |
Various |
21 |
Approved |
04-Aug-10 |
21 |
Staffing of NPS — 12 Buyers, 2 solicitors, 1 analyst & 6 Admin, 1 Admin officer |
|
|
Appointment of Minister of State Staff |
Personal Secretary, Assistant, Civilian drivers |
4 |
Approved |
various 10 March 2011 to 25 March 2011 |
4 |
Ministerial Appointments |
|
|
Temporary district Inspector |
Temporary district Inspector |
1 |
Approved |
13-May-11 |
1 |
3 month contract retention so as to allow continuation of maintenance work |
|
|
Regrading to architect |
Architect |
2 |
Refused |
||||
|
Retention |
Employee Assistance officer |
1 |
Approved |
02-Jun-11 |
1 |
Retntion for 3 months to allow business continuity |
|
|
District inspector |
1 |
Approved |
02-Jun-11 |
1 |
Retention for 12 weeks to allow business continuity |
||
|
Grade 3 engineer |
Grade 3 engineer |
1 |
Approved |
02-Jun-11 |
1 |
Vacancy filled by redeployment |
|
|
Attorney General |
Advisory Counsel Grade 111 |
Advisory Counsel Grade 111 |
1 |
Approved |
18-Feb-10 |
1 |
Important legal post |
|
Head of Administration |
HEO |
1 |
Approved |
01-Jan-00 |
1 |
Principal post in charge of the office |
|
|
Assistant Parliamentary Counsel Grade 11 |
Assistant Parliamentary Counsel Grade 11 |
3 |
Approved |
3 |
Important legal posts |
||
|
Advisory Counsel Grade 1 (Vacancy) |
Assistant Secretary Level |
1 |
Approved (acting-up basis for 3 yrs) |
21-Sep-09 |
1 |
Business Critical Post |
|
|
Advisory Counsel Grade 11 |
Advisory Counsel Grade 11 |
1 |
Approved |
1 |
Important legal post because of the workload in the office |
||
|
Dep Director |
Deputy Secretary level |
1 |
Approved |
23-Feb-10 |
1 |
Business Critical Post (Internal TLAC type competition. Consequentials, if any, also sanctioned within ECF.) |
|
|
Advisory Counsel Grade 111 |
Advisory Counsel Grade 111 |
1 |
Approved |
1 |
Important legal post because of the workload in the office |
||
|
Promotion AP to PO |
PO |
1 |
Approved |
1 |
|||
|
Promotion AP to PO |
PO |
1 |
Approved |
1 |
|||
|
Temp Asst Project Manager |
Asst. Proj Manager |
1 |
Approved |
22-Oct-10 |
9 month contract not to exceed €15,000 @ €125.00 per day |
||
|
Drafter |
Contractor |
2 |
Approved |
03/12/2010 |
2 |
Max 6 months |
|
|
Executive Officer |
Executive Officer |
1 |
Approved |
28/01/2011 |
1 |
Business needs of office |
|
|
Special Advisor |
PO |
1 |
Approved |
29/03/2011 |
1 |
Ministerial Appointment |
|
|
3 Legislative Drafters |
Legislative Drafter |
3 |
Refused |
14/04/2011 |
0 |
||
|
2 Civilian Drivers |
Civilian Driver |
2 |
Approved |
11/05/2011 |
2 |
Government Decision |
|
|
CO |
CO |
1 |
Approved |
15/04/2011 |
1 |
Long term sick leave case |
|
|
Chief State Solicitor |
Solicitor |
Solicitor |
1 |
Approved |
23-Jun-10 |
1 |
Official appointed on completion of apprenticeship |
|
Solicitor |
Solicitor (temp.) NAMA |
1 |
Approved |
08-Jul-10 |
1 |
High Court NAMA case |
|
|
Promotion Law Clerk to Legal Executive |
Legal Executive |
2 |
Approved |
31-Aug-10 |
2 |
Trainee scheme |
|
|
Temp State Solicitor |
150 State Solicitor Manweeks |
1 |
Approved |
13-Apr-11 |
150 State Solicitor Manweeks |
Mat. Leave cover etc business case. |
|
|
Apprentice Solicitor and Trainee Law Clerk Schems |
Solicitor and Legal Executive |
2 |
Not approved. |
13-Apr-11 |
0 |
Involves guaranteed promotion contra moratorium. |
|
|
CO |
CO |
1 |
Approved |
13-Apr-11 |
1 |
Business needs of office |
|
|
CO |
CO |
1 |
Approved |
17-Jun-11 |
1 |
Business needs of office |
|
|
Central Statistics Office |
Assistant Director General |
Assistant Director General |
1 |
Approved |
22-Oct-09 |
1 |
Business Critical Post -approved on the basis any resultant internal vacancy is suppressed |
|
Assistant Director General for Macroeconomic and Environment Divisions |
Assistant Director General |
1 |
Approved |
Agreed by Minister 14 April 2010 |
1 |
Business Critical Post |
|
|
Senior Statistician |
Senior Statistician |
1 |
Approved |
30-Apr-10 |
1 |
Business case |
|
|
EO |
EO |
2 |
Approved |
23-Jun-10 |
2 |
To assist BIM decent. |
|
|
QNHS/EU-SILC Survey |
Interviewer |
8 |
Approved |
27-May-11 |
8 |
Business case |
|
|
Defence |
Night watchman |
Night Watchman |
1 |
Approved |
1 |
To provide security at the Galway premises |
|
|
Director of Military Prosecutions |
Director of Military Prosecutions |
1 |
Approved |
1 |
Statutory post |
||
|
Assistant Principal/Senior Systems Analyst |
Assistant Principal/ Senior Systems Analyst |
1 |
Approved |
1 |
Sanctioned in Galway as a result of the suppression of a PO and the transfer of his duties to Dublin |
||
|
Head Services Officer |
Head Services Officer |
1 |
Approved |
1 |
Needed for the decentralisation of premises to Newbridge |
||
|
Services Officer |
Services Officer |
1 |
Approved |
1 |
— |
||
|
Director |
Director |
1 |
Approved |
1 |
— |
||
|
Principal Officer |
Principal Officer |
1 |
Approved |
1 |
— |
||
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser |
1 |
Approved |
09-Apr-10 |
1 |
Ministerial staff |
|
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser |
1 |
Approved |
16-Apr-10 |
1 |
Ministerial staff |
|
|
Personal Assistant |
Personal Assistant |
1 |
Approved |
09-Apr-10 |
1 |
Ministerial staff |
|
|
Personal Secretary |
Personal Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
09-Apr-10 |
1 |
Ministerial staff |
|
|
Principal Officer |
Principal Officer |
1 |
Approved |
05-Aug-10 |
1 |
PO vacancy arising from appointment of Director |
|
|
Principal Officer |
Principal Officer |
1 |
Approved |
05-Aug-10 |
1 |
Retirement of PO in Galway |
|
|
Assistant Principal |
Assistant Principal |
2 |
Approved |
05-Aug-10 |
2 |
Arising from filling of PO posts |
|
|
Prof. Accountant Grade I (Tempoary) |
Prof. Accountant Grade I |
1 |
Approved |
24-Mar-11 |
1 |
Business critical case |
|
|
Contract Archivists |
Temporary archivist |
6 |
Approved |
10-May-11 |
6 |
Work on 2016 project |
|
|
Allowance |
1 EO, 1 HEO |
2 |
Approved |
27-May-11 |
2 |
Allowances approved for temporary upgrades at a cost of €5,000 to allow cost effective delivery of a project valued at €1m |
|
|
DPP |
To fill retirement vacancy |
Head of Directing Division (between Asst Sec and Dep Sec) |
1 |
Approved |
05-Jun-09 |
1 |
Business Critical Post |
|
Chief Prosecution Solicitor |
Chief Prosecution Solicitor (between Asst Sec and Dep Sec) |
1 |
Approved |
02-Nov-09 |
1 |
Business Critical Post |
|
|
Internal Promotion to Deputy Chief Prosecution Solicitor |
Deputy Chief Prosecution Solicitor |
1 |
Approved |
23-Apr-10 |
1 |
Business Critical Post |
|
|
Internal Promotion to PO |
PO (higher) |
1 |
Approved |
23-Apr-10 |
1 |
Business Critical Post |
|
|
Legal Researcher (temp.) |
Legal Researcher (temp.) |
1 |
Approved |
23-Apr-10 |
Business Critical Post |
||
|
Head of Admin (allowance) |
Head of Admin (allowance) |
1 |
approved |
23-Apr-10 |
1 |
Business Critical Post |
|
|
Legal Researcher (temp.) |
Legal Researcher (temp.) |
1 |
Approved |
13-Apr-11 |
1 |
Business critical case |
|
|
Foreign Affairs |
5 Third Secretaries |
Third Secretaries |
5 |
Approved |
5 |
From the 2008 competition to provide for succession planning |
|
|
Assistant Secretary |
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
19-Feb-10 |
1 |
Business Critical Post |
|
|
Counsellor and First Secretary |
Counsellor and First Secretary |
2 |
Approved |
2 |
Business Critical Post |
||
|
Chairmanship of OSCE — temporary hiring of staff |
3 Assistant Secretaries, 1 PO, 1 AP, 1 Third Sec, 2 Eos and 3 Clerical Officers |
11 |
Under consideration |
Business Critical posts essential to chairmanship of OSCE which has been approved by government |
|||
|
staff in audit and control area of ODA |
AP level dealing with audit, control and monitoring functions of ODA |
10 |
Approved |
10 |
Arises from FGS Irish Aid Management Review |
||
|
Special adviser to Minister |
Special Adviser |
1 |
Under consideration |
Secondment from HEA |
|||
|
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Personal Secretary, Assistant, Civilian drivers, special advisers |
8 |
Approved |
Various 29 March 2011 to 8 April 2011 |
8 |
Ministerial Appointments |
|
|
Taoiseach |
Assistant Principal |
Assistant Principal |
1 |
Approved |
1 |
Head of the IT Unit to be filled from redeployment |
|
|
Administrative Officers |
Administrative Officers |
3 |
Approved |
3 |
For succession planning |
||
|
Special Adviser to Minister of State Curran, Chief Whip |
Special Adviser |
1 |
Approved |
30-Apr-10 |
1 |
Transfer of staff to Minister from previous Dept |
|
|
Staff for Minister of State/Chief Personal Staff |
PA & 2 x Worksharing Sec Assistants |
2 |
Approved |
06-May-10 |
2 |
Transfer of staff to Minister from previous Dept |
|
|
Special Advisor to Taoiseach |
Special Adviser |
1 |
Approved |
15/06/2010 |
1 |
Transfer from DFA |
|
|
Promotion HEO to AP |
AP |
1 |
Approved |
15/06/2010 |
1 |
Business Case |
|
|
Promotion AP to PO |
PO |
1 |
Approved |
15/06/2010 |
1 |
Business Case |
|
|
Deputy Government Press Secretary |
Principal Officer (Higher) |
1 |
Approved |
04/02/2011 |
1 |
Transfer of staff at Request of Taoiseach |
|
|
Personal Assistant to Taoiseach |
AP |
1 |
Approved |
04/02/2011 |
1 |
Transfer of staff at Request of Taoiseach |
|
|
Special Advisers |
PO Std Scale |
2 |
Approved |
04/05/2011 |
2 |
Ministerial Appt |
|
|
Special Advisers |
Dep Secretary |
2 |
Approved |
04/05/2011 |
2 |
Ministerial Appt |
|
|
Personal Assistant to Taoiseach |
AP |
1 |
Approved |
04/05/2011 |
1 |
Business Case |
|
|
Personal Assistant to Taoiseach |
AP |
1 |
Approved |
04/05/2011 |
1 |
Business Case |
|
|
Personal Assistant to Taoiseach |
AP |
1 |
Approved |
04/05/2011 |
1 |
Business Case |
|
|
Personal Assistant to Taoiseach |
AP |
1 |
Approved |
04/05/2011 |
1 |
Business Case |
|
|
Personal Secretary to Taoiseach |
EO |
1 |
Approved |
04/05/2011 |
1 |
Business Case |
|
|
Civilian Drivers for Chief Whip |
Civilian Driver |
2 |
Approved |
27-May-11 |
2 |
Ministerial Appts |
|
|
Civilian Driver for Leader of Seanad |
Civilian Driver |
1 |
Approved |
23/06/2011 |
1 |
Necessary to fill post |
|
|
Govt Press Secretary |
Asst Sec Equiv |
1 |
Approved |
10/06/2011 |
1 |
Up to 1 Sept 2011 maximum for smooth changeover |
|
|
Personal Assistant to Govt Chief Whip |
Personal Assistant |
1 |
Approved |
05/07/2011 |
1 |
Business Critical |
|
|
Govt Press Secretary |
1 |
Under consideration |
|||||
|
Dep Gov Press Secretary |
Principal Officer (Higher) |
1 |
Under consideration |
||||
|
Asst Gov Press Secretary |
Principal Officer (Std Scale)) |
1 |
Under consideration |
||||
|
Special Adviser to Govt Chief Whip |
Principal Officer (Std Scale) |
1 |
Under consideration |
||||
|
Transport |
Coastal Sector Unit Managers |
Coastal Sector Unit Managers |
3 |
Approved |
3 |
Needed for health and safety reasons |
|
|
Operations and Training Officer in the coastal service |
Operations and Training Officer in the coastal service |
1 |
Approved |
1 |
Needed for health and safety reasons |
||
|
Assistant Secretary Vacancy from retirement (Public Transport) |
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
22-Oct-09 |
1 |
Key management level post |
|
|
A/Sec vacancy |
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
Refused |
— |
|||
|
Principal Officer |
Principal Officer |
2 |
Refused |
To be filled from internal competition. |
|||
|
Acting Up |
Principal Officer |
1 |
Approved |
28-Feb-10 |
1 |
Pressures in connection with the setting up of the National Transport Authority |
|
|
Personal Staff for Minister for State Ciarán Cuffe T.D |
1 x PA & 1 x Personal Sec |
2 |
Approved |
21-Apr-10 |
2 |
||
|
Special Advisor for MoS Cuffe |
Principal Officer |
1 |
Approved |
01-Jun-10 |
1 |
Political appointment |
|
|
Chief Maritime Accident Investigator |
Principal Officer |
1 |
Approved (originally approved Nov 09). Transport sought amendment to condition of sanction but original sanction stands. |
18-Aug-10 |
1 |
Critical post in new National Transport Investigation Unit |
|
|
Filling of existing and forthcoming vacancies in the Irish Coast Guard. |
Various from EO to PO |
31 |
5 approved with redeployment condition: Manager Volunteer Services (AP1), Divisional Controller (AP), Shift Watch Keeping Officer (EOx3) |
19-Aug-10 |
5 |
Critical posts in the Irish Coast Guard |
|
|
Filling of vacancies in the Marine Survey Office |
various up to PO |
11 |
2 approved with redeployment condition: Deputy Divisional Controller (AP), Surveyor in Charge (PO). |
19-Aug-10 |
2 |
Critical posts in the Marine Survey Office |
|
|
Filling of PO post which had been deferred since Feb 2010 |
PO |
1 |
Under consideration |
Post has been deferred since Feb 2010- from Internal Panel |
|||
|
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Personal Secretary, Assistant, Civilian drivers, special advisers |
14 |
Approved |
various 10 March 2011 to 26 April 2011 |
14 |
Ministerial Appointments |
|
|
Health |
DG of OMCYA |
Deputy Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
23-Dec-09 |
1 |
Head of Office of Min for Children etc |
|
CEO Designate of Adoption Authority |
Assistant Secretary level |
1 |
Approved |
01-Sep-10 |
1 |
Head of Adoption Authority as required under Adoption Act 2010 |
|
|
Assessor of Youth Work |
AP |
1 |
Approved |
30-Aug-10 |
1 |
Statutory Post |
|
|
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Personal Secretary, Assistant, Civilian drivers, special advisers |
12 |
Approved |
Various 10 March to 18 April 2011 |
12 |
Ministerial Appointments |
|
|
Regularization of Contract for Services |
Health Promotion Policy Advisor (AP Equivalent) |
1 |
Approved |
04/05/2011 |
1 |
||
|
Temp Cover for Sick Leave |
Personal Secretary |
0.4 |
Approved |
02/06/2011 |
0.4 |
||
|
Children & Youth Affairs |
Appointment of senior specialist with experience in the area of child welfare and protection services |
PO Equivalent |
1 |
Approved |
01-May-11 |
1 |
Required in response to recommendations in the Ryan Report into institutional child abuse. Secondment from D/Health & Children |
|
Secretary General appointment |
Secretary General |
1 |
Approved |
01-Jul-11 |
1 |
Required for new Department |
|
|
Tourism, Culture & Sport |
Filling of two posts in Minister’s Constituency Office by transfers from other Departments |
Executive Officer |
2 |
Approved |
20-May-10 |
2 |
Posts vital to the functioning of the Constituency Office |
|
Minister Hannifin’s Special Advisor |
Principal Officer |
1 |
Approved |
27-Apr-10 |
1 |
Political Appointment |
|
|
Minister Hannifin’s Press Advisor |
Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
Approved |
27-Apr-10 |
1 |
Political Appointment |
|
|
Minister Hannifin’s Personal Assistant |
Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
Approved |
27-Apr-10 |
1 |
Political Appointment |
|
|
Renewal of contract for Director in Culture Ireland |
Assistant Principal |
1 |
Approved |
1 |
Critical function of the Dept. Government priority. Equivalent post to be suppressed. |
||
|
Minister Hannifin’s Personal Secretary |
Executive Officer |
1 |
Approved |
27-Apr-10 |
1 |
Political Appointment |
|
|
Filling of PO vacancy |
Principal Officer |
1 |
Under consideration |
Post is in CSD, which covers a wide area , and Dept already carrying other PO post which has not been filled |
|||
|
Personal Secretary, Assistant, Civilian drivers special advisers |
Personal Secretary, Assistant, Civilian drivers special advisers |
4 |
Approved |
21/03/2011 |
4 |
||
|
National Archives |
Filling of vacancies to avoid the closure of the reading room |
CO, EO and Service Officers |
6 |
Part approved to fill 3 posts (1 Co. and 2 Service Officers) by redeployment. Service Officers not available via redeployment so sanction given to recruit. |
June/July/Aug 2010 |
3 |
Business critical, frontline posts. |
|
Ombudsman |
Senior Investigator |
Principal Officer |
1 |
Approved |
30-Apr-10 |
1 |
Business critical management post. |
|
State Laboratory |
4 Student Analysts |
Students |
4 |
Approved |
03-Aug-10 |
4 |
Temporary 7 month appointments |
|
CENR |
Assistant Secretary |
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
26-May-10 |
1 |
TLAC competition |
|
Temporary EO for 6 months |
EO |
1 |
Refused |
||||
|
To suppress 2 Co. posts and replace with 2 EO posts |
EO |
2 |
Approved |
01-Jun-10 |
2 |
Business needs of Department |
|
|
AO vacancy filled |
AO |
1 |
Approved |
01-Jun-10 |
1 |
Business needs of Department |
|
|
Appointment of Ministerial Staff |
Personal Secretary, Assistant, Civilian drivers, special advisers |
6 |
Approved |
31-Mar-11 |
6 |
Ministerial Appointments |
|
|
Assistant Secretary |
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
26-May-10 |
1 |
TLAC competition |
|
|
EO |
EO |
1 |
Refused |
||||
|
EO |
EO |
2 |
Approved |
01-Jun-10 |
2 |
Business needs of Department |
|
|
AO |
AO |
1 |
Approved |
01-Jun-10 |
1 |
Business needs of Department |
|
|
Personal Secretary, Assistant, Civilian drivers, special advisers |
Personal Secretary, Assistant, Civilian drivers, special advisers |
6 |
Approved |
31-Mar-11 |
6 |
Ministerial Appointments |
|
|
EO |
EO |
1 |
Approved |
25-May-11 |
1 |
To facilitate a commitment to allow a staff member to decentralise. Consequential Co. post suppressed. |
|
|
National Gallery |
Renewal of temporary contracts |
Security Attendant |
15 |
Under consideration |
|||
|
Appointment of contractors to permanent posts |
Security Attendant |
7 |
Under consideration |
||||
|
Regularise position of Head of Conservation |
Engineer Grade II (AK I) |
1 |
Under consideration |
||||
|
To appoint staff on a fixed term basis for Master Development Plan |
Head of Art Handling (HEO), MDP Project Manager (HEO), Paper Conservator (AKII), Painting Conservator (AKII), Art Handlers (x3) |
7 |
Under consideration |
||||
|
Filling of permanent positions |
Head of Exhibitions (AK I), Senior Curator (AK I), HEO, EO, Website Administrator (AK II), IT Officer (CO) |
6 |
Under consideration |
||||
|
Filling of post of Director |
Director |
1 |
Approved |
10-Jan-11 |
1 |
Statutory Post |
|
|
Public Expenditure & Reform |
Secretary General |
Sec-Gen |
1 |
Approved |
26/04/2011 |
1 |
Govt Appointment |
|
Special Adviser |
Principal Standard |
1 |
Approved |
03/05/2011 |
1 |
Critical to operation of Minister’s Office |
|
|
Special Adviser |
Special Adviser |
1 |
Approved |
18/05/2011 |
1 |
Critical to operation of Minister’s Office |
|
|
Personal Assistant |
Personal Assistant |
1 |
Approved |
03/05/2011 |
1 |
Critical to operation of Minister’s Office |
|
|
Personal Secretary (Constituency Secretary) |
Personal Secretary |
1 |
Approved |
02/05/2011 |
1 |
Critical to operation of Minister’s Office |
|
|
2336.3 |
TOTAL |
1534 |
|||||
|
Temporary Posts for CENSUS of Population 2011 [CENTRAL STATISTICS OFFICE] |
|||||||
|
Central Statistics Office |
Staff for the Household Budget Survey i.e. interviewers etc |
Staff for the Household Budget Survey i.e. interviewers etc |
Approved |
85 |
These staff required for the Household Budget, Business Register and Annual Services Inquiry — 85 Temporary Contracts during 2009 & 2010 |
||
|
ICT Executive Officer |
ICT Executive Officer |
Approved |
2 |
Required for preparatory work on the Census of Population 2011 |
|||
|
Executive Officer |
Executive Officer |
Approved |
4 |
Required for 18 months to work on the Census. Will be re-assigned to another department on completion of that work |
|||
|
Clerical Officer |
Clerical Officer |
Approved |
24 |
The CSO was asked to seek staff from other departments for a period of 10 months for Census of Agriculture work. In the event, staff were not available so sanction was later granted to appoint COs on temporary contract |
|||
|
Statistician |
Statistician |
Approved |
1 |
To work full time on an OECD ‘Programme for International Assessment of Adult Competencies’ |
|||
|
Executive Officer |
Executive Officer |
Approved |
2 |
Also required for this programme |
|||
|
Grades from Clerical Officer to Assistant Principal |
Grades from Clerical Officer to Assistant Principal |
Approved |
158 |
These are internal CSO staff required from early 2010 to end 2011 to prepare for and finalise the Census 2011 |
|||
|
Census Liaison Officers, Regional Supervisors, Field Supervisors and Clerical Officers |
Census Liaison Officers, Regional Supervisors, Field Supervisors and Clerical Officers |
Under Consideration |
— |
— |
— |
||
|
Temporary part-time enumerators |
Temporary part-time enumerators |
Under Consideration |
— |
— |
|||
|
Total posts approved for CSO (temps): |
276 |
1The Deputy may wish to note that an Independent Review Panel of the Department of Finance, comprising 3 Members, has also been established, chaired by Mr. Rob Wright. A Chairperson has also been appointed to the Implementation group on the Croke Park Agreement.
|
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
No. |
Requesting Body |
Purpose of Sanction |
Grade |
No. of posts |
Decision |
No. of posts granted |
Date Sanctioned |
Comment |
|
1 |
DETE- Enterprise Ireland |
Retirement |
Manager |
1 |
Yes — on a permanent basis |
1 |
May-09 |
Retirement |
|
2 |
DETE- Enterprise Ireland |
Graduate |
Graduate |
16 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
16 |
May-09 |
16 graduate posts |
|
3 |
DETERoscommon CEB |
Vacancy |
CEO |
1 |
No |
0 |
May-09 |
Vacancy |
|
4 |
DETE Cork CEB |
Replacing maternity leave |
Administrative Officer |
1 |
No |
0 |
Jun-09 |
Replacing maternity leave |
|
5 |
DETE — FAS DG |
Statutory post |
DG |
1 |
Yes — on a permanent basis |
1 |
Jun-09 |
Statutory post |
|
6 |
DETE -NCA Registrar |
No vacancy |
AP-HAD |
1 |
Yes — on a permanent basis |
1 |
Jun-09 |
Registrar |
|
7 |
DETE — Enterprise Ireland |
Rollover of contract posts for overseas (4 sanctioned) |
Various |
53 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
4 |
Jun-09 |
Rollover of contract posts for overseas (4 sanctioned) |
|
8 |
DETE -PIAB |
Renewal of contract posts (5 sanctioned) |
CO |
6 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
5 |
Jul-09 |
Renewal of contract posts (5 sanctioned) |
|
9 |
DETE -NCA student |
Student |
1 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
1 |
Jun-09 |
Student |
|
|
10 |
DETE — NCA |
Retirement — Head of Corporate Services (other than the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement) |
AP — STANDARD |
1 |
Yes — on a permanent basis |
1 |
Aug-09 |
Retirement (other than the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement) |
|
11 |
DETE — NCA |
Retirement (other than the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement) |
AP — STANDARD |
1 |
Yes — on a permanent basis |
1 |
Aug-09 |
Retirement (other than the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement) |
|
12 |
DETE — NCA |
Retirement — Commercial Practises Division (other than the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement) |
HEO (x5) |
5 |
Yes — on a permanent basis |
5 |
Aug-09 |
Retirement (other than the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement) |
|
13 |
DETE — NCA |
Retirement (other than the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement) |
EO (X3) |
3 |
Yes — on a permanent basis |
3 |
Aug-09 |
Retirement (other than the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement) |
|
14 |
DETE — NCA |
Co. (X2) |
2 |
Yes — on a permanent basis |
2 |
Aug-09 |
||
|
15 |
DETE — IAASA |
Vacancy |
Accountant |
1 |
No |
0 |
Aug-09 |
Vacancy |
|
16 |
DETE — FAS |
Decision of Rights Commissioner |
Training Instructor |
1 |
Yes — on a permanent basis |
1 |
Sep-09 |
Decision of rights Commissioner |
|
17 |
DETE — Interreg — Tradelinks 2 project |
new project |
Project Manager |
1 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
1 |
Sep-09 |
new project |
|
18 |
DETE — Interreg — Tradelinks 2 project |
new project |
Financial Administrator |
1 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
1 |
Sep-09 |
new project |
|
19 |
DETE — Interreg — Tradelinks 2 project |
new project |
4 Regional Coordinators |
4 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
4 |
Sep-09 |
new project |
|
20 |
DETE — Interreg — Tradelinks 2 project |
new project |
4 Support Co-ordinators |
4 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
4 |
Sep-09 |
new project |
|
21 |
DETE — Competition Authority |
Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement in the Public Service |
Case Officer |
1 |
No |
0 |
Oct-09 |
Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement in the Public Service |
|
22 |
DETE — FÁS |
Retirement (other than the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement) |
ADG — Finance & IT |
1 |
Yes — on a permanent basis |
1 |
Oct-09 |
Retirement (other than the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement) |
|
23 |
DETE — Forfas |
New project — Self Financing — Manager of European Space Research Office |
Manager |
1 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
1 |
Dec-09 |
New project — Self Financing |
|
24 |
DETE — PIAB |
Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement in the Public Service |
Legal Services Manager |
1 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
1 |
Jan-10 |
Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement in the Public Service |
|
25 |
DETE- Enterprise Ireland |
Temporary Overseas Contract posts |
Contract Posts (Overseas Jan-Mar 10) — Various Grades |
2 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
2 |
Feb-10 |
Temporary Overseas Contract posts |
|
26 |
DETE — Enterprise Ireland |
Support for Credit Review |
CO |
1 |
Yes — on a permanent basis |
1 |
Mar-10 |
Support for Credit Review |
|
27 |
DETE — Competition Authority |
Request under consideration |
Board Members 2 |
2 |
Request under consideration |
0 |
Mar-10 |
Request under consideration |
|
28 |
DETE — Competition Authority |
Statutory post |
Chairperson of Board |
1 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
1 |
Mar-10 |
Statutory post |
|
29 |
DETE — SFI |
City of Science Project |
Project Manager |
1 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
1 |
Mar-10 |
City of Science Project |
|
30 |
DETE — SFI |
City of Science Project |
CO |
1 |
No |
0 |
May-10 |
PA for Dublin City of Science |
|
31 |
DETE — FAS |
Request under consideration |
4 |
Request under consideration |
0 |
Mar-10 |
Request under consideration |
|
|
32 |
DETE — NSAI |
Ongoing contracts |
Various |
4 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
4 |
Apr-10 |
Ongoing contracts |
|
33 |
DETE — NCA |
3 Student posts |
3 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
3 |
May-10 |
||
|
34 |
DETI — Forfás |
Request under consideration |
PO |
1 |
Request under consideration |
0 |
Request under consideration |
|
|
35 |
DETI — Competition Authority |
internship |
CO |
2 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
2 |
Jun-10 |
Request under consideration |
|
36 |
DETI — Competition Authority |
Board Members 2 |
2 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
2 |
Jun-10 |
||
|
37 |
DETI _ IAASA |
Various |
3 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
3 |
Sep-10 |
||
|
38 |
DETI — CEB |
CEO |
CEO |
1 |
Request under consideration |
Request under consideration |
||
|
39 |
DETI — IDA |
Various |
10 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
10 |
SEP -10 |
||
|
40 |
DETI — Competition Authority |
Chair/CEO Designate |
1 |
Request under consideration |
1 |
Jul — 10 |
||
|
41 |
DETI — NSAI |
Certification Officer |
1 |
Request under consideration |
Request under consideration |
|||
|
42 |
DETI — Enterprise Ireland |
Various |
12 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
12 |
Oct — 10 |
||
|
43 |
DETI — Forfás |
Various |
5 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
2 |
Dec 2010 |
||
|
44 |
DETI — SFI |
Researchers |
3 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
3 |
Dec — 10 |
||
|
45 |
DETI — SFI |
DG |
1 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
1 |
Dec — 10 |
||
|
46 |
DETI — Inward Investment North/South |
Research Officer |
1 |
Request under consideration |
Request under consideration |
|||
|
47 |
DETI — NSAI |
Various |
2 |
Request under consideration |
Request under consideration |
|||
|
48 |
DETI — Forfás |
1 AP 1 EO |
2 |
Request under consideration |
Request under consideration |
|||
|
49 |
DETI — PIAB |
Various |
11 |
Yes — Redeployment |
From redeployment from within the DETI Vote |
|||
|
50 |
DETI -Forfás |
2 AP |
2 |
Request under consideration |
Request under consideration |
|||
|
51 |
DETI — IDA |
Chief Accountant & Head of Corporate Communications |
2 |
Yes — on a temporary/acting basis |
2 |
July — 10 |
||
|
52 |
DETI — IAASA |
Statutory post |
CEO |
1 |
Request under consideration |
Request under consideration |
||
|
53 |
DJEI — EI |
Various |
3 |
Request under consideration |
Request under consideration |
|||
|
54 |
DJEI — SFI |
Research Officers |
7 |
Request under consideration |
Request under consideration |
|||
|
55 |
DJEI — IDA |
Various |
8 |
Request under consideration |
Request under consideration |
|||
|
56 |
DJEI — EI |
Various |
5 |
Request under consideration |
Request under consideration |
|
No. |
Requesting Body |
Purpose of Sanction |
Grade |
No. of posts |
Decision |
No. of posts granted |
Date Sanctioned |
Comment |
|
1 |
Family Support Agency |
To cover Term-time vacancies in front line mediation service — Portlaoise + Sligo |
1 |
Yes |
1 |
|||
|
2 |
Family Support Agency |
To cover Term-time vacancies in front line mediation service — Raheny + Wexford |
0.8 |
Yes |
0.8 |
|||
|
3 |
Family Support Agency |
Temporary appointment due to end June 2009 — Castlebar FMS office |
0.5 |
Yes |
0.5 |
|||
|
4 |
Family Support Agency |
Temporary appointment due to end June 2009 — Letterkenny office |
0.4 |
Yes |
0.4 |
|||
|
5 |
Family Support Agency |
Supervision + Management of Mediation Service in Southern and Westerns Regions — temporary appointment due to end June 09 |
1.6 |
Yes |
1.6 |
|||
|
6 |
Family Support Agency |
Supervision + Management of Mediation Service in Southern and Westerns Regions — temporary appointment due to end January 10 |
1.6 |
Yes |
1.6 |
|||
|
7 |
Family Support Agency |
To cover Shorter Working Year Scheme vacancies in front line mediation service — Letterkenny, Portlaoise, Sligo, Raheny, Athlone, Wexford & HQ |
4.5 |
Yes |
4.5 |
|||
|
8 |
Family Support Agency |
Temporary appointment due to end June 2010 — Castlebar FMS office |
0.5 |
Yes |
0.5 |
|||
|
9 |
Family Support Agency |
Temporary appointment due to end June 2010 — Letterkenny office |
0.4 |
Yes |
0.4 |
|||
|
10 |
Citizens Information Board |
Temporary ICT contracts due to end March 2010 — Dublin HQ |
2 |
Yes |
2 |
|||
|
11 |
Pensions Board |
Staff required due to developments in the pensions arena |
1 PO 4 APs 4 HEOs 3 EOs |
12 |
Sanction was given for the transfer of 6 posts from the Department of Social Protection’s ECF by end-2012; Sanction was given for 6 posts to be recruited on fixed-term contracts for a period of no more than 3 years. |
12 (6 posts to be transferred from DSP and 6 posts to be recruited externally on a three year fixed-term contract) |
11 March 2011 |
|
|
12 |
Citizens Information Board |
ICT manager post to cover maternity leave and Regional Manager post to be filed internally |
Grade 7 (HEO) post and Regional Manager |
2 |
Approved Grade 7 post to end November 2011 and Regional Manager post to be filled internally |
2 |
2 March 2011 |
|
|
13 |
Citizens Information Board |
This was to fill the position made vacant by the resignation of an administrator who was acting up into an ICT project management role until 31 March 2011; |
Grade 4 ICT Administrator Post |
1 |
1 |
31 March 2011 |
|
No. |
Requesting Body |
Purpose of Sanction |
Grade |
No. of posts |
Decision |
No. of posts granted |
Date Sanctioned |
Comment |
|
1 |
Defence Forces |
To retain the capacity of the organisation to operate effectively across all roles while contributing to the necessary public service economies |
Cadets and army/naval service recruits. Promotion across a range of ranks. Acting up appointments for overseas deployment. |
529 |
Yes |
207 |
July 2009 and November 2009 |
Recruitment of 42 cadets and promotions across a range of ranks. 100 acting up appointments. |
|
2 |
Defence Forces |
Retirement of Military Judge which is a statutory post |
Colonel |
1 |
Yes |
1 |
April 2010 |
Statutory post |
|
3 |
Defence Forces |
Retirement of Director of Military Prosecutions which is a statutory post |
Colonel |
1 |
Yes |
1 |
June 2009 |
Statutory post |
|
4 |
Defence Forces |
Civilian employees. Temporary post and extension of contract. |
Pharmacist |
2 |
Yes |
2 |
July 2009 |
|
|
5 |
Defence Forces |
Civilian employee contract extension. |
Social Worker |
1 |
Yes |
1 |
July 2009 |
|
|
6 |
Defence Forces |
Civilian Employee. Management of provision of electrical services. |
Foreman |
1 |
Yes |
1 |
||
|
7 |
Defence Forces |
Civilian employee to assist in the re-fit of Naval ships. |
Welder |
1 |
Yes |
1 |
April 2010 |
|
|
8 |
Defence Forces |
Filling of GOC Air Corps |
Brigadier General |
1 |
Decision Awaited |
Decision Awaited |
||
|
9 |
Defence Forces |
Filling of DCOS (Operations) vacancy which is a statutory post |
Major General |
1 |
Yes |
1 |
July 2010 |
Statutory post |
|
10 |
Defence Forces |
Civilian employee. Management of provision of social worker service for the Defence Forces. |
Principal Social Worker |
1 |
Yes |
1 |
September 2010 |
|
No. |
Requesting Body |
Purpose of Sanction |
Grade |
No. of posts |
Decision |
No. of posts granted |
Date Sanctioned |
Comment |
|
1 |
National Library of Ireland |
To fill Director post |
Director |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
18/12/09 |
Statutory position |
|
2 |
National Library of Ireland |
2 vacancies due to retirement and internal promotion |
Keeper, Asst Keeper |
2 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
2 |
22/9/09 |
Due to the specialised nature of the work of the Library |
|
3 |
Irish Sports Council |
To fill Director post |
CEO |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
14/5/09 |
Statutory position |
|
4 |
Arts Council |
To fill Director post |
Director |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
20/8/09 |
Statutory position |
|
5 |
Failte Ireland |
temporary posts |
Principal Officer (temporary) |
1 |
4. Application was refused |
0 |
||
|
6 |
Failte Ireland |
temporary posts |
Principal Officer (temporary) |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
13/1/10 |
Payment of acting up allowance paid temporarily due to maternity leave |
|
7 |
Failte Ireland |
E Business manager |
Assistant Principal |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
13/1/10 |
Post filled as a necessity for the development of the Tourism Sector |
|
8 |
National Concert Hall |
Fixed term contract post |
IT Manager |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
19/11/09 |
Key post for the successful running of the National Concert Hall |
|
9 |
National Concert Hall |
Fixed term contract post |
Financial Accountant |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
19/11/09 |
Key post for the successful running of the National Concert Hall |
|
10 |
National Concert Hall |
Fixed term contract post |
Learn & Explore Administrative Assistant |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
19/11/09 |
Key post for the successful running of the National Concert Hall |
|
11 |
National Concert Hall |
Fixed term contract post |
Graphic Designer |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
19/11/09 |
Key post for the successful running of the National Concert Hall |
|
12 |
National Concert Hall |
Fixed term contract post |
On line Marketing Executive |
1 |
4. Application was refused |
0 |
||
|
13 |
National Concert Hall |
Fixed term contract post |
Lighting Technician/stage hand |
1 |
4. Application was refused |
0 |
||
|
14 |
National Concert Hall |
Fixed term contract post |
Box Office Cashier Supervisor |
1 |
4. Application was refused |
0 |
||
|
15 |
National Concert Hall |
Fixed term contract post |
Operations Assistant Manager |
1 |
4. Application was refused |
0 |
||
|
16 |
National Concert Hall |
Fixed term contract post |
Own Promotions Executive |
1 |
4. Application was refused |
0 |
||
|
17 |
National Concert Hall |
Fixed term contract post |
Director of NCH |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
14/12/2010 |
Statutory Post |
|
18 |
Chester Beatty Library |
To fill Director post |
PO 1 |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
29/3/10 |
Key post |
|
19 |
Irish Film Board |
To fill Chief Executive Post |
CEO |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
1/9/2010 |
Statutory position |
|
20 |
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
To fill post of Director |
Director |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
28/4/2011 |
Statutory Post |
|
No. |
Requesting Body |
Purpose of Sanction |
Grade |
No. of posts |
Decision |
No. of posts granted |
Date Sanctioned |
Comment |
|
1 |
HSE |
Front line post |
Senior Locum |
0.6 |
3. No decision to date |
0 |
Further info awaited |
|
|
2 |
Galway University Hospital |
Critical management post |
General Manager |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
17/06/2009 |
|
|
3 |
HIQA |
Level of expenditure on external advice |
Legal Advisor (AP1) |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
31/07/2009 |
|
|
4 |
HIQA |
Operational reasons |
Regional Operations Manager (PO) |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
31/07/2009 |
|
|
5 |
HIQA |
Value for money |
Health Technology Assessment — AP1 |
2 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
2 |
31/07/2009 |
|
|
6 |
HIQA |
Value for Money |
HTA — Engineer Grade I |
2 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
2 |
31/07/2009 |
|
|
7 |
HIQA |
Value for Money |
HTA — Engineer Grade III |
2 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
2 |
31/07/2009 |
|
|
8 |
HSE |
New HSE structure |
Regional Operation Director (Assist Nat,. Dir) |
4 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
4 |
07/07/2009 |
|
|
9 |
HSE |
New HSE structure |
Care Group (Assistant National Director) |
4 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
4 |
07/07/2009 |
|
|
10 |
Mental Health Commission |
Front line post |
Consultant Psychiatrist |
5 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
5 |
31/07/2009 |
|
|
11 |
Mental Health Commission |
Front line post |
Assistant Inspector (Occupational Therapist) |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
31/07/2009 |
|
|
12 |
Mental Health Commission |
Service reasons |
Staff Officer (Temp Contract Renewal) |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
31/07/2009 |
|
|
13 |
National Treatment Purchase Fund |
Fair Deal requirements |
EO / HEO |
6 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
6 |
31/07/2009 |
|
|
14 |
Central Mental Hospital |
Front line post |
Mental Health Nurses |
23 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
23 |
31/08/2009 |
|
|
15 |
St Loman’s Hospital |
Front line post |
Mental Health Nurses |
36 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
36 |
31/08/2009 |
|
|
16 |
Temple Street Hospital |
Critical nursing management post |
Director of Nursing |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
20/10/2009 |
|
|
17 |
Galway University Hospital |
Key post for flu pandemic |
Chief Medical Scientist |
1 |
3. No decision to date |
0 |
Further info awaited |
|
|
18 |
HSE |
Front line post |
General Dental Surgeon |
3 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
2 |
25/11/2009 |
Sanction was only given for two of the three posts |
|
19 |
HSE |
Front line post |
Principal Environmental Health Officers |
2 |
3. No decision to date |
0 |
Further info awaited |
|
|
20 |
HSE |
Front line post |
Fire Prevention Officer |
1 |
3. No decision to date |
0 |
Further info awaited |
|
|
21 |
HSE |
Front line post |
Clinical Perfusionist Post |
1 |
3. No decision to date |
0 |
Further info awaited |
|
|
22 |
Children’s Hospital, Crumlin |
Front line post |
Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Nurses |
5 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
5 |
8/12/1009 |
The filling of these posts was to be met through redeployment first, and where this was not possible, suppression |
|
23 |
Temple Street Hospital |
Front line post |
Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Nurses |
2 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
2 |
8/12/1009 |
The filling of these posts was to be met through redeployment first, and where this was not possible, suppression |
|
24 |
HSE |
Development post for Primary Care Teams |
Senior Dietician (Sligo/Leitrim/Cavan) |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
18/01/2010 |
|
|
25 |
HSE — St. James, Dublin |
Critical maintenance post |
Maintenance Manager |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
18/01/2010 |
|
|
26 |
HSE — St. Lukes Kilkenny |
Front line post |
Clinical Nurse Manager II |
2 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
2 |
18/01/2010 |
|
|
27 |
An Bord Altranais |
Front line post |
Director of Operations |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
01/07/2010 |
|
|
28 |
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland |
Front line post |
Pharmacist Chief II |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
01/07/2010 |
|
|
29 |
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland |
Front line post |
Senior Pharmacist |
3 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
3 |
01/07/2010 |
|
|
30 |
Food Safety Authority of Ireland |
Critical to meeting statutory obligations / essential health & public safety requirements |
Auditor — AP level |
2 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
2 |
01/07/2010 |
|
|
31 |
Health and Social Care professions Council |
Critical to meeting statutory obligations / essential health & public safety requirements |
HEO |
3 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
3 |
01/07/2010 |
|
|
32 |
Health and Social Care professions Council |
Critical to meeting statutory obligations / essential health & public safety requirements |
EO |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
01/07/2010 |
|
|
33 |
Mental Health Commission |
Critical to meeting statutory obligations / essential health & public safety requirements |
Co. (temporary contract renewal) |
3 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
3 |
01/07/2010 |
|
|
34 |
National Cancer Registry Board |
Critical to meeting statutory obligations / essential health & public safety requirements |
Statistician (Grade V) |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
01/07/2010 |
Note: Includes HSE and Health NCSAs exceptions sought between May 2009 and end December 2010. Under the 2011-2014 ECF within overall numbers reduction targets the HSE is responsible for filling of specified exempted posts and exceptions to the moratorium while the Department of Health is responsible for approving exceptions for health NCSAs. There must be suppression of a post or posts of an equivalent value in non-priority areas for each new exempted post or post filled on an exceptional basis.
|
No. |
Requesting Body |
Purpose of Sanction |
Grade |
No. of posts |
Decision |
No. of posts granted |
Date Sanctioned |
Comment |
|
NEWB |
EWO — Helpline Services |
EWO — Helpline Services |
Refused |
|
||||
|
NEWB |
HEO — Office Manager |
HEO — Office Manager |
Refused |
|||||
|
NEWB |
AP — Regional Manager (West North West) |
AP — Regional Manager (West North West) |
Refused |
|||||
|
NEWB |
AP — Regional Manager (Dublin City) |
AP — Regional Manager (Dublin City) |
Refused |
|||||
|
NEWB |
CEO |
CEO |
Accepted |
|||||
|
NEWB |
Interim CEO — Director Level |
Interim CEO — Director Level |
Accepted |
|||||
|
NEWB |
PO — Director of Educational Welfare Services (Temporary Filling) |
PO — Director of Educational Welfare Services (Temporary Filling) |
Accepted — but possible backfilling refused |
Interim Director Post not filled due to backfilling being refused |
||||
|
NEWB |
Director Level — PO — Director of Integration |
Director Level — PO — Director of Integration |
Refused |
Replacement of posts under National Co-ordinator SCP and HSCL |
||||
|
NEWB |
1 x Executive Officer, 1 x Research and Development Manager |
1 x Executive Officer, 1 x Research and Development Manager |
Accepted |
Staff transferred from Curriculum Development Unit |
||||
|
NEWB |
EWO — Fixed Term Contract Renewal |
EWO — Fixed Term Contract Renewal |
Accepted |
|||||
|
NEWB |
Clerical Officer — Fixed Term Contract Renewal |
Clerical Officer — Fixed Term Contract Renewal |
Refused |
|||||
|
NEWB |
EWO — Dublin City |
EWO — Dublin City |
Under Consideration |
Re-deployment of staff member of Department of Justice |
||||
|
NEWB |
AP — Communications Manager |
AP — Communications Manager |
Under Consideration |
|
No. |
Requesting Body |
Purpose of Sanction |
Grade |
No. of posts |
Decision |
No. of posts granted |
Date Sanctioned |
Comment |
|
1 |
Road Safety Authority (RSA) |
New Posts |
Assistant Principals |
3 |
not approved |
|||
|
New Posts |
Higher Executive Officers |
3 |
not approved |
|||||
|
New Posts |
Executive Officers |
2 |
not approved |
|||||
|
New Posts |
Clerical Officers |
3 |
not approved |
|||||
|
New Posts |
Vehicle Inspector |
11 |
not approved |
|||||
|
2 |
Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) |
Renew Contract |
Principal Officer |
1 |
Approved |
1 |
Dec-09 |
Vacancy filled to meet statuary obligation |
|
Renew Contract |
Assistant Principals |
2 |
Approved |
2 |
Dec-09 |
Vacancy filled to meet statuary obligation |
||
|
Renew Contract |
Executive Officers |
3 |
Approved |
3 |
Dec-09 |
Vacancy filled to meet statuary obligation |
||
|
3 |
National Accident Investigation Office |
Filling Post |
Principal Officer |
1 |
Approved |
1 |
Nov-09 |
Important for safety purposes |
|
4 |
National Transport Authority |
New Posts |
CEO |
1 |
Approved |
1 |
Jan-10 |
Newly established Authority |
|
New Posts |
Senior Management |
4 |
Approved/ Not approved |
3 |
Jan-10 |
Newly established Authority |
||
|
5 |
Medical Bureau of Road Safety(MBRS) |
Filling Post |
Admin Manager |
1 |
Decision |
1 |
28/6/11 |
Re-deployment |
|
Filling Post |
Scientist |
3 |
Decision |
3 |
28/6/11 |
Re-deployment |
||
|
Filling Post |
Manager |
1 |
No decision to-date |
|||||
|
6 |
Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) |
Renew Contract |
Head of Economics and Air Passengers Rights Executive posts |
1 |
Approved |
1 |
28/6/11 |
Renewal of employment contracts |
|
7 |
Railway Safety Commission |
Contract |
External expertise |
1 |
Approved |
1 |
28/06/11 |
The short-term engagement of external expertise to provide technical know-how relating to regulatory supervision of railway activities and EU regulations |
|
8 |
National Transport Authority |
Renew Contract |
Specialist Roles |
5 |
Approved |
3 |
28/06/11 |
Renewal of employment contracts of 3 transport modelling staff on contract for so long as the specialist work they are involved in forms part of the workload of the Authority. |
Commission for Aviation Regulation
The renewal of employment contracts for the Head of Economics and Air Passengers Rights Executive posts;
The filling of the Deputy Head of Economics post by means of redeployment from the Public Service Redeployment Panel. Only if a candidate with the required skills set is not available can the post be filled by means of external recruitment;
The filling of 2.3 (WTE) administrative staff by means of redeployment from the Public Service Redeployment Panel.
