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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 Nov 2011

Vol. 747 No. 4

Written Answers

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, answered orally.

Social Insurance

Brian Stanley

Question:

9 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she will take to encourage persons to sign up for credited contributions. [36261/11]

Social insurance credits are awarded in circumstances such as unemployment and illness, and their purpose is to protect the social insurance entitlements of insured persons during periods when they may not be in a position to pay contributions. Credits may be awarded for periods when an insured person is receiving one of a range of benefits or allowances, including jobseeker's benefit or allowance, illness benefit, disability allowance, or carer's benefit or allowance.

If a person is unemployed and does not qualify for a jobseeker's payment, he/she may qualify to sign on for credits at his/her local social welfare office to maintain the insurance record and preserve future social welfare entitlements. In addition, people who apply for Illness Benefit but do not qualify for payment, may be entitled to credited contributions. In these circumstances, when a customer is disallowed a payment, he/she is advised of the entitlement to claim credits. The full range of social insurance credits available, and the circumstances in which these credits are awarded, are included in the SW12 booklet, published by the Department. This information is also available on the Department's website www.welfare.ie.

The Department's policy is to ensure that all customers are made aware of the wide range of schemes and services available, including the availability of credited contributions, and that they are kept informed of changes and improvements as they occur. The Department operates a network of local and branch offices throughout the country. Each local office has officers who provide information and are available to explain supports and services to people. These locally-based services are supported by a central Information Unit which operates a LoCall information line (1890 66 22 44) which customers may call for information and guidance on their entitlements.

Redundancy Payments

John Browne

Question:

10 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Social Protection the total amount of money given in rebates to employers for redundancy payments in the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; her plans to review the rebate system; if she has had discussions with employer groups on the issue in relation to budget 2012; if a cost impact analysis on business has been undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36294/11]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

15 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on whether any significant reduction in the size of the redundancy rebate to employers would have a knock-on effect on the size of redundancy payments made to workers who lose their jobs and that it risks pushing greater numbers down to the statutory level in view of the fact that more employers will not be in a position to offer anything in excess of the bare minimum. [36248/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 15 together.

The total amount paid out in redundancy rebates to employers was €152.2 million in 2006; €167.4 million in 2007; €161.8 million in 2008; €247.9 million in 2009; €373.2 million in 2010 and €185.3 million so far in 2011. The purpose of the Redundancy Payments Scheme is to compensate workers, under the Redundancy Payments Acts, 1967 to 2007, for the loss of their jobs by reason of redundancy. Compensation is based on the worker's length of reckonable service and reckonable weekly remuneration, subject to a ceiling of €600 per week.

Statutory redundancy lump sums are generally paid by the employer who is then entitled to a rebate from the State of 60% of the relevant amount. In cases of employer default, the statutory redundancy lump sum entitlement is paid in full to the employee. Rebates to employers and lump sums paid directly to employees are paid from the Social Insurance Fund (SIF).

I do not accept that any reduction in the size of the redundancy rebate would necessarily reduce the size of redundancy payments made to workers. Many employers are anxious to ensure that their former employees are adequately compensated in the event of redundancy and pay their former employees in excess of the statutory minimum. It should be noted that redundancy rebate payments to employers are not common in many EU and other jurisdictions. In the UK for example, the redundancy payment is funded 100% by the employer and there is no recovery from the State.

Any changes to the redundancy payments scheme would have to be considered in a budgetary context. Redundancy claim levels decreased substantially in 2010 to 58,731 claims from a peak of 77,000 claims in 2009.

Redundancy Claims and Expenditure 2002-2011

Year

Claims Received

Expenditure

2002

24,432

€53.98M

2003

25,769

€88.93M

2004

25,041

€152.16M

2005

23,156

€149.17M

2006

23,684

€166.48M

2007

25,459

€183.33M

2008

40,607

€193.71M

2009

77,001

€335.86M

2010

58,731

€469.97M

To July 2011

29,555

Employment Support Services

Brendan Smith

Question:

11 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the specific measures she is considering in relation to labour activation measures, such as reducing social welfare benefits to persons who do not take up training or work offers; the timeframe for such measures and estimated resultant reduction in her Department’s expenditure budget in 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36324/11]

The National Employment and Entitlements Service as provided for in the Programme for Government, is being established by the Department. The new service will integrate employment and benefit payment services, currently delivered by FÁS and the Department, respectively, within the Department and will be based on a case management approach with the objective of providing a more customised and personal service to customers.

In line with good international practice, this new service will focus primarily on activation. The objective of the new service is to offer users a high level, personalised employment support and prioritise the provision of more intensive support for those on the live register who are identified as being most at risk of long-term unemployment. A key feature of the new service will be that customers will be expected to engage actively with these options in order to retain their entitlement to full benefit payments.

As part of the development of this overall approach, reduced rates were provided for in the Social Welfare Act 2010 to ensure compliance with the activation processes. Basically, there is a right to a payment but also a matching responsibility on the unemployed person to engage with the system. This, I think, is a reasonable approach from the individual's and the taxpayer's perspective. The reduced rates, which apply to personal jobseekers payments, may be implemented where a jobseeker:

(i) refuses an appropriate offer of training by an officer of my Department;

(ii) refuses, or declines to avail of, an offer of training from FÁS;

(iii) declines an intervention under the NEAP;

(iv) does not attend NEAP meetings with a FÁS officer;

(v) drops out of the NEAP process.

The relevant legislation provides safeguards for the social welfare recipient in terms of the reasonableness of the intervention being offered. In common with many social welfare provisions, the new measures allow for discretion on the part of a deciding officer, as an offer of training, education or employment must be viewed in the context of a person's circumstances. Where a customer has been subject to the reduced rate, the normal rate of payment will be restored from a current date when the person subsequently engages with the process or takes up offers of training that were made.

Any changes to the measures currently in place, the introduction of further measures, and any associated savings and timeframes, would be matters for Government to consider in a Budgetary context.

Social Welfare Code

Thomas Pringle

Question:

12 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reinstate the exceptional needs payment for persons who are offered accommodation by local authorities under the long-term leasing scheme and contact the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to ensure that the contracts with local authorities are reviewed to ensure that houses offered are furnished in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36204/11]

Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department may make a single payment to help meet essential, once-off, exceptional expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. Those who qualify are normally in receipt of a social welfare or HSE payment. The principal consideration in making a single payment of SWA to address a particular need is that the need to be met must be ‘exceptional'. Payments should arise only under abnormal conditions and should not become a regular or standard practice. Every decision is based on the careful consideration of all the circumstances of an individual case.

In general, it is not considered appropriate that exceptional needs payments should be made towards the costs of furnishing private rented accommodation. In this regard, my Department will, as the Deputy suggests, be raising this matter with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

Public Services Card

Denis Naughten

Question:

13 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection when she intends to roll out the new identity card scheme; if she will outline the phases to the scheme and the projected savings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36203/11]

The phased introduction of the Public Services Card started last month. The registration process is currently being piloted in a number of local offices in the Department, including Tullamore, Sligo and Kings Inn in Dublin. Roll out of the card will be done as securely and speedily as possible but it will take a number of years to complete. The initial focus will be on roll out to Department's clients of working age. The benefits of adopting the Card in the public sector can be found in the following areas:

Removing the duplication caused by multiple agencies each solving the problem of identity and authentication themselves;

Reducing the rate of errors and fraud caused by incorrectly identified and authenticated citizens;

Replacing other State cards currently in use thus producing economies of scale as well as eliminating losses due to, for example, forgery;

Improving the efficiency of every service delivered by the State. Even an improvement of a few percentage points represents major cost savings.

Given that customers have regular interaction with various State service providers, the existence of the PSC has obvious similar potential savings benefits across the State sector through the reduction of time and effort required for authentication. Specifically in relation to the Department of Social Protection currently, each time customers apply for a service, they are required to provide identification details either by post or in person. The time taken in checking and processing these authentication details would be eliminated if the customers involved had previously reached the required registration standard and had the PSC to prove it.

In the context of welfare fraud the comprehensive roll out of the card would significantly reduce the risks associated with both non-residency and multiple claiming.

Social Welfare Benefits

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

14 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will explain the sense in denying the back to education allowance to a person (details supplied) which will mean that they will be forced to drop out of college, will then be eligible for a full dole payment in January but will not be able to go back to their course at this point; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36283/11]

The back to education allowance (BTEA) scheme is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to remove the barriers to participation in second and third level education by enabling eligible people on 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. An applicant must be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for a minimum period immediately prior to commencing an approved course of study to qualify for BTEA. This requirement has always been a feature of the BTEA scheme and is considered necessary to ensure that limited resources are directed at those most in need. The allowance essentially replaces a person's existing social welfare income and, in addition, an annual €500 cost of education allowance is payable.

A person signing for credits for the required length of time is eligible to participate in the scheme provided the relevant qualifying conditions for BTEA are satisfied. Persons signing for credits do not receive a weekly payment but they can avail of the cost of education allowance. This is a once off payment of €500 at the start of each academic year.

The person concerned was paid his full entitlement of jobseeker's benefit for 234 days to 11 February 2011. His subsequent application for jobseeker's allowance was disallowed because his means derived from parental income are in excess of the scheduled limit. He claimed for credited contributions only from 14 February 2011.

He applied for back to education allowance on 13 July 2011. On 15 August 2011, a letter was sent informing him that his BTEA application had been approved on the basis of his credited contribution claim and he was entitled to the cost of education allowance payment of €500 on production of the relevant documentation from the Registrar's office of the college he is attending. A letter of reminder was sent on 24 October 2011 but to date no response has been received. There are no plans, at present, to modify the existing qualifying criteria for the BTEA scheme for people who are not in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment at the commencement of a course of education.

Question No. 15 answered with Question No. 10.

Social Welfare Code

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

16 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to conflicting interpretations of the rules governing income from Health Service Executive home help work and eligibility for one parent family payment across different offices in her Department; if she will confirm that income from working for the HSE as a home help must not be taken into account in the means test for one parent family payment. [36251/11]

The Estimate for my Department in 2011 provides for expenditure of over €1.1 billion on the one parent family payment. For the purposes of one parent family payment, there is no entitlement where earnings exceed a threshold of €425 gross per week. Where earnings are less than €425, the first €146.50 is disregarded and half of the balance is assessed as means. The rate of payment is then reduced accordingly. However, where a person has income from employment by the Health Service Executive (HSE), or by a person approved by the HSE, as a home help, all such earnings are disregarded. In order to avoid any misinterpretation of the conditions of income as a home help, the guidelines for the scheme will shortly be updated and all relevant staff informed.

Martin Ferris

Question:

17 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she will take to ensure that recipients of illness benefit are given sufficient notice to allow time for them to apply for either disability allowance or invalidity pension where appropriate and for that application process to be concluded prior to or to coincide with the expiration of their illness benefit. [36260/11]

Since January 2009 payment of illness benefit is limited to a maximum of 104 weeks (624 pay days) in most cases. There are a number of possible social welfare payments for which a customer may qualify thereafter, depending on their circumstances. Currently, letters are sent to illness benefit customers 13 weeks before their claim is due to expire. The customer is advised about other possible schemes for which they may qualify, including invalidity pension, disability allowance, jobseeker's benefit, jobseeker's allowance and supplementary welfare allowance. Customers are also advised that if they are considering applying for any of the schemes they should do so as soon as possible so that a decision on their application can be made in a timely manner. Furthermore, in order to expedite matters, where a customer has had a recent medical review under the illness benefit scheme this review is used to assess medical suitability for other schemes where possible.

Social Welfare Benefits

David Stanton

Question:

18 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection with regard to persons in receipt of jobseeker’s benefit or jobseeker’s allowance payments, if her attention has been drawn to delays in payments being reinstated if the jobseekers sign off for a number of weeks to avail of full-time temporary work and then return to the live register after the work is completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36284/11]

In cases where a jobseeker customer takes up temporary work for periods of up to 4 weeks, or avails of a training course of up to 8 weeks, arrangements are in place to temporarily suspend the claim so that it can be re-instated without delay when the work or training finishes. When a customer receives an offer of employment which is expected to last no more than four weeks, they should tell their social welfare local office that they will be working for a short period only. It is necessary for the customer to state that the work is expected to last for a maximum of four weeks or that the training will last no more than eight weeks. Customers are informed of these arrangements when making a jobseeker's claim and this information is also available on the Department's website. This procedure is in operation across the full range of the Department's network of local and branch offices.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

19 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she can or will take to eliminate backlogs resulting in delays in the issue of the various payments for which her Department is responsible with particular reference to repetitive procedures, duplicate means testing as between the community welfare service and her Department proper despite centralised control; if she will examine the cause or causes for contradictory and unsustainable opinion and its effects on applicants for carer’s allowance, domiciliary care allowance, disability allowance, invalidity pension, rent support, mortgage interest relief and/or similar payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36291/11]

The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers and works to ensure that claims are processed in the most efficient way possible, having regard to the eligibility conditions that apply to each scheme and to ensure, insofar as is possible, that funding is targeted at those most in need. Processing times vary across schemes, depending on the differing qualification criteria. For example means assessments are required for social assistance schemes and customers must also satisfy the habitual residence conditions. Medical assessment is required for long-term illness schemes. In the case of some insurance-based schemes, it may be necessary to ascertain details of foreign insurance records.

In managing these issues the Department has also had to adapt to a large increase in the volume of claims as economic conditions deteriorated and the scope of schemes was expanded. In order to meet this challenge, the department has embarked on a major programme of process redesign and modernisation, including the deployment of new computer systems. New systems have been deployed this year to manage the processing of invalidity pensions and carers' allowance claims and are currently being deployed to modernise the processing of disability allowance claims. This deployment of new systems is a very resource intensive task and has, as a consequence, had a negative impact during the development and deployment phase on processing performance. Once the programme of deployment is completed I expect that performance will recover and improve. In the meantime the Department is taking all steps available to it to augment resources in order to process claims.

For example, since May 2008, 794 staff have been assigned to the Department, mainly through the transfer and redeployment of staff from other Government departments. In addition, the Department has recruited new medical assessors and appointed additional staff to the social welfare appeals office. The Department also makes judicious use of overtime and employs temporary staff as appropriate to address particular service issues as they arise.

In order to offer a more streamlined, efficient and integrated service to customers, the Department is also undergoing a process of intensive planning and organisational change in establishing the new National Employment and Entitlements Service (NEES). The establishment of the NEES under the management of my Department involves bringing together the Community Welfare Service (CWS), the Employment Services and Community Employment Programmes of FÁS, the Rural Social Scheme and Community Services Programme from the Dept of Community, Equality and the Gaeltacht and the Redundancy and Insolvency Schemes from the Dept of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation.

It is my intention that the NEES will integrate all employment and benefit support services in a single delivery unit. This new service will provide a coherent integrated and more personalised service to customers and will help minimise the duplication that characterised services which were provided separately in the past.

With regard to the issue of contradictory opinions relating to the assessment of application for various schemes, I take it that the Deputy is referring in particular to medical assessment of claimant conditions. In this regard, the Department's Medical Assessors are fully qualified and experienced practitioners who provide a second opinion to that of the person's own doctor for the guidance of deciding officers. In carrying out assessments the Medical Assessor considers all medical evidence presented and expresses an opinion based on findings. All assessments are carried out in accordance with the accepted guidelines of the Irish Medical Council. Every effort is made to ensure that the interests of persons called for assessment are fully safeguarded.

If a decision, based on the opinion of a Medical Advisor, is unfavourable to a customer, the customer has a right of appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. Before an appeal is heard by an Appeals Officer, the customer is afforded a second medical assessment by a different Medical Assessor to the one who gave the original unfavourable opinion.