Medical Bureau of Road Safety
The temporary redeployment of 3 locum scientists from within science staff at University College Dublin to help deliver breath testing programmes;
The filling of 1 administrative post by means of redeployment from the Public Service Redeployment Panel.
Road Safety Authority
The filling of a HEO equivalent post on an acting up basis from within the existing staff cohort subject to the post vacated by the successful candidate being suppressed.
Railway Safety Commission
The short-term engagement of external expertise to provide technical know-how relating to regulatory supervision of railway activities and EY regulations.
National Transport Authority
The retention of 3 transport modelling staff on contract for so long as the specialist work they are involved in forms part of the workload of the Authority.
To fill a clerical officer post from the redeployment from the Public Service Redeployment Panel.
|
No. |
Requesting Body |
Purpose of Sanction |
Grade |
No. of posts |
Decision |
No. of posts granted |
Date Sanctioned |
Comment |
|
Teagasc |
These posts are long-term recurring positions that are filled on an academic year basis (Sept — June) only. The posts are of importance to the operation of Teagasc Colleges and to the welfare, health & safety of students |
Student Supervisors, part time lecturers |
3.5 |
Application was refused |
Ban on recruitment and promotion in public service applies |
|||
|
Teagasc |
To support the delivery of the WIT funded B.Sc. (Hons) Business Management/ Agriculture (Level 8) programme at Kildalton Collegein the 2009/10 Academic year, as it was not possible to deliver the programme from within existing resources. |
part-time Lecturer |
0.5 |
Application was refused |
||||
|
Teagasc |
To fill three senior management posts, following the retirement of 5 Heads of Directorate (3 age grounds, 2 ISER) |
Heads of Directorate — Assistant Secretary |
3 |
Yes, application was approved |
3 |
26/11/2009 |
Exceptional sanction granted based on organisational restructuring from 6 to 4 Head of Directorate posts |
|
|
Teagasc |
Request for sanction to appoint a General Manager for Moorepark Technology Limited (MTL) (51% Teagasc ownership) following the retirement of the previous General Manager at MTL. |
SPRO (Senior Professional Research Officer) |
1 |
Application pending |
MTL plays a critical role in technology transfer for Teagasc. |
|||
|
Teagasc |
Recruitment of a Research Scientist who won a prestigious EU grant (FP7 Marie Curie Intra European Fellowship) x 2 years. |
Research Scientist |
1 |
Yes, application was approved |
1 |
13/04/2010 |
This is a fully-funded contract post and there will be no draw on Exchequer funds. |
|
|
Teagasc |
Retention of 10 joint self-financing Teagasc/Dairy Industry contract staff for three years to assist in the deliver of the joint Dairy Development programme. |
Contract Advisors |
10 |
Yes, application was approved |
10 |
26/08/2010 |
Extension of the contracts of 8 self-funding contract advisers and recruitment of two self-funding contract advisers. These posts are fully funded. This programme is part of Teagasc’s strategy to maximise industry involvement in Teagasc programmes to help achieve its goal of competitiveness as stated in the Teagasc statement of strategy. |
|
|
Teagasc |
To recruit nine scientists for the Teagasc Agriculture & Horticulture research programmes. |
Scientists |
9 |
Application pending |
Recent changes have seriously impacted on Teagasc’s agriculture and horticulture research programmes. Opportunities for internal redeployment are quite limited due to the specialised nature of the roles and the lack of suitable staff to redeploy. |
|||
|
Teagasc |
Redeployment of 14 (Private College) employees to Teagasc following the closure of Warrenstown Private College |
Teachers |
14 |
Yes, application was approved |
14 |
26/06/2009 |
This sanction was granted on condition that Teagasc identified savings in the wider organisation to facilitate the redeployment of these staff |
|
|
Teagasc |
Teagasc have sought to redeploy another 38 Private College staff into the Organisation |
29 Teachers, 3 secretarial, 3 matron, 3 maintence |
38 |
Application pending |
Similar to Warrenstown, Teagasc is committed to identifying savings in the wider organisation to facilitate this redeployment proposal. |
|||
|
Teagasc |
Fully funded research posts |
Contract Research Officers |
43 |
Yes, applications approved |
43 |
On a case by case basis between Nov 2009 and April 2010 |
These are fixed term contract posts and are self financing. |
|
|
Teagasc |
REPS Staff |
Advisory |
18 |
Yes, application was approved |
18 |
02/03/2010 |
Sanction to grant contracts of indefinite duration to these staff following Labour Court recommendation. |
|
|
Teagasc |
Senior Management posts |
6 |
Application has recently been received and has not yet been submitted to Dept. of Finance |
|||||
|
Bord Iascaigh Mhara |
Delivery of service |
Eng. Grade 3 |
5 |
No Decision |
2 |
30/06/2010 |
1 Seafood Technology Post 1 Inshore Survey Officer |
|
|
SFPA |
fishery Control |
See Comment |
9 |
Application pending |
— |
— |
1 National Director 2 Senior port Officers, one based at Castletownbere/Dingle and the second at Clonakilty 5 Sea Fisheries Protection Officers based at port offices and at Clonakilty 1 Clerical Officer based at Clonakilty |
|
|
MI |
Temporary Laboratory Analysts |
Lab services |
2 |
Yes, application was approved |
2 |
26/07/2010 |
Temporary labs analysts, fully funded EU posts |
|
|
Teagasc |
Improve efficiency of education delivery |
Contract Teachers |
16 |
Sanction was given for six posts |
6 |
Contract Teachers(3 years max) |
|
No. |
Requesting Body |
Purpose of Sanction |
Grade |
No. of posts |
Decision |
No. of posts granted |
Date Sanctioned |
Comment |
|
1 |
Central Fisheries Board |
To meet legal obligations under the Water Framework Directive |
Technician (Hydroacoustics) |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
28/07/2009 |
1 year temporary position. Necessity to protect recent investment in the Inland Fisheries resource and in recognition of EU and statutory requirements applying to the Fisheries Boards. |
|
2 |
Central Fisheries Board |
To meet legal obligations under the Water Framework Directive |
Research Officer |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
28/07/2009 |
1 year temporary position. Necessity to protect recent investment in the Inland Fisheries resource and in recognition of EU and statutory requirements applying to the Fisheries Boards. |
|
3 |
Central and Regional Fisheries Boards |
To meet legal obligations under the Water Framework, Habitats and Eels Directives |
Fishery Officers |
23 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
23 |
28/07/2009 |
4 month seasonal positions. Necessity to protect recent investment in the Inland Fisheries resource and in recognition of EU and statutory requirements applying to the Fisheries Boards. |
|
4 |
Eastern Regional Fisheries Board |
For increased surveillance in the Dublin, Dundalk and Wexford districts. |
Fishery Officers |
3 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
3 |
28/07/2009 |
6.5 month temporary positions. Necessity to protect recent investment in the Inland Fisheries resource and in recognition of EU and statutory requirements applying to the Fisheries Boards. |
|
5 |
Shannon Regional Fisheries Board |
To fill recently vacated post |
Fisheries Environmental Officer |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
28/07/2009 |
1 year temporary position. Necessity to protect recent investment in the Inland Fisheries resource and in recognition of EU and statutory requirements applying to the Fisheries Boards. |
|
6 |
Western Regional Fisheries Board |
Cover for maternity leave |
Administrative Assistant, Grade IV |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
28/07/2009 |
1 year temporary position. Necessity to protect recent investment in the Inland Fisheries resource and in recognition of EU and statutory requirements applying to the Fisheries Boards. |
|
7 |
Western Regional Fisheries Board |
For housekeeper at Aasleagh Lodge |
Summer Student |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
28/07/2009 |
4 month seasonal position. Generates substantial own resources income for the Board. |
|
8 |
North Western Regional Fisheries Board |
To fill recently vacated post |
Assistant Inspector |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
28/07/2009 |
Permanent position. Necessity to protect recent investment in the Inland Fisheries resource and in recognition of EU and statutory requirements applying to the Fisheries Boards. |
|
9 |
North Western Regional Fisheries Board |
For increased salmon protection effort |
Fishery Officers |
3 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
3 |
28/07/2009 |
3 month seasonal positions. Necessity to protect recent investment in the Inland Fisheries resource and in recognition of EU and statutory requirements applying to the Fisheries Boards. |
|
10 |
Northern Regional Fisheries Board |
To fill recently vacated post |
Fisheries Environmental Officer |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
28/07/2009 |
Permanent position. Necessity to protect recent investment in the Inland Fisheries resource and in recognition of EU and statutory requirements applying to the Fisheries Boards. |
|
11 |
Northern Regional Fisheries Board |
For administrative support for the CEO/Assistant CEO |
Administrative Assistant, Grade IV |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
28/07/2009 |
6 month temporary position. Necessity to protect recent investment in the Inland Fisheries resource and in recognition of EU and statutory requirements applying to the Fisheries Boards. |
|
12 |
Northern Regional Fisheries Board |
To meet minimun staffing levels required to run angling centres. |
General Operatives |
2 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
2 |
28/07/2009 |
5 month seasonal positions. Necessity to protect recent investment in the Inland Fisheries resource and in recognition of EU and statutory requirements applying to the Fisheries Boards. |
|
13 |
Central Fisheries Board |
For EU Life+ Programme |
Research Officers (including Project Manager) |
3 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
3 |
28/07/2009 |
4 year contract positions. Externally funded: 50% EU, 50% National Parks and Wildlife Service. Necessity to protect recent investment in the Inland Fisheries resource and in recognition of EU and statutory requirements applying to the Fisheries Boards. |
|
14 |
Central Fisheries Board |
For EU Life+ Programme |
Fisheries Assistant |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
28/07/2009 |
4 year contract positon. Externally funded: 50% EU, 50% National Parks and Wildlife Service. Necessity to protect recent investment in the Inland Fisheries resource and in recognition of EU and statutory requirements applying to the Fisheries Boards. |
|
15 |
Shannon Regional Fisheries Board |
Protection and conservation work at Scartleigh Dam |
Fishery Officer |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
28/07/2009 |
1 year contract position. Board would be unable to carry out contract with Kerry County Council who are fully funding this post. |
|
16 |
Shannon Regional Fisheries Board |
To fulfil contract with ESB to provide fisheries enforcement services on ESB fisheries in the Shannon region |
Fishery Officers |
2 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
2 |
28/07/2009 |
1 year contract positions. Board would be unable to carry out contract with ESB who are fully funding this post. |
|
17 |
Shannon Regional Fisheries Board |
For EU Life+ Programme |
Project Manager |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
28/07/2009 |
5 year contract position. Externally funded: 50% EU, 50% National Parks and Wildlife Service and others. Necessity to protect recent investment in the Inland Fisheries resource and in recognition of EU and statutory requirements applying to the Fisheries Boards. |
|
18 |
Shannon Regional Fisheries Board |
For EU Life+ Programme |
Research Officer |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
28/07/2009 |
5 year contract position. Externally funded: 50% EU, 50% National Parks and Wildlife Service and others. Necessity to protect recent investment in the Inland Fisheries resource and in recognition of EU and statutory requirements applying to the Fisheries Boards. |
|
19 |
Central Fisheries Board |
For Marine Sports Fish Programme |
Technician (Data Mining) |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
28/07/2009 |
1 year contract position. Funded by Marine Institute and own resources |
|
20 |
Geological Survey of Ireland |
To facilitate participation by the INFOMAR programme team in two EU sponsored marine geology projects. |
Specialist contract staff |
4 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
4 |
23/10/2009 |
Posts funded from EU sources at no cost to Exchequer. Participation in the projects will leverage external funding to the benefit of the economy Participation in and attraction of such projects is a stated objective of the INFOMAR programme The posts are for a three-year fixed term under specific purpose contracts linked to EU projects |
|
21 |
Commission for Energy Regulation |
To replace retiring Commissioner for Energy Regulation |
Commissioner |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
09/11/2009 |
5 year contract. Current and future role of the CER, both nationally and at a regional and EU level, justifies a full-time multi-member Commission. |
|
22 |
Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources |
To extend the contract of the Department’s Research Coordinator by 50 weeks. |
Research Coordinator |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
18/11/2010 |
Work to be undertaken is a critical time-defined component of the Knowledge Society Strategy. No further renewal of contract beyond period specified. |
|
23 |
Commission for Energy Regulation |
To renew contract of employment of legal advisor |
Level 4, Band A |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
21/01/2010 |
Permanent contract. Significant savings can be realised from use of in-house legal advice compared with cost of procuring such advice from external sources. |
|
24 |
Broadcasting Authority of Ireland |
Replace Finance Officer |
Finance Officer |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
04/02/2010 |
Sanctioned on basis of redeployment from within the public service. |
|
25 |
Central Fisheries Board |
To formally assign staff member to role of Director of Finance and pay higher duties allowance in absence of post holder who is on sick leave. |
Director |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
16/03/2010 |
Agreed for up to six months. |
|
26 |
Commission for Energy Regulation |
For design and implementation of the Petroleum Safety Framework |
Petroleum Safety Manager |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
31/03/2010 |
Permanent post. Sanctioned on basis that new functions for petroleum safety conferred on the CER require specialist expertise. |
|
27 |
Commission for Energy Regulation |
To assist the Petroleum Safety Manager (see above) in the design and implementation of the Petroleum Safety Framework. |
Support Analyst |
2 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
2 |
31/03/2010 |
Permanent posts. Sanctioned on basis that new functions for petroleum safety conferred on the CER require specialist expertise. |
|
28 |
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland |
Provide expert financial advice and support to CEO and board. Responsibility for organisation’s financial control function. |
Head of Department |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
07/09/2010 |
Permanent post. Sanctioned on the basis that finance function requires specialist expertise. |
|
29 |
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland |
Manage, introduce and operate systems for financial resource allocation and business planninng. |
Senior Accountant |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
07/09/2010 |
Permanent post. Sanctioned on the basis that finance function requires specialist expertise. |
|
30 |
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland |
To lead and manage the design, development and delivery of a ramge of initatives across domestic and non-domestic sectors through the Retrofit Programme. |
Programme Manager EDRT |
1 |
Application was approved |
1 |
September 2010 |
Sanction subject to suitable staff being available from redeployment panel. |
|
31 |
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland |
Manage the design, development, implementation, maintenance and review of technical specifications for SEAI administered retrofit programmes. |
Technical Standards Development Manager |
1 |
Application was approved |
1 |
September 2010 |
Sanction subject to suitable staff being available from redeployment panel. |
|
32 |
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland |
Support and assist initiatives on fuel poverty in context of retrofit programme |
Programme Executive Domestic Energy Efficiency |
1 |
Application was approved |
1 |
September 2010 |
Sanction subject to suitable staff being available from redeployment panel. |
|
33 |
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland |
Provide advice and support to the National Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme on contrcat framework agreements and Save As You Pay mechanisms. |
Legal and Contracts Execurive |
1 |
Application was approved |
1 |
September 2010 |
Sanction subject to suitable staff being available from redeployment panel. |
|
34 |
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland |
To design, implement and oversee a harmonised quality assurance framework across all retrofit programmes. |
QA and Inspenction Manager |
1 |
Application was approved |
1 |
September 2010 |
Sanction subject to suitable staff being available from redeployment panel. |
|
35 |
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland |
To deliver and manage the Triple E register of energy efficient products that underpin the ACA scheme. |
Programme Manager — Accelerated Capital Allowances |
1 |
Application was approved |
1 |
September 2010 |
Sanction subject to suitable staff being available from redeployment panel. |
|
36 |
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland |
To manage and drive the development of energy modelling activity. |
Programme Manager — Energy Modelling |
1 |
Application was approved |
1 |
September 2010 |
Sanction subject to suitable staff being available from redeployment panel. |
|
37 |
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland |
Provide a statistical data management and analysis service within the Authority’s Energy Policy Statistical Support Unit |
Data Management Executive |
1 |
Application was approved |
1 |
September 2010 |
Sanction subject to suitable staff being available from redeployment panel. |
|
38 |
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland |
Ongoing management and development of the Home Energy Savings Scheme |
Programme Manager — Sustainable Energy |
1 |
Application was approved |
1 |
September 2010 |
Sanction subject to suitable staff being available from redeployment panel. |
|
39 |
Commission for Communications Regulation |
To provide high-level, strategic, mission critical legal advice to the Commissioners and the organisation and to manage all legal matters arising from ComReg’s remit and activities |
Senior Legal Counsel |
1 |
Application was approved |
1 |
21 January 2010 |
Sanctioned on basis of being most cost effective means of procuring legal advice. |
|
40 |
Inland Fisheries Ireland |
Surveillance support |
Fishery Officers |
6 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
6 |
20/09/2010 |
2 month seasonal positions. Sanctioned on basis that appointments in line with agreement on seasonal staff at IFI in Employment Control Framework |
|
41 |
Inland Fisheries Ireland |
Operational support |
Fishery Assistants |
23 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
23 |
20/09/2010 |
2 month seasonal positions. Sanctioned on basis that appointments in line with agreement on seasonal staff at IFI in Employment Control Framework |
|
42 |
Inland Fisheries Ireland |
To run angling centres |
General Operatives |
3 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
3 |
20/09/2010 |
2 month seasonal positions. Sanctioned on basis that appointments in line with agreement on seasonal staff at IFI in Employment Control Framework |
|
43 |
National Oil Reserves Agency |
To meet regulatory compliance responsibilities that arise from NORA’s management of both Ringsend and Tarbert storage facilities, and the mitigation of risks associated with same to acceptable levels |
Operations Engineer (Engineer Grade II) |
1 |
Application was approved |
1 |
9 November 2010 |
Approved on basis that Ringsend storage facility about to come on line and need for suitably qualified staff to manage it. |
|
44 |
Commission for Energy Regulation |
Downstream gas and electricity safety staff |
CER Analyst |
10 |
Application was approved |
10 |
15 December 2010 & 22 June 2011 |
Approved on basis that required for CER’s new functions.Original sanction (Dec 2010) for 8 posts plus 2 returnees from career break.Updated sanction (June 2011) for 9 posts (2 redeployed from NBA) and 1 returnee from career break. |
|
45 |
Inland Fisheries Ireland |
To fill vacancy created by retirement |
Laboratory Chemist |
1 |
No decision to date |
|||
|
46 |
Inland Fisheries Ireland |
To fill vacancies created by retirements |
Inspector |
2 |
No decision to date |
|||
|
47 |
Inland Fisheries Ireland |
To fill vacancies created by retirements |
Administrator Grade 4 |
2 |
No decision to date |
|||
|
48 |
Inland Fisheries Ireland |
New positions in procurement, business development and operational support |
HEO |
3 |
No decision to date |
|||
|
49 |
Inland Fisheries Ireland |
To fill vacancies created by retirements |
Assistant Inspector |
2 |
No decision to date |
|||
|
50 |
Inland Fisheries Ireland |
To fill vacancies created by retirements |
Fishery Officers |
3 |
No decision to date |
|||
|
51 |
Commission for Communications Regulation |
To fill vacancy created by retirement |
Commissioner |
1 |
Application was approved |
1 |
January 2011 |
|
|
52 |
Inland Fisheries Ireland |
To fill seasonal posts |
Fishery Officer |
32 |
Application was approved |
32 |
9 May 2011 |
4 month seasonal positions. Sanctioned on basis that appointments in line with agreement on seasonal staff at IFI in Employment Control Framework |
|
53 |
Commission for Energy Regulation |
Cover for maternity leave |
Legal Advisor |
1 |
Application was approved |
1 |
2 June 2011 |
Sanctioned on basis of being most cost effective means of procuring legal advice. |
|
54 |
Commission for Energy Regulation |
To fill vacancy created by retirement |
Commissioner |
1 |
No decision to date |
|||
|
55 |
Commission for Communications Regulation |
To fill vacancy created by retirement |
Director, Retail & Consumer Services |
1 |
No decision to date |
|||
|
56 |
Commission for Communications Regulation |
To fill vacancy created by retirement |
Postal manager |
1 |
No decision to date |
|||
|
57 |
Commission for Communications Regulation |
New post arising from opening of postal market |
Analyst |
1 |
No decision to date |
|||
|
58 |
Commission for Communications Regulation |
Renewal of contract |
Commissioner |
1 |
No decision to date |
|
No. |
Requesting Body |
Purpose of Sanction |
Grade |
No. of posts |
Decision |
No. of posts granted |
Date Sanctioned |
Comment |
|
1 |
Co. Roscommon VEC |
To replace retiring CEO; statutory post |
Chief Executive Officer, VEC |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
26/6/09 |
Temporary 6 month appointment pending reorganisation of VECs. Extended to 28 Feb 2010. 17 February 2010 — further extended to 30 April 2010. |
|
2 |
Department of Education & Science |
Renewal of secondment of 276 teachers to Education Services |
Teacher |
276 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
170 |
6/7/09 |
Continuation of highest priority teacher training and support. Partial approval granted. 276 posts were sought of which 170 were approved. |
|
3 |
Church of Ireland College of Education |
To replace retiring principal |
Principal, College of Education |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
6/7/09 |
Need for head of organisation. |
|
4 |
Vocational Education Committees |
To award a fixed term contract to fill one existing caretaker vacancy on a temporary basis to ensure the smooth running of Certificate examinations during June 2009. To give delegated sanction to award similar contracts in other VECs, in similar circumstances, during June 2009, should the need arise. |
Caretaker |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
27/5/09 |
To ensure uninterrupted running of State examinations. One immediate post sanctioned; delegated sanction to appoint others should the need arise. |
|
5 |
NCTE |
To fill 1 National Coordinator post; Renewal of contracts of 2 Project Officers; Renewal of either 1 Senior Administrative Assistant or 1 Secretary Grade III post |
National Coordinator; 2 Project Officers; Senior Admin Asst or Secretary Grade III |
4 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
4 |
31/7/09 |
Majority of staff of NCTE employed on fixed term contracts. Need to reappoint a minimum number of these staff (4) to maintain services. |
|
6 |
Co. Dublin VEC |
Replace CEO |
Chief Executive Officer, VEC |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
15/10/09 |
Temporary 3 month acting appointment pending reorganisation of VECs. 17 February 2010 — further extended to 30 April 2010. |
|
7 |
Co. Offaly VEC |
Replace CEO |
Chief Executive Officer, VEC |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
9/10/09 |
Temporary 3 month acting appointment pending reorganisation of VECs. Extended to 28 Feb 2010. 17 February 2010 — further extended to 30 April 2010. |
|
8 |
City of Waterford VEC |
Replace CEO |
Chief Executive Officer, VEC |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
15/10/09 |
Temporary 3 month acting appointment pending reorganisation of VECs. Extended to 28 Feb 2010. 17 February 2010 — further extended to 30 April 2010. |
|
7 |
Co. Westmeath VEC |
Replace CEO |
Chief Executive Officer, VEC |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
15/10/09 |
Temporary 3 month acting appointment pending reorganisation of VECs. 17 February 2010 — further extended to 30 April 2010. |
|
8 |
Co. Donegal VEC |
Replace CEO |
Chief Executive Officer, VEC |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
15/10/09 |
Temporary 3 month acting appointment pending reorganisation of VECs. 17 February 2010 — further extended to 30 April 2010. |
|
9 |
City of Limerick VEC |
Replace CEO |
Chief Executive Officer, VEC |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
15/10/09 |
Temporary 3 month acting appointment pending reorganisation of VECs. 17 February 2010 — further extended to 30 April 2010. |
|
10 |
Institute of Technology Tralee |
To employ two Technicians to ensure the continued provision of certain courses |
Laboratory Technicians |
2 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
2 |
23/9/09 |
To ensure the continued provision of certain courses |
|
11 |
New Body amalgamating HETAC, FETAC & NQAI |
CEO of NQAI/Interim CEO of new qualifications and QA Body |
Chief Executive Officer |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
22/12/09 |
CEO of NQAI and Interim appointment of CEO for the new body to be established amalgamating HETAC, FETAC and the NQAI |
|
14 |
DLIADT |
To replace 4 Technicians |
Technician |
4 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
4 |
13/10/09 |
Health and Safety. Courses would have to be suspended |
|
15 |
IoT Carlow |
To replace 4 Technicians |
Technician |
4 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
4 |
17/11/09 |
Health and Safety. Courses would have to be suspended |
|
16 |
Galway-Mayo IoT |
To replace 2.5 Technicians |
Technician |
2.5 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
2.5 |
17/11/09 |
Health and Safety. Courses would have to be suspended |
|
17 |
IoT Tallaght |
To replace 2 Technicians |
Technician |
2 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
2 |
17/11/09 |
Health and Safety. Courses would have to be suspended |
|
18 |
IoT Tralee |
To replace 2 Technicians |
Technician |
2 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
2 |
17/11/09 |
Health and Safety. Courses would have to be suspended |
|
19 |
IT Blanchardstown |
To replace 5 staff on maternity leave |
4 Lecturers and 1 Asst Lecturers |
5 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
5 |
16/10/09 |
Fixed purpose contracts to cover 5 staff on mat leave |
|
20 |
IoT Sligo |
Project Manager Higher Certificate in Custodial Care |
Project Manager |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
26/10/09 |
Fixed term contract to coincide with contract with Prison Service |
|
21 |
Dublin Institute of Technology |
To replace 6 Technicians |
Technician |
6 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
6 |
17/11/09 |
Health and Safety. Courses would have to be suspended |
|
22 |
Athlone IoT |
To replace 1 Technician |
Technician |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
17/11/09 |
Health and Safety. Courses would have to be suspended |
|
23 |
Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse |
to retain 6 staff on rolling 3 month contracts to continue work of commission |
2 x f/t EO, 1 x p/t EO, 1 x p/t IT Manager, 2 x p/t SO |
4 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
4 |
6/1/2010 |
To continue essential work of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse. Please note that the 6 posts equate to less than 4 WTE |
|
24 |
FETAC |
Appt of 3 staff on 3 year fixed term contracts to carry out EQARF project. Fully EU funded. |
Director, Policy Officer, Project Administrator |
3 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
3 |
12/2/10 |
Fully funded by EU. FETAC won tender to carry out EQARF project. |
|
25 |
Vocational Support Services Unit (VSSU) |
To replace the deceased Director of the Vocational Support Services Unit |
Professional Accountant Grade I |
1 |
4. Application was refused |
|||
|
26 |
Comhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaiochta (COGG) |
Appt of 4 staff on initial one year renewable contracts to carry out the functions of COGG. 3 x Development Officer posts and one Co. post. Upgrade one existing EO post to HEO level. |
3 x Engineer Grade II, 1 x CO, 1 EO to HEO upgrade |
4 |
4. Application was refused |
To perform the functions of COGG. The provision of supports for the teaching of Irish at 1st and 2nd level. |
||
|
27 |
FETAC |
Ext of contracts for 1 year of 3 FETAC Monitors for monitoring and assessment of education providers |
3 Monitors |
3 |
4. Application was refused |
0 |
28/4/10 |
|
|
28 |
HEA |
Ext of contracts of 3 EOs for various tasks |
3 EOs |
3 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
3 |
28/4/10 |
Part approval granted — 3 posts for 7 months. 1 year extension sought. |
|
29 |
DIAS |
To appoint one experienced researcher, on a 13-month fellowship contract to assist on an externally-funded research ptoject (Marie Curie Early Stage Research Training Project) |
Researcher |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
19/5/2010 |
To assist in the completion of an externally-funded research project. 1 x 13 month fixed-term contract |
|
30 |
DIAS |
To employ one junior post-doctoral researcher on a fixed-term contract for a six month period. |
Junior post-doctoral researcher |
1 |
3. No decision to date |
|||
|
31 |
NEWB |
Replacement of CEO |
CEO |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
20 May 2010 |
To continue the work of the CEO. 1 x 5 year fixed-term contract |
|
32 |
Mayo VEC |
Replacement of Education Officer |
Education Officer |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
11 May 2010 |
to replace vacancy at EO level. 1 for 6 months |
|
33 |
Wexford VEC |
Replacement of CEO |
CEO |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
To replace, on an acting basis, the serving CEO who is on extended sick leave |
||
|
34 |
Longford VEC |
Replacement of CEO |
CEO |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
To replace, on an acting bais, the retiring CEO (retirement effective 17 July 2010), appointment requested from 17 July 2010 to 30 September 2010 |
||
|
35 |
CDVEC |
To renew the contracts of 21 School Librarians |
Librarian |
21 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
21 |
||
|
36 |
NCTE |
To appoint 2 Project Coordinators to work on a pilot project to deliver Next Generation broadband to post-primary schools |
2 |
4. Application was refused |
||||
|
37 |
VECs |
To fill vacancies of cleaning/maintenance staff in 33 VEC administrative offices, as they arise |
Cleaner |
33 |
4. Application was refused |
|||
|
38 |
DIAS |
To re-engage one Fellowship researcher for a 6-month period on an externally-funded research project (Marie Curie Project) |
Researcher |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 for 6 months |
To continue working on an externally-funded research project |
|
|
39 |
HEA |
To engage 1 EO to provide admin support for the co-ordination of programme activities on the context of a European e-infrastructure project for which the HEA has secured funding under FP7 |
EO |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 for period ending no later than 31 December 2010 |
To provide admin support for the co-ordination of programme activities on the context of a European e-infrastructure project for which the HEA has secured funding under FP7 |
|
|
40 |
NEWB |
Transfer of one EO and one R&D Officer from SCP to NEWB on foot of amalgamation of school support services |
EO and R&D Officer |
1 |
1. Yes, application was approved |
1 |
1 Sept 2010 |
|
|
41 |
FÁS |
temporary CO’s to cover SWY |
CO |
40 TCO’s max and 20 acting up assignments |
approved |
11 Mar 2011 |
Temp Co. staff to cover SWY in FÁS in 2011. |
|
|
42 |
NEWB |
1 x director of services1 x director of integration1 regional manager2 x education welfare officer1 x clerical officer post |
Various |
6 |
1 EWO post extended by 6 months |
1 extension |
24 Mar 2011 |
1 post extended as due to expire 29 March 2011 |
|
43 |
Co. Mayo VEC |
Temp extension pending VEC amalgamation |
Acting Education Officer |
1 |
Approved until 30 Sept 2011 |
1 |
29 Mar 2011 |
Temporary extension of essential post until VEC rationalisation |
|
44 |
Teaching Council |
Renew contracts of 5 Temp Cos to complete registration of existing and new teachers for 2011/2012 academic year |
Clerical Officer |
5 |
Approved until 31 August 2011 only |
5 |
31 Mar 2011 |
To finalise registration of existing and new teachers in time for September 2011 academic year. |
|
45 |
FÁS |
Specialised Instructor in FÁS in Biopharmaceutical Training Facilities in Cork |
Specialised Training Instructor |
1 |
Contract of Specific Purpose |
1 |
28 Jun 2011 |
Contract of specific purpose from July 2011 whose duration would relate specifically to however long the attributes of the post were specifically needed. |
|
46 |
VEC |
Further Extend acting-up appointments to CEO for the 11 VECs to 30 Sept 2011 |
CEO |
11 |
Approved until 30 Sept 2011 |
11 |
1 Jul 2011 |
Further Extend acting-up appointments for the 11 VECs (Cities of Limerick and Waterford and Counties of Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Kerry, Kilkenny, Longford, Offaly, Roscommon and Westmeath) to 30 Sept 2011 |
Footnote:
Special arrangements have been agreed with the Department of Education & Science for the filling of certain key posts in the Education sector on a delegated basis, as an exception under the Moratorium, without having to receive the specific approval of the Minister for Finance on a case by case basis. These include:
(1) Vacancies arising in Principal, Vice-Principal, Teaching and Special Needs Assistant posts in schools, which may continue to be filled as they arise, within and subject to an overall ceiling on the number of such posts;
(2) Vacancies arising in essential support posts (secretarial & caretaking) in Community & Comprehensive and VEC schools, which may continue to be filled on a minimalist basis, where schools would otherwise be forced to close or new schools would be unable to open in the absence of such support staff;
(3) Vacancies arising in posts of responsibility in schools, in certain cases, where this is considered to be necessary for the continued operation of the schools in question;
(4) Certain specific vacancies arising in the Higher Education sector may continue to be filled subject to achieving a targeted reduction in employment numbers by year end.
|
No. |
Requesting Body |
Purpose of Sanction |
Grade |
No. of posts |
Decision |
No. of posts granted |
Date Sanctioned |
Comment |
|
1 |
Garda |
Appointment of 3 Chief Superintendents & 10 Superintendents & 1 Assistant Garda Commissioner |
1 Assistant Garda Commissioner, 3 Chief Superintendents, 10 Superintendents |
14 |
Yes, application was approved. |
14 |
22/05/2009 |
To replace key staff who are retiring |
|
2 |
Garda |
Appointment of 1 Assistant Garda Commissioner |
1 Assistant Garda Commissioner |
1 |
Yes, application was approved. |
1 |
28/09/2009 |
To replace key staff who are retiring |
|
3 |
Garda |
Appointment of 1 Assistant Garda Commissioner, 9 Chief Superintendents, 14 Superintendents, 28 Inspectors, 120 Sergeants (172 posts in total) |
1 Assistant Garda Commissioner, 9 Chief Superintendents, 14 Superintendents, 28 Inspectors, 120 Sergeants |
172 |
No formal sanction given as an Employment Control Framework is in the process of being agreed with the Department of Justice for the Justice Sector. Its will then be a matter for the Garda to manage staff numbers within the agreed Framework and associated pay allocation. |
|||
|
4 |
Garda |
Reappointment of Garda to Garda Technical Bureau |
1 Garda |
1 |
Yes, application was approved. |
1 |
09/03/2010 |
Reappointment of a Garda who had left force who had previously been given technical training and worked in the Bureau. 3 staff due to retire from the Bureau this year and this garda’s training and experience would make him suitable too fill one of these posts. |
|
5 |
Garda |
Reappointment of Garda to the Garda Force |
1 Garda |
1 |
Yes, application was approved. |
1 |
16/04/2010 |
Sanction was given on foot of legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General which advised that this Garda had a legitimate expectation that she would be re-appointed on the basis of an agreement between the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner in 1980 regarding the extension of the categories to be considered for re-appointment which included members who resign from the Force to take up a post with UN. |
|
6 |
Garda |
Reappointment of 2 Garda to the Garda Force |
2 Garda |
2 |
Yes, application was approved. |
2 |
Justice are seeking approval to the reappointment of 2 gardaí, 1 of whom who left the Force to take up UN posts and another who left to set up a Driving school. |
|
|
7 |
Irish Youth Justice Service |
Extension of contracts for 27 staff employed in the Finglas and Oberstown Children Detention Schools. |
10 Residential Childcare Workers, 4 Night Supervisors, 6 General Operatives, 1 Chef, 1 Assistant chef, 1 Assistance Maintenance Officer, 2 Clerical Officer, 1 Night Unit manager, 1 Assistant Deputy Director |
27 |
Yes, application was approved. |
27 |
26/06/2009 |
To facilitate the ordered restructing of staffing in the youth detention centres prior to the closure of one detention centre. |
|
8 |
Irish Youth Justice Service |
Extension of contract for 1 worker at Trinity House |
1 General Operative |
1 |
Yes, application was approved. |
1 |
02/09/2009 |
To maintain catering services at weekends. |
|
9 |
Irish Youth Justice Service |
Extension of contract for 5 workers at Trinity House |
2 Residential Childcare Workers, 2 Night Supervisers, 1 Clerical Officer |
5 |
Yes, application was approved. |
5 |
18/09/2009 |
To facilitate the ordered restructing of staffing in the youth detention centres prior to the closure of one detention centre. |
|
10 |
Irish Youth Justice Service |
Extension of contracts for 68 staff employed in the Children Detention Schools to 31 March 2010. |
31 Residential Childcare Workers, 12 Night Supervisors, 13 General Operatives, 1 Chef, 1 Assistance Maintenance Officer, 6 Clerical Staff, 3 Night Unit Managers, 1 Assistant Night Unit Manager |
68 |
Yes, application was approved. |
68 |
25/09/2009 |
To facilitate the ordered restructing of staffing in the youth detention centres prior to the closure of one detention centre. |
|
11 |
Irish Youth Justice Service |
Contract expired |
1 assistant maintenance Officer1 Childcare Worker |
2 |
Yes sanction was given on a permanent basis |
2 |
20/12/2010 |
Both staff members had particular skills and training which were deemed essential to the running of Oberstown youth detention centre. |
|
No. |
Requesting Body |
Purpose of Sanction |
Grade |
No. of posts |
Decision |
No. of posts granted |
Date Sanctioned |
Comment |
|
1 |
An Bord Pleanála |
Delay in filling staff complement due to industrial relations issue |
SEO |
1 |
Sanction was refused |
0 |
09.06.09 |
Request for sanction does not fall within the “very limited circumstances” where Ministerial exceptions can be sought. |
|
2 |
Private Residential Tenancies Board |
PRTB wish to engage 30 COs rather than 22 agency staff for same cost |
CO |
30 |
Sanction was refused |
0 |
21.05.09 |
Request for sanction does not fall within the “very limited circumstances” where Ministerial exceptions can be sought. |
|
3 |
Environmental Protection Agency |
Reappointment as term has expired |
Director |
1 |
Yes, sanction was given — on a permanent basis |
1 |
11.09.09 |
Post is vital for operation of services. |
|
4 |
Wicklow County Council* |
Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement in the Public Service |
Director of Services |
1 |
Yes, sanction was given — on a temporary/acting basis |
1 |
18.12.09 |
Post is vital for operation of services. |
|
5 |
Irish Regions Office |
Contract expired |
EU Programmes & Communication Officer |
1 |
Yes, sanction was given — on a permanent basis |
1 |
27.01.10 |
Post is vital for operation of services. |
|
6 |
BMW Regional Assembly |
Contract expired |
Auditor |
1 |
Yes, sanction was given — on a permanent basis |
1 |
24.03.10 |
Post is vital for operation of services. |
|
7 |
Environmental Protection Agency |
New Post to Manage Dumping at Sea Permits |
Technical Manager |
1 |
Sanction was refused |
0 |
08.03.10 |
Request for sanction does not fall within the “very limited circumstances” where Ministerial exceptions can be sought. |
|
8 |
Dublin Docklands Development Authority |
Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement in the Public Service |
Secretary |
1 |
No decision to date |
0 |
||
|
9 |
Dublin Docklands Development Authority |
Contract is due to expire |
Director of Finance |
1 |
No decision to date |
0 |
||
|
10 |
Housing Finance Agency |
To fill one full time and one part time EO posts to supply administrative support and loan book management |
EO |
1.5 |
Yes, sanction was given — on a permanent basis |
1.5 |
08.03.10 |
Post is vital for operation of services. |
|
11 |
Housing Finance Agency |
To fill a jobshare Co. post due to a member of staff switching to job share |
CO |
0.5 |
Yes, sanction was given — on a permanent basis |
0.5 |
08.03.10 |
Post is vital for operation of services. |
|
12 |
Housing Finance Agency |
To fill 1 full time & 1 part time Co. posts arising as consequential vacancies from the filling of the EO posts above |
CO |
1.5 |
Sanction was refused |
0 |
08.03.10 |
Request for sanction does not fall within the “very limited circumstances” where Ministerial exceptions can be sought. |
|
13 |
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland |
To fill the post of Director of Advisory Services following the departure of Dr. Colgan to the IAEA |
PSO |
1 |
Yes, sanction was given — on a permanent basis |
1 |
08.03.10 |
Post is vital for operation of services. |
|
14 |
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland |
Fill the consequential vacancy arising from filling the post of Director of Advisory Services |
SSO |
1 |
Sanction was refused |
0 |
08.03.10 |
Request for sanction does not fall within the “very limited circumstances” where Ministerial exceptions can be sought. |
|
15 |
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland |
Fill the consequential vacancy arising from filling the post of Director of Advisory Services |
SO |
1 |
Sanction was refused |
0 |
08.03.10 |
Request for sanction does not fall within the “very limited circumstances” where Ministerial exceptions can be sought. |
|
16 |
Local Government Management Agency |
Director of OLAM |
Director |
1 |
Yes, sanction was given on a temporary/acting basis |
1 |
19.05.10 |
Post must be filled through redeployment. |
|
17 |
Southern & Eastern Regional Assembly |
To fill a first level controller post to implement the systems of controls for the Ireland Wales Programme |
Grade 1V |
4 |
Yes, sanction was given — on a permanent basis |
1 |
19.04.10 |
Post is vital for operation of services. |
|
18 |
An Bord Pleanála |
Contract Expired. Application to extend contract for 1 year |
Planning Inspector |
1 |
Yes, sanction was given — on a temporary/acting basis |
1 |
23.04.10 |
Post is vital for operation of services. |
|
19 |
Dublin Docklands Development Authority |
Sanction sought to acting up allowance for the Acting CEO |
Acting CEO |
1 |
Yes, sanction was given — on a temporary/acting basis |
1 |
24.06.10 |
Post is vital for operation of services. |
|
20. |
Private Residential Tenancies Board |
Sanction sought to extend temporary contract by 12 months |
ICT Administrator |
1 |
Yes, sanction was given — on a temporary/acting basis |
1 |
15.07.10 |
Vital to ensure project completion which will negate the need for Agency staff |
|
21. |
Irish Water Safety Association |
Sanction for a three year contract post sought |
Educational Development Officer |
1 |
Sanction was refused |
0 |
05.08.10 |
Request for sanction does not fall within the “very limited circumstances” where Ministerial exceptions can be sought. |
|
22. |
Environmental Protection Agency |
To fill the Programme Manager — Laboratory Services post after a retirement |
Programme Manager — Level 1 |
1 |
Sanction was refused |
0 |
05.10.10 |
Request for sanction does not fall within the “very limited circumstances” where Ministerial exceptions can be sought. |
|
23. |
Environmental Protection Agency |
To fill the Programme Manager — Aquatic Environment post after a retirement |
Programme Manager — Level 1 |
1 |
Sanction was refused |
0 |
05.10.10 |
Request for sanction does not fall within the “very limited circumstances” where Ministerial exceptions can be sought. |
|
24. |
Environmental Protection Agency |
To fill the post in the Office of Climate, Licensing & Resource Use after a retirement |
Senior Scientific Officer — Level 2 |
1 |
Sanction was refused |
0 |
05.10.10 |
Request for sanction does not fall within the “very limited circumstances” where Ministerial exceptions can be sought. |
|
25. |
Environmental Protection Agency |
8 temporary fixed term purpose contract staff sought to cover maternity leave |
Level 5 or 6 as appropriate |
8 |
Sanction was refused |
0 |
05.10.10 |
Request for sanction does not fall within the “very limited circumstances” where Ministerial exceptions can be sought. |
|
26. |
Housing & Sustainable Communities Agency |
Fill the post of Director of Asset Management, Planning, Procurement & Shared Services |
PO — Standard Equivalent |
1 |
Yes, sanction was given — on a permanent basis |
1 |
30.09.10 |
Post is vital for operation of services. Post will be filled through redeployment. |
|
27. |
Housing & Sustainable Communities Agency |
To fill the post of Director of Research, Policy Standards & Regulations |
PO — Standard Equivalent |
1 |
Yes, sanction was given — on a permanent basis |
1 |
30.09.10 |
Post is vital for operation of services. Post will be filled through redeployment. |
|
28. |
Housing & Sustainable Communities Agency |
To fill the post of Director of Local Authority Services |
PO — Standard Equivalent |
1 |
Yes, sanction was given — on a permanent basis |
1 |
30.09.10 |
Post is vital for operation of services. Post will be filled through redeployment. |
|
29. |
Irish Water Safety |
Sanction for a three year contract post sought |
Educational Development Officer |
1 |
Yes, sanction was given — on a temporary/acting basis |
1 |
29.10.10 |
Post will be filled through redeployment. |
|
30. |
An Bord Pleanála |
To fill an Ordinary Board Member post |
Ordinary Board Member |
1 |
Yes, sanction was given — on a temporary/acting basis |
1 |
22.12.10 |
Post to be filled for one year while regarding of Board Members is examined |
|
31. |
Housing & Sustainable Communities Agency |
To fill Housing Administrator Post |
Staff Officer |
1 |
Sanction was refused |
0 |
22.12.10 |
Request for sanction does not fall within the “very limited circumstances” where Ministerial exceptions can be sought. |
|
32. |
An Bord Pleanála |
To fill the post of Chairperson |
Chairperson |
1 |
Yes, sanction was given — on a permanent basis |
1 |
14.02.11 |
Post was advertised stating that pay is being reviewed & may be subject to downward revision |
|
33. |
An Bord Pleanála |
To fill the post of Deputy Chairperson |
Deputy Chairperson |
1 |
Yes, sanction was given — on a permanent basis |
1 |
18.02.11 |
Post to be filled for one year while regarding of Board Members is examined |
|
34. |
Southern & Eastern Regional Assembly |
To fill the post of National Contact Point |
National Contact Point |
1 |
No decision to date |
0 |
||
|
35. |
Environmental Protection Agency |
To fill the Director General Post |
Director General |
1 |
No decision to date |
0 |
||
|
36. |
Western Development Commission |
To fill the Chief Executive Officer Post |
CEO |
1 |
No decision to date |
0 |
Please note that D/ECLG has a delegated sanction to apply the moratorium in the local authority sector.