Employment Support Services

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

20 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection her views that JobBridge internship advertisements and recruitment processes requiring candidates to already have experience contravenes the spirit of the scheme as it was described by her on 13 October 2011 when she stated that JobBridge was set up to address the catch-22 position where a person cannot get a job because they do not have experience but cannot get experience because they cannot get a job, and if she will exclude such employers from the scheme as such a requirement is a clear indication of their exploitative intent. [36247/11]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

33 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will issue additional directions for JobBridge, or introduce legislation if necessary, akin to those issued by the US Department of Labour in 2010 which provide that internships with for-profit employers must involve training similar to the training given in a vocational school or academic institution and that the employer must derive no immediate advantage from the intern’s activities, in other words productive work must be properly paid for. [36246/11]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

36 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she has taken since mid-October to prevent exploitation, displacement and abuse under the JobBridge internship scheme. [36245/11]

Pearse Doherty

Question:

42 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps being taken to ensure that employers do not abuse the JobBridge scheme. [35945/11]

Gerry Adams

Question:

43 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of interns on the JobBridge scheme who have attained full employment through the scheme. [35946/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 33, 36, 42 and 43 together.

JobBridge, the national internship scheme, came into operation on 1st July. JobBridge provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals on the Live Register, in organisations in the private, public and community voluntary sectors. The first internships commenced in mid-July and, as of Friday 18th November, a total of 2,712 internships have commenced. As JobBridge internships are for either 6 or 9 months it is too early to determine the number of interns who have attained full employment as a result of their internship.

Earlier this month my Department issued a request for tenders to evaluate the JobBridge scheme. Progression rates from JobBridge into employment will feature as part of this evaluation. It is expected that this evaluation will commence in early 2012.

As I outlined in mid-October, the JobBridge scheme has a number of measures to prevent the abuse of the scheme by employers, protect the intern from exploitation and ensure the integrity of the JobBridge scheme. In order for all applications from host organisations to be approved they must meet a number of criteria to ensure that the potential internships are of sufficient quality. These include the following:

that the internship does not allow the intern to work unsupervised;

that the internship is not displacing an employee; and

that the intern accrues significant experience throughout the entire internship.

In order for an internship to commence a Standard Internship Agreement must be signed by both the intern and the host organisation. This Agreement clearly stipulates the terms of the internship and states the specific learning outcomes the intern will receive over the course of their internship. At the end of an internship, host organisations must supply the intern with a reference which includes a statement of all training undergone by the intern as part of the internship. To ensure compliance with the scheme, the Department of Social Protection and the Employment Services Division of FÁS are monitoring internships to ensure that they are of sufficient quality and that both host organisations and interns are abiding by the spirit and the rules of the scheme.

This involves the monitoring of monthly compliance reports that are required to be submitted by the host organisation verifying that the internship is proceeding as set out in the Standard Internship Agreement. Monitoring also includes random site visits to host organisations and interns. A ‘whistle blowing' feature has been introduced, where any individual who suspects that an internship may be in breach of the scheme's criteria, including in cases of suspected displacement or poor quality, may contact the National Call Centre. All such claims will be investigated.

While developing JobBridge, officials from my Department looked at similar models around the world, both in private and public sector organisations. I believe that the measures put in place are currently sufficient in relation to the operation of the JobBridge scheme. However, my Department continuously monitors the scheme and will introduce additional measures if the need arises. The aim of the scheme is to provide those seeking employment with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, maintain close links with the labour market and to enhance their skills and competencies through a quality internship opportunity.

Under JobBridge criteria, host organisations are not permitted to advertise an internship requesting experience. The internship application clearly sets this out. Where host organisations request prior experience in their internship advertisement, the National Contact Centre agents in FÁS should not process the application in its current form. In the event that an application is inadvertently processed it will be removed from the website as soon as the error is noticed.

FÁS employment services are continually monitoring the internships to ensure they provide a meaningful experience for the intern. This requires, in some instances, direct interaction with potential host organisations before the internship is advertised to seek further clarification on the internship experience. In addition, a small group has been set up made up of FÁS and Department of Social Protection staff to regularly review host organisation applications.

Departmental Expenditure

Liam Twomey

Question:

21 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Social Protection if finger print scanning equipment that has been purchased by her is being used; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36207/11]

My Department has not undertaken any procurement for fingerprint scanning equipment. Some electronic devices that are in use (e.g. laptops) may have such facilities but their use is not mandatory.

Social Insurance

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

22 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection, further to Parliamentary Question No. 88 of 3 November 2011, in which she rejected a proposal to allow credited contributions accrued on maternity leave to count towards the PRSI contribution condition for carer’s benefit by stating that the condition is designed to ensure that those qualifying for carer’s benefit have an adequate and sustained commitment to the social insurance system, her view on whether the act of going on maternity is an indication of an inadequate and unsustained commitment to the social insurance system. [36253/11]

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

24 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection, further to Parliamentary Question No. 15 of 13 October 2011, if, in view of the fact that specific provision is made to ensure that time spent on maternity leave does not compromise compliance with the employment condition of entitlement to carer’s benefit, she will introduce similar provision and allow credited contributions accrued on maternity leave to count towards the PRSI contribution condition for carer’s benefit. [36254/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 24 together.

Clearly it is not my view that "the act of going on maternity is an indication of an inadequate and unsustained commitment to the social insurance system". The contributory principle, however, does rely on adequate real contributions being made to fund the system. As outlined in previous replies there is a link between contributions paid and entitlement to a varying range of benefits and pensions that are payable as a right — if and when particular contingencies arise.

A person on maternity leave will avail of maternity benefit if she has made sufficient contributions and if she has sufficient contributions prior to maternity leave she may avail of carer's benefit. Otherwise she may apply for carer's allowance, which as I mentioned in previous replies, has one of the most generous means tests within the welfare system. To maintain an adequate system of social protection for everyone, as well as achieving future economic stability and growth, we have to ensure sustainable public finances through a determined deficit reduction strategy. Given the current economic situation we are not in a position to consider the effective expansion of eligibility for any of our schemes and I have no plans to amend the PRSI contributions requirement for carer's benefit.

Question No. 23 answered with Question No. 7.
Question No. 24 answered with Question No. 22.

Social Welfare Benefits

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

25 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the importance of the role played by the half rate carer’s allowance; her further views that were this to be cut many family carers would have no choice but to relinquish their caring duties to the State resulting in a potential cost to the Exchequer four times the size of any social protection savings made. [36252/11]

Liam Twomey

Question:

28 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will protect the half payment to carers already in receipt of a social welfare payment as a recognition of the role they play in assisting the State in the care of the most vulnerable in our society; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36208/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 28 together.

I am very conscious of the needs of people on social welfare and fully appreciate that a wide range of groups depend solely on their welfare payments. As we approach a very tough Budget in December, I will be doing my utmost to protect the most vulnerable people in our society, including carers. Sustainable public finances are a pre-requisite for maintaining an adequate system of social protection as well as for achieving future economic stability and growth. For these reasons, the State must pursue a determined deficit reduction strategy. Accordingly, there will be an on-going requirement to curtail expenditure and prioritise resources in my Department (as will be the case in all other Departments) in 2012 and in later years.

My Department will spend over €650 million this year on carers across a number of schemes. There are currently 51,600 people in receipt of carers allowance from my Department; of these, almost 22,000 are getting half-rate carer's allowance in addition to another social welfare payment. The means test for carers allowance has been significantly eased over the years, and is now one of the most generous means tests in the social welfare system, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings. Since April 2008, the income disregard has been €332.50 per week for a single person and €665 per week for a couple. This means that a couple with two children can earn in the region of €35,400 and qualify for the maximum rate of carers allowance as well as the associated free travel and household benefits.

This Government's policy is to support people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities as far as possible. In the case of people being cared for at home, the care they receive is usually a balance of support from family and professional help. My Department provides income supports for family carers while the Department of Health and Children and the HSE provides professional support. No final decisions have been made to date in relation to welfare expenditure next year, including in carers allowance. These decisions will be made, after full consideration, by the Government and will be announced on Budget day.

Departmental Staff

Catherine Murphy

Question:

26 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of agency staff employed by her Department and any division thereof at present; the breakdown of said agency staff by grade; the same figures for 2009 and 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36210/11]

I understand that by ‘agency' the Deputy is referring to temporary staff. Recruitment of temporary clerical officers is carried out, on behalf of my Department, by the Public Appointments Service. Temporary clerical staff are recruited on a contract basis to cover absences of permanent staff on maternity leave, long term sick leave, carers leave and also to provide cover for some staff availing of the shorter working year scheme. My Department also employs short term temporary staff as part of the WAM (Willing, Able, Mentoring) programme, and staff on short term post graduate work placements.

Temporary contracts are offered for a fixed purpose and the term can vary according to the purpose of the contract. Table A details the numbers employed as temporary clerical officers, on temporary contracts, in the Department of Social Protection from January 2009 to date. Table B details the numbers employed on post graduate intern work placements and as part of the WAM programme, in the Department of Social Protection from January 2009 to date.

Table A

Number Employed on Temporary clerical contracts in 2009

Number Employed on Temporary clerical contracts in 2010

Number Employed on Temporary clerical contracts in 2011 to date

582

579

635

Table B

Number Employed on Temporary contract in 2009

Number Employed on Temporary contract in 2010

Number Employed on Temporary contract in 2011 to date

WAM Programme (EO equivalent)

0

1

1

Post Graduate Work Placement(EO equivalent)

0

1

1

Social Welfare Benefits

Alan Farrell

Question:

27 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason residents in Dublin North are required to collect their supplementary welfare allowance in the arrears support unit centre in Gardiner Street, 30 km away from one of the largest towns in Dublin North; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36206/11]

The Office of Public Works has responsibility for the acquisition and maintenance of office accommodation for the Department of Social Protection. Accordingly, my Department has requested that the Office acquire suitable accommodation in Balbriggan. Until accommodation is available in Balbriggan, supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) payments for parts of the Balbriggan area of North County Dublin, is administered from an office of the Department located at 77 Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin 1. The location was chosen as it is on a direct bus route from the Balbriggan area to facilitate, in so far as is possible, customer appointments with the community welfare service.

Once approved, SWA payments are generally posted directly to the recipient's home address, issued to the post office of the customer's choice by postal draft or lodged directly to the customer's bank account. Applications for SWA can also be made by post and queries can be dealt with by telephone, thus reducing the need for the customer to visit the office. It is the Department's intention to have community welfare services, including SWA, provided in Balbriggan as soon as suitable accommodation is available.

Question No. 28 answered with Question No. 25.

Departmental Staff

Martin Ferris

Question:

29 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to accommodate the community welfare officers who recently transferred into her Department and to realise the promised one stop shops. [36259/11]

The community welfare service and staff formally transferred to the Department of Social Protection on schedule on the 1st of October this year. Their transfer to the Department is a first and vital step in the full integration of the services provided by the CWS and the Department. Prior to their arrival and particularly in the nine month period of their secondment from January 1st this year, intensive planning has been underway between the Department and the HSE to make the necessary arrangements for the accommodation of staff and the integration of services. The various HR, facilities and administrative systems, such as payroll records and IT systems have now been put in place for the former CWS staff.

As regards the accommodation and the location of the community welfare service, while the staff will continue to be headquartered at their current base location/town, opportunities for co-location with other Department staff will be pursued, as appropriate. I can assure the Deputy that any changes that may be proposed in relation to geographical deployment will take account of the relevant provisions on staff deployment contained in the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014.

In preparing for the full integration of CWS services with those of the Department and also the integration with the FÁS Employment Services and Community Employment Programmes, the Department is currently undergoing a process of intensive planning for the establishment of the new National Employment and Entitlements Service, as provided for in the Programme for Government. The NEES Project Plan was approved by Government in July and was published in August 2011. The transfer of the community welfare service to my Department is therefore an integral part of the process of developing and implementing the National Employment and Entitlements Service (NEES).

The objective is to integrate all employment and benefit support services in a single delivery unit which will provide, the ‘one stop shop' to which the Deputy refers for people wishing to establish their benefit entitlements, seeking employment and, or, advice about their training options. As part to the NEES project plan, a number of pilot ‘one-stop shops' will be established in 2012 and following this initial pilot a phased roll-out of one-stop shops is planned over the period from 2012 to 2014. The pilots will enable us to develop and monitor the logistical and practical challenges in integrating all the employment and benefit support services that the Department now provides.

Social Welfare Benefits

Brian Stanley

Question:

30 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on whether cuts to social welfare have a negative impact on local economies as demonstrated by the level of retail sales which fell even further during the 3rd quarter of 2011. [36257/11]

The economic crisis has had a major impact on disposable household incomes and on private consumption which has in turn impacted on the level of retail sales in Ireland. The "Motor Trades" category accounts for a significant proportion of the fall in the volume of retail sales. Any changes to the schemes and services operated by my Department, including changes to rates of payments, will be informed by the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure which has been completed by my Department, with the key decisions being made in the context of framing the Budget for 2012.

Social Welfare Code

Sandra McLellan

Question:

31 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she will take to allow time spent on JobBridge to count towards the accrual of time for eligibility for the fuel allowance in view of the fact that the costs arising from participation in JobBridge more than swallow up the additional €50 paid and as such the household’s need for the fuel allowance can be just as great as for a person who has been out of paid employment for a similar length of time but remains on jobseeker’s allowance rather than entering JobBridge. [36249/11]

I have no plans to amend the guidelines to allow the time spent on JobBridge to count towards the accrual of time for eligibility for the fuel allowance. My Department will spend over €530 million in 2011 on the fuel scheme and the telephone, gas and electricity elements of the household benefits package which will benefit some 390,000 people on household benefits and 375,000 on the fuel allowance. In 2005 there were 325,000 people on household benefits and 265,000 on the fuel allowance at a cost of €280 million. The costs have almost doubled in six years while the number of customers has risen by more than 20%.

An intern participating in JobBridge will continue to receive the social welfare entitlements, including secondary entitlements such as fuel allowance, that they were receiving immediately prior to commencing the scheme. However, during their JobBridge internship, interns will not receive additional benefits, such as fuel allowance, if they were previously not entitled to this benefit before they began their internship. The objective of the JobBridge scheme is to keep unemployed people close to the labour market and to give them the opportunity to gain quality work experience thereby increasing their employability.

Departmental Staff

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

32 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has studied the extent to which medical assessors in her Department frequently discount medical evidence provided by applicants for various disability payments in respect of illness which limit the patients ability to work including in some cases patients suffering from cancer or other serious illness; if her attention has been drawn to the pain, suffering and stress caused to such sufferers when faced with the opinion of her medical assessors that the person is not unfit for work; if she will examine the situation as a matter of urgency with a view to addressing such issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36292/11]

The Department's Medical Assessors are fully qualified and experienced practitioners who provide a second opinion to that of the person's own doctor for the guidance of deciding officers. Their assessments conform to the ethical conduct and behavioural guidelines of the Medical Council. Medical Assessors are required to be medical practitioners who are on the general register of medical practitioners while holding an appointment. They must have at least six years' satisfactory experience in the practice of medicine since registration. Many of the Medical Assessors have specialist post-graduate qualifications. They also have special training in eligibility assessment and disability evaluation.

The Medical Assessors have an ongoing commitment to continuing medical education to ensure that standards are maintained and enhanced. Every effort is made to ensure that the interests of persons called for assessment are fully safeguarded. Their own certifiers are advised of the scheduled assessments and invited to submit any appropriate medical reports including references to any recent assessments by consultants. In addition it is open to a certifier to attend an assessment if he or she so wishes. A Nurse Attendant is always present during assessments.

In carrying out assessments the Medical Assessor considers all medical evidence presented and expresses an opinion based on findings. All assessments are carried out in accordance with the accepted guidelines of the Irish Medical Council.

The Medical Assessor does not dispute the existence of the certified cause of incapacity but rather assesses the degree to which the loss of function in work-related activities, resulting from disease or injury, affects the person's ability to perform either their own job or alternative types of work. Assessments are conducted in a fair, equitable, impartial and independent manner to the highest standards in accordance with accepted medical practice and ethics. They are also conducted in a manner which displays full regard for the dignity and integrity of the person being assessed.

If a decision, based on the opinion of a Medical Advisor, is unfavourable to a customer, the customer has a right of appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. Before an appeal is heard by an Appeals Officer, the customer is afforded a second medical assessment by a different Medical Assessor to the one who gave the original unfavourable opinion. Should the Deputy have any specific case(s) which causes him concern, these can be reviewed by the Chief Medical Adviser.