Note: A Commission of Investigation into the Banking Sector has also been established, chaired by Mr. Peter Nyberg. The Commission is making a number of appointments to assist it in its work.
|
No. |
Requesting Body |
Purpose of Sanction |
Grade |
No. of posts |
Decision |
No. of posts granted |
Date Sanctioned |
Comment |
|
1 |
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
To enable the post of Director to be filled |
Principal Officer, Standard Scale |
1 |
Grant |
1 |
28 April 2011 |
Fáilte Ireland also requested 80 seasonal Tourist Information Officers (clerical) to staff its Information Offices for the tourist season. Sanction granted on 20th of April. Shannon Development was also granted 12 Tourist Information Officers on the same basis. Such sanctions are given on the understanding that the pay can be met from within existing budgetary resources
184 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of any organisation under his Department which has informed him of staffing difficulties which may impinge upon its ability to effectively oversee the spending of public funds; and his views regarding same. [28375/11]
185 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline the organisations under his Department for which an employment control framework has been agreed; the current numbers they have in place; if they have been waiting more than one month to receive sanction to proceed to fill or retain any positions in spite of such positions falling below the agreed ECF ceiling. [28391/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 185 together.
The table outlines the ECF for 2011 and 2012 for my Department and organisations under the aegis of my Department.
|
DEPARTMENT/OFFICE |
2011 ECF |
2012 ECF |
|
PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND REFORM |
323 |
320 |
|
COMMISSION FOR PUBLIC SERVICE APPOINTMENTS |
8 |
9 |
|
OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS |
1,857 |
1,853 |
|
OMBUDSMAN |
89 |
89 |
|
PRESIDENTS ESTABLISHMENT |
21 |
22 |
|
PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS SERVICE |
93 |
91 |
|
STATE LABORATORY |
91 |
91 |
|
VALUATION OFFICE |
146 |
146 |
|
TOTAL |
2,627 |
2,621 |
It is important in any reply to clarify that the ECF is not a target number of posts to be filled. It is simply a ceiling on serving numbers below which Departments and Offices must ensure total serving numbers remain. The Moratorium on recruitment and promotion effectively means that any exception i.e. filling of a post, will arise in "very limited circumstances only", and will require the prior sanction of the Minister. I am not aware of any staffing difficulties which may impinge upon the organisation's ability to effectively oversee the spending of public funds.
186 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the circumstances that justify the payment of a large pension, a bonus payment on top of a large pension and a severance package for senior civil servants and public officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27390/11]
In relation to the Civil Service for which I am responsible, I assume the Deputy is referring to the enhanced retirement benefits and severance payment available in certain circumstances for departing Secretaries General (there is no bonus payment as suggested).
A Secretary General is appointed for a fixed term which, as a result of the individual's age at the date of appointment, expires before age 65, and in many cases before age 60. In circumstances where an individual is obliged to retire at the end of his/her term and before age 65, a severance payment and enhanced retirement benefits may be granted, subject to certain conditions, in recognition of the fact that the individual has foregone the right to continue in employment to age 65 and accrue further pension benefits. These terms are designed to encourage younger people to apply for such posts who might otherwise wish to continue working until age 65. These terms are being examined at present.
187 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost to the State and the name and purpose of all tribunals current or past since 1987 to date in tabular form; if he will break down the costs and payments of barristers, senior counsel and administrators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21415/11]
Based on bi-monthly reports made to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on expenditure incurred by the Departments with responsibility for the individual tribunals from 1987 listed as follows, the cumulative cost of completed and sitting Tribunals up to end-August 2011, is estimated at €315.747 million, of which €72.515 million comprised administration and €243.232 million derived from legal costs. The legal costs figures include €118.354 million for third-party legal costs that are already paid. Further third party legal costs have yet to be presented and taxed.
|
Tribunal Costs to End-August 2011 |
Admin Costs |
State Legal Costs |
3rd Party Legal Costs |
Other* |
Total Costs |
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
|
Beef Tribunal of Inquiry to enquire into allegations of improper practices within the beef industry and the abuse of the EU export credit refund scheme (established May 1991; Report presented to Relevant Minister, July 1994). |
5.320 |
4.630 |
17.283 |
27.233 |
|
|
McCracken Tribunal of Inquiry into the Dunne payments to politicians (established February 1997: Report presented to Relevant Minister, August 1997). |
0.100 |
0.860 |
5.600 |
6.560 |
|
|
Finlay Tribunal of Inquiry into the Blood Transfusion Service Board (established October 1996: Report presented to Relevant Minister, March 1997). |
0.500 |
0.700 |
3.500 |
4.700 |
|
|
Lindsay Tribunal of Inquiry into the Infection with HIV and Hepatitis C of Persons with Haemophilia and Related Matters (established September 1999: Report presented to Relevant Minister, September 2002). |
3.133 |
4.350 |
39.166 |
46.649 |
|
|
Moriarty Tribunal of Inquiry into Payments to Messrs. Haughey and Lowry (established September 1997 — Report presented March 2011). |
8.471 |
34.235 |
0.0 |
3.242 |
42.706 |
|
Costs paid by D/CENR in respect of Moriarty Tribunal. |
0.202 |
3.242 |
3.444 |
||
|
Mahon Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning matters and Payments (established November 1997 — ongoing). |
29.121 |
56.974 |
10.073 |
96.168 |
|
|
Morris Tribunal of Inquiry into certain Garda activities in Donegal (established 2002: Report presented to relevant Minister 2008). |
17.320 |
10.546 |
31.274 |
59.140 |
|
|
Barr Tribunal of Inquiry into the Facts and Circumstances Surrounding the Fatal Shooting of John Carthy at Abbeylara, Co. Longford (established 2002: Report presented to relevant Minister July 2006). |
4.170 |
5.083 |
11.390 |
20.643 |
|
|
Smithwick Tribunal of Inquiry into the Fatal Shootings of RUC Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and Superintendent Robert Buchanan (established 2005 — ongoing). |
4.178 |
4.258 |
0.068 |
8.504 |
|
|
Total |
72.515 |
121.636 |
118.354 |
3.242 |
315.747 |
*The figure of €3.242m in the "Other" column relates to expenditure by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on legal representation at the Moriarty Tribunal.
188 D’fhiafraigh Peadar Tóibín den Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe an bhfuil an Rialtas chun córas nua earcaíochta agus oiliúna a chur i bhfeidhm a rachaidh i ngleic leis an easpa foirne sa chóras poiblí le cumas dátheangach; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [21781/11]
Tá srian ar na deiseanna atá ann maidir le fostaíocht san earnáil phoiblí i gcoitinne de bharr an moratóir ar earcaíocht agus ar ardaithe céime a tugadh isteach ar an 27 Márta 2009. Tá feidhm ag an moratóir, ach amháin i gcásanna eisceachtúla theoranta, ar an stát seirbhís, údaráis áitiúla, comhlachtaí stáit neamh-thráchtála, an Garda Síochána, na Forsaí Cosanta buana agus roinnt comhlachtaí a bunaíodh de réir reachtaíochta agus a fhaigheann ar a laghad cuid dá gcuid maoiniú ón gCiste Lárnach. Tá na socraithe seo á gcur i bhfeidhm ar bhealaí ar leith i gcás na n-earnáil oideachais agus sláinte, ag tógáil riachtanais na n-earnáil sin san áireamh. Is é an sprioc atá ag an moratóir ná uimhreacha iomlána sa tseirbhís poiblí a ísliú chun leasa airgead an stáit.
Maidir leis an stát seirbhís, go bhfuil mise freagrach as go díreach, níl i gceist faoi láthair breis foirne le cumas Gaeilge a earcú.
Mar is eol don Teachta, leagann Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 dualgais ar chomhlachtaí poiblí i leith na Gaeilge. Is gnó do gach comhlacht poibli agus do gach Roinn/Oifig de chuid na stát seirbhíse scéim teanga a chur le chéile, nuair a iarann an t-Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta orthu é sin é a dhéanamh, agus é a chur i bhfeidhm.
Leagtar amach sa scéim na seirbhísí go bhfuil i gceist ag an gcomhlacht poiblí a sholáthar:
i nGaeilge amháin
i mBearla amháin
go dátheangach
Ní mór a shonrú chomh maith na céimeanna go bhfuil i gceist ag an gcomhlacht poiblí a thógáil chun na seirbhísí atá sonraithe a sholáthar i nGaeilge nó go dátheangach.
Is gnó do gach Roinn/Oifig a chuid dualgas faoin Acht a chomhlíonadh. Is iad na Ranna/Oifigí féin is fearr atá in ann a gcuid riachtanas maidir le scileanna a mheas, ag tógáil a scéim teanga féin san áireamh, agus pé riachtanais traenála atá acu a mheas agus freastal orthu.
Translation in English
The position in relation to opportunities for employment in the public service generally is limited by the recruitment and promotion moratorium which was announced on 27 March 2009. The moratorium applies, with limited exceptions, to the civil service, local authorities, non-commercial state bodies, the Garda Síochána, the Permanent Defence Forces and to certain bodies established by enactment and wholly or partly funded out of the Central Fund. The arrangements have been modulated in relation to the education and health sectors to reflect the particular needs in those sectors. The moratorium is aimed at reducing overall public service numbers in order to consolidate the public finances.
In relation to the civil service, the area for which I have direct responsibility, there are currently no plans to recruit additional staff with competencies in the Irish language.
As the Deputy is aware, the Official Languages Act 2003 confers duties on public bodies in relation to the Irish Language. It is a matter for each public body and civil service Department/Office to devise a language scheme when requested to do so by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and to implement it.
The scheme describes the services which the public body proposes to provide:
in Irish only
in English only or
bilingually.
It is necessary also to specify the steps which the public body intends to take to provide the stated services in Irish or bilingually.
It is a matter for each Department/Office to meet their obligations under the Act. Individual Departments/Offices are best placed to determine their skills requirements, having regard to their own language scheme, and to identify and meet any training needs required.
189 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he expects the consultation period to conclude on the reform and restructuring of the Freedom of Information Act. [21200/11]
My Department is engaged in the necessary preparatory work and consultations to give effect to the commitments in the Programme for Government in relation to Freedom of Information. I hope to be in a position to introduce the necessary legislative measures to give effect to the commitments in the Programme for Government early in the New Year.
190 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he has taken to reduce salaries and pensions for senior staff in the Department of An Taoiseach. [23770/11]
The rates of pay currently applying to grades in the civil service are set out in Circular 28/2009: Revision of pay of Civil Servants Application of pay adjustments in accordance with the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act, 2009. This circular can be accessed at http://per.gov.ie/circulars2009/. Following the introduction by the Government in June last of a pay ceiling of €200,000 p.a. for senior public service posts, all current incumbents of Secretary General posts voluntarily waived their entitlement to any salary in excess of €200,000 p.a. New appointees to such posts are subject to the €200,000 p.a. pay ceiling.
The superannuation terms applying to grades in the civil service are set out on my Department's website www.cspensions.gov.ie. There are special provisions for Secretaries General, whose terms of appointment included the Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC) exit terms. These terms are currently being reviewed by me. In addition, the Deputy will also be aware that the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, the bill for which has been published by the Government, includes the following provisions.
1. Raise the minimum public service pension age — it is proposed this be increased initially to 66 to bring it into line and link it henceforth with the social welfare state pension age, rising on a phased basis to 67 and 68.
2. Set a maximum retirement age of 70 — at present for most new entrants to the public service, there is no maximum retirement age.
3. Move to the calculation of pensions on the basis of "career average" earnings rather than final salary — the introduction of a career average rather than a final salary system is fairer and more equitable than a final salary system in that it affects the pension paid to those who have high earnings especially in late career (for example, a person promoted to top management later in their career) more than those who may have a relatively ‘flat' career progression (for example, nurses, teachers).
These provisions will apply after commencement of the legislation to new recruits to the Civil/Public Service, and to those who are not existing civil/public servants within 6 months of taking up their employment.
191 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the consultations that he has held with political parties and non-governmental organisations regarding proposals for forthcoming referenda on constitutional amendments. [24417/11]
In relation to the upcoming referendum to amend the Constitution to enable the Houses of the Oireachtas to undertake full inquiries I have always made it clear that it is my intention to facilitate a comprehensive discussion and an informed debate on the issues involved in the constitutional amendment. In a letter of 27 July, I circulated a copy of the draft wording for the proposed Constitutional amendment to the Opposition Spokespersons on Public Expenditure and Reform, all Party Whips, the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann and the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann.
At the time I indicated that the final proposed wording for the Constitutional amendment would be the subject of further discussions and agreement with the Attorney General. Copies of the final wording of the proposed constitutional amendment, as contained in the Referendum Bill, were circulated to the Opposition Spokespersons on Public Expenditure and Reform, the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann and the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann in advance of its publication on 12 September 2011.
Before the Bill was debated in the Dáil and Seanad, briefing sessions by officials from my Department were held with representatives of Fianna Fail, Sinn Fein and the Technical Group. I also met with the Joint Oireachtas Investigations, Oversight and Petitions Committee on 13 September to brief them on the proposed future role of the Committee.
192 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the specific initiative he will take as a result of his meeting with the Croke Park agreement implementation group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18838/11]
The Taoiseach and I met with the Implementation Body for the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 on 29th June last. We had a constructive engagement on the key issues relating to driving the reform agenda across the public service. While we welcomed the tangible progress that has been made in the first year of the Agreement, as outlined in the Body’s first progress report published on 15th June last, we were clear that there has to be an acceleration of progress over the coming months. We emphasized the need to build on the flexibilities already agreed to in the Croke Park Agreement. We also made it clear that the Government wishes to honour the commitments given in the Agreement. However, this will only be possible if the Agreement is implemented in full.
On foot of our interaction, the Implementation Body has, over recent weeks, undertaken a series of meetings with senior managements from the key sectors of the public service. The purpose of these meetings has been to consider how progress can be accelerated on implementing sectoral Action Plans and how to ensure that priority measures are delivered on over the remainder of 2011, in light of the challenges ahead.
I will continue to monitor developments closely and, in that regard, I look forward to the outcome of the second phase of progress reporting on the implementation of the Action Plans under the Croke Park Agreement which is underway at present. Sectors are due to submit updated progress reports to the Implementation Body during October. It is expected that Action Plans will need to be revisited later in the year when decisions have been taken by Government on the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure.
193 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the extension to the Abbey Island cemetery and the Derrynane national park, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28446/11]
Department of Finance sanction has been sought by the Office of Public Works to transfer lands vested in the Commissioners of Public Works at Abbey Island, Derrynane National Historic Park, Caherdaniel, Co. Kerry, to Kerry County Council. On receipt of such sanction the transfer can be effected through the Chief State Solicitor's Office
194 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the finding in the Trident report commissioned by the teacher unions on the proposed changes to public service pensions which show that several categories of teachers will pay more into the scheme than they will receive. [28741/11]
195 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the action he proposes to take in view of the findings in the Trident report which show that several categories of teachers will pay more into the scheme than they will receive. [28742/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 195 together.
I do not accept as suggested by the Trident Report that the value of benefits payable to teachers in the proposed Single Public Service Pension Scheme will exceed the value of employee contributions. It is true that the teacher unions have voiced concerns along these lines, based on the analysis presented in a report by Trident Consulting entitled "Future Pension Provision" which was commissioned by the ASTI, the INTO and the TUI. In quantifying employee contributions to the single scheme, the Trident report appears to regard the public service pension-related deduction as a pension contribution. However section 7(2) of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 makes clear that the pension-related deduction is not a pension contribution.
To appreciate how the single scheme will continue to provide valuable pensions to teachers, it is instructive to look at the 2009 Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on public service pensions which estimated the annual pension cost for teachers (including primary teachers, post-primary teachers and Special Needs Assistants) to be 22.4 per cent of pay. The single scheme is expected to reduce that cost by approximately one-third, to around 15 per cent. The employee contribution in the single scheme continues to be 6.5 per cent. This is comprised of 3 per cent on pensionable pay and 3.5 per cent on net pensionable pay (i.e. reduced for social welfare integration), which is equivalent to 4.9 per cent of pensionable pay according to the Comptroller and Auditor General's report, leaving approximately a 10 per cent employer contribution.
196 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the administrative costs of the proposed single pension scheme for all public servants have been costed by him; and the savings if any that will be realised. [28743/11]
I am determined that the eventual administrative arrangements will be efficient and cost-effective, and will maximize the potential for money savings inherent in replacing a multitude of schemes featuring disparate terms with a single scheme featuring standard terms. In the short-term there may be some set up costs, for example if the payroll computer systems need to be adapted, but in the medium-term it is anticipated that the scheme will lend itself to achieving administrative efficiencies in step with initiatives around shared services.
The Bill envisages the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform being the relevant authority for the scheme and allows this to be delegated to other relevant authorities (in effect those bodies who pay the scheme member during their career and who pay the pension in retirement). The employers will, through their payroll systems, collect and remit contributions, and it is envisaged that they may also calculate the accrued pension and lump sum benefits and supply pension benefit statements as required under the Pensions Act (or provide information for the preparation of such statements).
Question No. 197 answered with Question No. 170.
198 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 185 of 27 September 2011, the saving if all existing public service pension payments were capped at €35,000, applying the comparable trend as applied to his calculation for capping all existing civil service pensions payments at €35,930. [28811/11]
199 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the saving to the State if all existing and future public and civil service pension payments were capped at €35,000 per year. [28812/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 together.
It is estimated that the imposition of a cap of €35,000 on the annual pension payments to Civil Service pensioners would result in an annual saving of €47m. This estimate does not allow for the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR). If a cap of €35,000 is applied after allowing for the PSPR, the saving would be €37m. The corresponding annual savings for a cap of €35,930 would be €44m and €35m respectively based on the most recent data available.
These estimates take no account of the reduction in tax and other statutory deductions that would arise from the imposition of a cap. If these reductions were allowed for, the net saving to the Exchequer would be significantly lower. Comparable data are not available for the Public Service as a whole.
200 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the savings to the State if career averaging were applied to all existing civil and public service pensions. [28813/11]
It is presumed that the Deputy is asking about the savings which would arise if career-average accrual were to apply to the future service of pensionable public servants. Such a change would undoubtedly deliver significant pension savings to the Exchequer. However a precise quantification of the savings which would arise is not available, and would require a large-scale actuarial exercise. Government public service pensions policy does not include the application of career-average accrual to the future service of serving staff.
201 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the name, position and a breakdown of the retirement packages for all senior civil servants eligible to retire before February. [28815/11]
I understand that this question relates primarily to Secretaries General and other senior Civil Servants who will benefit from enhanced terms. The retirement terms of Secretaries General are provided for in the Government decision of 5 March 1987. These terms provide for a reappointment in the Civil or Public Service or an international body for those who are under 60 years of age at the end of their term. Alternatively, a retirement package including severance and immediate payment of pension, will be provided.
For those over 60 years of age, a retirement package including severance and immediate payment of pension, will be provided. The two Civil Servants whose terms of appointment include TLAC terms and whose term of office is due to end by 29 February 2012 are:
Secretary General, Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation;
Secretary General, Department of Education and Skills.
The Prosecution of Offences Act 1974 provides for a scheme to be made for the Director of Public Prosecutions, who is also due to retire before end-February 2012. His scheme provides for full pension on completion of his term. No severance is applicable in his case.
202 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of persons employed in each area in the public sector over the past ten years and to date in 2011; the extent to which skills and salaries have altered over this period; the ratio of management to employees; the extent to which public service reform is likely to affect such ratios; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28855/11]
Much of the data the Deputy is seeking is readily available on my Department's website, www.per.gov.ie, including employment numbers by sector. In relation to the wider public service such data is published, as matter of course, by the various public bodies. The table shows a breakdown of the main Civil Service grades since 2001. This gives an indication of the ratio of management to other grades.
|
MAIN GENERAL SERVICE GRADES |
Dec-01 |
Dec-02 |
Dec-03 |
Dec-04 |
Dec-05 |
Dec-06 |
Dec-07 |
Dec-08 |
Dec-09 |
Dec-10 |
Jun-11 |
|
SECRETARY GENERAL |
17.00 |
17.00 |
17.00 |
17.00 |
17.00 |
17.00 |
17.00 |
17.00 |
17.00 |
17.00 |
17.00 |
|
DEPUTY SECRETARY / ASSISTANT SECRETARY |
121.00 |
135.00 |
140.00 |
140.00 |
140.00 |
147.00 |
149.60 |
158.00 |
155.00 |
137.00 |
149.90 |
|
PRINCIPAL |
501.50 |
532.00 |
604.65 |
635.10 |
649.35 |
711.00 |
760.70 |
797.95 |
709.95 |
654.90 |
635.80 |
|
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL |
1,516.50 |
1,584.23 |
1,785.04 |
1,796.95 |
1,849.12 |
1,995.79 |
2,060.99 |
2,159.49 |
1,993.42 |
1,899.34 |
1,864.07 |
|
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER |
200.50 |
246.30 |
241.05 |
218.70 |
200.75 |
217.45 |
225.80 |
239.00 |
229.50 |
250.50 |
242.90 |
|
HIGHER EXECUTIVE OFFICER |
2,615.00 |
2,794.11 |
3,006.63 |
3,022.93 |
3,049.64 |
3,175.17 |
3,261.59 |
3,421.32 |
3,279.29 |
3,215.90 |
3,158.90 |
|
EXECUTIVE OFFICER |
3,818.00 |
4,019.12 |
4,339.69 |
4,581.86 |
4,595.99 |
4,774.63 |
4,995.61 |
5,197.26 |
5,043.15 |
4,934.60 |
4,805.85 |
|
STAFF OFFICER |
1,259.50 |
1,291.01 |
1,364.20 |
1,475.13 |
1,465.86 |
1,468.40 |
1,493.52 |
1,524.85 |
1,494.38 |
1,507.97 |
1,479.32 |
|
CLERICAL OFFICER |
10,182.00 |
10,441.97 |
10,196.30 |
10,092.44 |
10,123.11 |
10,564.85 |
10,888.76 |
11,096.50 |
10,620.42 |
10,419.94 |
10,230.23 |
|
SERVICE OFFICER |
605.00 |
628.70 |
635.40 |
618.70 |
604.20 |
610.06 |
611.52 |
609.82 |
589.22 |
562.22 |
551.51 |
|
SERVICE ATTENDANT |
101.00 |
111.00 |
101.00 |
98.00 |
57.00 |
86.03 |
92.03 |
103.80 |
95.02 |
101.27 |
102.41 |
|
TOTAL |
20,937.00 |
21,800.44 |
22,430.96 |
22,696.81 |
22,752.02 |
23,767.38 |
24,557.12 |
25,324.99 |
24,226.35 |
23,700.64 |
23,237.89 |
203 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent of the public sector reform if any undertaken over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28856/11]
The Public Service Reform agenda has been pursued both centrally and by individual public bodies for many years. For example, under the Strategic Management Initiative of the mid 1990s, a series of changes were introduced in areas such as Human Resource Management and the Performance Management and Development System, Quality Customer Service and the creation of Customer Service Charters, better financial management, regulatory reform (particularly the introduction of Regularly Impact Analysis), Strategy Statements and Output Statements, and initiatives to improve openness and transparency.
More recently, the OECD Review of the Irish Public Service, commenced in 2006 and published in 2008, benchmarked the Public Service in Ireland against other comparable countries, and made recommendations as to the future direction of public service reform. On foot of the OECD Review, the Transforming Public Services programme was launched in November 2008 and set out an agenda for transformation across the Public Service.
During 2010, the Public Service Agreement was concluded with the public service unions and includes a significant number of commitments to Public Service reform. The first review by the Implementation Body set up under the Agreement has since concluded that solid and measurable progress is being made in its implementation. Notwithstanding developments to date, we are all clear that the cost of delivering public services must be reduced further, with fewer staff and tighter budgets, and that the Public Service must become better integrated and more customer-focused, as well as being leaner and more efficient.
For this reason and as outlined in the Programme for Government, this Government is committed to the most ambitious programme of Public Service Reform since the foundation of the State. This will take place in tandem with an equally significant programme of constitutional, political and institutional reform to ensure that there is a fundamental change in democratic and public governance, and a dramatic change in the cost efficiency and methods of delivery of public services. The Government wants to make progress on this issue quickly and a number of initiatives have already commenced. In addition, detailed implementation plans are being developed which encompass the commitments to Public Service Reform in the Programme for Government and priority areas from the aforementioned Transforming Public Services programme.
My Department has been given a clear mandate to drive and enable reform, and the focus now is on the key reforms required, and how and in what sequence they will be implemented, to ensure that substantive and tangible change is delivered within clearly defined timeframes. Our plans focus on actions to improve performance by organisations and individuals; ensure greater efficiency, effectiveness and economy; and ensure flexibility in the deployment of people and resources.
The ambitious programme of reform will be overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Public Service Reform, which is chaired by the Taoiseach and which I convene. A Reform and Delivery Office is being established within my Department to facilitate, drive and support the reform programme, and I announced the appointment of the Programme Director of this new office last week. This office will work closely with organisations across the Public Service, enabling them to drive the delivery of reform at a local level, as well as leading on cross-cutting reform initiatives.
204 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which costs throughout the public service have been examined with a view to the identification of areas costing the Exchequer more than that in adjoining jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28857/11]
209 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which comparisons have been made between unit costs in the public sector here with those in adjoining jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28862/11]
210 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which comparisons have been made between costs in the public and private sectors; the issues emerging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28863/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 204, 209 and 210 together.
The final Comprehensive Review of Expenditure reports have been presented to the Economic Management Council and the results of the Review process will then be brought before Government for consideration and decision in the Budget and Estimates process later this year. The objective of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure process is to provide the Government with a comprehensive set of decision options and assessment of the cost effectiveness of all expenditure programmes, including by reference to the considerations referred to by the Deputy.
The Government is also committed to ongoing Value for Money assessments of all areas of expenditure to ensure inter alia that administration and other costs across the public sector are kept to a minimum. The Value for Money assessments routinely involve analysis of unit costs in the different sectoral areas, which can include benchmarking with private sector and international comparators. The results of the VfM assessments are published as a matter of course. The ongoing Public Service reform programme, which includes a focus on the use of shared services, e-Government and alternative means of delivering public services, will also be instrumental in achieving efficiencies.
205 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which he has examined the way costs can be reduced through more effective procurement policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28858/11]
In light of the need to accelerate the reform agenda, my Department is currently developing a Public Service Reform implementation plan. This Plan will outline the priority actions and timelines for reform in a broad range of areas including procurement, as well as setting out how implementation should be driven and monitored. New initiatives will build on the significant reforms that have been already introduced.
To date, the National Procurement Service (NPS) has been the key driver reforming the procurement function nationally, particularly in terms of developing centralised contracts for commonly used goods and services. On the basis of market analysis, the NPS has identified the top 50 categories of procurement expenditure that can be targeted for intervention. It currently has in excess of 45 national frameworks agreements and contracts in place for high spend requirements with a total value in excess of €450 million. These frameworks and contracts include energy, office supplies/ICT consumables, vehicles, fuel, advertising, clothing and footwear, print services etc. In addition, my Department manages framework arrangements for Information and Communications Technology requirements and associated products and services. Such framework arrangements maximise volume discounts and provide for reductions in administrative and transaction costs for suppliers and for State bodies.
My Department is keen to streamline — consistent with its value for money, legal, transparency and priority objectives. In order to reduce the costs involved in participating or conducting the procurement function, the NPS is promoting standardisation and simplification of the public procurement function and in this regard has published a suite of model tendering and contract documents which will help both businesses and buyers to reduce administrative costs. The NPS is also actively involved in the education and development of both buyers and suppliers involved with public service procurement and promotes collaboration between sectors where this is appropriate.
In addition the National Procurement Policy Unit in my Department has developed contracts for Public Works and Construction-Related Services that give greater cost certainty at tender stage, for capital projects. The construction reform initiative has yielded substantial savings in capital procurement.
207 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a study has been carried out regarding the volume and scale of documentation now required by various Government Departments, local authorities and the health services notwithstanding the existence of advanced technology; the degree to which this has reduced the effectiveness and efficiency of respective Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28860/11]
I am not aware of any specific study in the area referred to. However, the Deputy will be aware that as part of the reform agenda significant work is ongoing, in Government Departments and the wider public service, to improve processes and make them more effective and efficient. Of particular note in this regard is the Organisational Review Program (ORP), which involves the undertaking of assessments of the capacities of individual Government Department and major Offices to meet the challenges ahead. These assessments are published on the ORP website at http://www.orp.ie/. Additionally, my Department is establishing a Business Consultancy Unit to provide independent advice and solutions to public bodies in relation to process, structure and service delivery business changes.
211 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which it is expected to meet staff reductions by way of voluntary or other retirements over the period of the plan announced following the EU-IMF bailout; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28864/11]
I am confident that the Government will be able to meet the required level of staff reductions through natural wastage and voluntary retirements which will facilitate a permanent, structural reduction in the numbers of staff serving in public service. This reduction in numbers serving is intended to contribute significant and ongoing savings to the Exchequer.
212 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to prevent the below cost sale of alcohol in supermarkets to restrict the access to alcohol for young persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28180/11]
The sale of alcohol is essentially regulated by the liquor licensing laws, which are the policy responsibility of the Minister for Justice and Equality and I have no direct function in this matter. It is the responsibility of each licensee to comply with the liquor licensing laws, including the law regarding the age of persons purchasing alcohol.
The use of sales promotions and pricing strategies in any business is a legitimate marketing tool and is the normal outcome of the competitive process. I have no direct function in relation to such practices which are a matter for the retailer and are not an offence unless they involve abuse of a dominant position. A determination on whether a retailer is abusing a dominant position in the marketplace would necessitate a comprehensive investigation by the Competition Authority. The Authority is the independent statutory body responsible for enforcing competition law in the State and complaints of any alleged anti-competitive practice should be referred to it.
213 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation when he plans to appoint the new chairman and members of the Competition Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28209/11]
Following a Public Appointments Service recruitment and selection process for Chairperson of the Competition Authority, I appointed Ms Isolde Goggin as Chairperson with effect from 1 October 2011. The Public Appointments Service has completed the selection process for members of the Authority. I intend to appoint the members as soon as the necessary contractual details are finalised. In the meantime I have re-appointed three temporary members in accordance with section 35 of the Competition Act 2002, as amended by the Competition (Amendment) Act 2010.
214 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, further to Question No. 149 of 21 June 2011, if he will outline the position concerning the work of the sales law review group: when does he expect to receive the final report of the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28210/11]
I received the final report of the Review Group on 2 August 2011. The arrangements necessary for the printing and launch of the report have been completed and it will be published on 14 October.
215 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of visits the Industrial Development Agency carried out with potential clients to the IDA park in Marlinstown, Mullingar, County Westmeath since February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28259/11]
I have been informed by IDA Ireland that so far in 2011, the agency has hosted three site visits by potential investors to Mullingar. In selecting locations to show companies, IDA Ireland seeks to include locations which have been affected by closures or job losses. However, while IDA Ireland seeks to influence the selection of location, the final decision on location is taken in all cases by the promoting company.
216 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the details of any organisation under his Department which has informed him of staffing difficulties which may impinge upon its ability to effectively oversee the spending of public funds; and his views regarding same. [28373/11]
As part of the Employment Control Framework, which is the mechanism for the management of reduction of overall staff numbers, my Department has agreed staff numbers and annual operational ceilings with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. These relate to the staffing levels of my Department, its offices and agencies for the period to 2014. In general, there is no indication that the reduced staffing levels will directly impinge on overall capacity to effectively oversee the spending of public funds. However, to deliver on the reduced staffing numbers will be, of course, very challenging and will mean delivering services in an even more efficient manner. My Department will continue to work closely with all of its agencies to assist them in meeting the challenges they face in carrying out their respective mandates, including in relation to the oversight of expenditure of public funds.
217 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will outline the organisations under his Department for which an employment control framework has been agreed; the current numbers they have in place; if they have been waiting more than one month to receive sanction to proceed to fill or retain any positions in spite of such positions falling below the agreed ECF ceiling. [28389/11]
The information sought is as follows:
|
Organisations for which Employment Control Framework has been agreed |
Current numbers in place (full-time equivalents) |
|
The Competition Authority |
37.1 |
|
35 x County Enterprise Boards |
130.9 |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
811 |
|
Forfás |
105.5 |
|
The Health and Safety Authority |
182.1 |
|
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority |
14 |
|
IDA Ireland |
246 |
|
National Consumer Agency |
43.6 |
|
National Standard Authority of Ireland |
163.55 |
|
The Personal Injuries Assessment Board |
68 |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
46 |
|
Shannon Free Airport Development Co. Ltd. |
113 |
|
InterTrade Ireland |
47.11 |
Requests for sanction to fill any vacancy must be made to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. There is currently one request for sanction awaiting decision. The request was made within the last month.
218 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of industrial and provident societies registered with the Registry of Friendly Societies which have not complied with the statutory obligations with regard to filing annual returns; the number of the societies that have failed to make annual returns consecutively for the past three, four and five years; the number of societies that have had their registration cancelled during the past five years for failing to meet their statutory obligations in respect of annual returns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28605/11]
As I advised the Deputy on 27 September, the annual report of the Registrar of Friendly Societies for 2009 (published on the websites of my Department and the Companies Registration Office) indicates that a total of 1,045 Industrial and Provident Societies on the register, and annual returns in respect of these societies are outstanding in 248 cases. The numbers of societies that have failed to submit annual returns consecutively for the past three, four and five years are 160, 125, and 93 respectively. The last year in which Industrial and Provident societies were cancelled for failing to submit annual returns to the Registrar was 2006, when 28 such societies were so cancelled. I previously advised the Deputy on 27 and 28 September that I am informed by the Registrar that further enforcement action is now under consideration by the Registry, to follow its targeted enforcement campaigns in 2010 and 2011 in relation to Friendly Societies and Trade Unions.
219 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the level of trade with Brazil for the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011. [28732/11]
Details of Ireland's trade with Brazil over recent years are set out in the following table:
|
Merchandise Trade (€m) |
Services Trade (€m) |
Total Trade (€m) |
Trade Surplus (€m) |
||||
|
Exports |
Imports |
Exports |
Imports |
Exports |
Imports |
||
|
2008 |
183 |
214 |
199 |
70 |
382 |
284 |
98 |
|
2009 |
211 |
158 |
218 |
10 |
429 |
168 |
261 |
|
2010 |
260 |
166 |
180 |
49 |
440 |
215 |
225 |
|
Jan to June 2011 |
138 |
91 |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
*data not yet available
220 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the city and county managers, chief fire officers and assistant chief fire officers who have sought, through a change in the health and safety legislation, to get indemnity in the event of there being a fatality amongst the public or fire fighters; if he has been part of any discussions regarding this proposed indemnity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28790/11]
I have had no direct correspondence or representations from city and county managers, chief fire officers and assistant chief fire officer or representatives on their behalf about indemnifying staff. The issue of indemnifying members of Local Authority staff does not fall within my remit. Any such matter is for the Local Authority concerned and, from a Ministerial perspective, would fall within the remit of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform may also have an interest in the issue of indemnities in the public sector. I understand that the Fire Services and the Health and Safety Authority have been in contact and that the Authority is finalising, for the guidance of the services, a Statement of Principles document on the Safety, Health and Welfare Duties of the Fire Services and that this work has been welcomed.
221 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views regarding a matter (details supplied); the actions taken to date to determine the facts of this case; the actions taken to address the issues, if so needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28896/11]
These allegations were brought to the attention of my Department some time ago. Enterprise Ireland examined the issues at the time and was satisfied that there was no impropriety involved. Nonetheless, in light of the continuing concerns of the Deputy's correspondent, my Department asked Enterprise Ireland to investigate the matter further in October 2010. The matter was also referred to my Department by the Committee of Public Accounts in November 2010.
Following a tendering process, Enterprise Ireland engaged a firm of consultants (Deloitte) to investigate the allegations. Seven areas of complaint were investigated independently. The report found that the evidence put forward by the correspondent did not support the allegations. The board of Enterprise Ireland considered the matter at its meeting on 14 September 2011. A copy of the Deloitte Report has been forwarded to the Public Accounts Committee by my Department for its consideration.
Questions Nos. 222 and 223 withdrawn.
224 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if scale and polish treatments under the dental treatment benefit scheme (details supplied) will be restored; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28757/11]
The dental benefit scheme is paid from the Social Insurance Fund, which has come under serious pressure in the current economic climate. As part of a range of cost-saving measures to ease this pressure, the range of treatments available under the scheme was reduced in Budget 2010. The free examination remains available to qualifying customers to encourage them to continue attending for regular check-ups and to assist in the early detection of dental-related health issues. Any future changes to the scheme, including the re-introduction of a free scale and polish, will have to reflect the realities of available funding and competing priorities.
225 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years in receipt of jobseeker’s benefit for less than six months, for more than six months and less than 12 months, for more than 12 months and less than 24 months and those in receipt of this payment for more than 24 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28213/11]
226 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance for less than six months, for more than six months and less than 12 months, for more than 12 months and less than 24 months and those in receipt of this payment for more than 24 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28214/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 225 and 226 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is in the table. There were 71,064 claimants aged under 25 on Jobseeker's Allowance and 9,424 on Jobseeker's Benefit, making a total of 80,488. Half of these have been signing on for less than six months. Almost 6,900 of the total are 19 years of age or older and have been signing on continuously since they reached 18 years of age. A further 5,200 are 18 years of age and have been signing on for various durations of up to a year.
|
Under 25 |
< 6 Months |
6-12 Months |
1-2 Years |
>2 Years |
Total |
|
Jobseeker’s Allowance |
31,550 |
10,653 |
12,450 |
16,411 |
71,064 |
|
Jobseeker’s Benefit |
8,029 |
1,284 |
101 |
10 |
9,424 |
227 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of persons who have applied for a health levy refund; the numbers who have been successful in their application; the total moneys refunded in the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010; the total number of outstanding claims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28215/11]
I understand that the Deputy is enquiring about the Under the Ceiling (UCR) category of Health Levy refund. In 2011 to date, 27,000 applications for the UCR Health Levy refund have been processed and a total of €6.8m refunded. There are approximately 10,000 applications on hand awaiting processing. The total monies refunded in respect of this category of refund in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are shown below.
|
Year |
€ |
|
2007 |
361,129.83 |
|
2008 |
1,140,209.40 |
|
2009 |
1,135,623.89 |
|
2010 |
1,574,697.46 |
228 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the role and membership of the Tax and Social Welfare Commission; if she will receive a report from the commission in advance of this year’s budget; if so, the areas she requested the commission to comment on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28216/11]
Creating jobs and tackling poverty are two of the key challenges that we face. It is essential that our tax and social protection systems play their part in addressing these issues and ensure that work is worthwhile. To this end, I established an Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare in June of this year. The main rationale for setting up the Advisory Group is to harness expert opinion and experience in order to address a number of specific issues and to make cost-effective proposals for improving employment incentives and achieving better poverty outcomes, particularly child poverty outcomes.
The Group has been asked to examine a number of specific issues and make recommendations on these, including child and family income supports, working age income supports, the appropriate unit of assessment in both the tax and social welfare codes, the interaction of the tax and social welfare codes, issues concerning social insurance for self-employed people and any other issues that may be referred to it. I understand that the Group is currently prioritising the area of family and child income supports so that it can make a contribution in time for the 2012 Budget and that it will address other issues after that as part of its work programme.
The Advisory Group is chaired by Ms Ita Mangan, a barrister with considerable experience in public policy. In line with a practical, problem-focused and evidence-orientated approach, members of the Group have expertise from economic and social policy and other relevant areas and include individuals with a mix of experience and expertise from within and outside the public sector. A list of the members of the Group is set out in the Annex.
The Group's method of working is based on producing modular reports on the priority areas identified in the terms of reference. Where possible, the aim is to provide recommendations that can be acted upon in time for the annual budget/estimates and legislative cycle and to allow the Government to best address its commitments under the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support.
Annex
Membership of the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare as announced on 25th June 2011:
Ita Mangan, Chair John Bohan, Department of Social Protection.
Niall Cody, Office of the Revenue Commissioners.
Micheál Collins, Department of Economics, Trinity College Dublin.*
John Conlon, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
Catherine Hazlett, Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
Paul Kealy, Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
Geralyn McGarry, Citizens Information Board.
Aebhric McGibney, Dublin Chamber of Commerce.
Pat Mahon, Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC).
Derek Moran, Department of Finance.
Mary P. Murphy, Department of Sociology, National University of Ireland, Maynooth.
Brian Nolan, School of Applied Social Science in UCD.
Marie Sherlock, SIPTU.
John Sweeney, National Economic and Social Council.
*Since moved to a position with the Economic Research Unit.
229 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress made to date implementing the commitment in the programme for Government to clear the social welfare appeals backlog and introduce a consolidated appeals process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28217/11]
I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the number of appeals waiting to be processed at present is 17,655 (a reduction of some 3,126 on this time last year). These figures must be seen against a background where there has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 32,432 in 2010. Current indications are that, while there now appears to be a slight drop in the number of appeals being received in 2011, the annual intake is still likely to be close to 30,000 for the year.
In an effort to reduce the backlog of appeals, the Department made 9 additional appointments to the office earlier this year. These assignments augment the 3 appointments made to the Office in 2010, bringing the total number of Appeals Officers serving in the office to 29. In addition a number of initiatives have been undertaken with a view to increasing capacity and the combination of these initiatives and the additional staff resulted in 22,226 decisions being made by Appeals Officers in the first eight months of 2011, in comparison to 17,184 for the same period in 2010 and 10,911 in 2009. These initiatives included—
Appeals Officers took on additional work and more emphasis was placed on deciding claims on a summary basis where possible;
Enhanced business processes and ICT have has also increased the capacity of the office;
Some 3,000 cases, registered prior to 31/12/10, have been ring fenced and a team of 10 of the Office's most experienced Appeals Officers have been freed from all other work in the Office and will concentrate on clearing this backlog by the end of this year. Overall, it is expected that the increase in the number of decisions being made by Appeals Officers will continue and this, combined with the slight reduction in the numbers received should lead to on-going reductions in the backlog of appeals and in the processing times.
In relation to a consolidated appeals process, as of last Monday the 3rd October, legislation was commenced which provides that all appeals for supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) will be made to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Up to now, the legislation provided for a 2 step process, first to the HSE and, if still dissatisfied, to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. It is estimated that approximately 10% or 1,000 SWA appellants availed of the 2 step process (based on 2010 figures). 10 former HSE Appeals Officers are now being integrated into the Social Welfare Appeals Office on foot of the transfer of these appeals from the HSE and it is hoped that there are synergies to be gained from that merger and the reduction in SWA appeals which will further enhance the capacity of the office.
230 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is any mechanism to claim a back to school allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28242/11]
The position remains the same as advised in question number 232, which I answered for the Deputy on 20th September — that is only one back to school clothing and footwear allowance is payable annually per qualified child. Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme an exceptional needs payment (ENP) may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment. Each application is determined by the HSE based on the particular circumstances of the case. Eligible people would normally be in receipt of a social welfare or HSE payment. The person concerned should contact the community welfare officer in the local health centre in order that an assessment of his entitlements can be examined.
232 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28274/11]
I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the above named person. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of the claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
233 Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a hearing date for all three appeals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28275/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the three appeals, from the person concerned, were referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in all three cases.
There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order. In the context of dealing with the considerable number of appeals now on hand, the Department made 9 additional appointments to the office earlier this year. While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made.
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.
235 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who have applied to the JobBridge scheme following recent changes to the criteria and who would have previously been ineligible; if there are any further elements of the scheme that are under review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28283/11]
As prospective interns apply directly to host organisations, the number of applicants for each position is not available to the Department of Social Protection. The JobBridge scheme is kept continuously under review by the Department.
236 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of internship placements which have been made available by organisations in the west Cork area through the JobBridge programme since its inception; the number of persons who have successfully secured one of these internships; the location, organisation name and role of the successful placements; the number of internships still available in the area, and in respect of advertised placements that remain unfilled; the length of time they have been vacant; and the nature of the role and the name of the organisation in tabular form. [28287/11]
Figures are not available specifically for West Cork. Some 638 internships are currently being advertised in the FÁS Southern Region. Of these there are 85 internships on offer in Cork County. As of Friday 7th October a total of 1,769 individuals have commenced a JobBridge internship. However, it is not possible at this time, to provide a regional breakdown on the number of internships which have started. Details of all available internships are advertised on the JobBridge website.
237 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Social Protection her views regarding the increase in retirement age from 65 to 68 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28290/11]
The responsibility for setting retirement age in employment in the private sector rests with the individual employer who, in the main, sets retirement age under the contract of employment. Overall State responsibility for employment matters is held by my colleague, Deputy Richard Bruton, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
My Department is working with the relevant agencies of State who have a role to play in identifying and breaking down barriers to remaining in work past the age of 65. The continued participation of older people in the labour market must be encouraged and facilitated to meet the challenge of an ageing society. Employees and employers need to be persuaded to change their attitudes to working longer. In the workplace, employers should try to retain older employees and create working conditions which make working longer both attractive and possible for the older worker. Where this is not possible and people leave paid employment before State pension age, they may be entitled to apply for another social welfare payment until they become eligible for a State pension. Means testing may or may not apply, depending on the scheme applied for.
The standardisation of State pension age at 66 in 2014 and the abolition of State pension (transition) removes the retirement condition associated with State pension (transition) which acts as an incentive to leave the workforce and has been widely criticised as a barrier to older people remaining in employment. There is no retirement condition attached to the State pension (contributory) which is currently payable from age 66.
Opportunities for older people to participate in education, employment and other aspects of economic and social life must be maximised. For the future, arrangements are being examined which would enable people to postpone receipt of State pension and receive an actuarially increased pension at a later date. In addition, changes are also being considered which would allow people with a shortfall in their PRSI contribution record at pension age to continue to make contributions beyond State pension age, if they continue in employment or self-employment.
Raising State pension is a necessary step in ensuring the sustainability of pensions into the future. There is an important and significant policy background to these changes which is that with increases in life expectancy, more people are living to pension age and living longer in retirement. This has obvious and significant implications in relation to the future costs of State pension provision. The fundamental principle involved here is that people need to participate in the workforce for longer and they need to contribute more towards their pensions if they are to achieve the income they expect or would like to have in retirement.
238 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a carer’s allowance appeal application will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28303/11]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the available evidence disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. Notification of the Appeals Officers decision issued 20th May 2011. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts.
Following the submission of additional evidence the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of his appeal has been finalised. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
239 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a carer’s allowance appeal will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28305/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 21st June 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
240 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a back to school and footwear scheme application will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28310/11]
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. The timescale for determining applications for Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance claims is dependent on a number of factors including: the number of applications received, when the application is lodged, the availability of the required information such as details of the applicant's income, bank statements and other relevant information regarding an individual's application.
In addition, some aspects of the applications are inevitably time consuming and delays can occur where further investigations or third party evidence is required. Delays can also arise if the applicant is slow to respond to requests for additional information. Staff are working as quickly as possible on clearing the large volume of manual application claims received. Based on the current volume of applications it could take up to 7 weeks from date of receipt to process claims. Departmental records show that an application form was received from the person concerned on 30th August 2011 and it is expected she will be notified of the outcome of her claim shortly.
241 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a back to school and footwear scheme application will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28311/11]
The person concerned has been awarded a back to school clothing and footwear allowance and a payment issued to her nominated account on the 26th September 2011.
242 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a back to school and footwear scheme application will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28312/11]
The spouse of the person concerned has been awarded a back to school clothing and footwear allowance and a payment issued to his nominated account on the 20th August 2011.
243 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a carer’s allowance appeal application will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28315/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 16th May 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 26th August 2011 and the appeal will be assigned an Appeals Officer who, in due course, will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
244 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a domiciliary care allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10; the reason for the delay in processing an appeal in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28330/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 15 August 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 6 October 2011 and the appeal will be assigned, in due course, to an Appeals Officer who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
245 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost of the school meals programme to her Department in 2009 and 2010, specifying the separate costs to the urban school meals scheme and school meals local projects scheme; the number of companies engaged in each scheme; the name of each company; the amount paid per company in 2009 and 2010 in tabular form; the number of local companies who are currently under investigation by her Department for being suspected of billing in excess of the amount that they are owed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28336/11]
The School Meals Programme gives funding towards the provision of food services for disadvantaged children through two schemes. The first is the statutory Urban School Meals Scheme, operated by local authorities and part-financed by this Department. The second is the School Meals Local Projects Schemes through which funding is provided directly to participating schools and local and voluntary community groups who run their own school meals projects.
|
Year |
Urban School Meals Scheme |
School Meals Local Projects Schemes |
Total |
|
2009 |
€1.2m |
€33.6m |
€34.8m |
|
2010 |
€0.8m |
€34.2m |
€35m |
The allocation for the programme for 2011 is €35 m.
The Department has no direct interaction with any company who are engaged in the provision of food services to individual groups/schools who take part in the School Meals programme and are not in a position to provide the information sought. Payments under the programme are made directly to the group/school. The Department has an ongoing programme of control work in relation to all of its schemes including the school meals programme. The Department does not comment in relation to individual cases.
246 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount the Health Service Executive paid in rent allowance in 2010 from centres (details supplied); the number of rent supplements paid to families or individuals by the centres; the number of inspections carried out by the centres prior to approving rent allowance; and the number of payments that have been withheld by the Health Services Executive at the centres as a result of a notification by Dublin City Council of non-compliance with housing standards. [28347/11]
The community welfare service (CWS), and the community welfare officers providing it, transferred formally to the Department of Social Protection (DSP) from 1 October 2011. The service and the staff are now part of the DSP. The number of rent supplement tenancies in respect of the specified offices and the expenditure incurred are set out in the tabular statement.
It is standard practice, in the areas in question, that officers would view accommodation prior to the issue of rent supplement in order to verify the tenancy and ascertain the nature of the accommodation. However, a home visit is not always required, as the Department may already be familiar with the accommodation, and have established the applicant's residency.
In 2010, a total of 7 premises in the areas specified were notified to the CWS as not meeting the required Housing Standards. As these are multiple occupancy premises, i.e., bedsits, flats or apartments, it is not possible to specify how many individual applications were refused as a consequence of notifications received from Dublin City Council. Prospective tenants of these notified accommodations would be advised, in advance of completing a tenancy agreement, of the non-availability of rent supplement for these premises.
|
Tenancies and Expenditure for selected offices — 2010 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Department Office |
Number of Tenancies |
Expenditure € |
|
Benburb Street |
329 |
1,191,251 |
|
Botanic Avenue |
14 |
60,359 |
|
East Wall |
2 |
12,638 |
|
Lisburn Street |
777 |
2,455,895 |
|
Millmount Avenue |
3 |
7,200 |
|
North Stand |
6 |
12,507 |
|
Quarry Road |
2,062 |
8,083,252 |
|
Specialised Housing Unit |
1,912 |
6,228,650 |
|
Summerhill |
12 |
64,093 |
247 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the details of any organisation under her Department which has informed her of staffing difficulties which may impinge upon its ability to effectively oversee the spending of public funds; and her views regarding same. [28376/11]
I have not been made aware of any staffing difficulties in any organisation under my Department's remit which may impinge upon its ability to effectively oversee the spending of public funds.
248 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the organisations under her Department for which an employment control framework has been agreed; the current numbers they have in place; if they have been waiting more than one month to receive sanction to proceed to fill or retain any positions in spite of such positions falling below the agreed ECF ceiling. [28392/11]
There are two agencies under the Department of Social Protection which fall under the context of the Employment Control Framework. Please see below a breakdown of both in relation to agreed planned figures for 2011, and the current figures as they stand.
|
Agencies |
Planned End 2011 Ceilings |
*Amended End 2011 Ceilings |
Current Staff Serving |
|
Citizen’s Information Board |
80.6 |
83.6 |
82.4 |
|
The Pensions Board |
38.4 |
50.4 |
44 |
|
Total |
119 |
134 |
126.4 |
*The ECF for Citizen's Information Board was originally set at 80.6 and was then amended to 83.6 to take account of 3 of the Department's staff on secondment to the Board.
*The ECF for the Pensions Board was originally set at 38.4. The current figure is 50.4 as a recent sanction provided for an additional 12 staff to be recruited, with the Department losing 6 staff from its ECF.
249 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) was refused domiciliary care allowance. [28409/11]
An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received for the person concerned on 23rd September 2010. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on 24th November 2010 refusing the allowance. The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against the decision and she was informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 20th June 2011 that the appeal had been disallowed. The decision/appeal process for this application is now complete. All the available information was provided to the appeals officer before the appeal was considered.
250 Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason she does not allow fuel allowance to be paid in a lump sum ahead of time, as an option other than the weekly payment which may not be available to all; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28412/11]
The national fuel allowance scheme assists householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive (HSE) payments with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. Fuel allowance is now payable for 32 weeks and for the 2010/2011 season will benefit over 375,000 people at an aggregate cost of €255 million. The payment rate is now €20 per week.
In addition, electricity and gas allowances under the household benefits package, are payable throughout the year to over 390,000 pensioners, people with disabilities, and carer households towards their heating, light and cooking costs at an estimated overall scheme cost of €382 m in 2011.
There would be a number of difficulties in paying the fuel allowance as a lump sum for some recipients while others receive it as part of their weekly payment. If the payment were given in advance as a lump sum, there could be significant over-payments if a recipient's circumstances were to change during the payment season. If it were paid in arrears, it obviously would create further budgeting difficulties. Many oil companies provide facilities for making payment by monthly instalment over a period of time which allows people to plan and budget for fuel expenses. I am satisfied that this arrangement is sufficient to meet the needs of our customers.
251 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the outstanding documentation that must be submitted to her in order to resume payment of basic supplementary welfare allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28426/11]
Apart from a number of excluded categories, anyone in the State who satisfies a habitual residency condition and a means test, has registered for employment, unless they have a physical or mental disability, and can prove unemployment, may qualify for a weekly payment of supplementary welfare allowance (SWA). Additionally, if an individual has made an appeal where a primary payment has been refused, they may also receive a payment of SWA, subject to satisfying the qualifying criteria for the scheme.
Following the refusal of a primary payment from the Department, SWA was paid to the person concerned on an interim basis pending the provision of a copy of the relevant appeals documentation. However as the person concerned did not provide a copy of the relevant documents the payment of SWA was temporarily suspended. The person concerned has now furnished the relevant appeals documentation and the payment of SWA has been restored.
252 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding financial support in respect of a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28445/11]
The community welfare service (CWS), and the community welfare officers providing it, transferred formally to the Department of Social Protection (DSP) from 1 October 2011. The service and the staff are now part of the DSP. Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme a single payment may be made to meet an exceptional need to people on social welfare or HSE payments.
The principal consideration in making a single payment of SWA to address a particular need is that the need to be met must be exceptional. Payments should arise only under abnormal conditions and should not become a regular or standard practice. Thus, an exceptional needs payment (ENP) should be a single payment to meet an unforeseen and/or special need which cannot be met from a client's basic income. There is no application for an ENP from the person concerned. The person concerned should contact his local DSP office administering supplementary welfare allowance if he wishes to be considered for an ENP.
254 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason persons receiving illness benefit pre-January 2009, who continue to provide supporting medical documents to her Department will receive payment while a person receiving illness benefit post-January 2009 must subsequently apply for invalidity pension or disability allowance or both after two years but will receive no continuing payment in the interim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28485/11]
Illness Benefit is an income support payment for people of working age who are unable to work due to illness and who satisfy certain social insurance conditions. The scheme is intended to provide income replacement for insured persons during short spells of incapacity or illness. Other payments such as Invalidity Pension and Disability Allowance are available to people who are unable to work long-term because of a disability or a medical condition.
Although only intended to cater for short term illness there was, prior to the introduction of changes provided for in the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008, no limit on the amount of time for which Illness Benefit could be paid to people who had more than 260 social insurance contributions. An OECD review entitled "Sickness, Disability and Work: breaking the Barriers" noted that paying illness or sickness benefit without a time limitation was very unusual across the OECD, and pointed to the risk that people in such circumstances will never return to the labour market.
Against that background, the 2008 Act provided that entitlement to Illness Benefit is now limited to two years (or 624 days) duration for claims arising after the 5th January, 2009. The new legislative provisions apply only to new claims and, accordingly, where a claim for illness benefit arose prior to the 5th January 2009, the previous arrangements continue to apply.
255 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an entitlement to disability allowance exists in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28486/11]
Disability allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year. To qualify, a claimant must satisfy a medical assessment, a means test and be habitually resident in the state.
No application for disability allowance has been received from the person concerned to date. An application form and an information booklet for disability allowance have been sent to the person. If she wishes to apply for disability allowance she should complete and return this form in the freepost envelope provided and her entitlement will be examined.
256 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Social Protection when a final decision will be made in a disability allowance claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28557/11]
The application from the person concerned for disability allowance was disallowed on the basis that his means is in excess of the statutory limit allowable for disability allowance. The person was notified in writing on 10 October 2011 of this decision.
257 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28558/11]
An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received on 19 September 2011. This application will be forwarded to one of the Department's Medical Assessors for their medical opinion on the case. Upon receipt of this opinion, a decision will issue to the customer. It should be noted that, currently, it is taking ten weeks to process an application.
258 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and when a decision will issue. [28564/11]
The person concerned was refused carer's allowance on grounds the that the Department's Medical Assessor expressed the opinion that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full-time care and attention as prescribed in regulations. On the 7 October, she was notified of this decision and the reason(s) for it.
259 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for a carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and when a decision will issue. [28565/11]
I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the above named person. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of the claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome. The average time taken to process a claim to completion, including assessment of the claimant's means and the entitlement of the care recipient to full time care and attention on medical grounds is approximately 16 weeks.
260 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and when a decision will issue. [28566/11]
Further to my response to Parliamentary Question Ref. No. 25881/11 on 27 September 2011, I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there is no update to the information given previously. 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.
261 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and when a decision will issue. [28567/11]
The person concerned was refused carer's allowance on grounds that the Department's medical assessor expressed the opinion that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full-time care and attention as prescribed in regulations. She was notified of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review or appeal. Additional medical evidence was subsequently received and forwarded to the Department's medical assessor for consideration. Upon receipt of the medical assessor's opinion, the decision will be reviewed. The person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome of the review in due course.
262 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and when a decision will issue. [28568/11]
I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the above named person. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of his claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome. The average time taken to process a claim to completion, including assessment of the claimant's means and the entitlement of the caree to full time care and attention on medical grounds is approximately 16 weeks.
263 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and when a decision on their domiciliary care allowance appeal will be finalised. [28569/11]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the available evidence disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. Notification of the Appeals Officers decision issued 29 June 2011. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts.
Following the submission of additional evidence the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of her appeal has been finalised. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
264 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will expect a decision on their domiciliary allowance appeal application. [28574/11]
Further to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 291 on 20 September 2011, I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there is no update to the information given previously. 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.
265 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will expect a decision on their carer’s allowance application. [28576/11]
I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the above named person. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of the claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome. The average time taken to process a claim to completion, including assessment of the claimant's means and the entitlement of the caree to full-time care and attention on medical grounds is approximately 16 weeks.
266 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will expect a decision on their carer’s allowance application. [28577/11]
I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the above named person. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of her claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome. The average time taken to process a claim to completion, including assessment of the claimant's means and the entitlement of the caree to full time care and attention on medical grounds is approximately 16 weeks.
267 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Waterford will expect a decision on their domiciliary care application. [28580/11]
An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received for the person concerned on 23 September 2010. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on 24 November 2010 refusing DCA. The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against the decision and she was informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 20 June 2011 that the appeal had been disallowed. The decision/appeal process for this application is now complete. All the available information was provided to the appeals officer before the appeal was considered.
268 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will expect a decision on their domiciliary care allowance appeal. [28582/11]
Further to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 285 on 20 September 2011, I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there is no update to the information given previously. 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.
269 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will expect a decision on their carer’s allowance application. [28583/11]
I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the above named person. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of her claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome. The average time taken to process a claim to completion, including assessment of the claimant's means and the entitlement of the caree to full time care and attention on medical grounds is approximately 16 weeks.
270 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will expect a decision on their domiciliary care allowance appeal. [28584/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 5 September 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
271 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will expect a decision on their carer’s allowance application. [28586/11]
I confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the above named person. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of her claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome. The average time taken to process a claim to completion, including assessment of the claimant's means and the entitlement of the caree to full time care and attention on medical grounds is approximately 16 weeks.
272 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will expect a decision on their illness benefit appeal. [28587/11]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned was notified of the decision on 20 August 2011. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts. If there is any new evidence or new facts pertinent to this case that was not brought to the attention of the Appeals Officer during the determination of this appeal, they may be submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for further 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.
273 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Laois will expect a decision on their carer’s allowance application. [28589/11]
The person concerned was refused carer's allowance on grounds that the Department's medical assessor expressed the opinion that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full-time care and attention as prescribed in regulations. On the 8th September, she was notified of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review or appeal, within 21 days to the independent social welfare appeals office.
274 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will expect a decision on their carer’s allowance application. [28590/11]
I confirm that an application for carer's allowance was received from the above named on 3 August 2011. On completion of the necessary investigations of all aspects of her claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome. The average time taken to process a claim to completion, including assessment of the claimant's means and the entitlement of the caree to full time care and attention on medical grounds is approximately 16 weeks.
275 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will expect a decision on their jobseeker’s allowance appeal. [28591/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 22 July 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 27 September 2011 and the appeal will be assigned, in due course, to an Appeals Officer who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
276 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding back to school allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28614/11]
The person concerned has been awarded a back to school clothing and footwear allowance and a payment issued to his nominated account on the 20 September 2011.
277 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a back to school allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28615/11]
The persons concerned have been awarded a back to school clothing and footwear allowance and a payment issued to their nominated account on 4 October 2011.
278 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the eligibility for State contributory pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28628/11]
The person concerned is approaching pension age in January 2012. The Department has not received a claim for State pension (contributory) from him. A claim form has been sent to him and on receipt of the completed claim form, his entitlement to pension will be fully examined and he will be notified of the outcome without delay.
279 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the eligibility for State contributory pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if Irish and Spanish contributions will be used in any calculation of entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28629/11]
The person concerned has reached pension age. The Department has not received a claim for State pension (contributory) from her. A claim form has been sent to her and on receipt of the completed claim form, her entitlement to pension will be fully examined and she will be notified of the outcome without delay. If she has been insurably employed in Spain for a period of 52 weeks or more, her Irish and Spanish contributions can be combined to examine her entitlement to a pro-rata State pension (contributory) under EC Regulations.
280 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason rent allowance appeals are being transferred from the Health Service Executive in Walkinstown, Dublin 12, to the social welfare appeals office in D’Olier House, Dublin 2, in view of the backlog that exists in appeals in that office already and specifically in the case of a rent allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and when the appeal will be determined. [28682/11]
Following on from the transfer of the Community Welfare Service from the Health Services Executive (HSE) to the Department of Social Protection, with effect from Saturday 1st October, legislation was commenced which provides that appeals for supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) will be made to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Up to now, the legislation provided for a 2 step process, first to the Health Services Executive (HSE) and, if still dissatisfied, to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
It is estimated that approximately 10% or 1,000 SWA appellants availed of the 2 step process (based on 2010 figures). Ten former HSE Appeals Officers are now being integrated into the Social Welfare Appeals Office on foot of the transfer of these appeals from the HSE and it is hoped that there are synergies to be gained from that merger and the reduction in SWA appeals which will enhance the capacity of the office.
I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal for SWA for the person concerned has not yet been registered with this office. Any appeals that have been submitted in recent weeks to the HSE, are now in the process of being transferred to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. These appeals will be registered and acknowledged by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in due course. The Chief Appeals Officer has assured me that all appropriate measures are being taken to address the smooth transfer of SWA appeals to her office. 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.
281 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for mortgage interest relief in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28691/11]
The community welfare service (CWS) and the community welfare officers providing it transferred formally to the Department of Social Protection (DSP) from 1 October 2011. The service and the staff are now part of the DSP. A claim for mortgage interest supplement has been received from the person concerned. A decision in relation to entitlement will be made when the supporting documentation requested has been received. The person concerned has been asked to contact the relevant person who is managing her case within the Department.
282 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the policy whereby a person in receipt of one parent family payment and receiving a grant bursary in Northern Ireland will be means tested euro for euro against their one parent family payment. [28697/11]
One parent family payment is a means tested social assistance payment. In assessing means, account is taken of all cash income which the person is receiving. Where a person is in receipt of a grant bursary along the lines described in this question, this is assessed euro for euro basis. Where a person is in receipt of maintenance payments or earnings from employment or self-employment, the level of assessment is reduced through the use of disregards and tapering arrangements. However, these arrangements do not apply to bursary payments.
Any changes to social protection schemes and services, operated by this Department, including the one parent family payment, will be considered in a Budgetary context later this year. The process will be informed by the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure which has been completed by my Department.
283 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the policy whereby a person in receipt of one parent family payment and receiving a grant bursary in Northern Ireland will be means tested euro for euro against their one parent family payment. [28706/11]
One parent family payment is a means tested social assistance payment. In assessing means, account is taken of all cash income which the person is receiving. Where a person is in receipt of a grant bursary along the lines described in this question, this is assessed euro for euro basis. Where a person is in receipt of maintenance payments or earnings from employment or self-employment, the level of assessment is reduced through the use of disregards and tapering arrangements. However, these arrangements do not apply to bursary payments.
Any changes to social protection schemes and services, operated by this Department, including the one parent family payment, will be considered in a Budgetary context later this year. The process will be informed by the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure which has been completed by my Department.
284 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to providing an exemption to the qualifying criteria for rent allowance for victims of domestic violence and their children. [28708/11]
In order to qualify for a rent supplement a person must have been residing in private rented accommodation or accommodation for homeless persons or an institution (or any combination of these) for a period of 183 days within the preceding 12 months of the date of claim for rent supplement. A person may also qualify for rent supplement where an assessment of housing need has been carried out within the 12 months preceding the date of claim and the person is deemed by the relevant local authority to be eligible for and in need of social housing support.
In all other cases, a person who wishes to apply for rent supplement is referred, in the first instance, for an assessment of eligibility for social housing support by the local housing authority in the area where claim to rent supplement is made (and the person intends to reside). Only when the person has been assessed as being eligible for and in need of social housing support, does the person become eligible for consideration for rent supplement. However, where a claimant's safety and well-being are at risk staff has been provided with special discretionary powers to expedite the award of a payment to the person in question.
285 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to review the progression aspect of the current back to education scheme in view of the growing volume of highly qualified persons who are now out of work, seeking a return to education and who are unable to progress to a course of higher qualification because their latest one is a BA or an MA and their options are therefore limited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28715/11]
The focus of the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is to assist those who are most marginalised and distant from the labour market to acquire the necessary education to improve their chances of becoming independent of the social welfare system. The BTEA scheme can offer participation in second and third level education by enabling eligible people in receipt of certain social welfare payments to continue to receive a payment while pursuing an approved full-time education course that leads to a higher qualification than that already held.
A person wishing to pursue BTEA will have to satisfy a number of conditions such as being a certain age, in receipt of a prescribed social welfare payment for a specified time period, pursuing a full time course of study leading to a recognised qualification in a recognised college and progressing in the level of education held by the client with reference to the national framework of qualifications among others.
Progression has always been a fundamental condition of BTEA. State support for education purposes is grounded on a student progressing from one qualification level to a higher one. This is necessary to ensure displacement does not occur, in that courses could be offered to students who are not progressing at the cost of students progressing from a lower education level. It should be noted that, in the 2010/2011 academic year, of the 25,032 participants supported through BTEA, 43% pursued second level courses. Furthermore, the scheme was never intended to be an alternative form of funding for people entering or re-entering the third level education system.
However, if a person wishes to pursue a part time education course they may be able to do so while still obtaining their jobseekers payment. They must apply at their local social welfare office and verify that participation on the course does not reduce their availability for work. In the case of jobseekers benefit, participation on a course does not grant any extension to the normal period for which jobseekers benefit is paid.
On May 10th, as part of the Government's Jobs Initiative, 20,900 new and additional places were announced in training, education and work experience programmes. As part of this initiative, a new fund, entitled Springboard, which is being managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills, provides education and training opportunities to support unemployed people. The primary objective of Springboard is to help unemployed people to remain as close as possible to the labour market by accessing part-time flexible higher education and training opportunities to up-skill or re-skill in areas where sustainable employment opportunities may arise as the economy recovers. The target group for this programme of over 200 courses includes unemployed people with a previous history of employment who already hold a higher level qualification at NFQ Levels 6 to 9, who may also require additional up-skilling or re-skilling in order to re-enter employment. By way of the part-time education option, unemployed people on jobseekers' payments will be facilitated in retaining their payment, subject to continuing entitlement, within the broader back to education framework.
The BTEA, in conjunction with other employment support schemes, will be monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure that it continues to meet its objectives.
286 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who have designated Donaghmede, Coolock and Raheny post offices, Dublin, for the collection of their benefits. [28724/11]
An Post is the principal agency through which payments are delivered to social welfare customers. The Department currently issues 5,190 payments on a weekly basis and a further 1,696 monthly payments through Donaghmede, Coolock and Raheny post offices. A breakdown of the number of payments per post office is listed below. Precise information on the number of customers who have designated these post offices is not readily available as customers may be entitled to collect more than one payment, for example Child Benefit and a weekly payment such as Jobseeker's Allowance.
|
Post Office |
Weekly Payments |
Monthly Payments |
|
Donaghmede |
2,099 |
777 |
|
Coolock |
1,652 |
493 |
|
Raheny |
1,439 |
426 |
|
Total |
5,190 |
1,696 |
287 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when an oral hearing will take place in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28745/11]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case. There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order. In the context of dealing with the considerable number of appeals now on hand, the Department made 9 additional appointments to the office earlier this year.
While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made. 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.
288 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of community employment scheme places in County Louth; and if all specific CE scheme placements are currently allocated. [28747/11]
Community employment helps long-term unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to work routine. The focus of CE is on developing technical and personal skills to enable a person to return to the open labour market. Persons engaged are provided with work and training placements of 19½ hours duration per week with a not-for-profit community sponsor delivery local services. The funding allocated for 2011 will allow for the provision of some 23,300 places nationally. The number of CE place in County Louth is 853 of which five are currently vacant.
Operational matters in relation to community employment, including the allocation of places, are a day-to-day matter for FÁS as part of its responsibility under the Labour Services Act, 1987, as amended by Part 3 of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2010.
289 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on a supplementary welfare allowance appeal will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28805/11]
Following on from the transfer of the Community Welfare Service from the Health Services Executive (HSE) to the Department of Social Protection, with effect from Saturday 1st October, legislation was commenced which provides that appeals for supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) will be made to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Up to now, the legislation provided for a 2 step process, first to the Health Services Executive (HSE) and, if still dissatisfied, to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
As part of that process, any appeals that have been submitted in recent weeks to the HSE are being transferred to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. These appeals will be registered and acknowledged by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in due course. In this case, I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal for SWA for the person concerned has not yet been registered. The Chief Appeals Officer has assured me that all appropriate measures are being taken to address the smooth transfer of SWA appeals to her office.
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.
290 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a contributory State pension has been refused on the grounds that PRSI contributions remain outstanding in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4; if she has persisted in applying this decision notwithstanding repeated submission of written confirmation from the Revenue Commissioners that, while tax liabilities remain to be remitted by agreed instalment, PRSI liabilities which were outstanding have been remitted in full; the basis on which she has failed to act on this evidence; if she will ensure that the person receives their pension entitlement in full and without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28892/11]
A claim for a State pension (contributory) was received from the person concerned on 10th March 2010. The claim was disallowed on 29th June 2010 as she had an outstanding PRSI (self-employment) liability, and the reason for this decision was communicated to her on that date.
Section 110(1) of The Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act of 2005 provides that a self-employed contributor shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions for State pension (contributory) unless all outstanding PRSI contributions are paid. Section 110 was amended in the Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Act 2009 to provide that where unpaid self-employment PRSI contributions are paid subsequent to the claimant's 66th birthday, a State pension (contributory) will only be payable from the date on which the PRSI liability is fully discharged. This amending legislation applies to all State pension (contributory) claims received on or after 1st January 2010.
Income tax and PRSI payable by a self-employed contributor are treated as one aggregate sum in accordance with the provisions of Section 23(4) of the 2005 Social Welfare Consolidation Act. For that reason, it is not possible to separate payments to Revenue between tax and PRSI liabilities or to front-load the discharge of the PRSI element of the overall tax liability. According to the records of this Department, the person concerned currently has PRSI self-employment contributions outstanding for the following tax years: 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. When the person concerned has paid her income tax/PRSI liability in full, she should submit a receipt confirming this to this Department. Her pension claim will be reviewed and she will be notified of the outcome without delay.
291 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a breach of the legislation prohibiting stag hunting is a matter for An Garda Síochána or the National Parks and Wildlife Service to investigate. [28164/11]
293 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to reports from animal welfare groups that a group (details supplied) continues to hunt deer in direct breach of the new provision of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2010; the action he will take to deal with this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28161/11]
294 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the National Parks and Wildlife Service has acted upon eye witness reports and video footage submitted to it at the end of the last hunting season 2010/11; this footage and reports provided evidence that a group (details supplied) was hunting deer with a pack of hounds on various occasions as planned by it on a circulated hunt meet card from October 2010 to March 2011, in clear contravention of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2010 which makes it an offence to hunt deer with two or more dogs. [28165/11]
295 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht if responsibility for ensuring that an organisation (details supplied) is complying with the terms of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2010 and the gathering of proof of breaches is being left solely to anti-hunt observers and the general public in the area; if he will give assurance that the National Parks and Wildlife Service staff will take proactive measures to ensure that deer are not being hunted in contravention of the above mentioned Act. [28166/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 293 to 295, inclusive, together.
The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2010 made it an offence to hunt a deer with two or more dogs, unless such activity was specifically permitted under section 42 of the principal Act. My Department has received legal advice that the practice of running a deer to set a course, catching it up and then releasing hounds and commencing the following of the scent is not hunting as defined in the Acts.
Officials of my Department carry out patrols and site visits to enforce the Wildlife Acts and will continue to do so. They will also continue to investigate all reports of breaches of the Acts. Members of An Garda Síochána are also empowered under the Acts to investigate alleged offences and to prosecute, if they see fit. My Department has investigated reports of illegal hunting in the case referred to by the Deputy but concluded that a prosecution would not be warranted on the evidence available.
292 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views in regard to possible payments in relation to a bog (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28736/11]
The bog referred to by the Deputy is designated as a Natural Heritage Area under the Wildlife Acts. In April of this year, the Government made a number of decisions in relation to turf cutting, including the putting in place of a compensation package for those who are required to cease cutting on raised bog Special Areas of Conservation, the establishment of the Peatlands Council and the drawing up of a national strategy on peatland conservation and management. In the context of the national strategy, the position regarding raised bog Natural Heritage Areas will be examined in advance of the 2014 cutting season. Issues of compensation will be included in that review.
296 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount spent in 2009, 2010 and 2011 by the National Museum on leasing property or buildings; if he will provide a breakdown of the leases to include the amount spent on each individual lease; the location of the building or property; the purpose for which each building is leased, including storage of artwork and museum collections; 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. [28252/11]
I have been informed by the National Museum that it has one leased site at present in Swords, Co. Dublin. The premises is leased from the Office of Public Works and is being used to establish a centralised collection resource centre to provide appropriate accommodation for the management and care of the National Museum's reserve collections and provide access to the material for research and education purposes. I understand that the Office of Public Works has leased the premises in question from Gerard Gannon Properties.
The leasing arrangement between the Office of Public Works and the National Museum of Ireland dates from 17th September 2010. A payment of €750,000 has been made for the first nine months of the period of the lease, from 17th September 2010 up to and inclusive of 16th June 2011. This is followed by a one year rent free period up to and inclusive of 16th June 2012, when rent becomes payable again.
297 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht the details of any organisation under his Department which has informed him of staffing difficulties which may impinge upon its ability to effectively oversee the spending of public funds; and his views regarding same. [28364/11]
298 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the organisations under his Department for which an employment control framework has been agreed; the current numbers they have in place; if they have been waiting more than one month to receive sanction to proceed to fill or retain any positions in spite of such positions falling below the agreed ECF ceiling. [28380/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 297 and 298 together.
Details of the Employment Control Framework (ECF) limits for relevant public bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group are set out below. In this regard, it may be noted that no agreement has been reached to date regarding the application of such limits to the North South Bodies funded by my Department.
I have not as yet been advised of any difficulties of the type outlined by the Deputy. I can confirm, however, that officials of my Department are in ongoing liaison with the management of the bodies in question and will seek to address any such difficulties, should they arise — including issues in relation to the filling of posts — in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
|
Total staff at end June 2011 |
ECF end 2011 |
ECF end 2012 |
ECF end 2013 |
ECF end 2014 |
|
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
116 |
116 |
115 |
113 |
110 |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
93 |
94 |
91 |
88 |
86 |
|
Heritage Council |
15 |
16 |
16 |
15 |
15 |
|
Arts Council |
46 |
45 |
44 |
42 |
41 |
|
Irish Film Board |
15 |
14 |
14 |
13 |
13 |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
34 |
33 |
32 |
30 |
30 |
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
14 |
13 |
12 |
12 |
11 |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
84 |
77 |
74 |
71 |
69 |
|
National Concert Hall |
57 |
62 |
60 |
57 |
56 |
|
National Library of Ireland |
104 |
87 |
87 |
80 |
79 |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
169 |
155 |
150 |
143 |
140 |
299 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of an organisation (details supplied) in relation to its future funding arrangements; his views that it is acceptable that this Irish language youth club be put at risk as a result of changes in the funding structure of its funder; his further views that this organisation is vital to encourage the development of the Irish language as a spoken language; and if so, if he will provide assurance to the members that this organisation will be funded into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28690/11]
Foras na Gaeilge currently provides core funding to 19 Irish language organisations, including the organisation referred to by the Deputy. By way of background, I should explain that Foras na Gaeilge is an agency of the North South Language Body, An Foras Teanga, which is jointly funded by my Department and by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland. Decisions regarding An Foras Teanga are made by both Sponsor Departments under the auspices of the North South Ministerial Council.
Following an external review completed on behalf of Foras na Gaeilge, the North South Ministerial Council agreed that the core funding arrangements be reconfigured to ensure a more streamlined and cost effective approach. The reconfiguration consists of moving from core funding for 19 organisations to a competitive funding model based on a portfolio of schemes requiring the delivery of various strategic priorities. The present position is that the board of Foras na Gaeilge approved eight draft schemes at its meeting on 23 September 2011. These draft schemes are currently under consideration by the Sponsor Departments in preparation for the next meeting of the North South Ministerial Council in language sectoral format on 12 October 2011.
It will, of course, be open to the organisation referred to by the Deputy to seek funding under the proposed suite of schemes to continue its work. It is important to note that, pending the introduction of the schemes, it has been agreed by the North South Ministerial Council that interim core funding will continue to be provided to the 19 Irish language organisations to 30 June 2012.
300 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to review the boundaries of the Iveragh Gaeltacht, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28750/11]
While I have no plans at present to review the boundaries of Gaeltacht Uíbh Ráthaigh or indeed of any other Gaeltacht area, the Deputy may be aware that the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 envisages a new statutory definition of the Gaeltacht. This new definition of the Gaeltacht will be based on linguistic criteria rather than on specified geographical areas, as is currently the case. The new definition will be given statutory status under the Gaeltacht Bill which is to be published in 2012, in accordance with the Government’s Legislation Programme.
The Gaeltacht Bill will also provide for a language planning process whereby language plans will be prepared at community level for each Gaeltacht area. The development of a comprehensive language planning system at community level in the Gaeltacht is a key component of the 20-Year Strategy to ensure that the Irish language survives as a community language in the Gaeltacht. It is intended that every Gaeltacht community, including that of Gaeltacht Uíbh Ráthaigh, will be empowered through the language planning process to determine its own future in the Gaeltacht.
301 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on whether the granting of licences to trap hares for the purposes of coursing runs contrary to the spirit if not the letter of the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2000, particularly as hares under section 23 are a protected species. [28806/11]
303 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of licences granted for coursing of hares in County Galway in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28810/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 301 and 303 together.
The Wildlife Acts 1976-2010 clearly and specifically allow for hare coursing in Ireland. Licences are granted in accordance with sections 32 and 34 of the Acts allowing for the tagging and capture by netting of hares respectively. These licences are granted to the Irish Coursing Club, the statutory body established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 for administering Irish hare coursing, and its affiliated clubs to hold regulated coursing matches. Two such licenses were issued to the Irish Coursing Club for the current season 2011/12. These licenses cover affiliated coursing clubs in County Galway.
There is no current evidence that coursing has a significant effect on hare populations and the decision to issue these licences took into consideration the report of the Status of Hares in Ireland — Hare Survey of Ireland 2006/07. The survey showed that the Irish hare is widespread, occurring throughout the entire country. My Department also includes an assessment of the various coursing meetings held during the previous season when making a recommendation to me on the issue of licences each year. It should be noted that hares (in addition to other game species such as game birds and deer) are afforded protection by the restriction of hunting, (including hare coursing), to specified periods of the year as set out in the Open Seasons Orders.
302 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if funding will continued for a scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28809/11]
Foras na Gaeilge currently provides core funding to 19 Irish language organisations, including the organisation referred to by the Deputy. By way of background, I should explain that Foras na Gaeilge is an agency of the North South Language Body, An Foras Teanga, which is jointly funded by my Department and by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland. Decisions regarding An Foras Teanga are made by both Sponsor Departments under the auspices of the North South Ministerial Council.
Following an external review completed on behalf of Foras na Gaeilge, the North South Ministerial Council agreed that the core funding arrangements be reconfigured to ensure a more streamlined and cost effective approach. The reconfiguration consists of moving from core funding for 19 organisations to a competitive funding model based on a portfolio of schemes requiring the delivery of various strategic priorities.
The present position is that the board of Foras na Gaeilge approved eight draft schemes at its meeting on 23 September 2011. These draft schemes are currently under consideration by the Sponsor Departments in preparation for the next meeting of the North South Ministerial Council in language sectoral format on 12 October 2011. It will, of course, be open to the organisation referred to by the Deputy to seek funding under the proposed suite of schemes to continue its work. It is important to note that, pending the introduction of the schemes, it has been agreed by the North South Ministerial Council that interim core funding will continue to be provided to the 19 Irish language organisations to 30 June 2012.
304 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will allow salmon fishing on the River Barrow for the 2012 season on a catch and release basis as part of the process to determine the salmon stock levels in the river. [28770/11]
As the Deputy will be aware, the performance of salmon rivers is assessed on an annual basis by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) with a view to providing advice on the management of the fishery in the coming year. I am at present awaiting the scientific and management advice from IFI, which will inform how the salmon fishery, including in the River Barrow, is to be managed in the 2012 season. Draft Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations will be published for public consultation later this year, in accordance with the Inland Fisheries Act 2010.
Not anticipating the advice for 2012, I am informed that the salmon stock in the River Barrow continues to be considerably below its conservation limit at approximately 40% of that limit. This is based on standard methodology including surveys of spawning beds, fish populations and habitats, as well as juvenile electro-fishing results. Given the very low level of stocks even angling on a catch and release basis would not be permissible within the criteria adopted by IFI due to the fact that mortality associated with catch and release could be detrimental to the stock without contributing significantly to the stock assessment.