Question No. 33 answered with Question No. 20.
Question No. 34 answered with Question No. 7.

Social Welfare Benefits

Sandra McLellan

Question:

35 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection her view on whether the current scheme of free travel for older persons and those with disabilities both on and off peak times is vital for the social inclusion of these groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36250/11]

I do appreciate the important role that free travel plays in promoting social inclusion and preventing the isolation of elderly people, carers and the disabled. There are currently 721,000 people in receipt of free travel, not including spouses or companions. It will cost €77 million this year. The ‘National Recovery Plan 2011-2014' provided that funding for the free travel scheme was to remain at 2010 levels of expenditure for the duration of the plan.

The current free travel scheme operated by my Department provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 90 private transport operators. All of the schemes operated by the Department of Social Protection, including free travel, are being examined in the context of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure and the upcoming budget. The outcome of this review will inform the Department's decisions in relation to expenditure on schemes in 2012 and into the future.

Question No. 36 answered with Question No. 20.
Question No. 37 answered with Question No. 7.

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

38 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated increase in the total number of recipients of social welfare payments next year. [36256/11]

The number of recipients of social welfare payments is dependent on a number of variables including the range of income support schemes available and the eligibility requirements for such schemes. The estimated number of recipients on social welfare for payments next year is currently being finalised in the context of the forthcoming Budget. I will make the year on year increase/decrease available to the Deputy on Budget day.

Civil Registration

Denis Naughten

Question:

39 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to amend the Civil Registration Act 2004; if she intends to close off the sham marriage loophole in the interim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36202/11]

Marriages of convenience, or "sham marriages" are defined as marriages which are entered into for the purpose of one of the parties gaining an automatic right of residency based on marriage to a person who already has a right of residency. These marriages exploit Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council which deals with the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States. This directive came into force on April 20th 2006.

The matter was further compounded by the ruling of the European Court of Justice in the Metock case on 25th July 2008, which held that these rights applied to non-EU national spouses of EU nationals. I am aware that procedures to prevent marriages of convenience are in place in other EU member states, and I would hope that equivalent measures might be introduced here. This matter is being researched with a view to identifying what measures may be taken, including the possibility of legislating for any such measures. I would hope to be in a position to introduce legislation on this, and other aspects of civil registration, in 2012.

In the meantime, revised guidelines for registrars for marriage notifications containing requirements concerning notification procedures, including the verification of identity and marital status, have been issued by the Registrar General to all registrars. The Registrar General has been advised that these measures are the most that can be taken to prevent marriages of convenience in the absence of legislation.

Social Welfare Benefits

Seán Crowe

Question:

40 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection the numbers of students who are currently in receipt of the back to education allowance in view of the fact that most of the recipients of the BTEA are attempting to learn new skills in an effort to return to work, that most of those who are paid the BTEA do not qualify for any additional grants and that any decrease in this allowance will force many to leave their course. [34856/11]

The back to education allowance (BTEA) scheme is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to remove the barriers to participation in second and third level education by enabling eligible people on social welfare to continue to receive a payment while pursuing an approved full-time education course that leads to a higher qualification than that already held. The allowance is paid at a standard weekly rate equivalent to the maximum rate of the relevant social welfare payment that qualifies the applicant for participation in the scheme. It essentially replaces their existing social welfare income and in addition an annual €500 cost of education allowance is payable.

Significant resources have been devoted to BTEA. €519million has been allocated over the lifetime of the National Development Plan 2007-13. The budget for BTEA in 2011 is €198.8 million which represents over 10% of an increase on 2010 expenditure which was €179.85million. The number of participants engaged with BTEA has grown steadily in recent years. Annual statistics are collated by the Department for the number of participants awarded the back to education allowance on the basis of the relevant academic year. As of 11th November 2011, there were 25,226 participants approved for the BTEA scheme. In the 2010/2011 academic year there were 25,032 participants which represented an increase of 20.3% on the previous year (20,808).

Social Welfare Code

Seamus Healy

Question:

41 Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Social Protection if, in view of the findings of research on fuel poverty and older people by the Dublin Institute of Technology and the Institute of Public Health funded by Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland and due to be published in the coming weeks, showing that during the winter of 2006/7 there were 1,281 excess winter deaths and that of these, the vast majority were older persons, 1,216 were aged over 65 years, she will accede to the petition sponsored by an organisation (details supplied) which states that hundreds of older people die each winter here because they cannot afford to keep themselves warm and that could be saved if she reversed her decision to cut their electricity and gas units; if she will reverse the cuts to the free gas and electricity units available under the household benefits package in view of the increased hardship it will cause for older persons on low incomes. [36205/11]

The research referred to has not been published to date. However, my Department will spend over €530 million in 2011 on the fuel scheme and the telephone, gas and electricity elements of the household benefits package which will benefit some 390,000 people on household benefits and 375,000 on the fuel allowance. In 2005 there were 325,000 people on household benefits and 265,000 on the fuel allowance at a cost of €280 million. The costs have almost doubled in six years while the number of customers has risen by more than 20%.

My Department is covering the cost of the price increases in electricity which came into effect from 1st October. The electricity allowance, which was €35.80 per month, has increased to €39.40. The price increases will cost the Department over €4 million in 2011 and €17.3 million in a full year. Difficult decisions had to be made in light of the existing economic situation and commitments made by the previous government. A number of measures for savings in 2011 and future years were specified as part of Budget 2011 but were not announced by the Government at the time. These included a saving of €30 million in the energy and telephone elements of the household benefits package in 2011 and subsequent years. They also included the abolition of the smokeless fuel allowance with a saving of €7.7 million in 2011 and €17.5 million in subsequent years. The number of free units provided under the electricity and gas allowance were reduced from 2,400 to 1,800 with a view to generating savings of €17 million in 2011 and €65 million annually.

Excess winter deaths are generally defined as the difference between the number of deaths during the four winter months (December to March) and the average number of deaths during the preceding autumn (August to November) and the following summer (April to July).

Ireland, in common with other European countries, experiences higher levels of mortality in the winter than in the summer. Studies have found that mortality increases as mean daily temperatures fall (below 18 degrees). However, it is the countries with (relatively) the mildest winters in Europe which report the greatest excess deaths. This has been termed the ‘paradox of excess winter mortality'. There is no simple clear cut explanation for excess winter mortality. The factors include the increased prevalence of influenza and cold viruses during the winter months; older age — especially for people aged 75 years and over or those who are frail; poverty/fuel poverty; poor housing stock; living alone.

The most cost-effective means of protecting households from energy poverty is to reduce consumption of energy through improving the home's thermal efficiency. Sustainable Energy Ireland has administered the Warmer Homes programme for privately owned low-income households since 2001, benefiting 65,000 households, with a further 15,000 to receive upgrades this year. A similar programme is in place for local authority houses.

We should also bear in mind that data show that households comprising predominantly older people have lower consistent poverty rates than other age categories. In 2009 single adults aged over 65 with no children had a consistent poverty rate of 0.6% while people in households with 2 adults at least one of whom was aged 65 or over with no children had a consistent poverty rate of 1.0%. In the general population, 5.5% of people were in consistent poverty. The Survey on Income and Living Conditions (2009) also showed that the elderly were less likely than other groups to have gone without heating in the previous year.

Questions Nos. 42 and 43 answered with Question No. 20.

Live Register

Willie O'Dea

Question:

44 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons unemployed for more that one year according to the latest live register figures; the number of persons over 25 years unemployed for more that one year; the change since last year in each of these figures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36211/11]

The tabular statement includes a breakdown of people on the Live Register for more than one year in October 2011 by age and scheme, with the same information for October 2010, and the change between 2010 and 2011. During that period, the number of people under 25 years of age who were unemployed for one year or more remained steady. However, there was an increase of over 32,000 in the number of people aged 25 years or more who were unemployed for one year.

Persons on Live Register for more than one year at end of October 2011

Live Register

Under 25

25 years or older

Total

Jobseeker’s Allowance

27,423

132,304

159,727

Jobseeker’s Benefit

78

1,818

1,896

Credits Only

111

18,039

18,150

Total

27,612

152,161

179,773

Persons on Live Register for more than one year at end of October 2010

Live Register

Under 25

25 years or older

Total

Jobseeker’s Allowance

27,388

104,590

131,978

Jobseeker’s Benefit

114

2,934

3,048

Credits Only

85

12,497

12,582

Total

27,587

120,021

147,608

Change 2011 over 2010

Under 25

25 years or older

Total

Jobseeker’s Allowance

35

27,714

27,749

Jobseeker’s Benefit

-36

-1,116

-1,152

Credits Only

26

5,542

5,568

Total

25

32,140

32,165

Social Welfare Code

Pearse Doherty

Question:

45 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps taken to ensure that there is a social welfare net available for self-employed people who suffer a loss of their business. [35957/11]

Self-employed workers are liable for PRSI at the Class S rate of 4% which entitles them to access long-term benefits such as State pension (contributory) and widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's pension (contributory). Any proposal to extend short term benefits such as jobseeker's benefit to the self-employed would have significant financial implications and would have to be considered in the context of a much more significant rise in the rate of contribution payable.

Ordinary employees who have access to the full range of social welfare benefits, including jobseeker's benefit, pay Class A PRSI at the rate of 4%. In addition their employers also make a PRSI contribution of 10.75% in respect of their employees, resulting in the payment of a combined 14.75% rate per employee under full-rate PRSI Class A. (For employees earning less than €356, the rate of employers PRSI is 4.25%).

In this context it may be noted that self-employed workers generally achieve better value for money by paying social insurance compared to employees. In terms of benefits the 2005 Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund found that the self-employed contributor can expect to receive over 10 times what he contributes to the social insurance fund compared to the employee who only gets 3 times what he and his employer contribute — despite the fact that the range of benefits available to employees is greater. PRSI coverage is related to the risks associated with employment or self-employment, the annualised system of contributions for self-employed people and the practicalities of administering and controlling access to short-term payment for self-employed people. A system of separate arrangements for employed and self-employed workers within a social insurance context is common in other European social protection systems.

Self-employed workers may establish eligibility to assistance-based payments such as jobseeker's allowance. They can apply for the means-tested jobseeker's allowance if their business ceases or if they are on low income as a result of a downturn in demand for their services. In general their means will take account of the level of earnings in the last twelve months in determining their expected income for the following year. In the current climate account is taken of the downward trend in the economy.

Willie O'Dea

Question:

46 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has prepared an impact analysis of the effect on jobs if businesses are forced to pay in full for sick leave for employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36049/11]

The question of introducing a scheme of statutory sick pay is one of a range of options being examined with a view to reforming the social welfare system to bring it into line with practices in other countries, addressing the deficit in the social insurance fund and meeting the commitments which this country has entered into with the EU/IMF/ECB to achieve substantial reductions in current spending. A preliminary analysis based on estimates of absenteeism indicates that if a sick pay scheme with a duration of four weeks were to be introduced, it would add between €1 and €2 per employee per week to the costs of employment.

Departmental Properties

John O'Mahony

Question:

47 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of premises and sites rented or leased by his Department; the location of same; if they are currently in use; the cost for 2009 and 2010 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36380/11]

My Department pays the rent on one office space which it occupies in Dublin, the ground floor of Findlater House, 27 -31 Upper O'Connell Street, Dublin 1. This property is leased by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of my Department. Consequently, all matters in relation to the lease are negotiated by the OPW. The rental costs were €419,175 in 2009 and €417,450 in 2010. The space serves as a public office and volunteer centre for Irish Aid. All other rent commitments relating to properties in the State occupied by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are discharged by the Office of Public Works.

In addition, 110 rented properties are currently occupied by my Department outside the State for use primarily as offices and official residences. The total paid by my Department in respect of rental of these properties was €15.3 million in 2009 and €16.4 million in 2010.

Diplomatic Representation

Brendan Smith

Question:

48 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will clarify the situation in relation to recent closures of embassies; if he will list the number of countries with an ambassador assigned in which there is no resident ambassador, the countries serviced by a diplomat below ambassador level, the location of each ambassador, and other countries serviced by a diplomatic consulate or honorary consulate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36421/11]

At its meeting on 3 November 2011, the Government concluded, with great reluctance and regret, that it was necessary to close Ireland's Embassies in the Holy See and Iran and its Representative Office in Timor Leste due to the acute budgetary pressures arising from our targets under the EU/IMF programme. Ireland will maintain diplomatic relations and continue its active engagement with each of these States through the appointment of non-resident Ambassadors. Arrangements are being made to accredit a senior Dublin-based diplomat to the Holy See and to accredit an Ambassador in the region to Iran. Our Ambassador in Singapore will continue to serve as non-resident Ambassador to Timor Leste.

The Government has also made arrangements to fill the existing ambassadorial vacancies in Brussels, Canberra and Stockholm and others that will arise over the next few months. The new Ambassadors will take up duty as soon as possible.

When the recent decisions regarding mission closures are taken into account, Ireland will have 56 Embassies, 7 multilateral missions, and 10 Consulates General and other offices overseas. In addition to their country of primary accreditation, many Ambassadors are also accredited to additional countries on a non-resident basis.

The details of the locations of our missions abroad and the countries of secondary accreditation are provided in tabular format. Also provided below are the locations of our Honorary Consuls.

Country of Primary Accreditation (Location of Mission)

Country(ies) of Secondary Accreditation

Argentina (Buenos Aires)

Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay

Australia (Canberra)

Fiji, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea (pending)

Australia (Sydney Consulate General)

Austria (Vienna)

Belgium (Brussels)

Brazil (Brasilia)

Bulgaria (Sofia)

Georgia, Armenia

Canada (Ottawa)

Jamaica, Bahamas

China (Beijing)

Mongolia

China (Shanghai Consulate General)

Cyprus (Nicosia)

Czech Republic (Prague)

Ukraine

Denmark (Copenhagen)

Iceland

East Timor (Dili Irish Aid Office)

Egypt (Cairo)

Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Sudan

Estonia (Tallinn)

Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)

South Sudan (pending)

Finland (Helsinki)

France (Paris)

Monaco

Germany (Berlin)

Greece (Athens)

Albania, Republic of Serbia

Holy See (Holy See)

Government decision on closure of Embassy announced on 3 November. Ambassador to be based in Dublin

Hungary (Budapest)

Republic of Montenegro, Republic of Kosovo

India (New Delhi)

Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka

Iran (Tehran)

Pakistan, Afghanistan — Government decision on closure of Embassy announced on 3 November. Secondary accreditations for Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan to be re-assigned

Israel (Tel Aviv)

Italy (Rome)

Libya, San Marino

Japan (Tokyo)

Korea (Seoul)

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)

Latvia (Riga)

Lesotho (Maseru)

Lithuania (Vilnius)

Belarus

Luxembourg (Luxembourg)

Malawi (Lilongwe)

Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)

Thailand

Malta (Valetta)

Mexico (Mexico City)

Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Peru, Venezuela

Mozambique (Maputo)

Angola, Botswana

Netherlands (The Hague)

Nigeria (Abuja)

Ghana, Liberia, Senegal (pending), Sierra Leone, Chad

Norway (Oslo)

Palestinian National Authority (Ramallah) Representative Office to the Palestinian Authority.

Poland (Warsaw)

Portugal (Lisbon)

Morocco

Romania (Bucharest)

Moldova

Russia (Moscow)

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan

Saudi Arabia (Riyadh)

Oman, Yemen, Bahrain

Singapore (Singapore)

Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Timor Leste — Government decision on closure of Mission in Dili announced on 3 November. Ambassador in Singapore will continue to be accredited to Timor Leste.