305 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason he is unable to provide adequate broadband speed to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if it is envisioned that this service will be improved in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28251/11]
The area of Ballypatrick, Bouladuff, is covered by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). The NBS contract guarantees service levels and imposes a service credit regime on "3" with financial consequences in the event that minimum specification service levels are not met. My Department and its external consultants actively monitor coverage within the NBS areas.
Currently, the minimum download speed available to NBS broadband customers is 1.6Mbps and the minimum upload speed is 1.2Mbps, with a maximum contention ratio of 22:1. A further contractual upgrade will take place in October 2012, which will increase the minimum download speed to 2.3Mbps and the minimum upload speed to 1.4Mbps, with a maximum contention ratio of 18:1. Any NBS customer experiencing problems with the NBS service can contact 3’s customer care centre 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at 1913 (free of charge). Additionally, a team of field engineers has been established to address NBS specific maintenance issues at customer’s premises.
My Department has a role when customers have fully utilised the established complaints process. It operates a dedicated NBS mailbox, which NBS customers can contact by email at nationalbroadbandscheme@nbs.ie with any comments or complaints they may have about their NBS service.
306 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the proposed sale of channel 69 spectrum and the move to channel 38 for programme making and special events; the effect it will have on the music industry and businesses using radio microphones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28266/11]
The licensing of radio microphones is a matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). I understand that there are currently 49 channels (channels 21 to 69) available for radio microphone use in Ireland in the 470 - 862 MHz band with the majority of assignments made in channel 69. These channels are made available on a non-exclusive basis and are subject to sharing with existing broadcasting services in this band.
At the International Telecommunication Union World Radiocommunications Conference in 2007, it was agreed that channels 61 to 69 would be made available for mobile services. Subsequently, the European Commission in its Recommendation 2009/848/EC, recommended that analogue terrestrial TV services switch off in 2012, and that the above channels should be used for electronic communications services. This switch over will facilitate the roll out of high speed mobile broadband to communities across Europe.
In complying with this Recommendation channel 69 will no longer therefore be available for radio microphone use. As the Deputy may be aware Ireland's national digital switch over strategy provides for a move to all digital TV services by the end of 2012, with the existing services in the 800 MHz band (including channel 61-69) being switched off at that stage. I understand that radio microphone manufacturers and suppliers have been aware of the fact that channel 69 would no longer be available for wireless microphone use from the end of 2012. In addition ComReg conducted a public consultation on this matter in April 2010.
The consultation highlighted a number of issues including that in June 2009, the UK Communications Regulator (Ofcom) confirmed Channel 38 (606 - 614 MHz) as a replacement for Channel 69 (854 - 862 MHz). In light of the Ofcom decision, and noting that Ireland is a small and open economy and the potential for economies of scale of equipment manufacture and roaming of services, ComReg considered that spectrum for radio microphones should be aligned with spectrum available for radio microphones in larger European markets. Following consideration of responses received to its consultation, ComReg's view is that it would be appropriate to use a replacement channel aligned with the UK's channel for wireless microphones and it therefore announced in September 2010 that it would make Channel 38 available on an exclusive basis for radio microphone use in Ireland.
I am advised that there will be no increase in the associated licence fees. The current cost of a licence for the possession and use of programme making and special events equipment, including radio microphones, for an event is a €12 administration fee and €12 per piece of equipment. This licence fee was established in 1986 and has remained unchanged since that time. As the Deputy will be aware ComReg is obliged to recover its administrative costs for the management of such licensing schemes.
307 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to provide for the use of thermal imaging cameras in the assessment of the energy efficiency of buildings; if he will recommend to the ESB that it use such cameras in energy usage surveys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28341/11]
The Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) is the Irish official method for calculating the Building Energy Rating (BER) of dwellings. The BER is based on the characteristics of major components of the dwelling (wall, roof and floor dimensions, window and door sizes, quality and orientation) as well as the construction type and levels of insulation, ventilation and air tightness features, the systems for heat supply (including renewable energy), distribution and control and the type of lighting. It covers the annual energy use for space heating, water heating, ventilation, lighting and associated pumps and fans, calculated on the basis of a notional standard family with a standard pattern of occupancy.
BER assessors may use a number of optional testing techniques and devices ranging from very simple hand-held devices to more complex thermal imaging assessments. Options include borescope, fan pressurisation, glazing systems identification and thermal imaging. Thermal imaging may be used to assess the workmanship in the installation of the thermal insulation, to identify the ingress of damp and the subsequent loss of insulation performance, or to assess the extent and impact of thermal bridging. Thermal imaging surveys need to be carried out under suitable environmental conditions to ensure that a satisfactory interpretation of the results can be made. Typically these occur at night-time during the winter (heating season) months. Thermal imaging is therefore a useful diagnostic device under certain circumstances but it is not appropriate to mandate its use for all Building Energy Ratings.
308 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of any organisation under his Department that has informed him of staffing difficulties which may impinge upon its ability to effectively oversee the spending of public funds; and his views regarding same. [28366/11]
The organisations under the aegis of my Department effectively oversee the spending of public funds. In addition, my Department works in close cooperation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and these organisations to ensure the timely filling of all key positions consistent with the achievement of staff reductions targets and the principles underpinning the moratorium on the filling of vacancies.
309 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline the organisations under his Department for which an employment control framework has been agreed; the current numbers they have in place; if they have been waiting more than one month to receive sanction to proceed to fill or retain any positions in spite of such positions falling below the agreed ECF ceiling. [28382/11]
The table below sets out the organisations under my Department for which an Employment Control Framework operates, and the numbers they have in place at the end of Quarter 3 2011.
|
Organisation |
Numbers (end Quarter 3 2011) |
|
Digital Hub Development Agency |
13 |
|
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland |
61 |
|
Inland Fisheries Ireland |
346 |
|
Broadcasting Authority of Ireland |
33 |
|
Commission for Energy Regulation |
71 |
|
Commission for Communications Regulation |
120 |
|
National Oil Reserves Agency |
6 |
|
Ordnance Survey of Ireland |
273 |
|
Loughs Agency |
56 |
|
Total |
979 |
With regard to receiving sanction to fill or retain any positions falling below the Employment Control Framework ceiling, my Department works in close cooperation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the agencies under the aegis of my Department, to ensure the timely filling of all key positions consistent with the achievement of staff reductions targets and the principles underpinning the moratorium on filling of vacancies. While every effort is made by all parties involved to expedite the processing of sanction requests, the period required can on occasion exceed one month depending on the complexity of the issues involved.
310 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the potential in County Mayo for wind, wave and bio-energy which he has identified; his targets and timeline for delivery of installed generation capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28411/11]
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) analysis of the wind energy resources for County Mayo shows that County Mayo has the highest average annual wind speeds of any county. Details are set out in the table.
|
County |
Dec-Feb |
Mar-May |
June-Aug |
Sept-Nov |
Annual |
Annual |
|
metres per second (m/s) |
km per hour |
|||||
|
Mayo |
9.23 |
7.79 |
6.57 |
8.35 |
7.99 |
28.7 |
|
Donegal |
9 |
7.73 |
6.37 |
8.19 |
7.82 |
28.2 |
|
Galway |
8.67 |
7.3 |
6.26 |
7.8 |
7.51 |
27.0 |
|
Kerry |
8.73 |
7.26 |
6.14 |
7.83 |
7.49 |
27.0 |
|
Sligo |
8.59 |
7.34 |
6.15 |
7.7 |
7.45 |
26.8 |
|
Clare |
8.43 |
7.1 |
6.05 |
7.6 |
7.30 |
26.3 |
|
Cork |
8.35 |
6.96 |
5.92 |
7.35 |
7.15 |
25.7 |
|
Roscommon |
8.17 |
6.94 |
5.99 |
7.29 |
7.10 |
25.6 |
|
Leitrim |
7.95 |
6.8 |
5.72 |
7.15 |
6.91 |
24.9 |
|
Median County |
8.16 |
6.87 |
5.91 |
7.29 |
7.05 |
25.38 |
Mean wind speeds at 50m above ground level.
Source: SEAI Wind Atlas.
As of the second quarter of 2011 there is a total of 46 MW of wind capacity installed in Mayo. A further 65 MW of wind projects have a signed contract in place with the grid operators and are scheduled to be commissioned over the next 3 years. Approximately 700 MW of wind energy capacity in Mayo is included in the Gate 3 Round of grid connection offers which is due to be built out between 2012 and 2020. Mayo County Council has recently published a renewable energy strategy that identifies target areas for wind farm development.
Wave technology is still at the RD&D stage and is not yet commercially viable. The Ocean Energy Development Unit of SEAI has supported research and development of wave energy prototypes and has been progressing a grid connected wave test site off Belmullet County Mayo. Further progress is subject to budgetary considerations. A report commissioned by the Western Development Commission (WDC) has identified the potential development of biomass Combined Heat and Power in the Western region, including Mayo. The RASLRES (Regional Approaches to Stimulating Local Renewable Energy Solutions) multinational European bioenergy project, funded by the Northern Periphery Programme (NPP) and led by the Western Development Commission, is currently undertaking pilot projects on bioenergy development in the West of Ireland.
311 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of public petitions that have been submitted to him in the past four years, in tabular form; the nature of the petition campaign; the date on which the petition was submitted; the number of signatories on each petition; the action undertaken by him following consideration of the submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28421/11]
The details of public petitions that have been submitted to my Department in the past four years are shown in the table below.
|
The nature of the petition campaign |
The date on which the petition was submitted; |
The number of signatories on each petition; |
The action undertaken by him following consideration of the submission; |
|
Provision of broadband to a small development in the village of Coolboy, Co. Wicklow |
September 2008 |
14 |
The Group was informed that the general area of Coolboy was to receive broadband connectivity under the National Broadband Scheme. |
|
Inclusion of the area of Ballycotton, Co. Cork, under the scope of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). |
November 2010 |
333 |
The Group was informed that the extension of the scope of the NBS to Ballycotton was not possible. Information was given in relation to the forthcoming Rural Broadband Scheme dealing with individual unserved rural premises outside of NBS areas. |
In addition, my predecessor and I received representations, often from multiple sources, on various issues over the period referred to in the Deputy's Question.
312 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for streamlining the planning and licensing of renewable energy projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28443/11]
Connections to the electricity grid are a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and EirGrid and ESB Networks in the first instance. It is estimated that 4630MW of renewable generation is required, based on current economic growth assumptions and energy demand projections, to ensure 40% of electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2020 and to meet Ireland's legally binding renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
At the end of June 2011, there was 1459MW of wind connected to the grid in addition to 238MW of hydro generation and 30MW of other renewable generation. A further 1000MW of new renewable generation from Gate 1 and Gate 2 have accepted grid connection offers and are awaiting grid connection. To date there have been 3 "Gates" providing grid connection to new renewable generation. Under Gate 1 and Gate 2, 1755MW of connection offers were made and accepted. Under Gate 3, 3900MW of offers issued to renewable generators.
EirGrid's GRID25 strategy sets out the high level plan for delivering upgraded electricity transmission network to 2025. EirGrid is working to enhance the national network capacity between now and 2025 by reinforcing existing lines, deploying new grid technology and building new transmission lines. All Gate 3 grid offers have now issued. A Gate 3 Liaison Group involving the CER, EirGrid and ESB Networks, along with industry representatives, was established to assist in communication on issues relating to the Gate among key stakeholders.
The Programme for Government states that a future Gate 4 if required will be plan-led, i.e. future wind farms are to be built in locations where wind regime is best and built in numbers or in clusters to reduce cost of connection to grid. In the event that a Gate 4 process is contemplated in due course, my Department will be engaging with the CER, EirGrid, ESB networks and the industry on its design in light, inter alia, of the Programme for Government.
The CER introduced new application procedures in 2010 for authorisations to construct and licences to generate for generating stations with an installed capacity of 40MW or less. The aim of this decision is to reduce the administrative burden on small scale renewable energy. The new administrative procedures also allow for an authorisation or licence to be granted earlier than hitherto in a project's development.
313 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way connections to the electricity grid are allocated; his plans for a change of criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28444/11]
319 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the circumstances under which the grid connection has to be paid for in part or in its entirety up to ten years in advance of provision of the actual connection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28695/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 313 and 319 together.
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has statutory responsibility for grid connection offers and for oversight of EirGrid grid connection process including the Gate process for renewable energy. The Connection Offer Policy and Process (COPP) is outlined in detail in CER decision paper CER/11/093 and in annexes to that decision paper. The full detail of the COPP is available on the CER website.
The first step to connecting new generation to the system, whether it is CCGT (Closed Cycle Gas Turbine), Hydro, Thermal, CHP (Combined Heat & Power), Wind or other forms, is to assess if the facility would be best suited for connection to the Transmission or Distribution System.
Under 20 MW total export capacity at a single location should initially apply for a distribution connection.
Over 20MW total export capacity at a single location should initially apply for a transmission connection.
All parties applying to connect to the transmission system must submit a formal application to EirGrid as the Transmission System Operator (TSO). Applications are processed through the Connection Offer Process as approved by the CER. This process is in place to ensure fairness, provide transparency and facilitate timely delivery of Connection Offers. It is extremely important that an applicant applying for a generation connection accurately determines and specifies the Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) required. System reinforcements will be designed to facilitate this MEC. If the MEC is amended during the connection application process, then EirGrid may have to re-evaluate the application which may result in a delay in issuing the Connection Offer.
It is also important that generators correctly determine the Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) that will be required by the facility. This is something that is often overlooked by those completing generator application forms as often the focus is on the export MEC capacity. If the MIC is amended during the connection application process, then EirGrid may have to re-evaluate the application which may result in delay in issuing the Connection Offer.
When submitting an application form to EirGrid as TSO, the application must be accompanied by all supporting documentation as requested, including two signed copies of the EirGrid standard confidentiality agreement and the first instalment of €7,000 (inclusive of VAT) of the application fee. The total application fee is dependant on the size of the plant (taking into account the MEC and MIC values) and whether shallow connection works are involved in dealing with the capacity required. The formula for calculating this fee is set out in the Statement of Charges document as approved by the CER annually. When EirGrid receives a direction from the CER to progress an application to the Offer stage the balance of the application fee will be requested in accordance with the direction received.
Once an application has been received and deemed complete it is entered into the List of Complete Applications (Connection Offers Disclosure of Applications document). This document lists all the currently deemed complete applications for all types of generation — wind, hydro, pumped storage, conventional etc., from both the DSO (ESB Networks) and the TSO (EirGrid).
EirGrid progress applications to the Connection Offer stage in line with directions issued by the CER. Once a Connection Offer has been made and accepted it is removed from the List of Complete Applications document and added to the ‘Contracted Wind farms' or ‘Contracted (Other types of Generators)' documents as appropriate. When the connection works are completed and the generator is connected to the network it moves to the ‘Connected' list. Connection, Construction & Commissioning Connection works and timing are project specific in nature. Details regarding connecting, connection works, commissioning and key dates will be outlined in the Connection Agreement between EirGrid and the applicant.
Under current policy, transmission connected generators and demand customers are entitled to procure large elements of their shallow connection themselves. However, there will still be work required to be done by the TSO with respect to design, approval, commissioning, final connections and remote station work. When a generator or demand customer executes a Connection Agreement with EirGrid a number of forms of security cover will be required and a number of charges will apply to the generator or demand customer under the agreement:
Connection Charges Bond — the connecting demand customer or generator must provide security in the form of a bond in respect of the connection charges set out in the Connection Agreement. It is calculated using the shallow costs of the connection.
Capacity Bond — is required to ensure that only the required capacity has been requested and provided, and that no capacity is being unnecessarily reserved or hoarded.
Generator Connection — Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) Bond: A generator Capacity Bond is often referred to as the Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) Bond. Amongst other things, the bond may be drawn upon should the generator fail to timely meet their capacity test (within a reasonable tolerance). The bond amount is calculated at EURO 10,000 per MW of MEC.
Demand Connection — Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) Bond: A demand customer Capacity Bond is often referred to as the Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) Bond. Amongst other things, the bond may be drawn upon should the customer fail to construct their facility within the specified time frame (within reasonable tolerance). The bond amount is calculated at the network capacity charge x 18 (months) x MIC (MW).
A Decommissioning and Reinstatement Bond is required to ensure that should the demand customer or generator cease operation and be unable to pay the Decommissioning and Reinstatement Charge that these costs do not accrue to the system or other customers. A Connection Charge is levied in respect of the works required to connect a demand customer or generator to the system in accordance with the currently CER-approved shallow connection policy.
It is important to note that EirGrid is required to identify the Least Cost Technically Acceptable (LCTA) connection method and this is the option that will be presented to the applicant. However, for system reasons EirGrid may choose an alternative connection method to the LCTA, should this be the case the applicant will only be charged for the LCTA connection method. Alternatively, an applicant may request a connection method that deviates from the LCTA solution and where this method is acceptable to EirGrid the applicant will be liable for 100% of any additional costs.
For Generator Connections the generator must pay 100% of the construction of the LCTA physical connection to the transmission system, the shallow connection works. Any deep reinforcements required to facilitate the connection are not charged to the generator. For Demand Connections the demand customer must pay for 50% of the construction of the LCTA physical connection to the transmission system. Any deep reinforcements required to facilitate the connection are not charged to the customer. For clarity, as set out above, should the customer request a connection method that deviates from the LCTA solution, which is acceptable to EirGrid, the customer will be liable for 100% of any additional costs incurred.
Transmission Generator and Demand customers are entitled to build or procure large elements of their own shallow connections in line with the Contestability of Connection Assets paper as approved by the CER. However, there will still be works carried out by the TSO such as design approval, supervision, commissioning, final connections and remote station work, against which connection charges are payable to the TSO.
An ongoing service charge is levied on an annual basis for operation and maintenance of shallow connection assets provided in respect of the Connection Charge. A Decommissioning and Reinstatement Charge is levied upon termination of the Connection Agreement. It covers any costs incurred for the site restoration and the removal of the transmission station and related shallow connection facilities provided in respect of the Connection Charge. A Use of System Charge is levied for the generator or demand customer’s ongoing use of the transmission network as set out in the CER approved Statement of Charges. For further information on Use of System Charges please refer to the Transmission Use of System Charges page on the EirGrid website.
314 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will review a better energy homes scheme application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [28473/11]
317 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will review an application (details supplied) regarding the better energy home scheme. [28672/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 314 and 317 together.
Better Energy: Homes Scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and provides grant assistance to homeowners for energy efficiency retrofitting measures, including attic and wall insulation, high-efficiency boilers, heating controls and Building Energy Rating (BER) assessments. Queries in relation to individual applications are an operational matter for SEAI and I have no function in the matter.
I am advised by SEAI that the applicants in question are in receipt of grant support under Better Energy Homes for a number of measures including cavity wall insulation. However, inspections carried out on the homes in question identified cavity/hollow block construction which is not suitable for cavity wall insulation as a continuous masonry cavity is required before insulation can be effectively installed. The installation of pumped insulation into cavities into walls for this construction is not covered by the Scheme nor is it considered an effective insulation solution. This is the reason for non-payment of a grant by SEAI in respect of this work.
SEAI advises that walls built in cavity/hollow blocks can be addressed either using internal wall insulation with insulated dry lining, or external wall insulation both of which are eligible for support under the scheme. The SEAI operate a comprehensive quality assurance and registration of contractors scheme to ensure value for money, ensure technical standards and to ensure that expenditure complies with the terms and conditions of the scheme. SEAI carries out in-depth payment and audit checks with homeowners and contractors. This high level of quality assurance is mostly welcomed by contractors and homeowners who acknowledge its importance for the quality of measures carried out. SEAI advises that the contractor referred to by the Deputy is no longer registered under Better Energy Homes.
315 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures in place to protect personal information such as ex-directory phone numbers and mobile numbers from cold callers carrying out polls and sales and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28476/11]
Issues concerning unsolicited communications for direct marketing purposes are a matter for the Data Protection Commissioner. I understand there is an opt-in and opt-out system in place to permit or prohibit direct marketing telephone calls. In the case of ex-directory landlines and all mobile phones, direct marketing calls are not permissible unless individual customers opt to receive such calls. In the case of telephone numbers for landlines, which are included in the national telephone directory database, customers can opt not to receive direct marketing calls by so advising their service provider.
Further information in relation to this matter, including the investigation of any offences, is available on the website of the Data Protection Commissioner (www.dataprotection.ie) or by contacting the Data Protection Commissioner, Canal House, Station Road, Portarlington, County Laois, phone 057-8684800 or LoCall 1890 252 231.
316 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will review a matter (details supplied) regarding energy rates. [28609/11]
I have no statutory function in the setting of energy prices, whether in the regulated or non-regulated market. Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body.
The electricity retail market is now fully deregulated and CER has announced that the small to medium business segment of the gas market was deregulated from 1 October 2011. Business and domestic customers can increasingly avail of the competitive offerings from a number of electricity and gas supply companies. The first step that business customers should take to reduce their energy costs is to work actively in securing better value offers in the market and in switching to suppliers delivering lower prices. This is resulting in positive outcomes as is evidenced by improved competitiveness in the gas and electricity sectors when compared with other European countries.
EUROSTAT data for 2010 showed such convergence to the EU average for many categories of business and residential consumer in both the electricity and gas sectors. Analysis by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) shows that average residential gas prices for the majority of Irish gas consumers went from being 4% above the EU average at the end of 2009 (or 8th most expensive out of 25 countries analysed by EUROSTAT) to being 8% below the average in the second half of 2010 (or 13th most expensive of 25 countries analysed). Business electricity prices for 2010 fell by over 10% for most consumers and electricity costs for business ranked between 6th most expensive in the EU to 15th most expensive at the end of 2010. In the two year period between the end of 2008 and the end of 2010, Ireland has moved from 7th most expensive to 14th most expensive in the smallest segment of the electricity market by band share and from 11th most expensive to 17th most expensive in the largest segment of the market by band share.
The convergence to the EU average in business electricity and gas prices over the last two years has been an important factor in supporting greater competitiveness for Irish enterprise and foreign direct investment. Global gas and oil prices have risen sharply since the start of 2011 driven by events in North Africa and Japan and high demand from the emerging economies of China and India. There are clear indications that international oil and gas prices will rise further over the coming months. These trends are leading to higher domestic gas and electricity prices as shown by Bord Gáis Energy's recent 12% increase in domestic electricity tariffs and their application for an increase in tariffs in the regulated gas sector.
Ireland is a price taker in the global fossil fuel market and the economy is therefore vulnerable to energy price fluctuations and price rises. Competitor countries are in many instances facing the same prospect and the objective in the context of higher global prices must be that we retain or improve our competitive position. Ireland's concerns about high oil and gas prices are shared at EU level and fellow Member Countries of the International Energy Agency (IEA). The EU and IEA agree that high fossil fuels prices which pose a threat to economic recovery underline the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels by radically enhanced energy efficiency measures and the development of renewable energy.
I acknowledge the action taken over the last two years to bring Ireland's energy prices into line with, or below, European averages. Our competitive energy market helps put downward pressure on prices. In addition, we must focus on all possible additional actions to mitigate costs where possible for business and domestic customers. This is essential for competitiveness, employment and for economic recovery. I am committed to working with enterprise and with the energy sector to ensure that the costs of energy for business are as competitive as possible through those measures at our disposal including notably a sustained focus on energy efficiency.
In the latter context I would urge all businesses of whatever size to place a relentless focus on energy efficiency. The SEAI is available to provide advice and, subject to available resources, financial assistance in this respect. In addition, there is now extensive tax relief available to businesses under the accelerated capital allowances (ACA) scheme for energy efficient technologies.
318 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to upgrade the grid to harness the potential for wind and wave energy for County Mayo; the timeframe involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28694/11]
The planning and development of the transmission grid is the responsibility of EirGrid as the State owned transmission company. I have no function in the matter. EirGrid advises that it is progressing plans for transmission network development in Mayo in line with regional development and renewable energy needs. Grid West, as a key project under GRID 25, will significantly increase the link from Mayo to the East coast to cater for those changing demands of the electricity market. Power on this infrastructure will flow in both directions thus facilitating renewable energy generation as well as investments by foreign direct investment and indigenous enterprises requiring secure and stable supply of power.
Environmental impact assessment, technical solutions and route identification will be getting under way in 2012. A major and complex project of this nature has a long time frame to provide for wide ranging public consultation and to complete all necessary assessments, including a planning application to An Bord Pleanála. Assuming no significant delays in the planning or consultation processes and allowing for necessary build time, EirGrid expects to see good progress on this development over the coming years although full completion may not be achieved until 2019. To deliver the necessary infrastructure in the West of Ireland, EirGrid requires the support of industry, local communities, public representatives and stakeholders to build the network that will facilitate energy generation and economic opportunities in Mayo.
320 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason the delivery of a 400 KV line to County Mayo is being treated by EirGrid as shallow development and not a strategic infrastructure investment by the State in view of the importance of the development of the potential for renewable energy production in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28698/11]
The planning, development and routing of transmission line infrastructure is a matter for EirGrid, the State owned body responsible for the electricity transmission system. I have no statutory function regarding the planning and construction of energy networks.
321 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to export energy; the details of any negotiations that are under way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28699/11]
In July 2010, Ireland submitted its National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) to the European Commission. One of the scenarios set out in the Plan identifies Ireland's potential in the longer term to become an exporter of Electricity from Renewable Energy Sources to other Member States subject to the appropriate economic, technical and environmental conditions and subject to comprehensive cost-benefit analyses.
Currently there is no cross border renewable energy trade anywhere in the EU. The cooperation mechanisms set out in the EU Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC are designed to facilitate the development of such cross-border trade between Member States based on bilateral agreements.
I attended the British Irish Council with the Taoiseach in June, which addressed the considerable potential for close cooperation across these islands for the development and trading of renewable energy. The Council agreed that officials would continue to collectively examine the potential opportunities for facilitating the cost-effective exploitation of renewable energy resources, in the context of integration of electricity markets and security of supply. This work is still at relatively early stages and will be ongoing over the coming months.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is currently commissioning analysis, which will examine the economic implications and opportunities of developing an export trade in renewable energy. The East West Interconnector between Ireland and the UK, which is on schedule to be completed next year, will also facilitate the development of energy trading.
322 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether the national grid will not suffer the same fate as the European grid, many multiples the size of the Ireland island grid and already having serious difficulty incorporating a far lower penetration of renewable electricity than Ireland. [28900/11]
The deployment of renewable generation in the electricity sector has increased considerably in recent years. In Ireland, we now have enough installed renewable generation to meet 15% of electricity demand and, at particular time intervals, renewables have produced enough power to meet 50% of system demand. As percentage of system size, this level of renewable penetration places Ireland at the forefront of Europe.
To ensure the delivery of an electricity network that has the operational capability and infrastructural capacity to fully exploit the country's substantial renewable energy potential in a secure and efficient manner, EirGrid, through Grid 25, and the recently launched Programme for a Secure, Sustainable Electricity System (DS3) is putting in place the necessary infrastructural and operational requirements to manage high levels of variable renewable generation on the power system in a safe, secure and reliable manner.
EirGrid is also actively engaged in the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) where knowledge and best practice for integrating renewable generation and building a robust grid for the future is shared among its members. The European-wide electricity grid has yet to experience the sort of operational challenges that Ireland is dealing with today, primarily due to its size and high levels of interconnection. However, it is widely acknowledged, that significant new and upgraded electricity infrastructure will be required across Europe in order to reach the EU-wide 2020 renewable target.
323 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding rates. [28608/11]
Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority. The Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV), which is applied to the valuation of each property, determined by the Valuation Office, to obtain the amount payable in rates, is decided by the elected members of each local authority in the annual budget and its determination is a reserved function of a local authority.
The Commissioner of Valuation, who has sole responsibility for all valuation matters, is conducting a programme of revaluation of all commercial and industrial properties throughout the State on a county by county basis. The purpose of the revaluation process is to update commercial valuations which will assist in providing a more equitable distribution of rates across those liable to pay rates.
I have urged local authorities to exercise restraint in setting the Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) in this and previous years and they have responded positively in this regard. Commercial rates are legally payable in two moieties; the first moiety and arrears are payable on the date of the making of the rate and the second moiety is payable on 1 July. In practice, local authorities facilitate payments of commercial rates by instalments including by direct debit.
Local authorities play a central role in supporting economic development and enterprise at local level. They do this in a number of ways including through their capital and current budgets, economic planning and development and the provision of goods and services as well as community infrastructure.
Business Support Units or similar arrangements have been put in place in all county and city councils. These Units provide a dedicated one-stop-shop approach for businesses in areas such as planning, water services and roads. In addition, the local government led County/City Development Boards are engaged in economic development and the promotion of enterprise in their areas. I recognise that these are difficult economic times for many businesses and I will continue to keep all matters relating to rates under regular consideration in my Department.
324 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if persons with dual nationality in both Ireland and the United States are entitled to vote in national elections in both states; if there are any known negating consequences in one state for that citizen if they exercise their vote in the other state; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28680/11]
The Electoral Act 1992 provides that Irish Citizens are entitled to be registered to vote in a constituency at national elections and referendums once they have reached the age of 18 years and are ordinarily resident in that constituency.
325 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to a recently carried out feasibility study supported by the Leader programme, administered by the South Kerry Development Partnership Limited (details supplied), if there are other sources of funding available to this group to develop this much needed facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28782/11]
The Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 has funding of €427m available to be allocated to qualifying projects up to the end of 2013. One of the objectives of the RDP is to identify and provide appropriate amenity and leisure facilities to local communities not otherwise available to them and, in principle, it is possible that the facility referred to in the question could be eligible under the RDP.
There are 36 Local Action Groups contracted on my Department's behalf to deliver the RDP throughout the country and these groups are the principal decision-makers in relation to the allocation of project funding. Such decisions are made in the context of the individual group's local development strategy and in line with Departmental operating rules and EU regulations. South Kerry Development Partnership, which has been contracted by my Department to deliver the RDP in the South Kerry area, can be contacted at West Main Street, Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry to discuss this further.
326 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason he is abolishing Comhar, The Sustainable Development Council; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is considerable concern that environmental and sustainable development policy is being sidelined by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28223/11]
327 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the costs of Comhar, The Sustainable Development Council, in 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28224/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 326 and 327 together.
Integrating sustainable development principles into economic and social sectoral policies and programmes remains a core objective for me and the Government. This is evidenced by, inter alia, the commitment to publishing a renewed National Sustainable Development Strategy for public consultation later this year. Our unprecedented economic constraints challenge us to find new ways of working that deliver the same or better results while at the same time ensuring the most efficient use of reduced public resources and avoiding duplication of effort. This includes the ongoing review, and, where appropriate, rationalisation of the role and functions of bodies under the aegis of my Department.
While I greatly value the significant body of work undertaken by Comhar Sustainable Development Council over the past decade, there is a need to reorganise the existing arrangements for the delivery of the sustainable development agenda. There are now a number of platforms to achieve this, including through the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Green Economy. Recent years have also seen an environmental pillar recognised within Social Partnership and environmental representation is now an established component of the National Economic and Social Council (NESC).
I believe that there are significant overlaps between the relative roles of Comhar and the NESC in relation to sustainable development. Integrating these roles within the NESC offers the most effective means of achieving the mainstreaming of environmental considerations. Therefore, it has been decided that Comhar should be discontinued and wound down by the end of the year.
I am satisfied that the transition from Comhar to the NESC is necessary and appropriate. Critical issues including the new sustainable development strategy, evolving climate policy, and research and debate to inform Ireland's evolution to a low carbon economy will be given appropriate priority within the NESC policy function. This will build on the work already undertaken by Comhar and will underpin the strategic value of sustainable development policy by centralising it within the NESC structure. I will provide dedicated funding to NESC to support its enhanced role in relation to sustainable development. My Department and NESC are discussing the approach to research capacity and how that might best be taken forward in the context of developing a sustainable development work programme.
The funding provided by my Department to Comhar in the past three years was as follows:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2008 |
673,880.24 |
|
2009 |
465,331.66 |
|
2010 |
390,874.46 |
328 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reasons he decided to hold the presidential election on a Thursday; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this decision will disenfranchise many voters, in particular young voters; if he will give a commitment that all future elections and referendums will be held on a Friday; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28225/11]
Polling at the forthcoming Presidential election and referendums will take place on Thursday 27 October 2011. Section 6 of the Presidential Elections Act 1993 and section 10 of the Referendum Act 1994 allow, respectively, for the taking of a poll at a Presidential election or referendum on any day of the week. In deciding on a particular day, a wide range of considerations are taken into account and ultimately there are advantages and disadvantages attaching to any day chosen. The flexibility in the legislation allows all relevant factors to be taken into account at any given time in setting the polling day and I have no plans to amend the legislation.
Measures have been taken in recent years to extend the categories of voters that qualify for postal voting because of their inability to vote in person at their local polling station on polling day. These include the extension of the postal vote to full-time students registered at their home who are living elsewhere while attending an educational institution in the State.
329 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding a Garda inquiry into a matter (details supplied). [28247/11]
As Minister for Housing and Planning I have no function in relation to enquiries by An Garda Síochána. The manner in which the relevant appointments were made in 2002 is set out in Section 106 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000. I am satisfied, based on an examination of the relevant files by my Department, that the proper procedures were followed in the particular appointments cited.
330 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the details of any organisation under his Department that has informed him of staffing difficulties which may impinge upon its ability to effectively oversee the spending of public funds; and his views regarding same. [28369/11]
331 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline the organisations under his Department for which an employment control framework, ECF, has been agreed; the current numbers they have in place; if they have been waiting more than one month to receive sanction to proceed to fill or retain any positions in spite of such positions falling below the agreed ECF ceiling. [28385/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 330 and 331 together.
Due to the severe economic downturn the Government introduced a moratorium on recruitment and promotion across the public sector in March 2009. Under the terms of the Government's decision no public service post, however arising, may be filled by recruitment, promotion, or payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade. My Department received a delegated sanction from the Department of Finance in August 2009 for implementation of the moratorium across all local authorities. This is on condition that the overall staffing levels in the sector are reduced further.
In relation to the Department's Agencies all requests for sanction to recruit or promote must be examined by my Department in the first instance and suitable requests are then forwarded to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform requesting sanction. Sanction is granted only in exceptional circumstances under the Moratorium. One such request is currently with that Department.
My Department works very closely with local authorities and Agencies to ensure that critical posts are filled while overall numbers are reduced in accordance with the ECF targets and budgetary constraints. Local authorities have shed 6,900 whole time equivalent (WTE) posts since June 2008. In the most recent staffing returns, up to end September 2011, there are 30,329 whole time equivalent staff across local authorities. The local authority sector is operating within its Employment Control Framework and is on track to reach the target of 30,000 WTE by 2013. The overall end 2011 ECF target for Agencies under the aegis of my Department is 820 Whole Time Equivalents (WTE). This is to reduce to 740 WTE by end 2014. Each Agency has been issued with an ECF as follows:
|
Agency |
End 2011 ECF WTE |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
162.00 |
|
An Comhairle Leabharlanna |
15.00 |
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority |
18.00 |
|
Environmental Protection Agency |
324.00 |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
32.00 |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
11.00 |
|
Irish Water Safety |
6.00 |
|
Limerick Northside Regeneration Agency |
8.00 |
|
Limerick Southside Regeneration Agency |
8.00 |
|
Local Government Computer Services Board |
83.00 |
|
Local Government Management Services Board |
27.00 |
|
National Building Agency |
15.00 |
|
Private Residential Tenancies Board |
50.00 |
|
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland |
46.00 |
|
Western Development Commission |
14.00 |
|
Total |
819.00 |
The difference between the ECFs issued (819 WTE), and the overall ceiling of 820 WTE, arises from the recent change in my Department's responsibilities where the Heritage Council moved to the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the Western Development Commission moved to my Department.
332 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of public petitions that have been submitted to him in the past four years, in tabular form; the nature of the petition campaign; the date on which the petition was submitted; the number of signatories on each petition; the action undertaken by him following consideration of the submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28423/11]
My office receives significant volumes of correspondence on a wide range of matters on a daily basis and I respond to this as required. It is not the practice of my Department to categorise this correspondence according to whether or not it could be termed a "petition". Therefore the specific information requested in the question is not readily to hand.
333 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding a matter (details supplied); if he will provide a breakdown on the Department expenditure to individual local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28431/11]
I assume the question refers to unfinished housing developments and the funding allocated by my Department under the public safety initiative. The following table sets out the amounts approved, by local authority, in respect of 92 developments. A further 66 applications have been referred back to the relevant local authorities for clarification. The amounts below do not include approvals originally issued by my Department for developments which will now be funded under the NAMA public safety fund.
|
Local Authority |
Funding Approved to date |
|
€ |
|
|
Carlow County Council |
14,074.00 |
|
Cavan County Council |
212,403.90 |
|
Clare County Council |
0.00 |
|
Cork City Council |
0.00 |
|
Cork County Council |
220,480.50 |
|
Donegal County Council |
0.00 |
|
Dublin City Council |
0.00 |
|
Fingal County Council |
0.00 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
0.00 |
|
D.L.R. County Council |
0.00 |
|
Galway City Council |
0.00 |
|
Galway County Council |
96,569.15 |
|
Kerry County Council |
0.00 |
|
Kildare County Council |
0.00 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
140,115.00 |
|
Laois County Council |
67,772.00 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
33,000.00 |
|
Limerick City Council |
0.00 |
|
Limerick County Council |
146,430.50 |
|
Longford County Council |
471,074.94 |
|
Louth County Council |
0.00 |
|
Mayo County Council |
8,419.00 |
|
Meath County Council |
0.00 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
32,359.50 |
|
Offaly County Council |
0.00 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
125,074.51 |
|
Sligo County Council |
88,547.00 |
|
Nth Tipperary County Council |
0.00 |
|
Sth Tipperary County Council |
95,069.50 |
|
Waterford City Council |
0.00 |
|
Waterford County Council |
52,000.00 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
63,795.50 |
|
Wexford County Council |
187,473.62 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
0.00 |
|
Total |
2,054,658.62 |
334 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the costing and-or the completion of the original regeneration plans for certain areas (details supplied). [28482/11]
The Government remains fully committed to the regeneration of disadvantaged social housing estates in cities and towns, including St. Michael's Estate, O'Devaney Gardens, Dominick Street and Dolphin's House, all of which were previously included in Dublin City Council's PPP programme.
The first phase of the Limerick Regeneration project, which includes the areas of Moyross, Southill, St. Mary's Park and Ballinacurra/Weston was approved by Government in June 2010. A capital allocation of €124.6 million is being made available by my Department to support the national regeneration programme this year. In the case of the of the Dublin projects, Dublin City Council is now required to prepare a detailed regeneration masterplan for each of the four estates that gives consideration to social and economic regeneration as well as physical improvement. In terms of the estimated costs of the masterplanning process and implementation of the relevant regeneration projects, the position is as follows.
In 2010, my Department approved funding of €5.8 million for the social housing element of the first phase of the St. Michael's Estate regeneration project. This is currently under construction. Further phases will be considered in the context of the evolving needs of the community and a holistic approach to the social, economic and physical regeneration required. In addition, the Council continues to advance the demolition programme to facilitate future construction on the rest of the site.
Proposals for the redevelopment of O'Devaney Gardens recently received planning permission. A planning decision is awaited in relation to proposals for Dominick Street. The next step in this process is to prepare detailed masterplans, building on the work already done under the PPP process, and which will address the social, economic, and physical regeneration needs of the communities there. At this stage in the process, it is not possible to estimate the cost of delivering on the masterplans. The City Council continues to receive funding for the relocation of households out of these areas to facilitate future construction and the demolition of vacant buildings.
The City Council is undertaking a thorough survey of the Dolphin House complex which will be used to inform a programme of remedial improvements there in the short term. It will also be necessary to develop a comprehensive masterplan for the estate in consultation with the community over the coming months. An estimate of the costs involved will also be required once details of the remedial works and the masterplan have been agreed.
Phase 1 of the Limerick Regeneration Programme, which includes a range of infrastructure, housing, and community projects, is estimated to cost some €337 million. The Limerick Regeneration Agencies, with their partners Limerick City Council, are currently engaged in progressing individual projects under the programme. The first housing project, costing an estimated €5.5 million, recently commenced construction at Cliona Park, Moyross.
335 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a proposal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28483/11]
Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta (MFG) was contracted by my Department to deliver two programmes in Gaeltacht areas, the Rural Development Programme (RDP) Axes 3 and 4, and the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP). MFG also implemented other programmes on behalf of other Government Departments.
There are complex legal and contractual issues in regard to MFG to be resolved and my Department is currently working on both long and short term solutions to ensure the continued delivery of the RDP and other programmes in Gaeltacht areas, including those in Co. Kerry. My intention is to find a solution that will be efficient and effective and applied at the earliest possible opportunity.
336 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a full review of fire services is to be undertaken nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28494/11]
Much has been accomplished in the past decade to strengthen the fire services in Ireland. Substantial financial resources, provided to local authorities, have resulted in a quality fire and rescue infrastructure throughout the country. Most of our fire stations have full facilities, the appliance fleet is in very good shape and equipment is generally regarded as top class.
Our emergency management arrangements, with the production of a new Framework for Major Emergency Management and the implementation of the Major Emergency Development Programme 2006-2008 , are in line with international best practice, and were widely acknowledged to have been fundamental in ensuring effective response to the Cork Airport tragedy and during the severe weather emergencies in January and December 2010. A range of other measures have been introduced. Fire safety legislation was strengthened in 2003, with increased powers for fire prevention officers. A series of initiatives has been developed under a community fire safety programme, including a domestic smoke alarm campaign, and a Primary Schools Programme.
An integrated risk based approach to emergency management has been developed and piloted in a number of counties. This is being made available to ensure service managers in local authorities have access to appropriate information to enable them to decide on the effective deployment and use of resources and to ensure that an appropriate balance between prevention, protection and response measures is achieved.
Health, safety and welfare initiatives have also been progressed, with the preparation of an Ancillary Fire Services Safety Statement, the development of a National Incident Command system and the preparation of a suite of Standard Operational Guidance for the fire services activities. There are comprehensive Occupational Health Systems in the retained fire services, and Critical Incident Stress Management services have been made available to staff in all fire authorities.
Looking ahead, the national blueprint and programme for developing and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Fire Services is set out in the recently agreed Irish Fire Services National Development Framework 2010-2015 available on my Department's website www.environ.ie. The Framework sets out policies and key actions in the areas of Fire Services Role in Society; National Processes and Standards; Staff Learning and Development; Quality Assurance Systems and Reporting Performance; and Service Infrastructure and Legislative Support.
The Framework was prepared by my Department's National Directorate which is also managing the implementation of its actions through close working with its Management Board and Consultative Committee, which ensures that all key stakeholders, including staff representatives, are involved. Discussion documents on implementing aspects of the Framework are in the course of preparation as part of the National Directorate's remit. Given the progress which has been made, and that the current arrangements are working satisfactorily, I have no plans to conduct a full review of fires services in Ireland.
337 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his view on a matter (details supplied) regarding household charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28622/11]
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. Some advertising on the charge was also placed in publications/newsletters circulating in areas in which large Irish populations are residing abroad. 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.
338 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will ensure that local authorities will ensure in their housing need assessment that sufficient priority is given to the safety of victims of domestic violence and their children. [28709/11]
It is open to any person or household to apply to a housing authority for an assessment of their housing need. It is a matter solely for the housing authority concerned to determine whether an applicant for social housing support is eligible for and in need of that support. The authority must make its determination in accordance with the provisions of section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, and regulations made under that section, primarily the Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, having regard to the particular circumstances of the case.
In cases of domestic violence, there is a range of services available to deal with the immediate primary needs of a household both in terms of protection of the abused partner and any children, and any need for emergency accommodation. Applicants do not need to go on the general housing waiting lists to avail of short-term emergency housing in domestic violence situations.
339 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of additional as opposed to replacement fire appliances that he has provided to Dublin Fire Brigade for the years 2007 to 2010, inclusive, and to date in 2011. [28723/11]
The provision of a fire service, including the provision of fire fighting appliances and emergency equipment, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities as set out in the Fire Services Act, 1981. My Department supports fire authorities through the setting of general policy and the provision of capital funding, including the recoupment (within the overall funding available) of costs incurred by fire authorities in relation to the approved purchase of fire appliances and equipment. Dublin City Council's Fire Brigade provides fire services on behalf of the four Dublin local authorities.