Slovakia (Bratislava)

Republic of Macedonia

Slovenia (Ljubljana)

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia

South Africa (Pretoria)

Democratic Republic of Congo (pending), Zimbabwe

Spain (Madrid)

Andorra, Tunisia

Sweden (Stockholm)

Switzerland (Berne)

Algeria, Liechtenstein

Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)

Burundi, Eritrea, Kenya

Turkey (Ankara)

Azerbaijan

United Arab Emirates

Kuwait, Qatar

Uganda (Kampala)

Rwanda

UK (London)

UK (Edinburgh — Consulate General)

United States of America (Washington)

USA (Atlanta Consulate General)

USA (Boston Consulate General)

USA (Chicago Consulate General)

USA (New York Consulate General)

USA (San Francisco Consulate General)

Vietnam (Hanoi)

Cambodia, Laos

Zambia (Lusaka)

Namibia

Honorary Consuls

Countries where Honorary Consuls are present

Location

Armenia

Yerevan

Bahrain

Manama

Belgium

Antwerp

Bermuda

Hamilton

Bolivia

La Paz

Botswana

Gaborone

Brazil

Sao Paulo

Canada

Calgary, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, Newfoundland and Winnipeg

Channel Islands

Jersey

Chile

Santiago

China

Hong Kong

Colombia

Bogota

Croatia

Zagreb

Ecuador

Quito

Egypt

Alexandria

El Salvador

San Salvador

Finland

Helsinki

France

Antibes, Cherbourg, Lyon

Germany

Cologne, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart

Georgia

Tbilisi

Ghana

Accra

Greece

Corfu, Rhodes, Thessaloniki

Guatemala

Guatemala

Guyana

Georgetown

Iceland

Gardabaer

India

Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata

Indonesia

Jakarta

Italy

Milan

Jordan

Amman

Kenya

Nairobi

Korea

Seoul

Lebanon

Beirut

Malawi

Blantyre

Mexico

Cancun

Monaco

Monaco

Morocco

Agadir, Casablanca

Netherlands

Rotterdam

New Zealand

Auckland

Oman

Oman

Pakistan

Karachi

Panama

Panama

Peru

Lima

Philippines

Manila

Poland

Poznan

Russian Federation

St. Petersburg

Serbia

Belgrade

Sierra Leone

Freetown

Country where Honorary Consuls are present

Location

Spain

Alicante, Barcelona, Bilbao, El Ferrol/La Coruna, Gran Canaria/Las Palmas, Lanzarote, Malaga, Mallorca, Seville, Tenerife

Sri Lanka

Colombo

Sudan

Khartoum

Switzerland

Zurich

Syria

Damascus

Thailand

Bangkok, Phuket

Trinidad and Tobago

Port of Spain

Tunisia

Tunis

Turkey

Istanbul

Ukraine

Kiev

USA

Houston, Los Angeles, Naples, St Louis, Denver, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Seattle

Zimbabwe

Harare

Insurance Industry

Brendan Griffin

Question:

49 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if a company (details supplied) in County Kerry can be assisted in obtaining insurance cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36530/11]

The Irish Insurance Federation has informed my Department that the Declined Cases Agreement (DCA) which was drawn up in 1981 is adhered to by all motor insurers in Ireland. Under the agreement, the insurance market will not refuse to provide insurance to an individual seeking motor insurance, if he/she has approached at least three motor insurers and has not been able to obtain cover. In general, the motor insurer first approached will be required to provide the individual with a quote. If it is impossible to identify which insurer was the first approached for a quote, then a rota of insurers comes into effect. The only grounds on which a motor insurer can refuse cover is in circumstances where the provision of motor insurance would be contrary to the public interest. The agreement is administered by a committee made up of representatives of each of the companies who have signed the agreement. The Committee can decide whether a quote is so high, or the terms so excessive, as to make the quote tantamount to a refusal, in which case it will review the matter.

Tax Code

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

50 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Finance if there are proposals within his Department to apply VAT in particular cases (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36418/11]

Any changes to the VAT code will be determined in the context of the upcoming Budget. You will appreciate that it is not normal practice to comment on Budget matters in advance.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

51 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Finance his plans to abolish or reduce vehicle registration tax applying to vehicles coming here from other EU countries; when legislation allowing for free movement of vehicles throughout Europe will be enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36449/11]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Section 134 (1)(a) of the Finance Act 1992 provides that a vehicle may be registered without the payment of vehicle registration tax (VRT), if the vehicle is "the personal property of a private individual and is being brought permanently into the State by the individual when he is transferring his normal residence from a place outside the State to a place in the State." However, specific conditions are attached to the use of such a vehicle for a defined period after it is brought into the State. These conditions are detailed in Statutory Instrument No. 59 of 1993 (Vehicle Registration Tax (Permanent Reliefs) Regulations, 1993). Regulation 4(6) of these Regulations requires that the vehicle be used solely by the registered owner for a period of 12 months from the date of registration in the State. It provides that:

"A vehicle in respect of which the relief aforesaid has been granted shall not be sold or otherwise disposed of, hired out, lent or given as security in the State during the period of 12 months following its registration by the Commissioners..."

In addition, Section 134 of the Finance Act 1992 provides for permanent exemption from payment of VRT in a number of other, specific, cases.

Section 135 allows the temporary exemption from the payment of VRT where the vehicle is brought into the State by an individual established outside the State for such individual's private or business use. In this regard Irish legislation (SI 60 of 1993) allows the vehicle to remain in the State "for a period not exceeding 12 months" which is more generous than that allowed by EU directives, i.e. period not exceeding 185 days in any 12 month period.

It should be noted that Ireland is in compliance with EU directives on permanent and temporary exemptions from registration at this time. I have no plans at present to abolish or reduce vehicle registration tax applying to vehicles coming here from other EU countries.

Bank Recapitalisation

Peter Mathews

Question:

52 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Finance if the Central Bank of Ireland has a liability to the European Central Bank equalling the amount of emergency liquidity assistance provided from the Central Bank to the Irish banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36452/11]

ELA is recorded as an asset on the Central Bank's balance sheet under "Other Assets". All facilities conducted by the Bank are fully collateralised as outlined in detail in the Central Bank's last annual report.

Motor Fuels

Timmy Dooley

Question:

53 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Finance if he can provide an estimate on revenue lost to the Exchequer annually due to the practice of diesel laundering; if he is considering any proposals to counteract such illegal activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36494/11]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of mineral oil tax and for tackling the illicit trade in fuel products, that they are aware of the threat to the Exchequer posed by laundered fuel. The predominant illicit activity in the mineral oil area in both Northern Ireland and the Republic is the laundering of marked diesel and its sale through illegal outlets. In both jurisdictions the respective difference in excise rates between marked (rebated) and normal diesel offers a considerable incentive for oil laundering and this illicit activity poses a serious threat to the Exchequer and the economy on both sides of the border.

The Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible to accurately estimate the loss to the national exchequer from individual activities within the shadow economy such as fuel laundering. Revenue employs a broad range of compliance and enforcement strategies to detect and counteract illegal practices involving mineral oils. These include ongoing analysis of the nature and extent of the problem; development and sharing of intelligence with agencies on both sides of the border; the conduct of intelligence driven operations using covert surveillance to identify oil laundry locations; seizure of illicit product, laundering equipment and vehicles; physical sampling at road checkpoints; closure of unlicensed or improperly licensed outlets and seizure of stock and prosecution of those involved in illegal activities in relation to mineral oils.

So far this year, nine oil laundries have been detected, together with 327,000 litres of laundered fuel, and nine oil tankers and twenty-nine other vehicles have been seized. Sixteen persons were arrested in the course of these operations and files have been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who has to date issued directions to prosecute on indictment in respect of two of these cases. The Deputy will appreciate that there is some time-span between the detection of an offence and the appearance of a defendant before the courts. So far in 2011, in addition to the 327,000 litres of fuel seized in the course of raids on oil laundries, a further 516,270 litres of illicit mineral oil has been seized, the large majority from retail outlets or in the course of delivery to such outlets. Revenue has obtained two convictions in the courts this year against the proprietors of filling stations that were found to be selling laundered mineral oil as auto diesel.

Revenue is currently engaged in a vigorous campaign targeting specific locations nationwide, with the intention of immediate closure of unlicensed outlets and the challenging of other instances of non-compliance. As part of this drive, warning letters have been issued to unlicensed retail outlets and a number of these have been effectively closed down by the actions of Revenue enforcement teams. This campaign is ongoing and Revenue is in the process of seizing illicit product and closing down a further number of unlicensed or otherwise illegal retail outlets. This month alone, in a recent targeted enforcement operation by Revenue officers, ten filling stations, one fuel depot and two private dwellings in counties Dublin, Galway and Louth were raided. A total of 158,000 litres of fuel were seized from three of these premises, including two tankers of fuel, and approximately €39,000 was detained under the Proceeds of Crime legislation.

Revenue is currently reviewing its enforcement options in the context of reductions in the sulphur content of some fuels that have been introduced under recent EU environment legislation. The matters being addressed include the potential development of an enhanced fuel marker. In this regard, close liaison has been established with HM Revenue & Customs. Revenue is also considering strengthening the Regulations governing the keeping for sale of fuel products and a renewed focus on links in the laundered fuel supply chain.

The Irish Petrol Retailers Association, which represents the majority of legitimate retail outlets in the State, is working closely with the Revenue Commissioners to counteract the threat posed by the sale and distribution of illicit mineral oil.

Revenue is an integrated tax and customs administration and staff are not allocated by function. The Deputy will be aware that Revenue's overall staff numbers have been reduced over the past two years in the context of Government policy on civil service numbers and now stand at approximately 5,940. However, the Revenue Commissioners assure me that that their staff resources deployed in anti-evasion enforcement have been maintained and are indeed augmented when specific operations are organised.

Company Closures

Billy Timmins

Question:

54 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the number of businesses that have been put into receivership by the banks, the Revenue Commissioners and the courts, the number of voluntary receiverships and those of any other means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36501/11]

As the Deputy will be aware the Minister has no direct function in relation to the record of businesses that have been put into receivership. However, the Deputy may wish to note that the information requested is published by the Companies Registration Office (CRO) in their Annual Reports and is available on the CRO website: http://www.cro.ie/en/downloads-corporate.aspx.

Tax Reliefs

Billy Timmins

Question:

55 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the legal implications, if any, with respect to companies or individuals who made an investment in property based on the reasonable expectation that tax incentives in place at the time of the decision would remain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36502/11]

It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to proposals relating to the "legacy" property tax relief schemes. The many complex issues and characteristics of the different types of property-related tax schemes were the subject of discussions between the Department of Finance, supported by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, and the Office of the Attorney General (AG) prior to Budget 2011. The measures provided for in Finance Act 2011 were in line with the advice received from the Attorney General.

Tax Yield

Peter Mathews

Question:

56 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding incomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36503/11]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of tax units on income tax records in 2009, the latest year for which the necessary detailed data is available, whose annual gross income exceeded €1 million was 620. It should be noted that a married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit. It should be noted that Gross Income is as defined in Revenue Statistical Report, 2009.

Peter Mathews

Question:

57 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding tax policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36504/11]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated full year yield to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2012 incomes, of the application of a 5% levy to the gross income of income earners earning in excess of €120,000 per annum would be of the order €520 million. It should be noted that gross income is as defined in Revenue Statistical Report, 2009. These figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2009 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends for the year 2012. They are, therefore, provisional and likely to be revised.

Financial Services Regulation

Alan Farrell

Question:

58 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Finance the criteria for the regulation of moneylenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36507/11]

Moneylenders have to apply to the Central Bank annually to have their licenses renewed. The appropriate moneylending application form (new or renewal) must be completed and returned to the Central Bank with a number of items, for review and consideration. Section 93 of the Consumer Credit Act, 1995 (as amended), (the Act) sets out the Central Bank's powers in relation to the grant or refusal of a moneylender's license.

In addition to the licensing system, the Central Bank has in place a Consumer Protection Code for Licensed Moneylenders . This Code applies to moneylenders licensed under the Act. A copy of the Code is available on the Central Bank’s website: www.centralbank.ie. Compliance with the Code is monitored on an ongoing basis through themed inspections, mystery shopping, consumer intelligence and complaints from the Financial Services Ombudsman. Failure to adhere to the provisions of the Code may lead to proceedings under the Central Bank’s Administrative Sanctions Procedures. These procedures enable the Central Bank to sanction and to fine entities, regulated by the Bank, for breaches of regulatory requirements.

The Code sets out "General Principles" with which a moneylender must comply, such that it must act honestly and professionally, with due skill, care and diligence in the best interests of its consumers. The Code also places requirements on moneylenders in relation to: (1) Unsolicited contact (cold-calling) and unsolicited credit facilities, (2) Handling complaints, (3) Arrears and guarantees, and (4) Debt collection.

Alan Farrell

Question:

59 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Finance the mechanism for the setting of interest rates for regulated moneylenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36508/11]

Moneylending firms in Ireland are licensed by the Central Bank under the Consumer Credit Act, 1995. Interest rates and financial products, including those of moneylenders, are not regulated by the Central Bank and each institution can determine the rate it charges its customers, depending on a number of factors, including risk. Interest rate caps for moneylenders are not provided for in the Act and it should be noted that there are no interest rate caps in relation to the industry categories which the Central Bank supervises (apart from the interest rate cap imposed on the credit union sector).

However, the Central Bank have advised me that they are endeavouring to increase disclosure and understanding of the costs associated with loans from moneylenders. The Central Bank has in place a Consumer Protection Code for Licensed Moneylenders. Under Common Rule 3b of the Code, prior to entering into an agreement with a consumer, a moneylender must indicate prominently the high-cost nature of the loan on all loan documentation where the APR is 23% or higher. The disclosure must take the following form "Warning: this is a high-cost loan". The Code also places some requirements on moneylenders in relation to advertising. A copy of the Code is available on the Central Bank's website www.centralbank.ie.

Furthermore, the annual percentage rate allowable under moneylending licences is publically stated on the public register for moneylenders. This register is available on the Central Bank's website. While it is noted that moneylender loans can be more expensive than other forms of credit, many of these loans are unique in nature. For example, they may be small value loans, over a short term and repayments may be collected at the consumer's home.

Budget Statement

Terence Flanagan

Question:

60 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the source of the document that led to a budget plan 2012 leak to the German Parliament; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36529/11]

I wish to make clear that I and my colleagues in Government are deeply concerned that this draft confidential information has become public before Government had finally made all of the necessary budgetary decisions. Furthermore, we are concerned at the manner in which this information was put into the public domain. As the Deputy will be well aware, we are in a programme of financial support with the EU and the IMF. As part of this programme, we are obliged to share information with the EU Commission, the ECB and the IMF — the External Partners. Such information is shared on a confidential basis with the understanding that its circulation is restricted. As such, certain draft technical information which is clearly signalled as being still subject to Government decisions is transmitted to the External Partners. This information flow is part of the necessary transmission of information which is required to facilitate discussions amongst senior officials at Eurogroup Working Group level.

Following each review mission by the external partners, the Irish authorities agree updated programme documents, specifically the Letters of Intent, the Memorandum of Understanding on Specific Economic Policy Conditionality, the Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies and the Technical Memorandum of Understanding. These are discussed between the partners and authorities in draft format before being signed and published.

Each review considers both the performance against targets to date and progress in relation to future commitments. A key concern at all stages of the process is the sustainability of the fiscal position. In that context, the external partners requested information about Ireland's next steps, specifically measures to be introduced in the Budget. While the Government agreed to provide broad outlines in October, it was also explained that the final shape of the budget would not be known until budget day.

While the overall scale of adjustment required each year out to 2015 was published in the Government's Medium Term Fiscal Strategy, the External Partners sought further specific information to facilitate approval of the review and thus the next draw-down of funds under the programme. It was in this context that the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform provided some additional data on budgetary options on the understanding that this was for internal troika use as well as for background briefing by the Commission to the EuroGroup Working Group and the Economic and Financial Committee only. This information was marked both draft and confidential and was contained within square brackets in the text — which is the normal way of showing that the relevant text remains to be finalised and subject to further decision making. On many occasions during the troika review mission and since then, we highlighted that such material was indicative and had to be agreed by Government before the documents could be finalised.

As I understand it, and notwithstanding the strict confidentiality applied to the material supplied to the troika, this information was sent by Commission staff to the German Finance Ministry. It was then forwarded by them to their Parliament. Neither Government nor the Irish officials were informed that this transmission of confidential budgetary documentation would take place. Further, that this occurred before the information was agreed by Government and then provided to the Oireachtas serves only to heighten our concerns. Since becoming aware of the leak and the internal Commission process that they have in place we have raised our serious concerns with the Commission and also with the German authorities.