During the period 2007 to 2011 to date, funding to support the acquisition of eight new appliances was allocated to Dublin Fire Brigade. As Dublin Fire Brigade manages its fire appliance fleet, I am not in a position to distinguish definitively between replacement and additional appliances but in general, such funding is likely to be in support of fleet replacement.
|
Year |
Description |
|
2007 |
2 Fire Appliances were allocated (both of which have since been delivered). |
|
2008 |
1 Turntable Ladder was allocated (and has since been delivered) |
|
2009 |
3 Fire appliances were allocated (2 of which have since been delivered). |
|
2011 |
2 Fire appliances were allocated |
340 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if, in view of the valuable work carried out by an organisation (details provided), he will give consideration to its application for continued funding in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28739/11]
My Department provides financial assistance towards the administrative and general expenses of a number of voluntary bodies, including Threshold, which provide information, research, advice or advocacy in the area of housing. Allocations to individual bodies in 2012 will be considered in the context of the funding available and the number and value of the applications received.
341 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 63 of 7 April 2011, when he will be in a position to include in legislation the exemption of the clawback charge applying to those who bought pre-2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28766/11]
It is intended to include such provision in the proposed Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill 2011. Drafting of this bill was approved by Government on 26 July 2011.
342 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the fines being imposed on Ireland for non-compliance with the land drainage and septic tank EU directives; if these fines have been paid; and if they have, the date on which they commenced. [28769/11]
While the European Commission has decided to resubmit a number of infringement cases to the Court of Justice seeking the imposition of fines for failure by Ireland to take adequate and timely action to address previous Court rulings, no decision resulting in the actual imposition of fines in these cases has been made to date by the Court. Since coming into office, I have assigned the highest priority to taking the steps necessary to resolve the legacy of environmental infringement cases which I inherited.
In the first of the two cases referred to, the ECJ found that Ireland's system of screening projects to assess the requirement to carry out EIA for certain categories of agriculture development was over-reliant on size thresholds and did not take sufficient account of other relevant criteria such as the cumulative effects of development and the location of those developments. In June 2011, the Commission referred this case back to the Court to seek the imposition of both lump sum and daily fines for failure to act on the findings of the judgment and extensive consultations and action have been taken to minimise the risk of exposure to fines and to expedite resolution of the case.
In response to this judgment and following consultation with the Oireachtas and the European Commission, I signed, on 8 September 2011, the Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2011 and my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, signed the European Communities (Agricultural Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 on the same day; these new Regulations have amended the planning code and also introduced a new screening and consent system under the aegis of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to fully address the ECJ findings in this case and bring our system into full compliance with the Directive. Ireland lodged its defence in this case on 5 September and the response of the Commission, which is to be lodged by 24 November, is awaited.
In the second case referred to, the ECJ found that Ireland had failed to fulfil its obligations under the EU Waste Directive as regards domestic waste waters discharged to septic tanks and other on-site treatment systems. In July 2011, the Commission submitted an application to the Court seeking the imposition of fines for continued non-compliance. In response, Ireland submitted its defence to the Court on 5 October and I am prioritising the early finalisation of legislation to address successfully the Court's findings.
343 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if housing association units for older persons will be developed in Killorglin, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28785/11]
My Department's Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) provides funding to approved housing bodies of up to 100% of the approved costs of accommodation for people with specific categories of housing need, including older persons. My Department's involvement with the CAS relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The detailed administration of the schemes, the certification that projects comply with the terms and conditions of those schemes and the processing of applications for funding, are the responsibility of the relevant local authority. My Department has no record of an application for funding from Kerry County Council in respect of a CAS proposal to accommodate older persons in Killorglin.
344 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to amend the current legislation to ensure that farmers or other persons who act as good samaritans by clearing untreated roads of snow or who grit roads will not be liable for such actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28795/11]
As lead Government Department with responsibility for coordinating the emergency response to severe weather, my Department has finalised and published The Report on the Review of the Response to Exceptional Severe Weather Events of 2009-2010.
The Report, which is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie , sets out the sequence of events as they occurred, draws various conclusions and makes recommendations to improve preparedness and increase resilience for future severe weather events. It recognises and acknowledges the very considerable community and voluntary contribution during the severe weather, and recommends that this should be fostered and encouraged as part of the overall response to future such events. It recommends that the good practice which has emerged in relation to making grit available at drop-points to local communities should be adopted as a consistent and standard practice by all local authorities and relevant guidance be prepared and disseminated. Guidance on this is being prepared by my Department in conjunction with local authorities and will be issued shortly. In this context the issues around legal liability of those acting in a voluntary capacity on behalf of the community are under consideration.
345 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency sought applications or proposals for the post of Sligo regeneration community liaison person with 12 July 2011 as the closing date for receipt of proposals; the number of proposals or applications received; if a decision was made regarding the appointment of a liaison person; when the community liaison person will take up duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28866/11]
On 23 June 2011, the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency sought applications for the provision of a Sligo Regeneration Community Liaison Service. My Department understands that five applications were received and, following assessment and interview, the successful applicant was appointed with effect from 1 September 2011.
The liaison service is being provided on a per diem basis. Since his appointment, the liaison person has undertaken some preliminary work relating to the scope and scale of the works proposed under regeneration and associated infrastructure development and the potential impact of these works on local communities. It is intended that consultants will be appointed later this year to prepare the regeneration masterplan. It is also intended that the liaison service will be provided on a full-time basis during the masterplanning phase of the project with the objective of facilitating consultation during this critical stage.
346 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to reports from animal welfare groups that a group (details supplied) continues to hunt deer in direct breach of the new provision of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2010; the action he will take to deal with this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28160/11]
347 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if, in view of the fact that gardaí in both Ashbourne, County Meath and Swords, County Dublin, Garda stations have refused to investigate reports that a group (details supplied) is hunting deer in contravention of the Wildlife Amendment Act 2010, claiming ignorance that such a law has been passed; if he will circularise all Garda stations in north County Dublin and County Meath to the effect that it is now an offence to hunt deer with two or more hounds as per the conditions contained in the above mentioned Act. [28162/11]
348 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will give an assurance that should An Garda Síochána receive information the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2010 is being contravened, it will pursue the matter and prosecute for any infringement of this important animal protection legislation. [28163/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 346 to 348, inclusive, together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is aware of the allegation of illegal hunting referred to by the Deputy. The incident remains under investigation. I am further informed that at no time did members of An Garda Síochána refuse to investigate this matter. Information on the provisions of the Wildlife Act 1976 and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2010 has been circulated to Garda personnel.
349 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will expedite an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [28174/11]
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in November, 2010. The application is at an advanced stage of processing and will be finalised as expeditiously as possible.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
350 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a person (details supplied) is entitled under the Freedom of Information Act to access files; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28183/11]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the particular case highlighted relates to a statutorily independent body which is not currently subject to the Freedom of Information legislation.
351 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when Garda clearance will issue to a person (details supplied). [28186/11]
I am informed by the Garda Central Vetting Unit that it is not possible to check the status of the application referred to in the question in the absence of a date of birth. If the Deputy will provide the additional information, I will have further enquiries made in the matter.
352 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the third Compliance Report on the Code of Practice on the Display and Sale of Alcohol in Mixed Trading Premises will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28222/11]
Mr Padraic White, Chairperson of the Responsible Retailing of Alcohol in Ireland, submitted the 3rd Compliance Report on the Implementation of the Code of Practice on the Display and Sale of Alcohol in Mixed Trading Premises on 30 September. Arrangements are currently being made to make the report available on my Department's website. I intend to seek views on the report and on the voluntary approach to implementing structural separation objectives in mixed trading premises preparatory to a decision on whether to commence the statutory provisions on structural separation at section 9 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008.
353 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a decision will be made on the authorisation of a Garda compensation claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for the delay in finalising this claim; if there is any accountability in terms of the length of time it has taken for the consultant psychiatrist to complete his report; his views that this delay is acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28237/11]
I can confirm to the Deputy that an application for compensation under the Garda Compensation Acts 1941 to 1945 has been made by the person concerned. I understand that the final report of the Chief Medical Officer is awaited. A decision will be taken in this case as soon as that report is received.
354 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will review a decision to refuse refugee status to persons (details supplied). [28262/11]
The persons concerned are a husband and wife who lodged separate asylum applications in 2010 and 2009, respectively. Their asylum applications were refused following the consideration of their individual cases by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of their respective asylum applications, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), they were separately notified, she by letter dated 16th March, 2010 and he by letter dated 28th July, 2011, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of them. They were each given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against them. In addition, they were notified of their respective entitlements to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006.
The persons concerned submitted individual applications for Subsidiary Protection. When consideration of these applications has been completed, the persons concerned will be notified in writing of the outcomes. In the event that the applications for Subsidiary Protection are refused, the position in the State of the persons concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. Once decisions have been made, these decisions and the consequences of the decisions will be conveyed in writing to the persons concerned.
In relation to the Deputy's request for a review of the decisions to refuse the asylum applications of the persons concerned, the position is that the asylum applications submitted were examined by the two statutory independent refugee status determination bodies, namely the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, both of whom concluded that the persons concerned did not meet the criteria for recognition as refugees. In assessing each individual asylum application or appeal, the bodies referred to must, in accordance with their statutory remit, have regard for the specific claims made by an applicant as measured against objective, reputable, up to date information relating to the applicant's country of origin and, where doubts exist, the benefit of the doubt is applied in favour of the applicant. I understand that copies of the determinations made by the two bodies were sent to the persons concerned, and to their legal representatives, so the persons concerned will be able to see from those documents the basis for the conclusions reached in their respective cases.
Overall, I am satisfied that the State has a very fair and comprehensive mechanism in place for the consideration of all asylum applications. I am also satisfied that the asylum applications made by the persons concerned were properly considered before decisions to refuse them were taken. As a result, I see no basis for any further review of the asylum claims made by the persons concerned.
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.
355 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28331/11]
The Government's five-year Programme for National Recovery contains a commitment to "introduce comprehensive reforms of the immigration, residency and asylum systems, which will include a statutory appeals system and set out rights and obligations in a transparent way."
These commitments are being given effect by the Government in its further development of the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2010 which we have had restored to the Order Paper for that purpose. I am currently engaged in further work on the details of the Bill taking account of current Government policy and I will be proposing a number of amendments for consideration at Committee Stage which I hope can begin before the end of this Session.
356 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has received a submission from the Immigration Council of Ireland regarding the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2010; his plans to address the concerns raised by this organisation in regard to such issues as sufficient protection for victims of human trafficking, rights to family reunification, fees and other matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28332/11]
The Government's five-year Programme for National Recovery contains a commitment to "introduce comprehensive reforms of the immigration, residency and asylum systems, which will include a statutory appeals system and set out rights and obligations in a transparent way." The vehicle for this work will be the Immigration, Protection and Residence Bill 2010, which has been restored to the Dáil Order paper, and any accompanying regulations.
I have indicated my intention to bring forward amendments to the Bill at Committee Stage to address specific areas of immigration policy. I am aware that the Immigrant Council of Ireland made a submission on the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2010 in September 2010.
357 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to amend the law regarding prostitution; the changes under consideration; his further plans to introduce laws along the lines of those operating in several Scandinavian countries, whereby the purchase of sex and not the sale is criminalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28333/11]
359 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has received or if he will seek a report from the Garda authorities regarding their meeting with senior police officers from Norway and Sweden, who recently visited this country at the invitation of the Immigration Council of Ireland to outline the successes in those countries in reducing the number of women and girls involved in prostitution; his plans to adopt a similar approach here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28335/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 357 and 359 together.
In this jurisdiction, it is not an offence, in itself, to sell sex. In general, it is not an offence to purchase sex either. (The Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 made it an offence to knowingly solicit or importune a trafficked person, in any place, for the purpose of prostitution.) Consequently, neither party to the transaction is currently criminalised. Any proposal to amend the law in terms of criminalising the purchase of sex would require very careful examination.
Our legislative approach to prostitution is aimed at protecting society from the more intrusive aspects of such activity from a public order perspective, while also seeking to protect prostitutes from exploitation. Under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993, it is an offence to solicit in a street or public place for the purpose of prostitution. The offence can be committed by the prostitute, the client or a third party — a pimp, for example. It is also an offence to organise prostitution, coerce or compel a person to be a prostitute, knowingly live on the earnings of a prostitute, or keep or manage a brothel.
In 2010, the Swedish government completed an evaluation of its 1999 legislation criminalising the purchase of sexual services. Following its publication, the Dignity Project arranged a visit to Stockholm to learn more about the evaluation. The delegation included representation from my Department and An Garda Síochána. The Dignity Project was a research project funded by the EU. An inter-agency and inter-jurisdictional initiative led by the Dublin Employment Pact and the Immigrant Council of Ireland, it examined services provided to victims of human trafficking with a view to replicating best practice models in partner countries. My Department's Anti-Human Trafficking Unit and the Garda National Immigration Bureau were partners with observer status.
I am examining a report prepared by my department following the visit to Stockholm and which was submitted to the Attorney General's Office. I am also examining the Attorney's advices concerning the legal and constitutional implications of introducing a ban on the purchase of sex.
Separately, my Department has been conducting a wide-ranging examination of the law on sexual offences. Arising from this review, legislative proposals to enhance the protection of children against sexual abuse and exploitation, including exploitation through prostitution and child pornography, are at an advanced stage of preparation. This is high priority legislation and I expect to bring proposals to Government in the coming months.
The Garda authorities have reported to me that during a recent visit by Swedish and Norwegian police officers to Ireland members of An Garda Síochána attached to the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation met with these officers to discuss matters of mutual interest, including the investigation of organised prostitution.
358 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans on extending the remit of his Department’s anti-human trafficking unit to include migrant women involved in prostitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28334/11]
The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit was created in my Department in February 2008 to take the lead in the development of a comprehensive, coordinated, whole of Government response to trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation, labour exploitation or for the removal of body organs which (a) meets Ireland's international obligations and (b) develops the structures necessary for tackling human trafficking in Ireland. The Unit is tasked with coordinating actions for the prevention of trafficking, the prosecution of traffickers and the protection of victims in the context of the implementation of the National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Trafficking of Human Beings 2009 — 2012, which was published in June 2009. In that context migrant women involved in prostitution who are victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation are an important cohort within the work of the Unit.
The parameters of the Unit's remit are set by the International instruments dealing with human trafficking — the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children and the recently adopted Directive of the European Parliament and Council on Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and Protecting its Victims. Broader issues concerning other crimes related to prostitution and criminal legislation related to prostitution, other than the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008, are dealt with by the Crime and Criminal Law Reform Divisions of my Department.
I am aware that the extension of the remit of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit to include migrant women involved in prostitution is one of the recommendations contained in a report, "Globalisation, Sex Trafficking and Prostitution — The Experiences of Migrant Women in Ireland", commissioned by the Immigrant Council of Ireland. The wide ranging recommendations in the Report required extensive consultation with other Government Departments and Agencies. Many of the Report's recommendations insofar as they relate to human trafficking for sexual exploitation have been addressed in the National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Trafficking of Human Beings 2009 — 2012. I expect to receive a report from my officials shortly on the recommendations in the Report commissioned by the Immigrant Council of Ireland and I will consider at that time what further actions, if any, are necessary in relation to the remit of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit.
360 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the details of any organisation under his Department which has informed him of staffing difficulties which may impinge upon its ability to effectively oversee the spending of public funds; and his views regarding same. [28374/11]
The Deputy will be aware that the filling of vacancies in the public service, is governed by Government Decisions of 3 February and 24 March 2009 on the Implementation of Savings Measures on Public Service Numbers, more generally referred to as the moratorium on public sector recruitment. I wish to inform the Deputy that I am not aware of any organisation within my Department's remit that has expressed a particular concern in relation to staffing difficulties which have impinged upon its effectiveness to oversee spending of public funds.
In the current economic environment, each public sector organisation has to play its part in the overall effort to get the public finances in order. This involves making difficult decisions in relation to staffing and resource issues and it is the responsibility of the Boards and CEOs of each body to manage this and to ensure that available resources are being utilised as efficiently and effectively as possible. There is an ongoing dialogue on such matters between my Department and each public body under my aegis, and this provides an opportunity to raise issues of particular concern. The Deputy will further appreciate that any recruitment is subject to the approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in accordance with the requirements of previous Government Decisions on the implementation of cost saving measures in the public service.
361 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the organisations under his Department for which an employment control framework has been agreed; the current numbers they have in place; if they have been waiting more than one month to receive sanction to proceed to fill or retain any positions in spite of such positions falling below the agreed ECF ceiling. [28390/11]
I am advised that the table below sets out current numbers of staff serving in each of the areas within the Justice Sector in whole time equivalent terms at the end of August 2011.
|
Justice Vote Group |
End August 2011 Current Staff |
|
Department of Justice and Equality (including Legal Aid Board other than solicitors and the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission) |
2,246 |
|
Garda Civilians (including Traffic Wardens) |
2,077 |
|
Prison Service |
3,514 |
|
Courts Service |
978 |
|
Property Registration Authority |
582 |
|
Centres for Young Offenders |
221 |
|
Legal Aid Board Solicitors |
109 |
|
Garda Síochána |
14,162 |
|
National Disability Authority |
33 |
|
Irish Human Rights Commission |
10 |
I am advised that no area within the sector currently below its ECF ceiling for the end of the year has a staff sanction request outstanding for more than one month.
362 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if persons (details supplied) in County Laois will be considered for a longer period than three months in future when the stamp fours are being issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28410/11]
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the persons referred to by the Deputy were granted permission to remain in the State on 20 September, 2005 under the revised arrangements for the non-EEA parents of children born in Ireland prior to 1 January, 2005, commonly known as the IBC/05 Scheme. This permission to remain was renewed in 2007 for a 3 year period. However, since September 2010, this couple's permission has been renewed by GNIB on a three monthly basis due to ongoing enquiries into their respective cases. Their latest permission expired on 3 October 2011 and following consideration of their case files, INIS will be in contact with the couple concerned shortly regarding their future status in the State.
I would 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.
363 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will reinstate the Garda car which was assigned to Egworthstown Garda station, County Westmeath, and to ensure that this Garda station retains adequate resources to meet the demands of the community. [28418/11]
The detailed allocation of Garda resources, including transport, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to decide in accordance with his identified operational requirements and priorities. The responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between stations as required by operational circumstances. I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is currently a marked Garda patrol car assigned to Edgeworthstown Garda station. The allocation of Garda vehicles is continually monitored and reviewed to ensure that resources are deployed in the most effective and efficient manner.
364 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the delivery of Thornton Hall prison; the proposed completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28438/11]
365 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the proposed number of inmates expected to be housed in Thornton Hall prison upon completion of the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28439/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 364 and 365 together.
Having considered the Report of the Thornton Hall Review Group, the Government has decided in principle to proceed with the construction of new prison facilities at Thornton Hall but on a smaller scale and design to that previously envisaged. The timeframe for this project is currently being discussed in the context of the Government's discussions on capital spending priorities for 2012.
Based on the Review Group's recommendations, the new prison at Thornton Hall will have 300 cells with operational flexibility capable of accommodating up to 500 prisoners. Appropriate regime activity and other supports will be provided to match the capacity of the prison. Each cell will have in-cell sanitation and a shower facility. It will also provide step-down accommodation capable of accommodating up to an 200 prisoners with relevant regime activity inside the boundary security wall. In effect, this will provide an open centre regime within the secure perimeter.
I believe the new plans for a prison at Thornton present an opportunity to effect real change in our prison system and implement the ‘principle of progression' in the penal system through providing the physical infrastructure to facilitate delivery on the core values of normalisation, progression, and reintegration of offenders. These modern prison facilities will also enable the prison authorities to create incentivised regimes to enable prisoners to progress through the system in a way that helps them to prepare for their eventual reintegration into society.
366 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prison spaces and prisoners over the past five years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28440/11]
The Information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table.
|
Year |
Bed Capacity* |
No. on Temporary Release |
Average number in Custody |
|
2006 |
3,356 |
140 |
3,191 |
|
2007 |
3,501 |
153 |
3,321 |
|
2008 |
3,581 |
273 |
3,544 |
|
2009 |
4,106 |
535 |
3,881 |
|
2010 |
4,430 |
732 |
4,290 |
(*refers to the bed capacity on the date of the snapshot of the prison population as reported in the Irish Prison Service Annual Report for that year).
As the Deputy may be aware, there has been a consistent increase in the total prisoner population in Ireland over recent years, with dramatic increases in the number of sentenced prisoners, those being committed on remand and a trend towards longer sentences.
The State has been engaged in an ongoing capital programme with almost 600 additional prisoner spaces constructed and brought into use since January 2008. There are also a number of ongoing projects, most notably the construction of a new accommodation block at the Midlands prison. This will provide a potential 300 spaces, a new kitchen and work training/education block, and an extension to the visits/reception areas. It is planned to have the new block fully commissioned by mid 2012. An administrative building on the Dóchas site has also just been converted into a new accommodation block which will provide 70 spaces. These will become operational next month.
In addition, having considered the Report of the Thornton Hall Review Group, the Government has decided in principle to proceed with the construction of new prison facilities at Thornton Hall and also at Kilworth, County Cork, but on a much smaller scale and design to that previously envisaged. The timeframe for the Thornton Hall and Kilworth Prisons projects is currently being discussed in the context of the Government's discussions on capital spending priorities for 2012.
367 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a naturalisation application in respect of a person (details supplied); and when a decision will issue. [28477/11]
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in May, 2011. The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
368 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when a decision will issue on an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) [28478/11]
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in August, 2009. The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
369 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected position regarding an application for citizenship or naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28543/11]
An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in September, 2011. On examination of the application submitted it was determined that the person in question did not meet that statutory residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended. The person concerned was informed of this in a letter issued to her on 6 October, 2011. It is open to the person concerned to lodge a new application for a certificate of naturalisation with the Citizenship Division of my Department if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements.
370 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [28597/11]
The person concerned is a failed asylum applicant, having claimed asylum in the State in January, 2007. Her asylum claim was investigated by the Offices of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, both of whom concluded that the person concerned did not meet the criteria for recognition as a refugee. Against this background, I am satisfied that the asylum claim of the person concerned was fairly and comprehensively examined before a decision to refuse it was arrived at. I am equally satisfied that the representations submitted by, and on behalf of, the person concerned, for consideration under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), were given the fullest consideration under all the relevant headings before a decision was taken to make a Deportation Order in respect of her, on 21st September, 2011. Overall, I am satisfied that the decision taken to deport the person concerned is justified.
The person concerned remains the subject of a Deportation Order. The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State. As the person concerned has not yet left the State, the enforcement of the Deportation Order is now an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
371 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [28598/11]
The person concerned is a failed asylum applicant, having claimed asylum in the State in December, 2007. His asylum claim was investigated by the Offices of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, both of whom concluded that the person concerned did not meet the criteria for recognition as a refugee. Against this background, I am satisfied that the asylum claim of the person concerned was fairly and comprehensively examined before a decision to refuse it was arrived at. I am equally satisfied that the representations submitted by, and on behalf of, the person concerned, for consideration under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), were given the fullest consideration under all the relevant headings before a decision was taken to make a Deportation Order in respect of him, on 21st September, 2011. Overall, I am satisfied that the decision taken to deport the person concerned is justified.
The person concerned remains the subject of a Deportation Order. The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State. As the person concerned has not yet left the State, the enforcement of the Deportation Order is now an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
372 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a dual citizenship application in respect of a person (details supplied); and when a decision will issue. [28599/11]
Officials in the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question.
Section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. The conditions are that the applicant must—
be of full age
be of good character
have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years
have, before a judge of the District Court in open court, in a citizenship ceremony or in such manner as the Minister, for special reasons, allows—
(i) made a declaration, in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State, and
(ii) undertaken to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.
In the context of naturalisation, certain periods of residence in the State are excluded. These include—
periods of residence in respect of which an applicant does not have permission to remain in the State
periods granted for the purposes of study
periods granted for the purposes of seeking recognition as a refugee within the meaning of the Refugee Act, 1996.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended.
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.
373 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he and the Courts Service are engaged in a formal review of the future location of District Court facilities nationwide; when any review will conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28620/11]
374 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he and the Courts Service will make a commitment to retain the District Court sittings in Drogheda, County Louth post-2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28621/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 373 and 374 together.
Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, the management and administration of the courts, including the provision of court facilities and designating court venues, is the statutory responsibility of the Courts Service and I, as Minister, have no role in the matter.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and I am informed that venues across the country are kept under constant review. This ongoing review includes every district and is particularly relevant in the current climate of reduced availability of public monies when the best use of all available resources is of paramount concern. The Courts Service's priority is to ensure that, in the current environment, it can continue to maintain the delivery of front line services and maintain an appropriate and acceptable level of service to court users. It is this priority that underpins the Board's decisions in relation to venues.
The Courts Service has further indicated to me that there are no plans to discontinue District Court sittings in Drogheda which has eight scheduled sittings per month and dealt with over 10,000 matters in 2010.
375 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the low average fine given for cigarette smuggling in the second quarter 2011 of €1,468 despite the maximum fine allowed being €126,000; his further views that more can be done to prevent and punish tobacco smuggling and amending the Casual Trading Act to tighten regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28687/11]
Law enforcement in relation to the smuggling of tobacco products and the sale of illicit or counterfeit tobacco products within the State is primarily a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, to date in 2011, 35 convictions for illegal selling of unstamped tobacco products have been secured under the Finance Acts with total fines of €76,350 and 6 custodial sentences (of which 5 were suspended) imposed. In addition, a further 77 prosecutions for cigarette smuggling have also been secured this year to date with total fines of €98,050 and 26 custodial sentences (of which 19 were suspended) imposed.
The Revenue Commissioners are fully supported in this area of work by An Garda Síochána. In targeting the illicit tobacco trade there is close co-operation between the Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners and An Garda Síochána. Searches are regularly undertaken by An Garda as part of intelligence-led operations led by Revenue. An Garda Síochána also continue, on a district and divisional level, to target those involved in the sale and distribution of illegal products, at markets and via door-to-door sales.
With regard to the level of penalties imposed by the Courts in dealing with this offence type, the position is that the Courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and the conduct of any court case is a matter entirely for the presiding judge. It is not open to me to comment or intervene in any way in relation to how particular proceedings are conducted or on the outcome of those proceedings. It is a matter for the court having considered all the circumstances of the case to impose an appropriate penalty.
With regard to additional proposals targeting this activity, as my colleague Mr. Brian Hayes TD, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, recently indicated to the House additional measures to combat cigarette smuggling will be considered further in the context of the 2012 Finance Bill. The question of whether there are proposals to further amend the Casual Trading legislation, is a matter for my colleague Mr. Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
376 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a request for a visa in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28703/11]
The visa application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Dublin on the 5 September 2011. The application is currently awaiting consideration by a Visa Officer. Visa Officers are currently considering applications of this type which were received on the 24 August 2011. If all the required supporting documentation has been submitted and no queries arise in this case a decision can be expected in the near future.
I should remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual Immigration cases may also be made direct to INIS by Email using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. The service enables up-to-date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek this information through the more administratively expensive Parliamentary Questions process.
377 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of off-road bikes in use by An Garda Síochána; and if he will increase this number [28725/11]
The allocation of Garda resources, including off-road motorcycles, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I am advised by the Garda authorities that currently there are 5 off-road motorcycles in use by An Garda Síochána and I am informed that there are currently no plans to increase the number of these vehicles.
378 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of promotions at each rank in An Garda Síochána for the years 2007 to 2011, inclusive. [28726/11]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of promotions, in each rank, for the years 2007-2010 and to date in 2011 is as set out in the table hereunder:
|
Rank |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
Commissioner |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Deputy Commissioner |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Assistant Commissioner |
3 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
Chief Superintendent |
12 |
8 |
3 |
10 |
1 |
|
Superintendent |
40 |
22 |
10 |
26 |
3 |
|
Inspector |
90 |
49 |
12 |
53 |
4 |
|
Sergeant |
273 |
251 |
40 |
209 |
4 |
|
Total |
420 |
335 |
67 |
300 |
14 |
379 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications received by An Garda Síochána for firearms licences for the years 2007 to date in 2011, inclusive; the licence fee for each category of firearm; the amount generated through each category of firearm licence fee; the number of applications for each category of firearm licence; and the number that was approved, pending or refused in each of these years. [28727/11]
As it has not been possible to compile the information requested by the Deputy in the time available, I have asked the Garda Commissioner for a report on the matter and will write to the Deputy when it becomes available.
380 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of times legal aid was refused to suspects on the recommendation of the Garda from 2008 to date in 2011; and the number of cases in each of the years in question that were dealt with at District Court level, Circuit Court level and High Court level. [28728/11]
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act 1962, the courts, through the judiciary, are responsible for the granting of legal aid. An applicant for legal aid must establish to the satisfaction of the court that his/her means are insufficient to enable him/her to pay for legal representation him/herself. The court must also be satisfied that, by reason of the "gravity of the charge" or "exceptional circumstances", it is essential in the interests of justice that the applicant should have legal aid. I have no function in these matters which are determined by the judiciary.
In considering an application judges may seek input from a member of An Garda Síochána regarding the circumstances of the applicant seeking criminal legal aid but this input is not formalised. The judiciary base their decision on the relevant jurisprudence and all of the information available to them in the context of the criteria outlined. I am informed that the number of cases in which legal aid is refused is not readily available and would necessitate a disproportionate expenditure of staff time and resources to provide which could not be justified. I regret that I cannot be of greater assistance to the Deputy on this occasion.
381 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce legislation regarding the guardianship of children that will aim to enhance the rights of non-marital fathers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28751/11]
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to reform and modernise aspects of family law. In this context, the detailed recommendations in the Law Reform Commission's Report on the Legal Aspects of Family Relationships on the rights and duties of unmarried fathers in relation to their children are under consideration in my Department.
Under the law as it stands, where a child is born outside marriage the mother is the sole automatic guardian. Where there is agreement between the parents, they can make a statutory declaration under section 2(4) of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, as inserted by section 4 of the Children Act 1997, appointing the father as a guardian of his child. In the absence of agreement, a non-marital father may apply to the court to be appointed a guardian of his child.
Section 11 of the Guardianship of Infants Act provides that the guardian of a child or the unmarried father of a child, even if he is not a guardian, may apply to the court for its direction on any question affecting the welfare of the child, including orders on custody and access. In making such orders, and in determining whether an unmarried father should be appointed guardian, the court has to regard the welfare of the child as the first and paramount consideration. It is worth noting that the vast majority of applications for guardianship which proceed before the court are successful.
Where appropriate and practicable, the court will also take into account the child's wishes in the matter having regard to the age and understanding of the child. In addition, the law places an emphasis in terms of recognising the rights of the child to the society of both his or her father and mother: section 11D of the 1964 Act (inserted by the Children Act 1997) obliges the court in proceedings relating to the welfare of a child to consider whether the child's best interests would be served by maintaining personal relations and direct contact with both his or her father and mother on a regular basis.
These legislative provisions are comprehensive. They permit the court in cases of disagreement to decide on arrangements for the child's care and upbringing having regard to the child's best interests.
382 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality, further to Parliamentary Question No. 456 of 4 October 2011, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that statistics on the Office of the Refugees Applications Commissioner website do not contain a breakdown of persons recommended or refused to be refugees per country of origin and per the top 15 countries of origin; as section 7(2) of the Refugee Act 1996 states the commissioner shall furnish to him such information relating to his or her activities as he may from time to time require, if this information from the office as the Act enables him to do; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28767/11]
As I indicated in my reply of 4 October, the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. It was for that reason that I directed him to the readily available information on the website of the Refugee Applications Commissioner. Some information of the nature sought by the Deputy, is also available from Eurostat, the EU statistics agency, to which my Department submits immigration and asylum related data on a regular basis.
Notwithstanding the availability of the above information sources, I have requested that the information referred to in the question be compiled and provided in the detail sought and made available directly to the Deputy as soon as possible. I would point out that the statutory provision referred to in the question is not intended to be used for the purpose of responding to ad hoc requests for information of the type requested by the Deputy.
383 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a drink-driving offence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28804/11]
There is no provision in Irish law for expunging the criminal conviction of a person who was over the age of eighteen when they committed the offence. Section 258 of the Children Act 2001 provides that where a person has been found guilty of an offence and (a) the offence was committed before they reached the age of 18 years, (b) the offence is not an offence required to be tried by the Central Criminal Court, (c) three years have elapsed since finding of guilt and (d) the person has not been dealt with for an offence in that period, then that person will be treated for all purposes in law as a person who has not committed, been charged with, prosecuted for, found guilty or dealt with for an offence.
I plan to publish a Spent Convictions Bill in the near future allowing former offenders to withhold details of certain qualifying convictions once certain conditions have been met. The Bill will not entail a deletion of the record, but rather a non-disclosure of the offence in certain circumstances. However, persons working with children or vulnerable adults, or having access to confidential or sensitive information, will continue to have to disclose all past convictions acquired.
384 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the creation of a cross-party Oireachtas committee which could liaise with the Irish Human Rights Commission and other interested non-governmental organisations to seek ways of addressing Ireland’s human rights shortcomings as identified in the United Nation universal periodic review of our State which took place on 6 October 2011. [28808/11]
While I have already indicated that I want to see enhanced arrangements for the new Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, which I have announced will be created by end-February next, to report directly to the Oireachtas, the precise arrangements for this and indeed the establishment of Oireachtas committees is a matter for the Houses and not for me as a Minister. That said, the issues discussed at the UPR encompassed a broad range of areas some of which fall under the aegis of my Department and some under other Departments and it is open to any Oireachtas Committee to follow up these issues for discussion and comment where they fall within its terms of reference.
In my opening remarks at the meeting of the Human Rights Council, I indicated Ireland's fullest commitment to the UPR process and my intention to pay the fullest attention to recommendations of the Human Rights Council. I emphasised that our commitment to human rights is based on the principle that Governments must always act with the intention of respecting the rights of the individual and human dignity.
I think it fair to say that the dialogue in Geneva on 6 October with the members of the UN Human Rights Council demonstrates an international appreciation of Ireland's strong record and our ongoing commitments in the area of human rights. This is reflected in the positive contributions from UN Member States and the recommendations made. Only 15 recommendations were made that we were not able to accept, whereas I was able on the day to indicate our acceptance of 62 recommendations, on the basis that they cover issues that we are already committed to tackling and in respect of which measures are in hand.
In the case of a further 49 recommendations, the precise wording of the recommendation is such that it requires examination before we respond. In these cases, we will respond on or before the 12th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in March next: In many of these cases, what is at issue is potential difficulties due to the precise wording of the recommendation, rather than a disagreement in principle on the substantive issue.
385 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the strength of the Garda Traffic Corps in County Galway in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28854/11]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 31 August 2011, the personnel strength of the Garda Traffic Corps in the each of the Divisions referred to by the Deputy, was as set out in the following table.
|
Division |
Strength |
|
Galway |
48 |
|
DMR South Central |
25 |
|
DMR North Central |
19 |
|
DMR North |
22 |
|
DMR East |
18 |
|
DMR South |
15 |
|
DMR West |
22 |
|
DMR Traffic |
148 |
|
Cork City |
50 |
|
Cork North |
40 |
|
Cork West |
30 |
|
Limerick |
31 |
|
Waterford |
26 |
386 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Defence the details of each trip by Ministers in which the use of the Government jet was needed for travel; and the cost of same since he was elected in March 2011. [28150/11]
The Ministerial Air Transport Service is primarily provided by the Gulfstream IV and Learjet 45 aircraft, which were specifically acquired for that purpose. Details of usage of the Ministerial Air Transport Service since 9 March 2011 are set out in the tabular statement, and include details of the requesting Minister(s), dates of travel, ministerial time on board and mission route.
The Department follows the normal practice in the aviation business of costing aircraft by reference to the cost per flying hour under either of two headings:
The direct cost which includes costs which are additional to those associated with having the aircraft and which only arise when the aircraft is flown including maintenance, fuel and support services such as catering costs, cleaning services and airport handling charges.
The total cost which is the direct cost plus the costs associated with having the aircraft and includes depreciation and personnel costs.
The average direct cost per hour for the Gulfstream is €3,270 and for the Learjet is €1,940. The average total cost per hour for the Gulfstream is €3,790 and for the Learjet is €4,200. These costs are average costs which take a number of variables into account. It is not possible to assign an exact cost to any particular mission or Minister.
|
Date |
Return Date |
Min. Time On Board (Minutes) |
Route |
Minister |
|
10/03/2011 |
12/03/2011 |
185 |
Baldonnel — Brussels — Knock — Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
15/03/2011 |
18/03/2011 |
825 |
Baldonnel — Washington — Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / Tánaiste Foreign Affairs |
|
24/03/2011 |
25/03/2011 |
180 |
Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
12/04/2011 |
12/04/2011 |
200 |
Baldonnel — Luxembourg — Baldonnel |
Tánaiste Foreign Affairs / Justice & Equality / MOS Foreign Affairs |
|
17/04/2011 |
18/04/2011 |
120 |
Baldonnel — Northolt — Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
04/05/2011 |
06/05/2011 |
810 |
Baldonnel — Teteboro — White Plains — Teteboro — Knock — Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
09/06/2011 |
10/06/2011 |
200 |
Baldonnel — Luxembourg — Baldonnel |
Justice & Equality |
|
19/06/2011 |
19/06/2011 |
100 |
Baldonnel — Luxembourg — Baldonnel |
Tánaiste Foreign Affairs |
|
21/06/2011 |
22/06/2011 |
300 |
Baldonnel — Vienna — Baldonnel |
Tánaiste Foreign Affairs |
|
20/06/2011 |
20/06/2011 |
120 |
Baldonnel — Northolt — Stansted — Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / Communications, Energy & Natural Resources |
|
23/06/2011 |
24/06/2011 |
180 |
Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach |
|
21/07/2011 |
21/07/2011 |
180 |
Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach / MOS Taoiseach |
|
25/09/2011 |
26/09/2011 |
420 |
Baldonnel — Algiers — Oran — Baldonnel |
Agriculture, Marine & Food |
|
29/09/2011 |
30/09/2011 |
330 |
Baldonnel — Warsaw — Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
Date |
Return Date |
Min. Time On Board (Minutes) |
Route |
Minister |
|
13/03/2011 |
14/03/2011 |
230 |
Baldonnel — Shannon — Brussels — Baldonnel |
Finance / Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
|
21/03/2011 |
21/03/2011 |
180 |
Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel |
Finance / MOS Foreign Affairs |
|
07/04/2011 |
09/04/2011 |
330 |
Baldonnel — Budapest — Baldonnel |
Finance |
|
16/05/2011 |
17/05/2011 |
180 |
Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel |
Finance / MOS Taoiseach |
|
20/05/2011 |
20/05/2011 |
80 |
Baldonnel — Cork — Baldonnel |
An Taoiseach |
|
07/06/2011 |
07/06/2011 |
100 |
Baldonnel — Luxembourg — Baldonnel |
Agriculture, Marine & Food |
|
11/07/2011 |
12/07/2011 |
180 |
Baldonnel — Brussels — Baldonnel |
Finance |
|
15/09/2011 |
17/09/2011 |
290 |
Baldonnel — Wroclaw — Baldonnel |
Finance |
|
22/09/2011 |
23/09/2011 |
360 |
Baldonnel — Brussels — Wroclaw — Brussels — Baldonnel |
Defence / Justice & Equality |
|
03/10/2011 |
04/10/2011 |
100 |
Baldonnel — Luxembourg — Baldonnel |
Finance |
387 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Defence if he will give details of the occasions on which the Government jet was used for purposes other than the transport of Government Ministers; and the cost to the Exchequer of same since he was elected into office. [28151/11]
There are two jets which provide Ministerial Air Transport, the Gulfstream IV and the Learjet 45. In addition to its Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) role, the Gulfstream and Learjet are routinely tasked with Air Ambulance missions, provide "Top Cover" for search and rescue purposes, and are also occasionally used for military operations. In 2011, the Learjet participated in one air show in Malta.
Details of non MATS usage since the 9th March 2011 are set out in the tabular statements and include details of mission type, destination and flying times. The Department follows the normal practice in the aviation business of costing aircraft by reference to the cost per flying hour under either of two headings:
The direct cost which includes costs which are additional to those associated with having the aircraft and which only arise when the aircraft is flown including maintenance, fuel and support services such as catering costs, cleaning services and airport handling charges.
The total cost which is the direct cost plus the costs associated with having the aircraft and includes depreciation and personnel costs.
The current average direct cost per hour for the Gulfstream is €3,270 and for the Learjet is €1,940. The average total cost per hour for the Gulfstream is €3,790 and for the Learjet is €4,200. These costs are average costs which take a number of variables into account. It is not possible to assign an exact cost to any particular mission.
|
Aircraft |
Date |
Location |
Flight Time (Hours) |
|
Gulfstream IV |
29/06/2011 |
Newcastle |
02:00 |
|
26/07/2011 |
Kerry |
01:20 |
|
|
14/09/2011 |
Cork |
01:35 |
|
|
Total |
04:55 |
||
|
Learjet 45 |
22/03/2011 |
London Northolt |
02:20 |
|
24/03/2011 |
Norwich |
02:15 |
|
|
13/04/2011 |
Doncaster |
01:50 |
|
|
15/04/2011 |
Doncaster |
01:45 |
|
|
19/05/2011 |
London Northolt |
02:05 |
|
|
25/05/2011 |
London Northolt |
02:25 |
|
|
09/07/2011 |
London Heathrow |
02:05 |
|
|
22/07/2011 |
London Northolt |
02:10 |
|
|
27/07/2011 |
London Northolt |
02:20 |
|
|
15/08/2011 |
London Northolt |
02:10 |
|
|
19/08/2011 |
London Northolt |
02:20 |
|
|
27/08/2011 |
Cork — London — Heathrow |
04:10 |
|
|
07/09/2011 |
London Northolt |
02:20 |
|
|
09/09/2011 |
Nuernberg |
04:10 |
|
|
12/09/2011 |
London Northolt |
02:15 |
|
|
14-15/09/2011 |
London Heathrow |
02:00 |
|
|
10/10/2011 |
London Northolt |
02.20 |
|
|
Total |
41.00 |
|
Aircraft |
Date |
Location |
Flight Time |
|
Learjet 45 |
09/08/2011 |
Off West Coast |
01:50 |
|
10/08/2011 |
Off West Coast |
03:05 |
|
|
Total |
4:55 |
|
Aircraft |
Date |
Location |
Flight Time |
|
Learjet 45 |
24-26/09/2011 |
Valetta, Malta |
06:45 |
388 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if he will clarify the legal position in respect of householders and business owners clearing footpaths of snow and ice in front of their property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28795/11]
As lead Government Department with responsibility for co-ordinating the emergency response to severe weather, my Department has finalised and published The Report on the Review of the Response to Exceptional Severe Weather Events of 2009-2010 .
The Report, which is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie, sets out the sequence of events as they occurred, draws various conclusions and makes recommendations to improve preparedness and increase resilience for future severe weather events. It recognises and acknowledges the very considerable community and voluntary contribution during the severe weather, and recommends that this should be fostered and encouraged as part of the overall response to future such events.
It recommends that the good practice which has emerged in relation to making grit available at drop-points to local communities should be adopted as a consistent and standard practice by all local authorities and relevant guidance be prepared and disseminated. Guidance on this is being prepared by my Department in conjunction with local authorities and will be issued shortly. In this context the issues around legal liability of those acting in a voluntary capacity on behalf of the community are under consideration.
389 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if he will address the concerns of the personnel at a barracks (details supplied) in County Tipperary; his plans for the future of this barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28284/11]
As of now, no decision has been made by the Government on the future of any military installation. The issue of the closure of barracks no longer required for operational reasons to effect necessary savings will, however, be considered shortly by Government. Various commissions, reports and studies back to the 1990s identified barrack closures as a fundamental requirement towards improving military effectiveness and efficiency. Since 1998 a total of ten barracks have been closed under two barrack consolidation programmes. A total of €84.98 million has been realised from the disposal of six of these barracks and part of another. The moneys received from the sales of such properties have been reinvested in equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces.
I wish to ensure that all decisions made and resources utilised are focused on maximizing the capabilities of the Defence Forces and ensuring their continued operational excellence. I am also anxious to ensure, in so far as is possible, that the Government is not compelled by fiscal and budgetary constraints to effect any substantial reduction in the current number of personnel in the Defence Forces.
390 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Defence the details of any organisation under his Department which have informed him of staffing difficulties which may impinge upon its ability to effectively oversee the spending of public funds; and his views regarding same. [28367/11]
I am satisfied that the Department of Defence and its agencies are sufficiently resourced to allow for the effective oversight of the expenditure of public funds.