In conclusion, I will repeat that the Government did not approve the transmission of this information to the German Parliament, and that I and my Government colleagues are very concerned at this development. We must nevertheless recognise that we remain in a programme and continue to rely on the support of the External Partners. In expressing our concern, we need also to continue working with our partners. Last night, I laid the relevant draft documents before the Houses of the Oireachtas, in order to make the information available to all.

Sale of Alcohol

Timmy Dooley

Question:

61 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Finance his plans to recommend the introduction of a minimum price order for the sale of alcohol in view of the below-cost selling practice by some multinational supermarkets and the consequent impact of this practice on social order and public health. [36533/11]

I wish to inform the Deputy that the introduction of a minimum price order for the sale of alcohol in view of the below-cost selling practice by some multinational supermarkets and the consequent impact of this practice on social order and public health is not a matter for the Department of Finance.

Tax Code

Timmy Dooley

Question:

62 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Finance if he has consulted with the hospitality sector on their concerns regarding VAT increases on alcohol and the impact that any such increases would have on the viability of the sector and the consequent impact on employment levels. [36536/11]

I and my officials have met with interest groups across the board in relation to the forthcoming Budget. I have since announced that I will be proposing an increase in the standard rate of VAT of 2 percentage points from 21% to 23%. This change is being introduced as part of a general package of revenue-raising measures to contribute to Exchequer funding and is in line with commitments made in the programme for Government and in the EU/IMF Programme.

As regards the hospitality sector, the proposed VAT increase will have no impact on tourism related services, which were the subject of a generous reduction in VAT to 9% earlier this year. While the VAT on all standard rated goods and services, including alcohol, is due to increase, restaurant services and hotel and holiday accommodation will continue to apply at the 9% rate.

Pension Provisions

Brendan Griffin

Question:

63 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding private pensions; his further views that it is justifiable to be targeting any one individual for such an amount; if he can provide any reassurance to the person regarding their personal circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36540/11]

A stamp duty levy of 0.6% applies to the market value, on the valuation date, of assets under management in pension funds and pension plans approved under Irish tax legislation. The levy is a charge for a temporary period on the significant assets of pension funds, much of which are represented by investments outside of Ireland. The Finance (No. 2) Act 2011 legislation which gives effect to the pension fund levy provisions makes clear that it is to apply for a four year period only.

The various measures in the Initiative represent the first steps by this Government towards improving the competitiveness of important sectors of the economy and facilitating the return to work of people currently unemployed. The levy is a reasonable and targeted tax measure being introduced to fund the various measures set out in the Jobs Initiative. The country is facing an economic and unemployment crisis and the Jobs Initiative will help tackle that crisis and applying a temporary levy to pension funds is less damaging economically than raising other taxes.

Individuals may be affected in different ways by the pension fund levy. I am not in a position to comment on what the precise impact of the levy will be in all cases on individuals or individual funds, schemes, members or retired members as this depends, for example, on whether and to what extent pension fund trustees and Life Offices decide to pass on the levy to individual members, given the particular circumstances of the pension funds or pension plans that they are responsible for.

I can say that the Finance (No. 2) Act 2011 provisions include certain safeguards in this area. The payment of the levy is treated as a necessary expense of a scheme and the trustees or insurer, as appropriate, will be entitled where needed to adjust current or prospective benefits payable under a scheme to take account of the levy. However, should the option of reducing scheme benefits be taken, it must essentially be applied in an equitable fashion across the different classes of scheme members that could include active, deferred and retired members. In no case may the reduction in an individual member's or class of member's benefits exceed the member's or class of member's share of the levy.

The Revenue Commissioners are given authority to review any case where assets are disposed of by administrators or trustees in order to pay the levy so as to ensure that any such disposals are in keeping with or needed to pay the levy.

The Revenue Commissioners are also afforded oversight authority to review, where they consider it appropriate, instances where benefits are adjusted as a result of the payment of the levy to ensure that any such adjustment is in keeping with the requirements of the levy legislation. In undertaking any such review Revenue may consult with appropriate experts as they see fit. However, before Revenue could act in that regard, instances of concern on foot of actual adjustments made would first have to be brought to their attention.

As regards speculation that the Government would now proceed to "raid" investment funds or deposit accounts, I want to assure you that the Government has no plans whatsoever in this regard. The Government regards it as its top priority to safeguard the security of savings and would not wish to consider any step that would impact negatively upon confidence in this area. Other savings or investment products have not benefited from the generous tax reliefs that pension savings have historically been granted and continue to receive. Deposit accounts and savings products have already been subjected to additional taxation in recent budgets, via the increase in the rate of DIRT and exit taxes, neither of which impacted on pension funds.

Interest Rates

Brendan Griffin

Question:

64 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the calculation of interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36541/11]

As the Deputy may be aware, this issue was the subject of a topical issues debate in the Dáil put down by Deputy Niall Collins on 15 November last. As the Deputy is aware, in an effort to recoup some of its higher input funding costs, Bank of Ireland is changing the method of calculating its interest rate on its term lending facilities from the current EURIBOR derived reference rates to a reference rate based on "Bank Cost of Funds".

The decisions financial institutions operating in Ireland make on the interest rates they charge to customers are commercial decisions for the institutions concerned. Interest rates are determined by a broad range of factors including ECB base rates, deposit rates, market funding costs, the competitive environment, and an institution's overall funding. As in the case with mortgage interest rates, I have no statutory function in relation to business interest rate decisions made by individual lending institutions at any particular time.

I do appreciate that this increase will be difficult for some business customers to absorb. As I understand it, the Bank has written to its business customers inviting them to contact their respective Relationship Managers who will assist them in managing the impact of this change and look at potential solutions for their businesses.

On the general issue of interest rates, the Financial Regulator and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank stated in his report of 11 November 2011 to the Taoiseach on the issue of passing on mortgage interest rate adjustments following ECB actions, the power to exercise close regulatory control over retail interest rates is not sought by the Central Bank. Similar principles apply in relation to business interest rates. The Deputy Governor has indicated that the Central Bank will, within its existing powers and through suasion, engage with specific lenders which appear to have standard mortgage variable rates set disproportionate to their cost of funds.

He has indicated that experience of such controls in the past and in other countries does not encourage the Central Bank to believe that such a regime would be advantageous in net terms as the banking system recovers its normal functioning. Binding controls tend to reduce availability of credit and channel it to the most creditworthy customers, starving smaller and less secure customers from credit. The Regulator indicates that this could have a chilling effect on the entry of sound competitors into the market. By absolving banks from their responsibility to price risk accurately, binding interest rate controls would, especially during this recovery phase, impede progress towards the re-establishment of bank management practices that can ensure a healthy and free-standing banking system no longer dependent on the Government for bail-outs.

Mortgage Arrears

Robert Troy

Question:

65 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance when he will introduce measures to assist persons struggling with home mortgages. [36549/11]

There a number of measures in place to assist people who are having genuine difficulties in meeting their mortgage repayments. The Central Bank's revised Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears (the Code) applies to mortgage lending activities with borrowers in respect of their principal private residence in the State. Compliance with the Code is mandatory on all mortgage lenders registered with the Central Bank. The Code came into effect on 1 January 2011.

With effect from 30 June 2011, lenders must have in place the required systems and trained staff necessary to support the implementation of the Code. The Code sets out the framework that lenders must use when dealing with borrowers who are in arrears or are in pre-arrears. For the purposes of the Code a "pre-arrears" case arises when the borrower contacts the lender stating that he or she is in danger of getting into financial difficulties and/or is concerned about getting into mortgage arrears. The Code can be accessed at www.centralbank.ie. The Central Bank has produced, with input from the National Consumer Agency, a consumer guide to assist consumers in understanding the new process under the revised Code.

Prior to the Summer recess, the Economic Management Council asked an Inter-Departmental Group to consider further necessary actions to alleviate the increasing problem of mortgage over-indebtedness. As the Deputy is aware, the Group's report has now been published and it is still the subject of a detailed and very worthwhile debate in the Dáil.

However, progress has already been made in response to acting on a number of the recommendations of the Inter Departmental Report and work has commenced across a number of Departments and agencies. These will build on the measures already in place to assist mortgage holders such as the revised Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears and the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process.

The Inter-Departmental report identified reform of personal insolvency law as a critical measure to tackle mortgage distress. The Minister for Justice and Equality has now undertaken extensive work on the development of a Bill to bring forward the necessary legislative provisions in order to modernise the law in this regard. This is being advanced as a priority matter.

In line with the report's recommendations, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government has commenced work on the implementation of an initiative to progress the mortgage-to-rent concept. The initiative will operate on a pilot basis initially and work is now well advanced with a lender and an approved housing body to progress the initiative as soon as possible.

My own Department is undertaking a process of direct engagement with banks on the development of voluntary approaches by mortgage lenders. In addition, the Central Bank has also asked mortgage lenders to produce detailed mortgage arrears resolution strategies and implementation plans as a matter of urgency for submission by the end of November.

This Dáil is, of course, continuing its debate on the Inter-Departmental Report and Government has stated that it will consider and take into account the many contributions made, both inside and outside the House, to this debate in its ongoing efforts to address the problem of mortgage difficulty. Once the Dáil debate has concluded, and following assessment of the points raised, I will bring proposals to Government on next steps including an implementation mechanism. This will enable the recommendations of the Inter-Departmental report to be progressed in a co-ordinated fashion in order to provide effective and meaningful solutions for those borrowers that are facing difficulties in meeting their mortgage commitments.

Arising out of the report of the Expert Group on Mortgage Arrears published late last year, lenders representing the majority of the market have already implemented or indicated their willingness to implement a Deferred Interest Scheme (DIS) or a variation of it as recommended by the Expert Group on Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt in late 2010. A DIS is intended to allow borrowers, subject to certain criteria being satisfied, to pay at least 66% of their mortgage interest but less than 100%. Payment of the balance may be deferred for up to 5 years.

Financial assistance is available to eligible claimants under the Department of Social Protection's Mortgage Interest Supplement Scheme. People in debt or in danger of getting into debt can avail of the services of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service. This is a national, free, confidential, and independent service.

Budget Statement

Patrick Deering

Question:

66 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Finance if he will change the time of the budget as the current timing is just three weeks before Christmas and it stops the flow of revenue during the Christmas period as persons are concerned by the effect of the budget on their disposable income. [36629/11]

November is the most important month of the year in terms of tax revenue collection, with significant amounts of revenue due from income tax, corporation tax and VAT. The tax revenue profile published in the early days of February this year estimated that almost €5½ billion or close to 16 per cent of the total Budget day tax revenue forecast of €34.9 billion would be collected this month. It is important to a have sense of the outturn for tax revenues and indeed for expenditure in the month of November before finalising the Budget. It is primarily for this reason that the Budget is usually presented to the Dáil in early December. This year the Budget will be presented on Tuesday, 6th December.

Motor Fuels

Patrick Deering

Question:

67 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Finance if he proceeds with the idea of one colour diesel with a rebate to the agricultural and industrial sectors, the length of time it will take for the rebate to be refunded and for users who have on-road and off-road vehicles the way he will differentiate between the two and the way it will be policed. [36630/11]

Revenue continuously keeps under review the effectiveness of legislation and regulations in relation to combating the illicit trade in mineral oil. This includes reviewing powers, penalties, etc, and making recommendations to my Department where legislative amendments are required. The ongoing review of effectiveness includes consideration of alternative approaches, as referred to by the Deputy, to tackling the illicit removal of fuel marker. General consideration has been given, in this context, to a rebate system. However, Revenue advises me that such a system would pose different problems. It would involve the establishment of a very extensive repayment system, giving rise to a very significant administrative burden for oil traders, consumers and for Revenue and would pose significant cash-flow difficulties for those who currently use marked gas oil. Repayment regimes are vulnerable to abuse and liable to be exploited by criminal elements, such as those currently involved in fuel laundering.

Pension Provisions

Patrick Deering

Question:

68 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money paid in severance packages to retired and retiring chief executives of State and semi-State companies in the past four years; and the annual cost of their pensions. [36632/11]

In response to the Deputy's Question, I wish to inform him that the remuneration structure in the NTMA is such that there are no general pay grades and all staff are on individually negotiated contracts. These contracts are confidential to the individual concerned. In the case of the Chief Executive, remuneration is determined by the Minister for Finance after consultation with the NTMA Advisory Committee. I responded to a Parliamentary question on 15 November 2011 (34663/11), in which I indicated that ten former employees are in receipt of pension payments from the NTMA. Eight persons are in receipt of pensions of less than €155,000 per annum while two are in receipt of pensions of greater than €155,000 per annum.

In relation to the former Chief Executive of the NTMA, no severance package was paid when he retired in December 2009. Details of the pension paid are confidential to the individual concerned. In relation to Mr. David Drumm, the former Chief Executive Officer of Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Plc (now Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Limited) I have been informed that no severance package was paid to him upon his resignation on 19 December 2008 and there is no annual cost to the Bank in respect of his deferred pension entitlements.

Higher Education Grants

Michael McCarthy

Question:

69 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for a student grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when a decision will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36506/11]

The processing of student grants is carried out by local grant awarding authorities — VECs and local authorities. In the circumstances, it will be necessary for the student in question to contact her grant awarding authority to ascertain the position regarding her grant application.

FÁS Training Programmes

Martin Heydon

Question:

70 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a proposal (details supplied) for the provision of training for a business in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36636/11]

I am aware of the butchery training proposal in question. FÁS and the National Butchery Academy (NBA) are currently finalising details with regard to a proposed Pilot Butchery Skills Programme to be run by the National Butchery Academy on behalf of FÁS. A number of meat industry companies have endorsed this pilot programme. FÁS understands that the meat company in question supports this important national training initiative for the meat industry.

The National Butchery Academy is an accredited FETAC provider. In that regard, the existing FETAC approved FÁS curriculum and assessments, designed originally for new employees at operative level in the meat processing industry, will be modified to meet the needs of unemployed persons and jobseekers as part of this pilot. An evaluation of this pilot programme is part of the pilot process. The outcomes of this evaluation will inform decisions on future training for the meat industry.

Schools Building Projects

John O'Mahony

Question:

71 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications for new school buildings or extensions in County Mayo in respect of post-primary schools; the names of these schools; the status of their applications in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36368/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that all information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie. Applications have been received from 17 post primary schools in County Mayo for new school buildings or extensions. The applications are at various stages of the architectural planning process. The table outlines the current status of these applications for the Deputy’s information.

The Government's Medium Term Infrastructure and Capital Investment Framework, which was published on 10th November 2011, sets out the demographic challenge facing the education system in the coming years. The priority now is to focus on major school projects and smaller projects devolved to schools to meet the demographic demands. The primary aim will be to ensure that every child will have access to a school place. On that basis, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the projects concerned at this time.

Post Primary School Projects in Co. Mayo

Other Projects in Architectural Planning

Roll No.

School

Project

Band Rating

Status

64660F

Sancta Maria College

Extension

2.4

Advanced Stage of Architectural Planning

91461C

Ballyhaunis Community School

Extension

2.2

Detailed Design

Projects to complete Tender documents & expected to Tender in 2011

Roll No.

School

Project

Band Rating

Status

64570E

Our Lady’s Secondary

Extension

2.2

Detailed Design

Applications for Major Capital Projects

Roll No.

School

Project

Band Rating

Status

64500G

Balla Secondary School

Extension

2.4

Application Stage

64510J

St Muireadachs College

Refurbishment

2.3

Application Stage

64520M

St Mary’s Secondary

New School

2.2

Design Team to be appointed

64590K

Naomh Iosaef Clochar na Trócaire

Refurbishment

2.3

Application Stage

64640W

St Josephs Secondary

Extension

2.4

Application Stage

64690O

Scoil Mhuire & Padraig

Extension

2.1

Application Stage

64691Q

Coláiste Mhuire Tuar Mhic Éadaigh

Extension

2.4

Application Stage

64700O

Rice College

Extension

2.5

Application Stage

64710R

Sacred Heart School

Extension

2.5

Application Stage

72070D

McHale College

PE Hall

4.1

Application Stage

72100J

St Tiernan’s College

Extension

2.2

Application Stage

72160E

Carrowbeg College

Extension

2.4

Application Stage

76060U

Davitt College

New School

2.2

Application Stage

91494R

St Louis Community School

Extension

2.5

Application Stage

Departmental Properties

John O'Mahony

Question:

72 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of premises and sites being rented or leased which are not currently in use and the cost of maintenance and security on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36379/11]

John O'Mahony

Question:

73 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of premises and sites rented or leased by his Department; the location of same; if they are currently in use and the cost for 2009 and 2010 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36383/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 73 together.