391 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the organisations under his Department for which an employment control framework has been agreed; the current numbers they have in place; if they have been waiting more than one month to receive sanction to proceed to fill or retain any positions in spite of such positions falling below the agreed ECF ceiling. [28383/11]
The Government's National Recovery Plan 2011-2014 sets out revised ceilings for public service staff numbers, including for the Department of Defence and the Permanent Defence Force, which are to be achieved through the implementation of Employment Control Frameworks as part of the Four Year National Recovery Plan. The Department of Defence is required to meet an authorised staffing level of 369 for 2011. The Department has met this target, with a current staffing level of 349.
In relation to the civilian employee work force attached to military installations, the authorised Employment Control Framework ceiling for 2011 is 700 posts, with a target of 670 posts in 2012. There are currently 684 civilian employees which is under the ECF target for 2011, and significant progress has been made towards achieving the authorised figure for 2012.
The approved Employment Control Framework for the Permanent Defence Force is based on a figure of 10,000 all ranks, appropriately configured across the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps. The strength of the Permanent Defence Force as of 30 September 2011 was 9,458 all ranks. Officials from my Department together with the Military Authorities are in the process of reviewing the structures and posts required to meet the operational requirements of the Permanent Defence Force in accordance with the upper limits in ranks provided for in the ECF subject to a final decision on the estimates for Defence.
In this regard the Government is currently undertaking a Comprehensive Review of Expenditure and this will inform the resource envelope available for Defence over the coming years and the priorities within Defence. My officials are in regular contact with their counterparts in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, where appropriate, on an ongoing basis regarding sanction to proceed to fill or retain posts.
392 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the number of dentists and nurses currently serving in the Defence Forces; the locations at which these nurses and dentists are posted; the number and location of any vacant nurses and dentists posts; and if he intends to fill these posts. [28722/11]
There are currently five Dentists and twelve Nurses serving in the Defence Forces Medical Corps. The tables show the locations where these Dentists and Nurses are currently posted.
|
Location |
Number |
|
St Bricin’s Hospital |
2 |
|
1 Southern Brigade |
1 |
|
4 Western Brigade |
1 |
|
Defence Forces Training Centre |
1 |
|
Total |
5 |
|
Location |
Number |
|
St Bricin’s Hospital |
4 |
|
1 Southern Brigade |
3 |
|
Defence Forces Training Centre |
5 |
|
Total |
12 |
The recently completed Medical Services Review recommended a programme of major change in the structure of the Defence Forces Medical Corps. In the new structure, medical personnel within the Defence Forces will come under one central command, the Central Medical Unit, which will have responsibility for the management and delivery of medical services, including the allocation of doctors across the system on the basis of demand and operational requirements. This Central Medical Unit will mandate change across the service and deploy resources centrally, locally and overseas as required. This approach will better support delivery of all care requirements, as both demand and capacity can be pooled and managed centrally and be deployed and redeployed more flexibly across the system.
393 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will arrange for a person (details supplied) in County Cork to be awarded their disadvantage area payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28154/11]
An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 18 April 2011, processing of which 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.
394 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an agri-environment options scheme application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28159/11]
The person named was recently informed in writing that they were approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1st September 2011. 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. In the event of any queries arising from these checks my Department will be in direct contact with the person named.
395 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28196/11]
The person named was recently informed in writing that they were approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1st September 2011. 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. In the event of any queries arising from these checks my Department will be in direct contact with the person named.
396 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will confirm that commonage lands (details supplied) were inspected by officers of his Department in 2010; the exact number of days same staff members spent doing these inspections; the persons that directed staff from his Department to carry out these inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28226/11]
All commonage land declared by applications under the Single Farm Payment and other area-based Scheme was subjected to a comprehensive review by my Department during 2010. The review was carried by way of a detailed analysis of the ortho-imagery for commonages, by on-the-spot inspections or a combination of both. The objective of the review was to exclude ineligible features such as forestry, roads, lakes, rocks, houses, scrub etc.
The commonage parcels referred to were the subject to this review process in 2010. The final outcome of the process was that three of the inspected parcels were found to have no eligible area including one parcel that was fully afforested. The area determined eligible in the fourth parcel was 22.6 hectares from a total area of 235.87 hectares.
397 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will confirm that results of a commonage inspection (details supplied) carried out by Department officials and other reports were sought under a freedom of information request; the reason these reports prepared by the officers were not released under the initial freedom of information request; the person that instructed that they not be released; the reason for same; if he will indicate the disciplinary action that he intends to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28227/11]
The reports sought under the Freedom of Information request in question were released to the requestor; letters dated 18 May 2011 and 21 June 2011 addressed to the requestor, refer.
398 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a single farm payment will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28245/11]
The person named submitted his application for the Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme on 12th May 2011. Three 2011 Transfer of Entitlement applications were received consisting of a sale and gift of entitlements to the person named and a sale of entitlements from the person named to another farmer. Each of these applications has been processed and letters of confirmation have issued to the person named and all other parties. On processing the application over claims were identified on a number of parcels listed and the person named was written to in this regard on 7 October 2011. On receipt of a reply to the aforementioned letter, the application will be further processed.
399 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when any necessary inspection will be carried out on a REP scheme application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary for this year. [28246/11]
The person named commenced REPS 4 in June 2008 and received full payments for the first three years of their contract. Arrangements are well advanced to issue payments in respect of 2011 and I expect that these payments will commence in November once all the necessary checks have been completed. In the event of any queries arising from these checks my Department will be in direct contact with the person named.
400 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the rules governing fishing for mussels at a location (details supplied) in County Dublin; the activity that has taken place on these grounds over the past three months with regard to the fishing for mussels or seed mussels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28250/11]
I understand from the National Parks and Wildlife Service that mussel seed was recently harvested by hand by a group of people in the area of a gravel bank that reaches west from Shenick's Island, off the coast of Skerries, County Dublin. Shenick's Island is part of the Skerries Islands Special Protection Area (SPA).
In accordance with Determination No. 16 of the Need for an Authorisation for Certain Fish Stocks, a vessel fishing for mussel seed requires an authorisation from my Department under section 13 of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006. An authorisation is also required to retain mussel seed on board a vessel, to trans-ship mussel seed from a vessel or to land mussels from a vessel. In addition, the Mussel Seed (Fishing) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 311 of 2006) specify certain requirements for vessels engaged in mussel seed fishing. The enforcement of this sea-fisheries legislation is a matter for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, which is independent in the performance of its functions.
In relation to fishing activities which have the potential to impact upon Natura 2000 sites, such as Skerries Islands Special Protection Area, the European Communities (Natural habitats and birds) (Sea-fisheries) Regulations 2009 provide for a Fisheries Natura Plan to manage and control the activity where required, the Appropriate Assessment of such a Plan and include a process of public and statutory consultation. Officials from my Department are currently examining this aspect in co-operation with the Marine Institute and the National Parks and Wildlife Service in relation to the activity taking place in Skerries.
401 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to support an ice plant at a pier in County Donegal (details supplied) to benefit the local fishing communities. [28285/11]
BIM is an independent statutory body and hence policy in relation to the operation and management of the ice plants is a matter for the Agency. BIM have, however, informed me that, following a decision by the Board, the Agency is currently reviewing its ice plant operations with the intention of seeking expressions of interest from local operators who may be interested in operating the current Ice Plant network.
BIM advise that on this basis through a tendering process, ice plants will be made available to the local community. It is hoped that the arrangements put in place by BIM will cause minimal disruption to the industry and that an appropriate tendering process will secure the long term future of these important resources.
With regard to the fishery harbour centres generally, I am happy to say that my Department has a history of investing substantially in the upgrade and development of the facilities available to the fishing fleet at the fishery harbour centres, as we strive to bring the standard of facilities available up to a level comparable with best practice. This investment continues to date and I can confirm that in excess of €10 million has been allocated to the fishery harbours and coastal infrastructure development capital programme for 2011.
402 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding a single farm payment and disadvantaged area aid in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28293/11]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 17 May 2010.
This application was selected for a Ground Eligibility/Cross Compliance inspection, during the course of which discrepancies were uncovered with regard to a number of parcels, which resulted in the total claimed area of 184.31 hectares being reduced to 62.13 hectares. As the difference between the area claimed (184.31 hectares) and the area found (62.13 hectares) is greater than 50%, the person named had no entitlement to payment under the 2010 Schemes, and, furthermore, an Administrative Fine must be levied and recovered against future Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme applications.
The person named was formally notified of this decision on the 10 of January 2011 and was also advised of the right to seek a review of this decision. Such a request was submitted on the 20 January 2011 and a decision, upholding the original findings, was sent to the person named on the 10 of June 2011. The person named then availed of the right of appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office. Such an appeal was requested and is currently being considered by that Office. The person named will be advised, in writing, of the decision of that Office in due course.
403 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding a single farm payment and disadvantaged area aid in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28294/11]
An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 9 May 2011. The payment validation process of this application is now complete and over-claims have been identified on three of the parcels. The applicant has been written to in this regard. On receipt of a satisfactory reply from the person named the application will then be further processed, with a view to payments issuing as soon as possible.
404 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an area aid payment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28295/11]
An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 9 May 2011, processing of which has recently been completed, thereby allowing payment to issue under the 2011 Disadvantaged Area Scheme on 7 October 2011. The 50% advance payments under the Single Payment Scheme are scheduled to commence issuing as and from 17 October 2011.
An application was received on 9 May 2011 requesting the transfer of 4.35 entitlements to the person named by way of lease. As the person named submitted amendments to certain land parcels, it was necessary to await the completion of these amendments. That process was completed on 5 October 2010 and the transfer of entitlements was successfully processed on 6 October. A letter confirming the details of the transfer will issue to the person named shortly.
405 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28323/11]
The person named commenced REPS 4 in June 2010 and received full payment for the first year of their contract. Arrangements are well advanced to issue payments in respect of 2011 and I expect that these payments will commence in November once all the necessary checks have been completed. In the event of any queries arising from these checks my Department will be in direct contact with the person named.
406 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [28348/11]
The allocation of milk quota from the National Reserve is granted on the basis of recommendations from the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal. The Tribunal recently examined the named person's application but did not recommend him for an allocation of quota on that occasion. The named person now wishes to appeal this decision. The Tribunal will shortly commence consideration of appeals. When a decision has been made in this case a letter will issue to the named person notifying him of the outcome. An official from my Department has contacted the named person and advised him of this position and of the options available to him to acquire additional quota.
407 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details of any organisation under his Department which has informed him of staffing difficulties which may impinge upon its ability to effectively oversee the spending of public funds; and his views regarding same. [28363/11]
408 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will outline the organisations under his Department for which an employment control framework has been agreed; the current numbers they have in place; if they have been waiting more than one month to receive sanction to proceed to fill or retain any positions in spite of such positions falling below the agreed ECF ceiling. [28379/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 407 and 408 together.
All Government Departments and Agencies operating under their aegis are required to operate within an Employment Control Framework set down by the Government. The information requested by the Deputy is laid out in the table. None of the State Bodies listed here has fallen below the agreed ECF ceiling and therefore, no organisation is waiting for sanction on the basis suggested by the Deputy. In such circumstances any requests for staff can only be exceeded in very exceptional circumstances.
|
NCSA |
End-Aug. 2011 Staffing |
ECF 2011 |
ECF 2012 |
ECF 2013 |
ECF 2014 |
|
Dept. of Agriculture, Food and the Marine |
3,577.30 |
3,608 |
3,539 |
3,471 |
3,414 |
|
Bord Bia |
92.80 |
91 |
88 |
84 |
82 |
|
Bord Iascaigh Mhara |
125.20 |
108 |
104 |
99 |
97 |
|
Marine Institute |
189.10 |
163 |
157 |
150 |
147 |
|
National Milk Agency |
5.00 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Sea Fisheries Protection Authority |
95.00 |
87 |
84 |
80 |
79 |
|
Teagasc |
1,288.10 |
1,173 |
1,131 |
1,079 |
1,056 |
|
Total |
1,795.20 |
1,627 |
1,569 |
1,497 |
1,466 |
409 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of public petitions that have been submitted to him in the past four years, in tabular form; the nature of the petition campaign; the date on which the petition was submitted; the number of signatories on each petition; the action undertaken by him following consideration of the submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28420/11]
My Department has not received any public petitions during the years in question.
410 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the approved agri-environment options scheme application may be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford. [28435/11]
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1st 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. During these checks a query arose in relation to the re-digitisation of land parcels for AEOS purposes. 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.
411 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment under the agri-environment options scheme will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28437/11]
The person named was recently informed in writing that they were approved for participation in the 2011 Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1st September 2011. 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. In the event of any queries arising from these checks my Department will be in direct contact with the person named. I expect to commence payments in the first quarter of 2012.
412 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will approve a disadvantaged area payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28489/11]
An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 21 April 2011, processing of which 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.
413 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a grant will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28491/11]
Grant-aid under the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Improvement of Dairy Hygiene Standards was paid by my Department to the person concerned in February 2008. However, one invoice was excluded for grant-aid purposes as no tax clearance was provided in relation to the contractor who issued the invoice concerned. As it is a standard condition of all my Department's on-farm investment schemes that contractors must have current tax clearance, I regret that I am not in a position to pay grant-aid to the person named in respect of the investment works completed by that contractor.
414 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding area aid in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28492/11]
An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 8 May 2011, processing of which has recently been completed, thereby allowing payment to issue under the 2011 Disadvantaged Area Scheme on 7 October 2011. The 50% advance payments under the Single Payment Scheme are scheduled to commence issuing as and from 17 October 2011.
415 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding REP scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28493/11]
The person named commenced REPS 4 in 2008 and has received full payments for the first two years of their contract. In addition, 75% of the third year payment issued on 3rd March 2011 for the amount of €7449.77. My Department is currently making arrangements to process the outstanding 25% payments to farmers in instances where penalties have been imposed, including the person named, and I now expect that these outstanding payments will commence later this month.
416 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when an agri-environment options scheme payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28625/11]
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1st September 2010. Payment totalling €1,250.00, issued on 4th October in respect of the initial 75%. Processing of the remaining 25% payment will commence shortly.
417 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding funding for a co-operative (details supplied) further to his meeting with it in July 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28675/11]
I assume the Deputy is referring to recent correspondence from the Cork South West Lobster Fishermans Co-Operative in relation to funding for the cooperative.
This Co-operative wrote to me in April seeking funding of €50,000 over 5 years for the cooperative, to enable it to continue to fund its contribution towards payments to lobster fishermen who are members of the Co-op and who engage in lobster v-notching. I subsequently met with representatives from the Co-op in July. The representatives outlined that their co-op represented Lobster Fishermen from Seven Heads to Sheeps Head and that they operated the BIM V Notching Programme but were running into financial difficulties due to a general decline in membership. As a result of this meeting I asked BIM to consider the case made by the Co-op.
Under the Seafood Development Operational Programme 2007-2013, BIM pays cooperatives 55% of the market price of berried lobsters presented by co-op members for v-notching by a BIM officer and returned alive to the sea by the fishermen in order to spawn. I understand that this Co-op and some others pay their members the remaining 45% of the market value of the lobster from funds derived from the subscriptions of their members, while other co-operatives do not. Where this other 45% is paid to the co-op member, he or she receives the full market value of the lobster and this makes participation in the v-notching programme a very attractive option for the co-op members. V-notching rates tend to be higher for such co-ops, but this practice also places a great strain on the finances of those co-ops, particularly if co-op membership numbers are falling.
V-notching is a very important conservation measure for the lobster stock. In areas with strong v-notching programmes, the scheme has had a very positive impact on maintaining and increasing the lobster stock. It is very much in the interests of lobster fishermen to maximise v-notching rates in their area in order to ensure the sustainability of the fishery and their livelihoods into the future.
I acknowledge the funding difficulties presented by the Co-op in terms of the scheme. Funding for fisheries is limited and BIM endeavour within its budget allocation to support a range of important programmes and initiatives. BIM has stressed that any change to the v-notching scheme would have to apply to all co-operatives who participate. In such circumstances and taking account of the limited resources available to BIM, BIM advise that this would lead to the budget for the scheme being used to v-notch fewer lobsters, which would undermine the progress of the scheme in achieving the conservation objectives set for the fishery. I am very supportive of the V-Notching Programme and would urge all lobster fishermen to recognise its value in maintaining sustainability in this stock and to participate fully in the Programme.
418 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of persons nationally still awaiting their disadvantaged area payment; the number of persons in north Tipperary and south Offaly still awaiting this payment; the reason for the delay in issuing these payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28734/11]
Given that payments under the 2011 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme only commenced on 22 September and, to date, payments worth in excess of €169 million have issued to 77,559 farmers nationally, representing 76% of those who applied, it can readily be seen that there are no delays in the issuing of these payments. Specifically with regard to Offaly and Tipperary, the details are as follows:
|
Applicants |
Numbers paid |
% paid |
Value |
|
|
Offaly |
2,427 |
1,931 |
80% |
€3,969,236 |
|
Tipperary |
4,525 |
3,417 |
76% |
€7,499,342 |
Payments continue to issue, on a twice-weekly basis, as individual cases are confirmed eligible for payment. It should be borne in mind that the number of applicants under the Scheme is determined by the classification of the land declared; however, as there are annually some 5,000 applicants with eligible land who do not satisfy the minimum stocking density requirement (0.15 livestock units per forage hectare), the payable number, both nationally and per county, will inevitably ultimately be somewhat lower than the figures for number of applicants quoted above.
419 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the degree of compliance of his Department in respect of payment of the various subsidies to farmers, by subsidy type in cases where they are substantially at variance with timelines that have previously been agreed, the measures if any he will take to remedy this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28748/11]
The Farmers Charter Action Plan 2009 — 2011 was agreed following discussions with the farming organisations. The Charter sets out specific delivery targets to our farmer customers and covers the following services:
Single Payment Scheme;
Disadvantaged Areas Compensatory Allowance Scheme;
Suckler Welfare Scheme;
Rural Environment Protection Scheme;
Early Retirement/Young Farmers Installation Scheme;
On Farm Investment Schemes;
Afforestation Grant and Premium Schemes;
Animal Health Schemes.
The Charter continues our commitment to the 12 Quality Customer Service principles set out in our Customer Service Action Plan and Customer Charter. Progress under the Charter is monitored by a review committee under an independent chairman. This committee is composed of representatives of farm organisations and Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine staff.
The most recent figures date from 30 June 2011 where over 90% of payments had been made within the prescribed payment deadlines set out in the Farmers Charter. The next meeting of this Committee will be held on 10 November when the payment deadlines will be discussed again.
420 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consider amalgamating some farm inspections including those carried out by the local authorities in respect of the water framework directive and those carried out by him as they relate to the nitrates directive; if so the process and timeframe he has in mind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28752/11]
My Department, in the context of delivering the Direct Payment Schemes, is required to carry out on-the-spot inspections on a number of farms to ensure compliance with EU legislation in the areas of the environment, food safety, animal health and welfare and plant health and ensuring that the farm is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition. This is known as cross-compliance. The rate of on-farm inspection required for cross-compliance, including the Nitrates element, is 1% of those farmers to whom the Statutory Management Requirements or GAEC apply. However 3% of farmers must be inspected for compliance with bovine identification and registration while 3% of sheep/goat farmers must be inspected representing 5% of the flock. These inspections are integrated in so far as possible.
Since 2010 my Department has carried out some 1,500 additional Nitrates inspections annually on behalf of the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. These inspections partially fulfil the Local Authorities obligations and requirements under the Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) regulations. The Local Authorities retain responsibility for their own inspection and monitoring programmes under the Water Pollution Acts, the Water Framework Directive etc. and are also responsible for any follow-up actions that may result from the Nitrates Inspections carried out by my Department on their behalf.
The implementation of these inspections has already seen an amalgamation of information and expertise that has resulted in a reduction in the duplication of inspections across both Departments and more efficient use of resources. My Department is committed to ensuring the maximum level of integration of inspections and will continue to review inspection programmes in all areas with the aim of increasing integration where this is a feasible option.
421 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has quantified the percentage savings that can be made in relation to duplication and administration in the system as it relates to agriculture; if that will be factored into the 2012 budget; if not the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28753/11]
Since 2005 my Department has been engaged in a major change management programme, including re-organisation at all levels, facilitated by changes in the way schemes are managed, reductions in disease levels, and the advanced use of information technology. As a result the Department has been able to reduce its staffing level from 4,800 to 3,600, a reduction of 25%. The cost of running the Department has fallen substantially since 2008, by some €60million or approximately 20%.
My Department submitted its ‘Action Plan' under the Public Service (Croke Park) Agreement earlier this year. In early May, the Department submitted its first progress report on the implementation of that Action Plan. The report outlines the significant progress made by the Department, including the re-organisation programme, the large reductions in staffing levels and improvement of its business processes, including major changes to the local office network. The report shows a reduction of 173 staff and total administrative savings of nearly €14 million (including non-pay savings of over €4.7 million) in the year to the end of March 2011, the reporting period for the Agreement.
The re-organisation of the Department's local office network involves the closure of 42 of the Department's local offices and the retention of 16 regional offices, which will provide an enhanced service to the Department's customers. When fully implemented, the savings will amount to some €30 million annually and a reduction of 400 staff.
Both the Action Plan and the Progress Report are published in full on my Department's website (please see 2011 Publications) and give comprehensive details of both the pay and non-pay savings to be achieved over the period of the Agreement to 2014. We will shortly report on the six months to the end of September and that will also be made available on the website.
422 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views that the presence of a veterinarian and an agricultural officer in meat factories represents duplication; his plans to change this arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28755/11]
Slaughterhouses and meat processing plants operate under the approval of my Department in accordance with the terms of EU Food Hygiene Regulations. These plants are supervised by veterinary inspectors employed by the Department, assisted in their duties by technical staff (agricultural officers) and by temporary veterinary inspectors (TVIs) drawn from private practice on a rota basis. The tasks prescribed for veterinarians and technical staff are distinctly different and there is no duplication.
It is nonetheless my intention that in line with the recommendations in Food Harvest 2020, the meat inspection service will be further streamlined to provide a more cost effective service consistent with regulatory requirement and consumer safety and confidence.
Recommendations arising from a Value for Money (VFM) review relating to the use of the services of TVIs in slaughter plants under the supervision of the Department, along with recommendations arising from other reviews relating to the optimum deployment of the national veterinary public health inspectorate, are being taken into account in revised arrangements for controlling meat plants.
In this context it is intended that the use of auxiliaries as recommended by the VFM review will be introduced in certain areas, initially on a pilot basis. Supplementary training will be required to allow technical staff to carry out post-mortem meat inspection, except in relation to poultry meat (as the Department has already assigned some post mortem inspection duties to technical staff working in poultry processing establishments). In addition, such a reassignment requires consultation with the stakeholders involved and that consultation is under way.
423 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action being taken to speed up the delays experienced by farmers awaiting agri-environment options scheme payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28761/11]
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. Once all checks are successfully completed for an application, my Department then pays each case as soon as possible. This process is now well advanced. Payments in respect of 2010 have commenced and outstanding cases will be paid, or the applicant notified of any query by the end of the month. Payments in respect of 2011 will commence in December.
I am well aware of the financial pressures on many farm families and of the importance of grant and scheme payments to their incomes and cash-flow. I have given the highest priority to the processing and payment of outstanding Agri Environment Options Scheme payments and to the elimination of all unnecessary delays.
424 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if farmers will be permitted to spread slurry until 1 November 2011 due to the exceptionally wet August and September and the resulting difficulties associated with these months of heavy rainfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28763/11]
The EU Nitrates Directive requires every Member State to implement a Nitrates Action Programme. Under the Directive each Action Programme must specify periods when the land application of chemical and organic fertilisers is prohibited. These closed periods are set out in Schedule 4 of the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations (SI No. 610 of 2011) which were introduced by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. The closed period is due to commence on 15th October as set out in the Regulations.
Reports have been received of farmers being unable to spread slurry in some areas due to unseasonable heavy rainfall in September. My officials are in the process of gathering information from various sources, including Met Éireann, to establish the extent of the problem. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, in consultation with my Department and the European Commission, will examine the evidence and make a decision shortly on whether or not a limited extension to the slurry spreading period should be granted.
425 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will arrange for payment of REP scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [28783/11]
The person named commenced REPS 3 in April 2006 and has received full payments for the first four years of their contract. Payment in respect of the fifth year for the amount of €3040.88 will issue to the person named in the next ten days.
426 Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will be awarded their area aid payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28893/11]
An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 16 May 2011, processing of which has recently been completed and thereby allowing payment to issue under the 2011 Disadvantaged Area Scheme on 7 October. The 50% advance payments under the Single Payment Scheme are scheduled to commence issuing as and from 17 October 2011.
427 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the considerable concern regarding the proposal by the EU Commission to abolish the Youth In Action programme from 2014; her view and her position when this proposal was made at the Council of Education Ministers and in discussions with the Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28211/11]
The EU Commission in its communication "A budget for Europe 2020" has proposed a single programme for education, training and youth — "Education Europe" — under the multi-annual financial framework (2014-2020). The proposed programme will focus on providing targeted transnational learning opportunities, matching skills and labour market demand, strengthening volunteering as well as non-formal and informal learning and supporting reform and modernisation in education and training. The Commission's proposals have been the subject of discussion at Youth Working party meetings and at the recent Directors General meeting in Warsaw.
At these meetings, my Department has indicated that while we understand the Commission's approach and the merits of a single streamlined programme, our priority would be for a specifically designated budget and related programme for the youth sector. The Commission's detailed proposals for the programme are expected in November.
428 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the areas in County Kildare at which the Health Service Executive is assisting in delivering the lifestart programme; if funding for the provision of the programme was sought in Naas; the reason same was refused if funding was sought; and if she will review again the provision of the programme in Naas, County Kildare [28479/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
429 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the cost per patient of residential care for children with challenging behaviour on an annual basis as provided by private suppliers and as supplied by the Health Service Executive. [28676/11]
Children who are in the care of the state and who have challenging behaviour are usually cared for in high support units. When considering the appropriate placement for a child, social workers consider the milieu into which a young person is being placed. The choice of placement is not solely on the basis of presenting behaviours, but can be for a multitude of other reasons such as, those with underlying physical/ intellectual disability and/or a mental health issues or other wider family environmental and attachment issues. The unit needs to be able to meet the full range of physical, therapeutic and care needs of a child. With respect to your question regarding the cost per patient in such units on an annual basis, this has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
430 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will give details of the number of vocational education committee youth officers employed by the VECs; the list of current or amalgamated VECs employing youth officers; the vacancies that exist in these positions, for example, staff leaving, maternity leave, sick leave and so on; if vacancies in these positions will be filled and the timescales for same; the savings that will accrue from vacancies and positions not being filled; the way any savings that result from such vacancies might be applied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28788/11]
436 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of vocational education committee youth officers funded by her; if she will provide a list of the current or amalgamated VECs employing youth officers and any vacancies in these positions by way of staff leaving, maternity leave, sick leave and so on; if vacancies in these positions will be filled and the timescale for same; the savings that will accrue from vacancies and positions not being filled and the intentions, if any, she has to utilise any savings that result from any vacancies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28786/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 430 and 436 together.
The table shows the number of Youth Officers employed in VECs and details of where vacancies exist. Under the current embargo on recruitment in the public service, no post in the public sector, however arising, may be filled by recruitment or promotion. Due to the current vacancies, it is expected that there will be savings in the region of €100,000. This amount is being utilised in the overall Youth Affairs budget to support the provision of services to young people.
|
VEC Area |
Post — WTE |
|
Co. Carlow |
1 |
|
Co. Cavan |
1 |
|
Co. Clare |
1 |
|
City of Cork |
1 |
|
Co. Cork |
1 |
|
Co. Donegal |
1 |
|
Co. Dublin |
1 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
1 |
|
City of Galway |
1 |
|
Co. Galway |
1 |
|
Co. Kerry |
1 |
|
Co. Kildare |
Vacancy |
|
Co. Kilkenny |
1 |
|
Co. Laois |
0.75 |
|
Co. Sligo/ Co. Leitrim |
0.6/0.4 |
|
City of Limerick |
1 |
|
Co. Limerick |
1 |
|
Co. Longford |
Vacancy |
|
Co. Louth |
1 |
|
Co. Mayo |
1 |
|
Co. Meath |
1 |
|
Co. Monaghan |
Vacancy |
|
Co. Offaly |
0.75 |
|
Co. Roscommon |
0.5 |
|
Tipperary NR |
0.75 |
|
Tipperary SR |
1 |
|
City of Waterford |
1 |
|
Co. Waterford |
0.5 |
|
Co. Westmeath |
0.75 |
|
Co. Wexford |
Vacancy |
|
Co. Wicklow |
1 |
|
Total |
25 |
431 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will enter into discussions with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to funding the Big Brother Big Sister programme which seeks to divert vulnerable children from anti-social behaviour; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28168/11]
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.
432 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress made to date concerning the implementation of the commitment in the programme for Government to adopt a new area based approach to child poverty, initially piloted in ten areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28221/11]
Tackling child poverty is a priority for Government and a key goal of the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007- 2016, coordinated by the Department of Social Protection. Children are more likely to be poor if they are living in lone parent households with low labour market participation and dependant on income support. The departments of Social Protection, Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, and Education and Skills, are working to deliver a range of measures aimed at getting people back to work.
As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, improving children's outcomes is a key objective. Early childhood care and education programmes, in particular those that are aimed at low income families, are important priorities in my Department to enhance children's opportunities for social and educational development and to support parents undertaking training and participating in employment. The network of 107 family resource centres that are funded by the Family Support Agency, under the remit of my Department, also have an important role in this regard.
These programmes and the results of pilot projects to enhance children's development in Tallaght, Northside and Ballymun, which are jointly funded by my Department with a philanthropic organisation, will inform the Government's plans to develop a new area based approach to child poverty. My priority, as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, is to enhance the role of early intervention and support programmes for the most vulnerable children and their families in the context of the new Child and Family Support Services Agency.
433 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on broadening the child care employment and training support scheme to incorporate registered child minders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28236/11]
The Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme was introduced in September last year and is implemented by my Department, on behalf of FAS and the Vocational Educational Committees (VECs).
The CETS programme replaces the previous childcare support programmes implemented by FAS and the VECs under which qualifying students and trainees were paid a weekly Childcare Allowance of up to €63.50 per child as a contribution towards their childcare costs. Under the new programme, funding is provided by my Department to participating services in return for the provision of free childcare places to qualifying students and trainees. Students and trainees can avail of free childcare places for the duration of their course.
A capitation fee is paid for each childcare place contracted, at a weekly rate of €170 per full-time place, €95 per half day care place and €50 per after-school place. After-school places with a "pick-up" facility attract €95 capitation. The eligibility criteria under which students and trainees qualify under the programme continue to be determined by the FAS and the VECs. Some 2,800 full-time equivalent childcare places are provided for under the programme.
The CETS programme is confined to centre-based childcare services, generally services which are participating in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) and/or the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programmes as well as after-school services which cater for primary school children. This is in accordance with the sanction given for the programme and there are no proposals at this stage to extend it to include home-based childminders.
434 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the details of any organisation under her Department which has informed her of staffing difficulties which may impinge upon its ability to effectively oversee the spending of public funds; and her views regarding same. [28365/11]
435 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will outline the organisations under her Department for which an employment control framework has been agreed; the current numbers they have in place; if they have been waiting more than one month to receive sanction to proceed to fill or retain any positions in spite of such positions falling below the agreed ECF ceiling. [28381/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 434 and 435 together.
|
Agency |
WTE |
|
Adoption Authority of Ireland |
25.50 |
|
Family Support Agency |
37.24 |
|
National Educational Welfare Board |
94.00 |
|
Office of the Ombudsman for Children |
9.00 |
These agencies are subject to Employment Control Frameworks which provide for progressive and permanent reductions in the numbers employed across the public service. While theses agencies, and indeed my own Department, are faced with reducing resources, we all must re-organise and re-prioritise in order to deliver on our strategic business. While acknowledging the challenges involved in providing services in the current economic climate each of these agencies have assured me that they are committed to fulfilling their obligations in accordance with Government policy.
I understand that officials in my Department are currently considering staffing resource submissions from the National Educational Welfare Board and the Adoption Authority of Ireland in August and September respectively. I understand that these issues are under consideration at present and have been signalled to officials in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and will be formally submitted to them for consideration in the coming weeks.
437 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No. 388 of 12 April 2011, if the 5/30 cases were assessed or further information obtained to categorise the cases as either deemed at risk, inadequately safeguarded or adequately safeguarded; the number of children in the 7/30 category who were deemed at risk; the actions taken to date to address the concerns raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28793/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
438 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health when an appeal for a medical card will be heard in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if he will expedite the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28235/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
439 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding funding in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28272/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
440 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Health when a medical card application will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28307/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
441 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28612/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
442 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28613/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
443 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28617/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
444 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health his plans to reintroduce the return to nursing programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28156/11]
The Nurses/Midwives Returning to Practice initiative was introduced in 2000 to encourage nurses and midwives to return to practice. Financial support for the Nurses/Midwives Returning to Practice initiative is provided by the HSE. The Department of Health/ Health Service Executive is currently reviewing the continued running of the programme, taking into account the moratorium on recruitment in the Public Service and the impact this is having on the recruitment of graduates from this course.
445 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the funding provided for research into prostate cancer in 2009, 2010 and 2011; his plans for further investment into research into the cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28157/11]
446 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the funding provided for research into breast and cervical cancer respectively in 2009, 2010 and 2011; his plans for further investment into research into each cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28158/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 445 and 446 together.
Cancer research forms a large part of the research programme in Ireland today. The National Cancer Control Strategy noted that cancer research is an essential component in the development, implementation and evaluation of a National Cancer Control Programme. The Health Research Board (HRB) is the lead agency in Ireland supporting and funding health research and is the main channel of public funding for research at national level. It provides substantial amounts of funding for research into cancer.
Over the last five years, the HRB has provided €20m for projects, programmes and fellowships in cancer research, including applied biomedical research, translation and clinical research, health services research and population health. It is not possible to identify exact funding for specific types of cancer. The very nature of the disease means that research carried out at a molecular and cellular level could be applicable on a very wide range of cancers; hence it is not possible to apportion funding to a specific type of cancer with complete accuracy. However, overall the HRB's annual expenditure on cancer and clinical trials for 2009 and 2010 was €9.4m and €7.3m (respectively) and is projected as €9.1m for 2011.
In addition, funding of almost €19m is being made available for the All Ireland Cooperative Oncology Research Group (ICORG) clinical trials from 2008 — 2012, also through the HRB. Breast cancer studies account for 44% of the total ICORG study portfolio. Genito-urinary (including prostate and cervical cancer) accounted for a further 15% of the portfolio, gastro-intestinal 13% and lung 10%. The ICORG clinical trials are part of the activities under the Ireland—Northern Ireland—National Cancer Institute Consortium, which aim to reduce the incidence and mortality rate for cancer on the island of Ireland.
The HRB has also advised that it has invested €34m towards the development of clinical research facilities in major teaching hospitals, which provide the physical space and the expertise to carry out excellent clinical research in a safe and compliant environment.
447 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary will receive an appointment for surgery. [28170/11]
In relation to the De Puy ASR recall, the HSE has identified approximately 3, 500 patients who have received the affected implants — across 16 public and 14 private Hospital sites nationally. All of these patients were invited for a recall assessment to clinically assess their current medical status with regard to their implant. For the vast majority of patients, this was a precautionary assessment and in only a small percentage of cases, there was a requirement for further treatment and possibly surgery.
The patient referred to by the Deputy was seen at the De Puy ASR revision clinic on 23rd August 2011 and has been referred to Mr Chabbra, consultant, orthopaedic surgeon, for elective surgery. Revision surgery is based on clinical need, therefore should the patient or the patient's general practitioner consider that the their condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved.
448 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be called for an operation. [28176/11]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals have been instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they have no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. Where they fail to do so, the NTPF will source the necessary treatments elsewhere and an appropriate budgetary adjustment will be made.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
449 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the plans to be implemented by the Health Service Executive to ensure that paediatric rheumatology is made a priority service for children’s health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28177/11]
I take it the Deputy is referring to the rheumatology services available at Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin. The hospital is working with the HSE to ensure the appropriate resources are put in place for the delivery of rheumatology services. To this end a full time Consultant Rheumatologist post has been approved and is in the process of recruitment.
450 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health his plans to add Crohn’s disease to the long-term illness list to allow the 15,000 sufferers here to benefit from the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28178/11]
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme. However, the terms of the scheme will be reviewed in the context of the Government's proposals for Universal Health Insurance and free GP care at the point of delivery. Under the Drug Payment Scheme no individual or family pays more than €120 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.
In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations.
451 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if he will review the applications for a motorised transport grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; the reason the application was refused having been approved twice before; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28179/11]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
452 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Health if clinical experts met over the summer months to propose the setting up of a sub-group which will put forward suggestions on a model of care for paediatric diabetes which would be standardised across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28182/11]
The HSE National Clinical Programme for Diabetes — which includes the care of children and adolescents with diabetes — was established within the Clinical Strategy and Programmes Directorate. The national clinical leads for diabetes and paediatrics met recently to discuss the issue of diabetes care for children and adolescents. They recently set up a working group to assess current services across the country; to agree a model of care; and to standardise these across the country. They will also develop criteria for the use of CSII therapy in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, and work on prevention and aid the early detection of diabetes in children and adolescents. Work progressing these issues has commenced.
453 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the reason a case (details supplied) was not dealt with; the actions he will take to have this matter addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28185/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
454 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the current waiting list for ankle replacement surgery at Galway University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28195/11]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals have been instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they have no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. Where they fail to do so, the NTPF will source the necessary treatments elsewhere and an appropriate budgetary adjustment will be made. I have made inquiries with the Health Service Executive and I understand that there is one person on the waiting list for ankle replacement surgery at Galway University Hospital.
455 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding allocated to the National Office for Suicide Prevention in 2009, 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28218/11]
The budget for the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) is set by the Health Service Executive. In 2011, the total funding available nationally through the HSE for suicide prevention is about €9 million of which €4.1 million is available to the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) and approximately €5 million is available regionally to fund Resource Officers for Suicide Prevention, Self-Harm Liaison Nurses in Hospital Emergency Departments and local suicide prevention initiatives. The table provides details of the annual budget for NOSP for 2009 — 2011.
|
Year |
Funding |
|
2009 |
€4.36 m |
|
2010 |
€3.1 m |
|
2011 |
€4.1 m |
456 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he or his Department has engaged with the Scottish Government about the planned introduction of the minimum pricing of alcoholic products in that jurisdiction in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28219/11]
I wish to advise the Deputy that no formal engagement has taken place with the Scottish Government relating to their Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Bill 2010 — though there has been some exchange of information on the matter of minimum pricing of alcohol in the context of the work of the British-Irish Council Sectoral Group on the Misuse of Drugs.
A National Substance Misuse Strategy Steering Group was established in 2009. It is examining the development of policy to deal with a wide range of key issues relating to the supply, pricing, availability and marketing of alcohol — including the issue raised by the Deputy — along with measures for the policy areas of prevention strategies, treatment, rehabilitation, alcohol and substance dependency research and information. The report of the Steering Group is close to completion; I expect to receive proposals in the coming months and I will then brief my colleagues in Government on these.
457 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date in implementing the commitment in the programme for Government to integrate drugs and alcohol abuse strategies at local level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28220/11]
A Steering Group, chaired by the Department of Health, is developing recommendations on including alcohol in a National Substance Misuse Strategy to compliment the existing National Drugs Strategy. The Report of the Steering Group will be submitted to me by the end of October and I expect that the proposals therein will cover both national and local aspects of the issues involved.
458 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health his plans to review the situation in which places are available for public health nursing students to be trained and hired on a permanent basis but not for existing staff wishing to transfer to another geographical area; if he will consider giving priority to existing staff who wish to relocate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28230/11]
The Health Service Executive is in the process of devising a national transfer policy for all grades of staff, including Public Health Nurses. I understand that the Executive will be engaging with the relevant staff representative bodies shortly.
459 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that personnel within the new centralised medical card section will respond to phone calls within the time frame agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28257/11]
The Health Service Executive's (HSE) Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) is managing the Medical Card centralisation project. The Medical Card centralisation programme has been introduced on a phased basis, and has moved ahead throughout 2010 and 2011 to date, as planned. Significant progress has been made on this national project in providing an improved service to the public at less cost to the State.
As part of its service the central office has provided a dedicated phone service to deal with queries. This service has a 48-hour response time to all queries. The PCRS has informed me that this time-frame is being adhered to by the service. The call triage telephone system provides customer focused information and call routing, as well as other services to support clients who have enquiries about medical cards or their application or reviews. A comprehensive support system to deal with queries from the public also provides phone, text and email support to queries on a daily basis. At the moment the central office handles, on average, 2,229 telephone calls per day.
460 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health when he expects the Health Service Executive to complete its review of domestic violence services; and if it intends to end State funding to Safe Ireland and the Rape Crisis Network. [28260/11]
The HSE national and regional review of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services funded by the HSE will be completed by the end of 2011. The HSE is moving to a new commissioning arrangement commencing January 2012 for the provision of external business support for the implementation of the national policy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence including work currently carried out by Safe Ireland and Rape Crisis Network Ireland. A formal procurement process for this arrangement is under way. Funding to Safe Ireland and Rape Crisis Network Ireland has been provided until the end of 2011 after which time the new commissioning arrangement will come into effect.
461 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will review a matter (details supplied) in County Kerry regarding Valentia community hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28264/11]
Valentia Community Hospital is not a public facility, it is a voluntary facility which has a service level agreement with the HSE under section 39 of the Health Act 2009. The legislation underpinning the Nursing Homes Support Scheme requires all private nursing homes and voluntary nursing homes which previously received funding under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004 to negotiate and agree a price for the cost of care with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) should they wish to participate in the scheme. This is a necessary feature of the scheme due to the commitment by the State to meet the full balance of the cost of care over and above a person's contribution.
The NTPF has statutory responsibility for the negotiation of prices with private and voluntary nursing homes. The NTPF is independent in the performance of this function and, in carrying it out, it must ensure value for money for both the individual and the State. The NTPF negotiates with each nursing home individually and may examine the records and accounts of nursing homes as part of the process. This method of negotiation is necessary in order to ensure that the State obtains the best value for each individual in a nursing home and to comply with competition law.
This Government is committed to ensuring the health and safety of residents in nursing homes, whether they are publicly, privately or indeed voluntary run as in the case of Valentia Community Hospital. In order to ensure this, it is vital that we have effective mechanisms in place to maintain and enhance public confidence in the delivery of quality services. The Health Act, 2007 provides a regime designed to protect residents through an independent inspection and registration system.
On 1 July 2009 Statutory responsibility was given to the Chief Inspector of Social Services, part of the Health Information and Quality Authority to carry out this function. This responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive regulatory framework and National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland. All nursing homes are subject to the same core standards and regulations in relation to quality and safety. The HSE is continuing to engage with the Board of Management of the facility to support the process of decision making with regard to the future of the service.
462 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the support and advice available to a person (details supplied). [28270/11]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
463 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28273/11]
I can confirm to the Deputy that the application for a procedure under the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) has been approved by the Health Service Executive. The HSE has been in touch with the applicant's family regarding the issuing of the required documentation.
464 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health if exemptions will be made for persons (details supplied) relating to the drugs payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28276/11]
Under the former Eastern Health Board, it was the practice to provide psychiatric medicines free to all patients who attended an outpatient clinic for services regardless of their eligibility status. Such arrangements were unique to the greater Dublin area. In all other former Health Board Areas, patients used either their medical card or Drug Payment Scheme card to access psychiatric medicines.
In 2009, the HSE decided to bring the arrangements for the supply of medicines to patients attending mental health outpatient clinics in the greater Dublin area into line with those operating in the rest of the country. These changes were introduced on a phased basis, starting on 1 October 2010 when medical card holders in the HSE Dublin North East area requiring psychiatric medicines were referred to their own GP for a GMS prescription. This arrangement is being extended to the Dublin Mid Leinster area from 1 November 2011. At the same time, Drug Payment Scheme cardholders will be required to pay for their prescription up to the co-payment threshold of €120 per month. Medical card holders will continue to receive their medication free of charge, subject to any applicable prescription charge. These arrangements will be kept under review.