It is my Department's understanding that the Deputy is referring to its office accommodation. In this regard, my Department does not rent or lease any office premises or sites. The leasing of Government premises is the responsibility of the Property Management Services in the Office of Public Works, which acts as an agent for all Government Departments. The number, terms and cost of the leases is a matter for the OPW.

Grant Payments

Martin Ferris

Question:

74 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive a minor works grant for the 2011-12 primary grants calendar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36401/11]

I announced on 10th November that capital funding is being made available to provide a primary schools minor works grant of €28 million for the current school year. This grant will be paid to schools in the coming weeks and includes the school that is the subject of this parliamentary question.

State Examinations

Peter Mathews

Question:

75 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for the future of the Irish language as a subject for both the leaving certificate and junior certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36426/11]

This Government is committed to supporting the overall thrust of 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030, and to the delivery of the goals and targets proposed. As part of this, a thorough reform of the Irish curriculum and the way Irish is taught at primary and second level will be undertaken. The priority is to take steps to improve the quality and effectiveness of the teaching of Irish. Only when these steps have been implemented, the question of whether Irish should be optional at Leaving Certificate will be considered.

A revised Leaving Certificate curriculum in Irish began in all schools in September 2010 for first examination in 2012. The revised programme provides for an increase in the proportion of marks available for oral assessment to 40%, and is aimed at promoting a significant shift in emphasis towards Irish as a spoken language, where students can communicate and interact in a spontaneous way, and where Irish is spoken every day in schools. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has been asked to review this syllabus in the light of the experiences of students in the first examination.

Michael McGrath

Question:

76 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he will put in place to minimise the cost to parents arising from the replacement of the junior certificate programme, particularly parents who have several children at different stages of the second level cycle. [36432/11]

Syllabus planners are conscious of the need to avoid over-frequent changes to textbooks, primarily in order to minimise increases in the cost burden for parents. School authorities have been advised that books should be changed only to the extent that it is absolutely necessary. In addition, my Department has consistently encouraged schools to put in place book rental schemes as the most effective means of lowering costs for all parents. A number of web-based school book exchange schemes are also in operation.

I have endorsed the thrust of the NCCA's proposals for junior cycle reform. These will be implemented at a pace which the system can sustain. For example, a revised syllabus in English will be implemented as a first step in the process, for students beginning junior cycle in 2014, for first examination in 2017. Groups of 4-5 subjects will be implemented on a phased basis each year after that. The selection of texts and resources is a matter for decision by schools locally. However, the phased implementation of the reforms should mean that the cost of new texts, where they are necessary, is spread over a number of years. In addition, a cap of 8 subjects or equivalent is being placed on the number of subjects which can be taken for examination purposes, to apply on a mandatory basis from the 2017 examination.

In regard to the provision of short courses, developed locally by schools, the intention is that these may be provided on an optional basis by schools from within their existing staffing ratio. There is no intention that this should give rise to additional fees for parents.

Teaching Council

Derek Nolan

Question:

77 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the payment of an annual fee to the Teaching Council is required if a person cannot obtain any work in that profession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36450/11]

As the Deputy may be aware, access to the profession of teaching in recognised schools in Ireland is regulated by the Teaching Council, the designated Competent Authority for the regulation of the profession. To date over 70,000 teachers have been registered with the Council. Under Section 23 of the Act, the Council has statutory authority to charge a fee which is set at €90 per year at present. The fee is payable by all registered teachers regardless of their employment status. The fee is considered reasonable compared with that levied by other professional regulatory bodies which also do not differentiate based on level of employment.

Institutes of Technology

Brian Walsh

Question:

78 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an external investigation being conducted into an alleged incident of cheating at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology last year; the reasons for the delay in its conclusion; and if the findings of that investigation will be published in the interests of transparency and the integrity of the institution. [36472/11]

Institutes of Technology are autonomous statutory bodies established under the Institutes of Technology Act 2006. An Institute's academic council has statutory responsibility to protect, maintain and develop the academic standards of the institute and, subject to the approval of the Governing Body, for the making of academic regulations of the Institute including those governing the conduct of examinations. Accordingly the investigation of allegations of cheating is a matter for the Institute's management authorities and its academic council and neither my Department nor I have any role in the matter.

State Examinations

Finian McGrath

Question:

79 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will respond to issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the new junior certificate. [36487/11]

I have endorsed the broad thrust of the proposals on junior cycle reform submitted to me by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in October 2011 following an extensive consultation process. They envisage that all students will be expected to achieve 24 statements of learning over the period of their junior cycle. These include developing an understanding of the natural world, learning how to think and act sustainably, understanding the distribution of social, economic and environmental phenomena, valuing local and national heritage and recognising the relevance of the past to current national and international issues and events.

It is clear therefore that geographical and historical awareness skills will be necessary to achieve the required outcomes. Overall, I am in favour of leaving the decisions on what is offered at the discretion of the school, and of students having as broad a range of options to choose from as possible. This issue will be taken forward in the discussions on implementation with the partners in education.

Teaching Qualifications

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

80 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers who are currently trained in secondary schools to teach social, personal and health education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36488/11]

Since September 2003, all post primary schools have been required to timetable Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) as part of the junior cycle core curriculum. The time allocation recommended is one class period per week. To support schools in delivering SPHE, a curriculum framework along with implementation guidelines have been developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. The Department, through the SPHE and other support services, delivers a range of continuing professional development courses to upskill teachers on an ongoing basis. A total of 12,933 teachers have received training through the SPHE Support Service since 2004. It is a matter for each school to ensure that teachers delivering the programme are suitably qualified and engage in appropriate continuing professional development.

School Curriculum

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

81 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of secondary schools that currently have social, personal and health education as a course on their curriculum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36489/11]

A total of 704 schools out of 729 schools offered SPHE as a subject last year. The remainder are specialist PLC colleges which do not provide the second level curriculum. Final data from all schools or 2011/12 has not been fully processed yet.

The Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) programme is a mandatory part of the curriculum in primary schools and in junior cycle since 2003 and is designed to promote positive mental health. It is already supported by comprehensive teacher guidelines and curriculum support services which provide training and advice for schools and a resource directory. Its aim is to foster personal development, health and well being of children, to help them create and maintain supportive relationships, and develop the skills and attitudes for responsible citizenship.

SPHE is designed for implementation in the context of a caring whole-school approach which is supported by the pastoral care structures in schools. The implementation of the SPHE curriculum is supported by national programmes of professional development for teachers at primary and post primary level provided by the curriculum support services.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme

Finian McGrath

Question:

82 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the statutory trust fund. [36497/11]

The details provided by the Deputy relate to the proposed Residential Institutions Statutory Fund. The Government agreed to the drafting of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Bill to provide for the establishment of a Statutory Fund to support the needs of victims of residential institutional abuse, as endorsed by Dáil Éireann in the aftermath of the publication of the Ryan Report in 2009. The legislative proposals followed extensive consultations with survivors of residential abuse and the groups which support them, together with a public consultation process. In this context, the report on the consultation process and the General Scheme of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Bill are available on my Department's website.

It is the case that some former residents advocated a simple distribution of the available money rather than the establishment of the Statutory Fund. However, as I outlined when I published the legislative proposals, I believe that the Fund should target resources at services to support former residents' needs. The General Scheme outlines the range of services proposed.

I had a very constructive meeting with groups representing survivors of residential institutional abuse on 22nd July last, when we discussed the Government's approach to the proposed Statutory Fund. Attendees at that meeting raised a number of issues regarding aspects of the proposed approach as set out in the General Scheme of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Bill. I have also received a number of submissions from groups and individuals in relation to the proposed legislation. Work is progressing on the drafting of the Bill and the various views expressed to date are being considered as the drafting process continues.

Schools Refurbishment

Pat Breen

Question:

83 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36510/11]

The school in question was allocated devolved funding for the provision of a resource room and boiler replacement under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme 2010. The school authorities have sought additional funding towards this project and my Department's Planning and Building Unit has requested further supporting information. When this information is received a final decision will be communicated to the school authority.

Schools Building Projects

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

84 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for funding in respect of a new school building for a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; the priority being afforded to the application; and when funding will be given to this shovel ready project in circumstances in which a new building is urgently required. [36522/11]

The current status of all projects on the school building programme, including the school referred to by the Deputy, may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this will be updated regularly throughout the year. The Government’s Medium Term Infrastructure and Capital Investment Framework, which was published on 10th November 2011, sets out the demographic challenge facing the education system in the coming years. The priority now is to focus on major school projects and smaller projects devolved to schools to meet the demographic demands. The primary aim will be to ensure that every child will have access to a school place. On that basis, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

85 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application for funding in respect of a new building for a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and the priority being afforded to same. [36523/11]

The current status of all projects on the school building programme, including the school referred to by the Deputy, may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this will be updated regularly throughout the year. The Government’s Medium Term Infrastructure and Capital Investment Framework, which was published on 10th November 2011, sets out the demographic challenge facing the education system in the coming years. The priority now is to focus on major school projects and smaller projects devolved to schools to meet the demographic demands. The primary aim will be to ensure that every child will have access to a school place. On that basis, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Special Educational Needs

Brendan Griffin

Question:

86 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) concerning education for persons with Down's syndrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36528/11]

I wish to advise the Deputy that pupils with Down syndrome may receive additional teaching support in primary schools, either under the terms of the General Allocation Model (GAM) of teaching supports, if the pupil's educational psychological assessment places the pupil in the mild general learning disability/high incidence disability category, or through an allocation of individual additional resource teaching hours if the child is assessed as being within the low incidence category of special need, as defined by my Department's Circular Sp Ed 02/05. Pupils with Down syndrome who have care needs may also receive access to Special Needs Assistant support.

A review of the General Allocation Model has been undertaken and completed by my Department. The issue of whether Down syndrome should be classified as a low incidence disability in all instances was considered as part of this review. My Department has also received a submission from Down Syndrome Ireland regarding this matter. The recommendations of the review of the General Allocation Model and the submission from Down Syndrome Ireland are being considered in the context of my Department's Employment Control Framework obligations, competing demands on teacher numbers, and educational resources.

School Accommodation

Timmy Dooley

Question:

87 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Skills his proposals and/or those of the County Clare Vocational Education Committee to meet the accommodation needs of a college (details supplied). [36537/11]

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department has approved a building project at the school to which he refers to meet the demographic demand that has been identified in the area in question. In this case, responsibility for the delivery of the project has been accepted by County Clare Vocational Educational Committee.

Timmy Dooley

Question:

88 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to meet the accommodation needs of a school (details supplied) in County Clare. [36538/11]

My Department is currently liaising with the school in relation to their application for additional accommodation. In this regard, my Department expects to be in a position to finalise its consideration of the matter and will be in further contact with the school shortly.

Departmental Bodies

Robert Troy

Question:

89 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 79 of 10 November 2011 and 119 of 16 November 2011, the bodies under his remit that have buildings, office space or prefabs leased from the private sector; the exact properties and annual rent paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36553/11]

The leasing/renting of premises by agencies is the responsibility of individual agencies and is determined by their particular staffing and administrative needs. The information is not generally centrally collated. However, I attach relevant information in relation to the leasing/renting of premises from the private sector by agencies under my Department's aegis. This information was collated recently in relation to a similar Parliamentary Question.

Bodies under the aegis of the Department of Education and Skills Details of Premises rented/leased from the private sector

Agency Name & HQ Address(es)

Current Landlord Details

Rent Paid 2010

An Chomhairle um Oideachais Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG)Address: 22 Plas Mhic Liam, Dublin 2

Landlord: Evergreen Marine (UK)Current Lease: 2 years from June 2010

€38,000

FÁS Address: See Note 1

See Note 1

€9.6m

Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC)Address: East Point Business Park, Fairview, Dublin 3

Landlord: East Point Development (Two) LtdCurrent Lease: Due to expire in May 2027

€405,000

Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC)Address: 26-27 Denzille Lane, Dublin 2

Landlord: Gael Linn Teo.Current Lease: Expires December 2023

€346,000

Higher Education Authority (HEA)Address: Brooklawn House, Shelbourne Rd, Dublin 4 (See Note 2)

Landlord: Brooklawn Property Holding Co. LtdCurrent Lease: 25 years from April 2001

€840,567

Léargas Ltd — The Exchange BureauAddress: 189/193 Parnell St, Dublin 1

Due to move to new premises presently. The terms have been agreed but the new lease has not yet been signed. The NCGE will also be moving to these premises.

€154,992

National Centre for Guidance in Education (NCGE)Address: 42/43 Prussia St, Dublin 7

See Léargas Ltd above.

€48,256

National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI)Address: 5th Floor Jervis House, Dublin 1

Landlord: Liam & Roisin CarrollCurrent Lease: Due to expire December 2027

€219,000

Skillnets LtdAddress: Q House, Furze Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18

Landlord: The Bride Street PartnershipCurrent Lease: 10 years from July 2008

€289,315

The Teaching CouncilAddress: Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth, Co. Kildare

Landlord: Danny GrehanCurrent Lease: 20 years from 2006.

€178,190(The Council has been self-financing since March 2008)

Note 1: (FÁS HQ Addresses & Lease details)

Baggot Court 27-33 Upr Baggot St, Dublin: Landlord is Pewley CMBS (Propco) Ltd. Length of lease is 40 years from February 1974.

Searsons Building 23-25 Upr Baggot St, Dublin: Landlord is F & M Teeling + S & A Timony. Length of lease is 35 years from June 1982.

Birr Technology Building, Offaly: Landlord is Birr Technology Consortium.Length of lease is 9 years 11 months from May 2007.

Birr Head Office Site: Rent not applicable — freehold site.

Mespil Buildings, Dublin: Landlord is Pageflyer Ltd. Length of lease is 35 years from July 1982.

Further details relating to FÁS offices and Training Centres nationwide are available from the Regional Structure Section on FÁS' website, www.fas.ie

Note 2: Both the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering & Technology (IRCSET) and the Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS) are also located in Brooklawn House.

Vocational Education Committees

Robert Troy

Question:

90 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the annual rent Westmeath Vocational Education Committee is currently paying for its headquarters office space. [36554/11]

County Westmeath VEC has advised my Department that the annual rent payable on its headquarters premises is €118,300.

School Enrolments

Brendan Griffin

Question:

91 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter regarding school admissions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36555/11]

The Deputy will be aware that earlier this year, I launched a discussion paper on school enrolment. The document, "Discussion Paper on a Regulatory Framework for School Enrolment" contains suggestions on how to make the process of enrolling in schools more open, equitable and consistent.

I wish to make clear that the paper was not meant to be prescriptive, nor have any decisions been made as to what elements will be contained in any final regulations or legislation. The purpose of the paper was to lead and provoke debate on enrolment policies and practices. I invited education partners and interested parties to submit their views to my Department by the 28th of October last and my officials are now co-ordinating the submissions received. The feedback from this consultation will help inform the nature and scope of a new regulatory framework for school enrolment.

Higher Education Grants

John Deasy

Question:

92 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to change the qualifying criteria for higher education grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36621/11]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to potential changes to the student grant scheme under Budget 2012. The Deputy will appreciate that as the preparation of the Estimates for any Budget is carried out on a strictly confidential basis, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on specific issues or proposals, including those relating to student grants, in advance of the Budget announcement.

Third Level Charges

John Deasy

Question:

93 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there will be an increase to the student contribution charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36622/11]

As the Deputy will be aware, the reality of our economic situation presents significant challenges that have to be reconciled with limitations on public resources. Ireland must adhere to its agreed economic recovery programme in order to reduce the budget deficit to 3% of GDP by 2015 and to restore our independence. This will mean that forthcoming budgets will involve further adjustments in taxation and public spending. Regrettably, education cannot be spared from this adjustment as the size of the challenge is so large. This is the unfortunate legacy caused by the reckless economic management of the previous Fianna Fáil — Green Party Government.

The Deputy will also be aware that my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, is undertaking a Comprehensive Expenditure Review across all areas of Government spending. This process will inform funding allocations for the coming years. In this context, the Deputy will appreciate that in line with normal practice I am unable to comment on future savings options during the budgetary deliberative process.

Higher Education Grants

John Deasy

Question:

94 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to change the financial support available for students who wish to pursue postgraduate study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36623/11]

I assume the Deputy is referring to potential changes to the student grant scheme under budget 2012. The Deputy will appreciate that as the preparation of the Estimates for any budget is carried out on a strictly confidential basis, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on specific issues or proposals, including those relating to student grants, in advance of the budget announcement.

FÁS Training Programmes

Patrick Deering

Question:

95 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Education and Skills the options an apprentice blocklayer (details supplied) in County Carlow, who is 12 weeks short on work experience to complete their apprenticeship, has in view of the fact that there is no work available to them at present. [36633/11]

I understand from FÁS that the person in question is an Apprentice Brick and Stonelayer who has availed of the Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme and that he requires 12 weeks on Phase 7 and a further 11 weeks on other on-the-job phases to meet the requirements for certification. On completion of Phase 7, he would then be eligible to avail of the Competency Determination Mechanism to determine if he has reached the standard for certification.

The budget allocation for the Redundant Apprentice Placement Scheme for 2011 has been fully committed. Consequently, FÁS is not in a position to issue any further contracts at present. I understand that FÁS is continuing to take applications for the scheme pending the allocation of the 2012 budget. I understand FÁS has worked closely with the person in question over the last few months and will continue to provide advice and assistance to enable him to complete his apprenticeship.

Pension Provisions

Michael Creed

Question:

96 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Skills the entitlement of a person (details supplied) in County Cork to severance or gratuity payment and pension arising from their recent retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36648/11]

The person in question is not eligible for the immediate payment of any entitlements in respect of service as a teacher. The person in question retains entitlement to a preserved pension and preserved gratuity which will be payable, on application, when the person concerned reaches the age of 60.

Redundancy Payments

Pat Breen

Question:

97 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills when an application will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36665/11]

A redundancy application from the person referred to by the Deputy was received by my Department on 17 October 2011. Applications are processed in date order of receipt and every effort is being made to process them as quickly as possible. Applications received in May and June 2011 are currently being processed. Extra resources have been assigned to the Redundancy Unit to ensure that Special Needs Assistants that have been made redundant will have their claims for payment processed as quickly as possible. My Department is also prioritising the processing of redundancy applications from SNAs who have not obtained alternative employment in a non-teaching capacity in primary, secondary or community and comprehensive schools in the current school year.

Pension Provisions

Patrick Deering

Question:

98 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of money paid in severance packages to retired and retiring chief executives of State and semi-State companies in the past four years; and the annual cost of their pensions. [37011/11]

For the Deputy's information there are two bodies under the aegis of my Department that are classified as companies, namely Léargas Ltd and Skillnets Ltd. Léargas is a not-for-profit organisation that manages European, national and international exchange and cooperation programmes in education, training and youth and community work. Skillnets is a state funded, enterprise-led support body dedicated to the promotion and facilitation of training and upskilling as key elements in sustaining Ireland's national competitiveness. I can confirm that neither chief executives retired from the companies above in the past four years.

Departmental Properties

John O'Mahony

Question:

99 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of premises and sites being rented or leased not in use and the cost of maintenance and security on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36378/11]

The Office of Public Works leases three buildings where the accommodation is presently unallocated. The cost of maintenance and security is included in expenditure attaching to service charges and the pertinent details are as follows:

Westward Town Centre, Sligo, Co. Sligo, service charge per annum: €2,630.16;

Phoenix House, Conyngham Road, Dublin 8, service charge per annum: €85,000;

Irish Life Centre, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1, service charge per annum: € 64,982.64.

Brendan Smith

Question:

100 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, regarding the installation of rain water harvesting systems in property owned by the State or agencies under its control, if it is policy to install such systems in new buildings; if examples of such buildings opened in the past five years or currently at design stage can be outlined; if there is a policy or encouragement given to retrofit such harvesting systems into existing buildings; if any financial study on such retrofitting has been undertaken; and if results of same can be outlined. [36420/11]

The use of rainwater harvesting systems in buildings is a relatively new practice in Ireland. It is not OPW policy to install such systems in all new buildings. However, for the last number of years the installation of these systems has been considered as part of the design process for new buildings. Rainwater harvesting systems have been installed in a number of projects to date including new offices in Wexford, Killarney, and Roscommon. Rainwater harvesting systems also formed part of the design for a number of projects that did not proceed to construction.

The installed systems have in general proved problematic and have incurred significant ongoing maintenance costs. Whereas the use of these systems has obvious advantages, we are in the phase of learning from experience in the buildings that have been completed to date.

There is no programme for retrofitting such systems into existing buildings due to the significant capital outlay required to modify the plumbing within the building to facilitate the systems. The current emphasis for the OPW is on water conservation. A recent pilot study in a number of large buildings has identified that there is significant scope for reducing water consumption within the existing OPW portfolio. A programme of automatic water metering in all large State buildings is proposed for 2012. In buildings where consumption remains high despite conservation efforts, rainwater harvesting may prove economically feasible. In such cases the retrofitting of these systems shall be considered.

Infrastructure Investment Plan

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

101 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if standardised or comparable cost-benefit analyses were used by all Departments in their submissions to him for the Infrastructure and Capital Expenditure Plan 2012-2016. [36386/11]

The Capital Investment Framework that Government agreed and I published on 10 November, sets the broad direction, level and sectorial split of investment of the years 2012 to 2016. All individual project proposals are subject to relevant value for money arrangements, including detailed appraisal — prior to the commitment of significant Exchequer resources. The conduct of individual project-level cost-benefit analyses (CBA) is a matter for each line Department, in accordance with value for money arrangements overseen by my Department, in particular the Guidelines for the Appraisal and Management of Capital Investment Proposals in the Public Sector.

Stephen S. Donnelly

Question:

102 Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the decision criteria that were used by him to select the items or areas for investment in the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan 2012-2016; the criteria and analysis that were used to come to the figure for total spend of €17 billion; the criteria and analysis that were used to allocate the €17 billion between the various areas of spend; the instructions and conditions that were issued to Departments in developing their submissions to him; if each Department was given the final figure for total spend for its Department as contained in the plan and instructed to make submissions not exceeding those figures, or if the Departments made submissions to total values greater than those contained in the plan; for example, was the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport instructed to make a submission of a value not exceeding €4.6 billion over the life of the plan, or did it in fact make a submission seeking a greater allocation; if his officials conducted any audit or check on the analyses submitted by the Departments; and if any external body was used to support this. [36387/11]

In undertaking the recent capital investment reviews, each Government Department was requested to prepare a submission providing the following:

a description of the high level objective to be achieved in relation to each programme;

an outline of the rationale for Government intervention;

an assessment of the consistency of the investment programme with the Programme for Government;

details of how each investment programme would support economic recovery;

details of how each investment programme would support sustainable employment as well as employment in the immediate delivery phase;

details of how each investment programme would meet critical economic and social infrastructure deficits;

an outline of each Department's legally binding contractual commitments for each year up to 2016, including a list of all committed planned capital projects of over €4m in value;

details of whether a given programme is primarily delivered by the Department or Agencies of the Department;

the current expenditure implications of proposed future capital investment; and

the broad outputs and outcomes expected from each proposed capital investment.

In addition, Departments were also requested to outline the programmes which would be afforded priority in the context of a lower Departmental envelope.

From this information, my Department prepared a report for the Government about a capital investment programme for the next five years. The financial baseline was the public capital programme in the National Recovery Plan (November 2010), adjusted on a technical basis for transfers of function that had occurred in the interim. The analysis drew on a range of economic literature and various data sources, both domestic and international. Secondary analysis is cited in the document. In addition, a number of external experts and organisations made submissions to the review including the Economic and Social Research Institute, Forfás, the Construction Industry Federation, the Irish Academy of Engineering, the Irish Business and Employers Confederation and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Having considered this analysis, the Government decided on an approach and allocations as published on 10 November last. The main decision criteria used in setting the Government's investment priorities were the extent to which programmes and projects are consistent with the Programme for Government objectives (including returning to sustainable public finances), sustainable employment (as well as employment in the immediate delivery phase) and meet critical economic and social infrastructure deficits.

The figure of €17 billion Exchequer investment from 2012 to 2016 represents a level of expenditure that can both make an important contribution to budgetary consolidation and deliver a level of infrastructure and capital investment that will assist in a return to sustainable economic growth and job creation. The Medium Term Capital Investment Framework forms part of the Government's Budget and Estimates, and I intend that background documentation in relation to the Capital report will be made available at the time of the Budget.

Exchequer Savings

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

103 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the current spending cuts for 2012 include the spending cuts carry forward of €400 million from budget 2011. [36395/11]

The programme measures announced in Budget 2011 were designed to yield an additional level of savings in 2012 of just over €80 million. The 2011 Budget also included a multi-annual Employment Control Framework through which public pay bill savings can be achieved over a number of years by reducing public sector staffing numbers, subject to further policy decisions at Departmental and Agency level to adhere to the agreed aggregate ceilings. At the time of the publication of the National Recovery Plan 2011 — 2014 in November 2011, the 2012 additional savings from these measures were estimated at almost €400 million in 2012. The decisions necessary to give effect to these savings projections are currently being considered by the Government, consistent with the updated fiscal adjustment path set out in the Medium-Term Fiscal Statement, published on 4 November 2011.

Decentralisation Programme

Gerald Nash

Question:

104 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide details on the amount spent by him on the public service decentralisation programme since the announcement of the plans in December 2003; if he will provide details in respect of the locations to which his Department and relevant agencies have relocated either in part or in full; the number of positions which were successfully relocated under the programme in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36465/11]

The Government recently announced (17th November, 2011) that the Decentralisation Programme should be cancelled in the light of the budgetary and staffing outlook. Those projects where there is no permanent accommodation or advance party in place are to be cancelled. Details of the cancelled projects, together with the moves involved, are set out at Table 1.

Projects for which permanent accommodation has been provided and to which staffing assignments are substantially completed are to be left in situ, to be managed in the same way as other regionally based offices and Departments. Details of these projects and the staff moved are set out at Table 2.

My Department will review, in liaison with the OPW and the relevant Departments, the viability and future prospects of the remainder of the projects, having regard to the current budgetary and staffing constraints affecting the public service generally. I will bring proposals to Government later this year in relation to these. These projects include those where temporary accommodation has been provided, and some others that have business/operational effectiveness issues that require further consideration. The majority of these projects were decentralised as viable/stand alone units and moved in accordance with detailed implementation plans. Details of these projects and the moves involved are set out at Table 3.

The 2009 Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) includes an audit of property management under the decentralisation programme. This report identified capital expenditure on the Programme of 289.4 million euro on property and recurring costs (leases) of 7 million euro (as at April 2010). Dublin property disposals were 356m euro and leases with an annual value of 10m euro over the same period were surrendered. Non-property costs in the order of 30m euro were incurred, including the costs of decentralising offices and the OPW's spend on dedicated staffing for the programme.

The figures provided have not been updated since April 2010 as there has been very little activity on the Programme since then, due to the deferral for budgetary reasons in October 2008 of the implementation of the elements of the programme remaining to be completed at that time. My Department has asked the OPW and others to provide details to it on the additional property costs in respect of the period from April 2010 up to the cancellation of the programme, as well as details of any additional disposals made. It has also sought information from Departments on the non-property costs for the same period, which may need to take account of the need to reattribute some costs to reflect the changes in Ministerial responsibilities since February of this year. The relevant information will be sent directly to the Deputy when it becomes available.

Table 1

Decentralisation Projects cancelled

Projects with no accommodation or staff in situ

Location

Organisation

Moves cancelled

Arklow

NSAI

124

Athlone

Higher Education Authority

64

Ballinasloe

National Roads Authority

110

Carrickmacross

Social Protection

85

Carrick on Shannon

Inland Fisheries Ireland

54

Carrick on Shannon (Phase II)

Social Protection

90

Cavan/Portlaoise/Galway

HIQA

80

Claremorris (Phase II)

Office of Public Works

38

Donegal

Social Protection

258

Drogheda

Transport Tourism & Sport

37

Drogheda

Citizens Information Board

49

Drogheda

Local Government Computer Services Board

101

Drogheda

Railway Safety Commission

16

Drogheda

Social Protection

499

Dungarvan

OSI

206

Edenderry

FETAC

44

Edenderry

HETAC

34

Edenderry

NQAI

18

Enniscorthy

Bord Bia

76

Fermoy

Agriculture Food and the Marine

100

Gaoth Dobhair (Phase II)

Foras na Gaeilge

25

Kanturk

Office of Public Works

88

Kildare

Office of the Revenue Commissioners

380

Kildare

Public Expenditure & Reform — CMOD

30

Kilkenny

Environment Community & Local Government

62

Kilkenny

Arts Council

49

Killarney

Irish Sports Council

31

Macroom

Agriculture Food and the Marine

100

Mallow

Fáilte Ireland

163

Mitchelstown

CIÉ Group

200

Mullingar

Education & Skills

290

Naas

Health Service Executive

300

New Ross

Environment Community & Local Government

125

Portarlington

NEWB

14

Roscrea

Garda Ombudsman Commission

23

Shannon

Irish Aviation Authority

102

Waterford

Environment Community & Local Government

225

Wexford

National Building Agency

63

Youghal

Public Appointments Service

100

Youghal

Valuation Office

100

Total

40 Projects

4,553

Table 2

Decentralisation Projects to be left in situ or advanced

Projects where permanent accommodation is completed, or due to be completed shortly

Location

Organisation

Staff moved to decentralising location to end January 2011

Athlone

Education & Skills

88

Ballina

Road Safety Authority

62

Buncrana

Social Protection

100

Carrick-on-Shannon (Phase I)

Social Protection

159

Clonakilty

Agriculture Food and the Marine

85

Clonakilty

Sea Fisheries Protection Authority

47

Clonakilty

BIM

20

Cork

HIQA

47

Gaoth Dobhair (Phase I)

Foras Na Gaeilge

5

Killarney

Arts Heritage & the Gaeltacht

79

Kilrush

Office of the Revenue Commissioners

57

Limerick

Development Cooperation, Foreign Affairs & Trade

134

Listowel

Office of the Revenue Commissioners

52

Longford

Irish Prison Service

133

Loughrea

Road Safety Authority

40

Loughrea

Transport Tourism & Sport

10

Naas

Irish Auditing & Accounting Supervisory Authority

12

Na Forbacha

Arts Heritage & the Gaeltacht

12

Navan

Coroner Service

4

Navan

Garda Civilian HR Division

38

Navan

National Property Services Regulatory Authority

9

Navan

Office of the Director of Probation Service

15

Navan

Office of the Revenue Commissioners

100

Newbridge

Department of Defence

165

Newbridge

Defence Forces

55

Newcastlewest

Office of the Revenue Commissioners

52

Roscommon

Property Registration Authority

77

Sligo

Social Protection

72

Tipperary Town

Private Security Agency

32

Trim

Office of Public Works

240

Tullamore

Finance

122

Wexford

Environment Community & Local Government

189

Total

32 Projects

2,312

Table 3

Decentralisation Projects to be reviewed*

Location

Advance Parties

Total Posts due to decentralise

Staff moved to end January 2011

Athy

Office of Revenue Commissioners (Advance Party)

253

73

Birr

FÁS (Advance Party)

398

20

Carlow

Jobs Enterprise and Innovation (Advance Party)

257

103

Cavan

Communications Energy & Natural Resources (Advance Party)

301

57

Claremorris (Phase I)

Office of Public Works (Advance Party)

104

31

Clifden

Pobal (Advance Party)

42

25

Dundalk

Sustainable Energy Ireland (Advance Party)

34

11

Portarlington

Data Protection Commissioner (Advance Party)

23

23

Portlaoise (for Portarlington)

Equality Tribunal (civil service) (Advance Party)

42

8

Portlaoise (for Portarlington)

NCCA (civil service) (Advance Party)

37

12

Portlaoise

Agriculture Food and the Marine (Advance Party)

595

317

Roscrea

Equality Authority (civil service) (Advance Party)

41

16

Shannon

Enterprise Ireland (Advance Party)

292

66

Tipperary Town

Justice & Equality (INIS) (Advance Party)

186

63

Thomastown

Health & Safety Authority (Advance Party)

116

33

Thurles

Garda Headquarters CGVU & FCPS (Advance Party)

199

133

Tubbercurry (for Charlestown)

Environment Community and Local Government (Advance Party)

164

100

17 Projects

2,898

1,091

Projects with Staffing Shortfalls or Business/Operational Effectiveness issues to be considered

Location

Advance Parties

Total Posts due to decentralise

Staff moved to end January 2011

Curragh

Defence Forces

413

0

Clonakilty**

BIM

90

20

Limerick

Development Cooperation, Foreign Affairs & Trade

134

134

Newbridge ***

Department of Defence

201

165

Roscommon

Property Registration Authority

230

77

5 Projects

1,068

396

Overall Total 22 Projects

3,966

1,487

* The projects to be reviewed include some where permanent accommodation has been provided but where there are staffing shortfalls or business/operational effectiveness issues that require consideration. In such cases there will be some overlap of the staff moved figures with those included in Table 2.