The extra drugs cost mentioned and the affordability of such costs will be factored into any future medical card applications made by the persons affected by these changes and I would encourage people in the circumstances outlined to make an application for a medical card.
465 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health the reasons for the delay in the publication of the report commissioned by him into the practice of symphysiotomy; and if he will confirm a date for the publication of said report [28278/11]
My Department has been in discussion with the independent academic researcher appointed to carry out the research in relation to its completion. The researcher has advised my Department that due to unforeseen difficulties in accessing information sources over the summer she expects to complete the report by the end of this month rather than as originally planned.
As soon as the draft report is received my Department will further engage with patient representative groups and the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. It is my intention that the report be published, subject of course to the usual legal and related considerations, which are as of now not expected to create any significant barriers to publication.
466 Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health if the special delivery unit has presented its report into the Mid West Regional Hospital, Limerick, to him; and if he will put this report into the public domain. [28316/11]
475 Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health if the special delivery unit has presented its report on the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Limerick; and if he will place that report into the public domain. [28357/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 466 and 475 together.
A priority for this Government is the early implementation of measures that will address the overcrowding that became a feature of our hospital sector over the past decade. No useful purpose can be served by the nurses industrial action at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital or indeed at emergency departments in other parts of the country. Such action simply exacerbates an already challenging situation in the hospital.
Immediately following my appointment I set about establishing the Special Delivery Unit to unblock access to acute services by improving the flow of patients through the system. The SDU is focusing initially on emergency departments and will be working to support hospitals in addressing excessive waiting times for admission to hospital. The Special Delivery Unit (SDU) is planning to conduct a performance diagnostic analysis of the unscheduled care system in the acute hospital sector over the coming months. As part of the analysis, the SDU recently visited the Mid West Regional Hospital in Limerick.
Its recommendations were published on 5 October 2011 and are available on the Department of Health's website. These include some reallocation of existing staffing resources, a better bed management system and the shifting of day case capacity to other hospitals in the group. If these measures are fully implemented the SDU has indicated to me that considerable improvements can be made at the hospital within existing budgets.
467 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the assistance available to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [28319/11]
My Department has asked the HSE for a report on the matter raised by the Deputy. I will be in further communication with him when it is to hand.
468 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health if he will review a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28324/11]
While owned by the State, the VHI is a not for profit company operating in a competitive market. The VHI is free under its governing legislation to design its own health insurance schemes and to enter into agreements with health service providers.
While the issue appears to be a private contractual matter between the customer and his insurer, my Department did, however, contact the VHI in relation to the matter raised. I understand the individual concerned initially contacted the VHI by phone to see if his scan would be covered. In the absence of the relevant medical information, the customer service advisor was unable to provide this confirmation. The VHI have written to the customer in question requesting this information and they have also written to the customer's consultant to request the same. They have indicated to the customer that, as soon as they get this information, they will be happy to clarify whether they will be able to provide benefit for the MRI scan.
469 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application (details supplied) to the national lottery fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28326/11]
My Department has received an application for funding from the 2011 National Lottery allocation from the organisation in question. This is one of a large number currently being assessed by my Department. The Deputy will be informed of the outcome of the application as soon as a decision has been made.
470 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans to deal with the lack of audiology services in south Tipperary; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a two-year waiting list for a hearing test in south Tipperary for children; his views on whether this is acceptable; his further views that these delays could have a detrimental effect on the development of a child who has to wait for two years to have their hearing problems addressed; how he proposes that parents who are not in a position to pay privately deal with this matter to prevent their child’s development being affected; if he is satisfied with this two-tier system; if he will consider extending the National Treatment Purchase Fund to cover these tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28327/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
471 Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Health the outcome of the review of payment for fourth-year student nurses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28349/11]
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.
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.
472 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if the long term illness scheme can be amended to include Crohn’s disease. [28354/11]
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme. However, the terms of the scheme will be reviewed in the context of the Government's proposals for Universal Health Insurance and free GP care at the point of delivery.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme no individual or family pays more than €120 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.
In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations.
473 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health, further to Parliamentary Question No. 305 of 20 July 2011, the nature of the disciplinary action taken by the Health Service Executive human resource department following the internal audit; and the details of the recommendations of the internal audit. [28355/11]
The management and delivery of the health capital programme is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
474 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the reason a medical card was replaced with a general practitioner card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12. [28356/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
476 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding plans to introduce a compulsory code of conduct for private providers of care to persons with disabilities in their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28359/11]
National Quality Standards: Residential Services for People with Disabilities were published by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) in 2009. The standards will provide a national framework for quality, safe services for people with disabilities in residential settings.
The current Programme for Government includes a commitment to "put the National Standards for Residential Services for People with Disabilities on a statutory footing and ensure that the services are inspected by the Health Information and Quality Authority." As announced on 16 June last, discussions have begun between the Department of Health and HIQA to progress this commitment.
Last week I released for public consultation the report of the Disability Policy Review which was drawn up for my Department by an Expert Reference Group. This report proposes a very significant reframing of disability services towards a model of individualised supports, underpinned by mainstreaming of all public services. As this policy develops, more people with disabilities will be provided with the supports necessary to allow them live in ordinary independent settings which are fully integrated into the local community. As part of this process, consideration will be given to mechanisms for ensuring quality and high standards in the provision of care to persons with disabilities in their own homes.
477 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Health the details of any organisation under his Department’s remit which has informed him of staffing difficulties which may impinge upon its ability to effectively oversee the spending of public funds; and his views regarding same. [28372/11]
None of the organisations that come under the remit of my Department has informed me of staffing difficulties that would impinge upon their ability to effectively oversee the spending of public funds.
478 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the organisations under his Department’s remit for which an employment control framework has been agreed; the current numbers they have in place; and if any of them has been waiting more than one month to receive sanction to proceed to fill or retain any position in spite of such positions falling below the agreed ECF ceiling. [28388/11]
The public health sector (comprising the Health Service Executive (HSE) and voluntary hospitals) together with my Department's non-commercial State agencies are subject to Employment Control Frameworks.
The Employment Control Framework for the public health sector is managed by the HSE and provides for a general reduction in the numbers employed of at least 8,511 Whole Time Equivalents (WTEs) from the end of 2010 to the end of 2014. Certain grades and posts, such as social workers, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and medical consultants, are exempted from the public service recruitment moratorium. In addition, the HSE has discretion to make exceptions to the moratorium in order to maintain essential services and to meet priority service change/reorganisation requirements. Notwithstanding the HSE's decision in July 2011 to pause recruitment, due to its serious budgetary overrun, exceptions are still being made to address critical service risks. The latest information available (August 2011) shows the numbers of staff employed by the public health sector at 104,511 WTEs.
The Employment Control Framework for my Department's agencies provides for a general reduction in the numbers employed of at least 128 WTEs from the end of 2010 to the end of 2014. While individual agency reduction targets do not currently apply, one agency, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), has an approved employment ceiling to accommodate the employment of key additional staff over the period. HIQA has been in discussions with my Department since the end of August about the filling of two senior posts in the organisation. The current agency employment numbers, expressed in Whole Time Equivalents (WTEs), at the end of June 2011 are set out in the following table.
|
Agency |
Staffing (WTE) |
|
An Bord Altranais |
40.5 |
|
Dental Council |
5.0 |
|
Food Safety Authority of Ireland |
79.94 |
|
Food Safety Promotions Board |
30.8 |
|
Health and Social Care Professional Council |
7.0 |
|
Health Information Quality Authority |
150.9 |
|
Health Insurance Authority |
8.58 |
|
Health Research Board |
70.5 |
|
Irish Blood Transfusion Service |
552.58 |
|
Irish Medicines Board |
259.43 |
|
Medical Council |
52.5 |
|
Mental Health Commission |
36.05 |
|
National Cancer Registry Board |
51.9 |
|
National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing & Midwifery |
11.5 |
|
National Paediatric Hospital Development Board |
1 |
|
National Social Work Qualifications Board |
6.5 |
|
National Treatment Purchase Fund |
46.6 |
|
Opticians Board |
2.0 |
|
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Council |
23.55 |
|
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council |
16.0 |
479 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the Health Service Executive policy and clinical procedures in place for the treatment of patients diagnosed with cardiac arrest from County Donegal to County Limerick along the western seaboard and including all of Connacht; the hospitals at which patients can be treated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28413/11]
In June 2010 "Changing Cardiovascular Health — Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 -2019” was launched. This policy establishes a framework for the prevention, detection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, which seeks to ensure an integrated and quality assured approach in their management, so as to reduce the burden of these conditions. The Clinical Strategy and Programmes Directorate within the HSE has developed a number of national clinical programmes. A national clinical programme for Acute Coronary Syndromes has been established. The overarching aim of the programme is to standardise treatment nationally of patients suffering from heart attack in its different forms, so that patients are treated urgently in accordance with clinical protocols.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy with the detailed information that has been sought.
480 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the number of public petitions that have been submitted to him in the past four years, in tabular form; the nature of each petition campaign; the date on which each petition was submitted; the number of signatories on each petition; the action undertaken by him following consideration of the submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28425/11]
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available within my Department. It will be collated and forwarded to him as soon as possible.
481 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health, further to Parliamentary Question No. 604 of 30 May 2011, if he has yet received the information from the Health Service Executive necessary to answer same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28430/11]
Following the launch of ‘Reducing the Risk: A Strategic Approach — the Report of the Task Force on Sudden Cardiac Death in March 2006, the HSE set about coordinating the implementation of the recommendations in conjunction with partner agencies.
In coordinating the task of implementing the 75 recommendations, a steering group with four subgroups, comprising many of the original Sudden Cardiac Death Task Force members, was formed in September 2006 to maintain continuity with the work of the Task Force. In the three years of implementation that followed seventeen recommendations were implemented in full, forty five were commenced with work in progress and thirteen were outstanding.
In conjunction with partner agencies the key achievements included:
I. Improving first response to a cardiac event: considerable progress has been achieved with the launch of a ‘How To' guide for communities and groups wishing to set up a first responder group; the publication of a guide for purchasers of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED); spatial analysis of current ambulance provision; initiation and evaluation of co-responder pilot programmes; and the finalising of the Cardiac First Response Report (CFRR) — which will inform the national Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Register (OHCAR). Agreed universally recognised AED signage for use in Ireland was finalised.
II. Improvement in resuscitation training: this was instigated through a number of programmes which included the development and introduction of standards across six levels of responders and practitioners by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC); training of GP's in 450 practices in resuscitation and AED use; training of 1,000 people in CPR/AED usage and another 1,500 people in CPR through partner organisations — such as Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) and Croi (West of Ireland Cardiology Foundation); a ‘citizen CPR' public awareness campaign to raise awareness of calling for emergency services and learning CPR; and a novel CPR 4 Schools programme set up by the IHF. [The August 2010 progress report of the Steering Group charged with reporting on the implementation of the recommendations of the Task Force on Sudden Cardiac Death refers to a finding in a survey in 2008 that almost a quarter of the population (over 16 years of age) reported that they have undergone CPR training in the previous five years — a very good base on which to build for the next decade.]
III. Risk assessment of those involved in sports or exercise: while this is an evolving area a consensus Advisory Statement was agreed with guidance for GPs developed in conjunction with the ICGP.
IV. Detection of those at high risk of SCD: in order to rapidly inform families of those who died of SCD under 40 years of age guidelines were developed in conjunction with the Coroners' Society of Ireland (CSI) and the Faculty of Pathology. The CSI has formally adopted these guidelines and informed members. Follow up of family members after a death from SCD is available through two voluntarily funded family screening clinics in Dublin.
V. Surveillance: considerable development in the area of surveillance has been accomplished. This includes the setting up of two important sources of surveillance (SCD in the Young register and the national OHCAR); the completion of two snapshot surveys within the Irish population (CPR training prevalence and the prevalence of family history and symptoms in risk assessment); as well as a large study of the prevalence of abnormalities on cardiac screening of a cohort of GAA athletes.
VI. Register: an SCD in Young register continues under the auspices of the Mater Heart House with IHF and HSE co-chairing a steering committee.
VII. The HSE has made a commitment (through one of our Public Health Doctors) to find an alternative approach to initiating an AED register and have set up a project with the IHF, PHECC and NAS. A part-time project manager has started on this project.
The final progress report mentioned above can be viewed at http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Publications/topics/Heart/sdcfinalrpt2010.pdf. It concluded that many areas recommended in the SCD Task Force Report have been addressed and much has been achieved, though it acknowledged that there is more work to be done.
482 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health if out-of-hours doctor services are required by his Department or the Health Service Executive to carry oximeters; his view on whether there is a need to carry these instruments as an aid to carrying out diagnoses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28432/11]
Neither my Department or the HSE has a role in the equipment that doctors carry in the course of their out of hours duties. GPs under take four years postgraduate training, two of which are based in a GP practice setting. This training, in conjunction with the Medical Council's requirements on maintaining professional competence, for diagnosing and treating patients, help ensure that GPs are aware of instruments which are appropriate for patient care.
483 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive outsources the storage of medical files to private companies; if so, the amount that has been spent by the HSE during 2010 and 2011 to date for the storage of files; the total number of files in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28433/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
484 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will expedite the matter. [28441/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
485 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if same will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28442/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
486 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when the national carers strategy (details supplied) will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28449/11]
There is a commitment in the current Programme for Government to develop a National Carer's Strategy to support carers and the Government intends to honour this commitment. The Deputy will be aware that a comprehensive review of expenditure is underway in all Government Departments which is examining all areas of expenditure, including within the health services and it would not be appropriate at this time to pre-empt any decisions which might be taken as a result of that review and the preparation of Budget 2012 later this year in relation to the services described in the details supplied with the question. The HSE provides a range of services to assist people with care needs. As the Deputy's question also relates to service matters, I have referred these questions to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
487 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will detail the purpose of his official visit to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin, on 3 October 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28464/11]
488 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when his official visit to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin, of 3 October 2011 was arranged; whether it was arranged at his request or if the hospital initiated contact regarding the engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28465/11]
489 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the meetings he undertook with senior management at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin, during his official engagement of 3 October 2011 regarding the hospital’s budget overrun, management of patient care and concern about withdrawal of front-line services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28466/11]
490 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will detail and itemise the costs incurred by him associated with his official visit to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin, of 3 October 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28467/11]
491 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will detail any correspondence engaged in by him or his Department concerning his official visit to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin, on 3 October 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28468/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 487 to 491, inclusive, together.
I visited Connolly Hospital on 3 October 2011 to officially open the impressive 20,000 square feet Endoscopy Suite at the Hospital. This was on foot of an invitation extended to me by the hospital on 14 June. During the course of my visit I met with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr. Leo Varadkar T.D., and the Minister for Social Protection, Ms Joan Burton T.D. I also met with senior management personnel and consultants from the hospital including Professor Conor Burke, Dr. Joe Galvin and Dr. John McDermott.
The only costs that would have been incurred by myself would be in relation to official mileage and a claim for this period has not yet been submitted. Other than initial correspondence concerning the invitation, briefing material was provided to Ministers Varadkar and Burton.
492 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the new 50-bed community hospital which was promised by the Health Service Executive when it closed St. Brigid’s ward of St. Patrick’s Hospital, County Waterford, thereby reducing the total bed count of the hospital to 78%. [28471/11]
Concerns had been expressed in relation to health and fire safety at St Brigid's, a 19 bed ward, which was the last remaining ward on an upper floor of St Patrick's Hospital, Waterford. As a consequence of these concerns, the HSE decided that it was no longer viable to continue to accommodate residents in the ward and it was closed on a phased basis in 2009. The primary focus of the decision was the care and welfare of each resident. In view of the closure of St Brigid's, the HSE took steps during 2009, to ensure that there was no reduction in the number of public beds to support older people in Waterford City. Arrangements were made for a total of 30 private nursing home beds to be contracted instead. This was prior to the commencement of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme.
The Executive, at the time of the closure of St Brigid's Ward, did indicate that it would examine the provision of a new 50 bed Community Nursing Unit (CNU) on the grounds of the hospital. Such a construction project would require capital funding and the HSE must prioritise all capital infrastructure projects nationally within its overall capital funding allocation. The Prospectus Report which was prepared for the HSE in 2008 assessed the provision of nursing home places across the country and the need for additional places to meet demographic change. The Report found that there were adequate places in Waterford at that time.
The current HSE capital plan covers the five year period 2011-2015. The Executive has published on its website details of the projects which it intends to deliver within this plan. No proposal to build a new CNU in St Patrick's is included in the plan. The Deputy will be aware that there is a commitment in the Programme for Government under Capital Developments in Health, to prioritise "step down and long-term facilities and community care facilities such as day centres for older people”.
The Department is currently reviewing the provision of public residential care in the light of the need to meet national standards and regulations, local demographic pressures and public and private provision. The review will serve as a platform for discussion and will inform the development of an overall strategy on how the HSE should continue to provide this service in future in view of current budgetary and other pressures. The review must also be seen in the light of the wider health reform programme to which the Government is committed, and the position of social care services in a future health service.
The Deputy will appreciate that all developments have to be addressed in the light of the current economic and budgetary pressures and any decisions taken by the Executive must have regard to this and the current moratorium on the recruitment of nursing and non-nursing staff. Each HSE area, including the Local Health Office in Waterford has been asked to make a rigorous examination of how existing funding might be re-allocated to ensure maximum service provision. In particular we need to ensure that the highest standard of care will continue to be provided to all residents in a safe and secure environment.
The Programme for Government provided for a Comprehensive Spending Review which is now well under way. This exercise includes a review of health care expenditure. The outcome of this review will determine the health care allocations for 2012 and future years.
493 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health his plans to withdraw the Health Service Executive circular of 26 April 2010 regarding the dental treatment service scheme in view of its impact on medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28475/11]
496 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Health if the cutbacks in dental services to medical card holders as announced by his predecessor remain the same; the advice that should be given to persons in urgent need of treatment for gum disease, extraction and so on who are refused free treatment and unable to pay the relevant fees; if alternative help or service is available from community welfare officers, the Health Service Executive dental service or elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28606/11]
516 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if the dental treatment service scheme budget will be increased to meet demand and if preventative treatments will be restored for all medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28759/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 493, 496 and 516 together.
Dental services for medical card holders are provided through the Dental Treatment Service Scheme (DTSS). Given the current difficult position of the public finances, the budget has been reduced and it is not possible to increase the services available under the DTSS. The HSE is working to ensure that patients with special needs, high risk patients and those who have greater clinical needs are prioritised for treatment. In addition, free emergency dental treatment and a free oral examination every 12 months are available to all eligible patients.
494 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange an appointment for an operation to be brought forward in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [28600/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
495 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange an appointment to be brought forward in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [28601/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
497 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28624/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
498 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28626/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
499 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if further home help will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28627/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
500 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a ministerial order of pension was given to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry in 1988; if it is possible to receive a copy of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28647/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
501 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health his plans for a nursing home (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28661/11]
502 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the moneys he has spent over the past five years on improving and upgrading facilities at a nursing home (details supplied) in County Wicklow. [28662/11]
503 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health his plans to redeploy nursing staff working at a nursing home (details supplied) should the decision be made to close this facility; and if staff will be employed close to their place of residence. [28663/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 501 to 503, inclusive, together.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
504 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if it is the intention of the Health Service Executive to close all long-term stay nursing homes and move patients to private nursing homes. [28664/11]
The Deputy will be aware that there is a commitment in the Programme for Government under Capital Developments in Health, to prioritise "step down and long-term facilities and community care facilities such as day centres for older people”.
The Department is currently reviewing the provision of public residential care in the light of the need to meet national standards and regulations, local demographic pressures and public and private provision. The review will serve as a platform for discussion and will inform the development of an overall strategy on how the HSE should continue to provide this service in future in view of current budgetary and other pressures. The review must also be seen in the light of the wider health reform programme to which the Government is committed, and the position of social care services in a future health service.
The Programme for Government also provided for a Comprehensive Spending Review which is now well under way. This exercise includes a review of health care expenditure. The outcome of this review will determine the health care allocations for 2012 and future years.
505 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 will have an operation. [28666/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
506 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the level of funding that has been provided to domestic violence services in County Louth in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28670/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
507 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the support that has been given by him in efforts to expand the women’s refuge in Dundalk, County Louth, to allow the centre to deal with the increased number of women and children who are at risk of domestic violence. [28671/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
508 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 will be given a date for a procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28674/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
509 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Health his views on the introduction of an individualised budget for the care of people with disabilities as recommended in a recent report on disability policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28681/11]
I assume the report the Deputy is referring to is the Report of the Disability Policy Review drawn up by an Expert Reference Group at the request of the Department of Health which I formally released for public consultation at the end of last week.
The funding of disability services by the Department of Health is the subject of a detailed Value for Money and Policy Review as part of the Government's Value for Money Reviews for the period 2009 to 2011.
As part of the overall VFM review, a separate Expert Reference Group on Disability Policy was established to look specifically at existing disability policy and whether it needs to be changed to better meet the expectations and objectives of people with disabilities. As part of this review, a public consultation process on existing disability services was also undertaken which confirmed that people with disabilities and their families, more than anything else, are looking for more choice in the services they receive and more control over how they access them.
The report proposes a very significant reframing of disability services towards a model of individualised supports, underpinned by mainstreaming of all public services. On this basis, State funding would be allocated based on an independent assessment of individual needs. Following the needs assessments, individual support plans would then be drawn up and individualised budgets allocated from which the supports and services needed would be purchased.
A number of mechanisms are proposed to achieve this, including a broker system where the person has the choice and control but the broker administers the budget and commissions supports and services on their behalf, or direct payments where the person manages the budget and purchases the supports themselves.
The Group's final report has already been the subject of internal consultation within the Department of Health and more recently it has been circulated to other Government Departments for their views. It has now been released for the public and interested parties to have their say and I would encourage all those with an interest in this area to take this opportunity to have their say on the future direction of disability policy in this country.
The VFM exercise is due to be completed by year end with the submissions from the public consultation on the Disability Review also to be collated and analysed in that timeframe. It is then my intention to look at both reports together and in conjunction with Minister Reilly to ensure that proposals for the future of our disability services are brought to Government.
510 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health if and when the special delivery unit inspected the emergency department at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, County Louth; the recommendations the unit issued to management at the hospital; when those recommendations will be implemented; and if he will ensure that the report of the SDU is made publicly available. [28692/11]
On 2 June I established the Special Delivery Unit. This is a key commitment, under the programme for Government, to tackle waiting times in our health system. The Government believes that, despite our economic circumstances, there is scope for real and sustainable improvement of waiting times for patients, provided we put the proper information management systems in place and there is real accountability for delivering the improvements.
The SDU is working closely with the HSE to support performance management. As part of that work, the SDU is establishing an infrastructure based on information collection and analysis, hospital by hospital. Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda will be included under the scope of the performance monitoring by the SDU.
511 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health when an operation will be carried out in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will expedite a response. [28707/11]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals have been instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they have no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. Where they fail to do so, the NTPF will source the necessary treatments elsewhere and an appropriate budgetary adjustment will be made.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
512 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of cardiothoracic surgeons currently employed in the Mater Hospital, Dublin; the number of persons on the waiting list to see a surgeon; and the average waiting time. [28730/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
513 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of doctors that have qualified on an annual basis in each of the past five years and to date in 2011. [28731/11]
The number of medical school graduates for each of the years 2006 to 2010 is set out in the following table. Data for 2011 is not yet available.
|
Graduation Year |
Number |
|
2006 |
640 |
|
2007 |
725 |
|
2008 |
680 |
|
2009 |
693 |
|
2010 |
780 |
Source: Higher Education Authority
Graduates from medical schools in Ireland must successfully complete 12 months clinical training (internship) in order to practise medicine. With effect from 1 June 2011 the Medical Council is responsible for granting Certificates of Experience to those who successfully complete their internship. Prior to this responsibility lay with the individual medical schools. The Medical Council has indicated that 511 doctors were granted Certificates of Experience in July 2011.
514 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the rates of travel expenses payable when a person is referred for occupational therapy though their employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28738/11]
My Department has made enquiries with the Health Service Executive regarding this matter. The Executive is not aware of any such expenses being paid. If the Deputy wishes to provide more information on this particular matter, I will seek further clarification from the HSE.
515 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which existing staff and bed levels continue to be available at all public health institutions in County Kildare; if bed or ward closures are contemplated at any location; the extent to which he directly or the Health Service Executive have considered such issues with a view to maintaining maximum level of services in view of the catchment area and increasing demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28749/11]
The detailed information requested by the Deputy in relation to service levels in County Kildare has been requested from the Health Service Executive. When I have received this information I will be in further contact with the Deputy in relation to the issues raised by him.
517 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite the provision of requested appliances in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [28784/11]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
518 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health when he proposes to introduce the promised changes that will allow access to motor neuron suffers on to the drugs payment scheme. [28792/11]
I understand that the Deputy is referring to the inclusion of motor neuron disease on the Long Term Illness Scheme. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme. However, the terms of the scheme will be reviewed in the context of the Government's proposals for Universal Health Insurance and free GP care at the point of delivery.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme no individual or family pays more than €120 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.
In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations.
519 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if he will report on an incident (details supplied) regarding waiting time for an ambulance; the steps being taken to address such a situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28794/11]
The National Ambulance Service has examined the matter and confirmed to me the following details in relation to this incident.
An emergency call was received at 17.16 on Sunday 7 August and an emergency ambulance was mobilised in less than three minutes. The incident was approximately 25 km from Roscommon Ambulance Station and the ambulance arrived at the scene at 17.45, giving a response time of 29 minutes. The patient was treated and stabilised at the scene by the paramedic crew and a general practitioner and at 18.00 the ambulance continued its journey to University Hospital Galway, arriving at 19.10. Upon arrival at the emergency department, the patient was seen by the consultant surgeon and prepared for surgery. The patient entered the operating theatre 15 minutes later, at 19.25, and was discharged from theatre at 20.30.
In a letter to the Regional Director, the Clinical Director of Acute Services, Dr David O'Keefe, acknowledged the vital role that the paramedics and ambulance service played in dealing with the patient's very serious injuries.
520 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if the out of hours general practitioner service will commence in Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, in October 2011; and the planned opening hours of same. [28800/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
521 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of posts including management, clinical and consultant positions in Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, awaiting Health Service Executive sanction; and the length of time these posts are outstanding. [28801/11]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health service Executive for direct reply.
522 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the progression of the tendering process for home helps and home care packages on the north side of Dublin; and when he expects a decision on the tendering process. [28814/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
523 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if same will be expedited. [28816/11]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
524 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position in relation to the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act instruments for pharmacies (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28867/11]
In June my colleague, the Minister for Health, signed the Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to Community Pharmacy Contractors) Regulations 2011. These regulations reduced certain payments made by the HSE to community pharmacy contractors and included a reduction in the wholesale mark-up on fridge items from 17.66% to 12%.
In making the regulations the Minister had regard to submissions made and views expressed during consultations; the nature of the services rendered by pharmacists and the general nature of expenses and commitments of pharmacists and the impact on the State's ability to continue to provide health services at existing levels if reductions were not made. The Minister for Health considers these rates of payment to be fair and reasonable. The Minister will carry out a review of the operation, effectiveness and impact of the new rates before the end of the year and all relevant stakeholders will be consulted as part of the review process.
525 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a progress report on the planned extension to Dunmanway swimming pool, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28171/11]
Under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme there are four principal stages in a swimming pool project following the submission of a feasibility study. These, in order of progress, are: Preliminary Report; Contract Documents; Tender and Construction. My Department received a proposal from Cork County Council on behalf of Dunmanway for the refurbishment of the existing pool together with an extension to accommodate additional facilities including a gym. A Preliminary Report on this proposal was approved in March 2001. I understand that the Council expects to have Contract Documents submitted to the Department for approval by April 2012.
526 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if land owners require unanimous consent to undertake privately funded road improvement works through commonage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28746/11]
Without knowledge of the specific circumstances to which the Deputy is referring I would direct his attention to section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, which sets out the circumstances in which persons can carry out road maintenance on a ‘local' road, subject to local authority approval. Under section 81 of the Local Government Act 2001, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport may make a grant to a road authority in relation to assistance by the Authority towards the construction or improvement of non-public roads in its functional area. However, assistance by a road authority under this section is conditional on a prior written agreement by the parties concerned with the road authority and a financial contribution by such parties.
527 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plan to re-open a railway line (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28155/11]
Matters relating to the re-opening, or alternative uses for unused rail lines are a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance. I understand that Iarnród Éireann currently has no plans to re-open the Mullingar to Athlone rail line.
In any event, given the new funding realities, the priority for use of scarce capital resources will be to protect investment made to date. This of necessity will greatly limit any possibility of re-opening unused rail lines. Moreover, the operating subsidies paid to Iarnród Éireann over the coming years are likely to be reduced considerably and therefore adding any new lines that would not make an operating profit will be difficult. However given that I have agreed to meet the local rail groups in Westmeath, I will listen to their views before initiating any action.
528 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons killed in fatal accidents on motorways in each of the past three years; the percentage of national fatalities that take place on motorways; the percentage of national traffic carried on motorways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28239/11]
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the collection and compilation of statistics on road accident fatalities. I have referred the Deputy's question to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
529 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of the works on which the National Roads Authority funding has gone which was promised to Kells Town Council to repair the regional roads through Kells town in County Meath after recent Bord Gáis works in the town. [28240/11]
The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.
In this particular case, Kells Town Council was allocated €195,000 as a block grant towards roads maintenance in its administrative area for 2011. I understand from the National Roads Authority, who administer the funding on behalf of the Department, that to the end of August the Town Council had claimed €11,500 of this funding. The balance of this funding remains available for drawdown by the Town Council. It is, of course, the responsibility of the Town Council to ensure that those responsible for road openings restore the road to at least its pre-existing condition.
530 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a database with information in relation to the towing capabilities of all cars, 4x4s, light commercial vehicles and agricultural tractors weighing up to 3.5 tonnes, in order that motorists can access information easily and ensure that they are not unwittingly towing trailers with unsuitable vehicles, which could cause great difficulty in the event of an accident or if stopped by police; or information on the source from which such information can be accessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28340/11]
The towing capacity of all roadworthy vehicles is set out in the manufacturers handbook for the vehicle, which the owner of a vehicle should have access to. In view of the ease of availability of information on towing capacity to each vehicle owner a database replicating such information is considered unnecessary.
All motorists should be cognisant of their vehicles' towing capacity as it can vary depending on the exact specification of the towing vehicle and is subject to whether or not the trailer has brakes. In relation to trailers, all trailers used on public roads must meet with Irish road safety regulations. Further information on this matter is available on the Road Safety Authority's website at www.rsa.ie.
531 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will publish submissions received from the three State airports on the question of establishing separate airports under the State Airports Act 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28344/11]
The submissions from the three State Airport Authorities on the question of establishing separate airports under the State Airports Act 2004, were sent to me in confidence. They contain commercially sensitive information and accordingly I do not propose to publish them. It should be noted that both Shannon and Cork Airports are incurring significant losses and profits from Dublin Airports are no longer sufficient to cover those losses.
532 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will hold a meeting with the board of Cork Airport prior to making a decision on separating Cork Airport from the Dublin Airport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28345/11]
In May this year, I asked the boards of the three State Airports for their views on the question of establishing Cork and Shannon as independent airports under the State Airports Act 2004. The three airports have now responded and their submissions are being carefully examined. I hope to be in a position to make an announcement on the issue before the end of the year and will be in contact with each of the Airport Authorities before that announcement.
533 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of Cork Airport’s outstanding debt; the amount of loan repayments paid in each of the three most recent financial years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28346/11]
The issue of Cork Airport's debt is a matter for the Dublin Airport Authority and I have forwarded the question to the authority for direct reply to the Deputy. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not received within ten working days.
534 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of any organisation under his Department which has informed him of staffing difficulties which may impinge upon its ability to effectively oversee the spending of public funds; and his views regarding same. [28378/11]
The various agencies, which fall under the remit of my Department, submit regular reports and returns to my Department regarding staffing, expenditure and related business matters. These are reviewed by my Department and, where a particular agency raises a concern relating to how their staffing may impinge on their ability to deliver, the merits of the case outlined is examined in the context of the agency's commitments set out in various strategic documents including the current Programme for Government, the Public Service (Croke Park) Action Plans, Transforming Public Service initiatives etc.
With regard to the non-commercial agencies reporting to my Department both the Croke Park agreement and the Employment Control Framework for staffing requires those agencies to achieve very substantial cost and staffing efficiencies and I expect them to identify the best means of achieving these. In the case of commercial State agencies, while I have no direct function in relation to their day-to-day functioning, I equally expect that in the current economic market realities they too will seek the maximum cost and staffing efficiencies.
535 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the organisations under his Department for which an employment control framework has been agreed; the current numbers they have in place; if they have been waiting more than one month to receive sanction to proceed to fill or retain any positions in spite of such positions falling below the agreed ECF ceiling. [28394/11]
The organisations under my remit with an agreed Employment Control Framework with regard to their staff numbers and the Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) staff number of each agency at 30 September 2011 is set out in the table. My Department engages on a regular basis in the context of managing the staff numbers in the Transport, Tourism and Sport sector as well as in the individual agencies.
|
Organisation |
Staffing (WTE) @ 30 Sept 2011 |
|
Commission for Aviation Regulation |
14.7 |
|
Medical Bureau for Road Safety |
36.5 |
|
National Roads Authority |
117 |
|
National Transport Authority |
64.9 |
|
Railway Safety Commission |
11 |
|
Road Safety Authority |
288 |
|
Fáilte Ireland |
325.9 |
|
Shannon Free Area Development Co. (Tourism element) |
24 |
|
Irish Sports Council |
26.4 |
|
National Sports Campus Development Agency |
3.6 |
536 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress that has been made on the implementation and roll-out of the integrated ticket scheme for public transport; the nature of current delays; when the project will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28436/11]
Responsibility to develop, procure, implement, operate and maintain the integrated ticketing system in the Greater Dublin Area became the function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) with effect from 30 September 2010. I understand from the NTA that good progress is being made on the project and it has now progressed towards the final stage of intensive testing for the key participants.
Luas have completed their development and are ready to launch. Technical difficulties which arose during recent testing of Dublin Bus ticketing equipment have now been stabilised. The NTA is also hopeful that certain critical issues identified during testing of Iarnród Eireann's software can be resolved shortly. This would enable a public launch of the three operators together in the system.
Developments on behalf of Bus Éireann and private bus operators continue to make good progress and the current programme shows these operations commencing their integration with ITS this year. I am liaising regularly with the NTA to ensure a successful launch. The results of this final intensive phase of testing will be assessed later this month before initiating a full public launch.
537 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will clarify the situation regarding the necessity to wear high visibility yellow jackets by persons on motorbikes and motorcycles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28447/11]
538 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding high visibility clothing on motorcycles particularly in terms of tourists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28448/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 537 and 538 together.
EU Regulations regarding motorcycle standards are under discussion in the EU at present. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) represents my Department at these discussions and I am informed that the proposals relate only to vehicle standards, not to the vehicle's use or the driver, and specify the standards to be applied to new motorcycles. The proposals present a legal framework for the type approval and increased market surveillance of mopeds, motorcycles and quads, which will replace and simplify the existing Framework Directive 2002/24/EC.
Contrary to suggestions that have been made by various parties, the proposed Regulations do not include provisions for mandatory wearing of high visibility clothing by motorcyclists, banning older motorcycles from urban areas or changes to driver licensing. The proposed Regulations are designed to improve the safety of those who belong to a vulnerable road user group and who account, proportionately, for the highest fatality and injury rates among all road users.
The main elements of the proposed Regulations relate to mandatory anti-lock braking system, prevention of tampering with the powertrain and automatic use of headlamp on. The Regulations are also designed to reduce vehicle emissions for these types of vehicles, which, statistics show, currently are not reducing in line with other road vehicles such as cars, buses and goods vehicles. The Road Safety Authority has recently published an information note on the proposals on their website, and they are inviting feedback from stakeholders and the general public before 29 October 2011.
The RSA's Motorcycle Safety Action Plan has an action for the compulsory wearing of high visibility vests by 2014. This is based upon research into road traffic collisions involving motorcyclists. Observation studies conducted by the Road Safety Authority have in the past reported already high visibility clothing wearing rates of approximately 40% by motorcyclists in Ireland and it may be higher now. The RSA are carrying out a follow up study which is due to commence this month. The RSA will have the analysed the data and will release the findings by the end of the year.
In the event that there are high wearing rates by 2014, the Road Safety Authority will then re-evaluate the need for compulsory wearing of high-visibility vests. However if there is a need to make a high visibility vest compulsory, the Road Safety Authority will not make a decision on the type of high visibility vests without consulting with motorcyclists and the industry. It is the intention of the RSA to encourage the use of high visibility vests by offering them free of charge to motorcyclists.
539 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will make funding available in 2012 for roads (details supplied). [28610/11]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under sections 17 and 19 of the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Similarly, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for each Council.
As I have stated before, a comprehensive review of capital spending is now underway, the results of which will form the basis for a new National Development Plan. The review will also take account of new funding realities. A major aim will be to prioritise funding to protect and maintain the investment made to date in the roads network and to maintain safety standards. It is expected that the NRA will announce their 2012 Grant Allocations for national roads early in the New Year. In the case of non-national roads, I would also expect to announce the Grant Allocations to Local Authorities early in 2012.
540 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in view of the 2007 agreement with Carrick-on-Suir Town Council (details supplied), Iarnród Eireann will honour its agreement to provide adequate staffing at the manual railway level crossing at Cregg Road, Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28659/11]
The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. The Deputy should inform my private office if he has not received a reply within ten working days.
541 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the main offences for which penalty points were awarded on a county basis in 2010; the way they compare with 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28711/11]
543 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of penalty points, by county, that were imposed in 2010; the way that this compares with the fatality and serious injuries rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28718/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 541 and 543 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the collection and compilation of statistics on penalty points. I have referred the Deputy's question to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. The Deputy should inform my private office if she does not receive a reply within ten working days.
542 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to the bus connection between Dublin Airport and Belfast which is jointly run by Bus Éireann and Ulster Bus when the decision was taken to end the practice of the bus stopping in Dundalk, County Louth; the reason behind this decision; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is now no direct bus service between Dundalk and Belfast; if he will consider reinstating this service. [28716/11]
The issue raised in an operational matter for the bus companies concerned. I have referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply. The Deputy should inform my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
544 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the appointments made to State agencies and boards under his remit for the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011. [28729/11]
Since my appointment as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport on 9 March 2011. I have made 34 appointments to the boards of the agencies under my remit. They are listed in the table. Any appointments made prior to my appointment can be found in the Annual Reports of the agencies.
My Department is currently working on a database of appointments to State boards. Within a few months my Department will commence regular publication of information from this database to our website to ensure that up to date information will be more easily available to interested parties and the public. Board Appointments since 9 March 2011
|
Body |
Appointee |
Date of Appointment |
|
National Roads Authority |
David O’Connor |
27/06/2011 |
|
Road Safety Authority |
Gay ByrneEdward RockSean FinanAaron McHaleÁine CornallyDr. Áine CarrollRonan MelvinMyra Garrett |
14/09/201114/09/201114/09/201114/09/201114/09/201114/09/201114/09/201114/09/2011 |
|
Bus Átha Cliath |
Kevin Bonner |
29/06/2011 |
|
Bus Éireann |
Paul Mallee |
29/06/2011 |
|
Iarnród Éireann |
Phil Gaffney |
29/06/2011 |
|
Railway Procurement Agency |
Frank AllenDavid O’ConnorTom Wall |
06/08/201127/06/201128/07/2011 |
|
Advisory Committee to the National Transport Authority |
Pat ByrneFrank MoorePeter RogersChristopher HumphreyMichael KilcoyneDonie O’SheaDouglas JordanMichael RowlandDerek McGovernBrian KilleenAl RyanCornelius McIntyreKathleen Diamond |
01/07/201101/07/201101/07/201101/07/201101/07/201101/07/201101/07/201101/07/201101/07/201101/07/201101/07/201101/07/201101/07/2011 |
|
Irish Aviation Authority |
Eamonn BrennanMichael Norton |
08/09/201106/10/2011 |
|
Fáilte Ireland |
Gina MurphyNoel KavanaghFrankie SheahanCiarán O’Gaora |
18/07/201118/07/201118/07/201118/07/2011 |
|
Tourism Ireland |
Jim Flannery |
25/07/2011 |
545 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review a matter (details supplied) regarding applying for a hackney licence. [28737/11]
The regulation of the taxi industry, including matters related to the SPSV skills development programme, which involves both industry knowledge and area knowledge tests, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003. I have referred the matter raised by the Deputy to the NTA for direct reply. If the Deputy does not receive a response within ten working days, he should contact my office.
546 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 43 of 29 September 2011, if he will clarify the reason the National Transport Authority revoked the nine year rule only for those who had applied for their first vehicle licence prior to 1 January 2009; the reason those holding their first licence after this date are treated differently with regard to vehicles of nine years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28744/11]
The regulation of the taxi industry, including the decision taken on the nine year rule, is a matter for the National Transport Authority under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003. I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the NTA for direct reply. The Deputy should contact my office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
The NTA are currently carrying out a review of vehicle standards particularly with regard to older vehicles and are examining what alternative measures will be put in place to ensure an appropriate quality of vehicle for consumers and operators. I should add that the conclusions of the vehicle standards review, when finalised by the NTA, will also be considered by the taxi regulation review steering group that I am chairing.
547 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has been in communication with officials from the Court of the European Union, previously the European Court of Justice, to attempt to expedite the decision in relation to the integrity of special areas of conservation on which the Galway city outer bypass is dependent. [28771/11]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects, including the N6 Galway City Outer Bypass, are matters for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
The main part of the Galway City Outer Bypass scheme was approved by An Bord Pleanála in 2008 but cannot proceed as this approval was the subject of judicial review proceedings which have culminated with a referral by the Supreme Court to the European Court of Justice of the question of the correct interpretation of Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive and of Regulation 30 of the Habitats Regulations 1997.
The Habitats Directive forms part of Irish Planning legislation which comes under the remit of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. This case will be progressed in accordance with the normal procedures and it is not a matter in which I have any role. More generally, it should be noted that I am currently organising a roundtable meeting with the various public authorities involved in this project.
548 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he can confirm, subject to planning, that the Galway city outer bypass will be a public-private partnership project; and the likelihood of the road being a tolled one. [28776/11]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects, including the N6 Galway City Outer Bypass, are matters for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Accordingly, the identification and selection of suitable projects for implementation on a public private partnership basis is a matter in the first instance for the NRA.
In addition, the statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in the NRA under Part V of the Roads Acts 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007). I am currently organising a roundtable meeting with the various public authorities involved in this project.
549 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views that the first part of the Galway city outer bypass, subject to planning and funding, could proceed to the N59 road, independent of the second part which goes to Barna and is being delayed due to judicial proceedings at European level. [28779/11]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects, including the Galway City Outer Bypass, are matters for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act. Therefore, I have referred the question to the NRA for further reply to the Deputy. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The Galway City Outer Bypass project from the M6 to the N59, while approved by an Bord Pleanála, is currently on hold pending a ruling on the case from the European Court of Justice.
550 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether it is imperative that the Moycullen bypass be in place when the first half of the Galway city outer bypass is constructed to the N59 at Bushypark, Galway. [28780/11]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national road projects, and the sequencing of their construction, are matters for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within 10 working days.
551 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider implementing an audit of all national roads that have seen their speed limit cut by more than 30% in the past five years including an analysis of the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28796/11]
Statutory responsibility for the application of speed limits is vested in members of county and city councils. The Road Traffic Act 2004 establishes default speed limits that apply to defined categories of roads and which can only be changed by county and city councils through the making of special speed limit bye-laws. Section 9 of the 2004 Act sets out the range of special speed limits that may be applied by local authorities through bye-laws.
In accordance with Actions identified in the Road Safety Strategy 2007 — 2012, my Department issued guidelines on speed limits in January of this year to all local authorities. The onus is on local authorities to take these guidelines into account in relation to the speed limits to be set for all roads in their area of responsibility. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide advice and guidance in relation to the making of speed limit bye-laws by county and city councils for the purpose of applying special speed limits. After taking the guidelines into account it is considered best practice for local authority officials to advise the elected members of their respective councils on what a suitable speed limit regime should be for different roads in their areas of responsibility. For new roads the local authority will have the relevant information on the speed for which the road was designed.
As part of a Direction given by the Minister in January 2011, all local authorities were requested to undertake an assessment of special speed limits in their functional areas. The results of that assessment are expected to be available to my Department before the end of 2011.