** The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (47 staff) were subsequently allocated some of the space provided for BIM.

*** To review HQ designation only

Proposed Legislation

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

105 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider repealing the Public Accounts and Charges Act 1891 to facilitate a move by him to a modern European system of resource accounting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36667/11]

While there is no common European system of resource accounting, there is a trend internationally towards accrual accounting in the public sector. In the Irish Public Sector, a mix of accounting bases is currently in use. Accrual accounting is already the norm in the commercial sector and has been introduced in much of the non-commercial public sector outside the civil service.

The Programme for Government includes a provision that requires Public Sector Bodies to publish balance sheets and to move to accruals accounting. Planning for the introduction of accrual accounting in central government is underway and this will include any necessary legislative changes. Initial work on the delivery of this provision has commenced with the Appropriation Accounts 2011 for Government Departments and Offices where each departmental account will include a balance sheet.

Pension Provisions

Patrick Deering

Question:

106 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of money paid in severance packages to retired and retiring chief executives of State and semi-State companies in the past four years; and the annual cost of their pensions. [37014/11]

In response to the Deputy's question no money has been paid out in severance packages to retired and retiring chief executives of State or semi State companies under the aegis of my Department. The only body under the aegis of my Department that can be classed as a State or semi State Company is An Post National Lottery which is classed as a commercial semi-State company. The current chief executive has been in situ since 2006.

Enterprise Support Services

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

107 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the progress to date in the determination of entitlement to a new enterprise priming grant in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36448/11]

The role of my Department is to drive Ireland's competitiveness and productivity by creating the conditions where enterprise, entrepreneurship and innovation can flourish and quality employment opportunities are grown and maintained. Funding is provided to a number of State Agencies under its aegis including that of the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs), through whom assistance is delivered directly to businesses.

The role of the CEBs is to develop indigenous potential and stimulate economic activity at a local level primarily through the provision of financial and technical support for the development of small and micro-enterprises. The Boards form a nationwide support network for small business and are considered to be a first point of contact for persons wishing to set up in business.

While my Department provides funding to the CEBs neither I or my Department officials have any role or function in the day-to-day decision making activities of the Boards. The CEBs are independent companies, limited by guarantee and therefore legal entities in their own right. Decisions on applications for assistance from the CEBs are made independently by the Boards, subject to eligibility criteria, on the advice of their evaluation committees.

Any enquiry relating to individual CEB applications should therefore be made in the first instance to the relevant CEB. The CEB in Kildare may be contacted at: Kildare County Enterprise Board, The Woods, Clane, Co. Kildare; Phone No: 045 861707; Fax No: 045 861712; Email: info@kildareceb.ie; Website: wwww.kildareceb.ie.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

108 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding a grant for a new business in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36480/11]

My Department does not provide direct funding or grants to businesses but provides funding to a number of State Agencies, including the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) and Enterprise Ireland, through whom assistance is delivered directly to businesses. The role of the CEBs throughout the country is to provide a source of support for micro-enterprise in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level.

The CEBs' unique role positions them as a first point of contact for persons wishing to set up in business. The Boards give priority to manufacturing and internationally traded services, and support micro-enterprise businesses provided that the proposed projects have the capacity to achieve commercial viability. CEBs can assist in the establishment, and/or development, of new and existing micro-enterprise businesses subject to the following main eligibility criteria;

the enterprise must be in the commercial sphere;

the enterprise must demonstrate a market for the product/service;

the enterprise must have a capacity for growth and new job creation;

the enterprise must not employ more than 10 people;

the enterprise must not give rise to deadweight or displacement.

It is considered inappropriate to support areas such as retail enterprises, personal services (e.g. hairdressers, gardeners, etc), professional services (accountants, solicitors, etc) lacking export potential, construction, etc, as it is considered that these generally give rise to unacceptable deadweight (where projects would have proceeded anyway) and/or displacement (where the projects simply displace business from other players in the market) concerns.

CEBs can provide both financial and non-financial assistance to a project promoter. The forms of financial assistance, which are available, subject to certain restrictions and conditions, include Priming Grants, Business Expansion/Development Grants, and Feasibility/Innovation Grants. The provision of non-financial assistance can take the form of a wide range of business advice and information services, management capability training and development programmes, e-Commerce training initiatives etc. The project promoter should therefore in the first instance contact their local CEB to discuss what options may be available to her. Contact details for each of the Boards is available through their national website www.enterpriseboards.ie. Meath CEB may be contacted directly at Meath County Enterprise Board, Navan Enterprise Centre, Trim Road, Navan, Co. Meath, tel. 046-9078400, email mhceb@meath.com, website www.meath.com.

In addition to the supports and services of the state agencies under the aegis of my Department, the promoter may also wish to be made aware that the Department of Social Protection also provides assistance through various Back to Work (Enterprise) Schemes and an Employer (PRSI) Incentive Scheme. In addition and subject to certain eligibility criteria, persons returning to the workplace (having been unemployed for over a year) may be able to avail of Revenue's Job Assist. In this regard, the promoter may wish to contact the Departments of Social Protection at www.welfare.ie and Revenue at www.revenue.ie for further information.

Question No. 109 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Benefits

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

110 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection in view of protracted illness, if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will qualify for invalidity pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36447/11]

Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay-related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. According to departmental records the person concerned does not have sufficient PRSI contributions to qualify for invalidity pension. However, entitlement to invalidity pension can only be fully determined on receipt of a completed application form. To date no application has been received from the person concerned. The person in question is currently in receipt of a disability allowance payment from my Department.

Community Employment Schemes

Billy Timmins

Question:

111 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a community employment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow. [36482/11]

As Minister for Social Protection I do not have a role in the administration of individual cases in regard to the operation of the community employment (CE) programme, as these matters are dealt with by FÁS under statute. I am advised by FÁS that, as the individual in question had been claiming jobseeker's benefit for just over a year before joining CE, he was deemed eligible for one year's participation on the Part-time Integration Option, which is for people of 25 or over who are receiving social welfare payments for 1 year or more. Generally, the Part-time Integration Option is for a maximum of 1 year. FÁS has invited the individual concerned to contact the FÁS Employment Services Office, Government Buildings, Castlepark, Arklow to arrange an appointment with an Employment Services Officer to discuss further options that might be available to him.

Social Welfare Appeals

John O'Mahony

Question:

112 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of cases currently on appeal for jobseeker’s allowance; the longest period recorded for such appeals to be determined to date in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36370/11]

John O'Mahony

Question:

113 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of cases currently on appeal for one parent family allowance; the longest period recorded for such appeals to be determined to date in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36371/11]

John O'Mahony

Question:

114 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of cases currently on appeal for disability allowance; the longest period recorded for such appeals to be determined to date in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36372/11]

John O'Mahony

Question:

115 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of cases currently on appeal for disability benefit; the longest period recorded for such appeals to be determined to date in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36373/11]

John O'Mahony

Question:

116 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection the action she proposes to take to eliminate the backlog of appeals for the various social welfare payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36374/11]

John O'Mahony

Question:

117 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of cases currently on appeal for carer’s allowance; the longest period recorded for such appeals to be determined to date in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36375/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 to 117, inclusive, together.

I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the numbers of appeals on hands in respect of the schemes requested by the Deputy are set out in the table. The figures are based on the numbers on hand at 31/10/11. No report is available which shows the longest individual waiting times for decided cases. I am also advised that such information may in any event be of little value as the longest awaiting appeals are generally held up by extraordinary circumstances such as court proceedings.

I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping the methods of operation by which the Social Welfare Appeals Office conducts its business under constant review, and that the processes are continuously being enhanced to reduce the backlogs in the Office and, overall, to reduce the processing times for dealing with appeals.

Scheme

Number of Cases on Appeal at 31/10/11

Jobseekers’ Allowance

3,945

One Parent Family Allowance

671

Disability Allowance

3,238

Illness Benefit

2,177

Carers’ Allowance

1,402

Social Welfare Benefits

Michael McGrath

Question:

118 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a back to school clothing and footwear allowance application review in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [36399/11]

The Department is reviewing entitlement to back to school clothing footwear allowance in this case and will advise the person concerned of its decision shortly.

Social Welfare Appeals

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

119 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal in respect of an application for invalidity pension for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36404/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the invalidity pension claim of the person concerned was disallowed following an assessment by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for the allowance. An appeal was registered on 14 November 2011 and in accordance with the statutory procedures the relevant department papers and the comments of the Social Welfare services on the matter raised in the appeal have been sought. In that context, an assessment by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Brendan Griffin

Question:

120 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal for long term disability allowance will be heard in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36405/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 2 November 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 in due course 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.

Tom Hayes

Question:

121 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on a child benefit appeal will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36406/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 21 November 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.

Live Register

Áine Collins

Question:

122 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify the number of persons on the live register who sign on for three days per week and who work for the other three days. [36407/11]

The number of causal workers signing on the Live Register varies from week to week but has been in the range 84,000 to 86,000 during most of 2011. Between 68,000 and 71,000 of these receive a payment in any given week. A recent analysis of signing patterns showed that just over 20,000 of those who received a payment were paid benefits for three days.

Social Welfare Benefits

Áine Collins

Question:

123 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify the reason payments for jobseeker’s benefit are calculated on the basis of a six-day rather than a five-day working week. [36408/11]

The daily rate of payment of benefit for the contingency of unemployment has always been calculated at one sixth of the weekly rate. This delineation reflects the working patterns that have traditionally applied in the labour market and particularly accorded with the usual experiences of persons who accessed benefit payments during periods of unemployment. Increasingly in recent years the labour market has changed and attendance patterns and requirements have altered also; for example Sunday working has increased substantially when compared to former times. Such developments, and other changes in working patterns and tenure, inform ongoing consideration of the jobseeker benefits system and its place in the current labour market.

Áine Collins

Question:

124 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will advise if a person who is working for three days or less is entitled to claim full unemployment benefit for the days in respect of which they can sign on irrespective of the amount they are earning for the days they are working. [36409/11]

To qualify for jobseeker's benefit, a person must be available for and looking for full-time work, satisfy the PRSI contribution conditions, and have a loss of employment. Once a person satisfies these conditions, jobseeker's benefit is paid for the days that they are unemployed. For each day of unemployment in the week (Monday to Saturday), the person is paid one-sixth of their weekly rate of entitlement. The amount they are earning for the days they are working does not impact on their rate of jobseeker's benefit.

Social Welfare Appeals

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

125 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal relating to back to school allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36410/11]

The Department has received an appeal for back to school clothing and footwear allowance from the person concerned and will inform her of its decision shortly.

Redundancy Payments

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

126 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Protection when a redundancy payment will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36415/11]

I do not have specific details on this particular case. However, redundancy rebate/lump sum claims received at the beginning of May 2011 are currently being processed.

Pension Provisions

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

127 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection the most recent position and the engagement to date by her with unions in respect of introducing a pension scheme for community employment supervisors and assistant supervisors, as recommended by the Labour Court on 22 July 2008 in LCR19293; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36416/11]

Jerry Buttimer

Question:

139 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress being made and any instructions issued by her regarding the implementation of Labour Court recommendations for the introduction of an agreed pension scheme for community employment scheme supervisors and assistant supervisors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36491/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 139 together.

The Labour Court recommended in July 2008 that an agreed pension scheme should be introduced for community employment (CE) scheme supervisors and assistant supervisors, and that such a scheme should be adequately funded by FÁS. Notwithstanding the positions of the Department in rejecting that liability for these costs falls to be met from public funds, this matter has been the subject of discussions between the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, my Department, and the unions representing CE supervisors. In the event that funding was required from FÁS, the implementation of the claim is not considered sustainable in light of the current and ongoing fiscal environment and the requirement to contain and reduce public expenditure. The costs of the introduction of any scheme are likely to be of the order of €3m with retrospective costs of the order of at least €30m.

The Deputies should also note that FÁS is not the employer of CE supervisors and such employees are not public servants. Neither was FÁS a party to the Labour Court dispute on this matter. The responsibilities of the sponsoring organisations and the individuals concerned must also be recognised when considering pension provision arrangements.

Social Welfare Appeals

Brendan Ryan

Question:

128 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal against a decision not to award supplementary welfare allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; if she will grant an early oral hearing; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36423/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 16 November 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Community Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred in due course to an Appeals Officer for consideration. As part of this consideration, the Appeals Officer will decide if an oral hearing is warranted in this case. 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.

Redundancy Payments

Barry Cowen

Question:

129 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for statutory redundancy in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and when a decision will issue. [36424/11]

A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned was received on 30 May 2011. Redundancy lump sum claims received at the beginning of May 2011 are currently being processed.

Social Welfare Appeals

Pat Breen

Question:

130 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36428/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the disability allowance claim of the person concerned was disallowed following an assessment by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for the allowance. An appeal was registered on 02 November 2011 and in accordance with the statutory procedures the relevant department papers and the comments of the Social Welfare services on the matter raised in the appeal have been sought. In that context, an assessment by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Michael Creed

Question:

131 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a claim for invalidity pension; if initial medical evidence has been submitted in support of an appeal of the Department’s decision of 25 October in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36430/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the invalidity pension claim of the person concerned was disallowed following an assessment by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that she was medically unsuitable for the allowance. An appeal was registered on 14 November 2011 and in accordance with the statutory procedures the relevant department papers and the comments of the Social Welfare services on the matter raised in the appeal have been sought. In that context, an assessment by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Ann Phelan

Question:

132 Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the distress caused to the parents of a child (details supplied) from County Kilkenny, in respect of an application for domiciliary care allowance; if she will review this case as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36431/11]

An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received on 6 March 2010. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for DCA. A letter issued on 22 April 2010 advising of the decision to refuse the allowance. The person concerned subsequently lodged an appeal against this decision and she was informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 8 November 2010 that the appeal had not been allowed. 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. However, if the person concerned has new or additional information, it is open to her to re-apply.

Brendan Ryan

Question:

133 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal against a decision not to award illness benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; if she will grant an early oral hearing; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36469/11]

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.

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.

Social Welfare Benefits

Mattie McGrath

Question:

134 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the serious backlogs in the family income supplement section; her views that these backlogs are having a serious negative effect on those persons trying to return to employment and who are left worse off for a period of up to 20 weeks after starting new employment; the efforts she is taking to deal with this backlog so that all applications will be processed before Christmas to ensure that families waiting on a decision will not be without their payment for Christmas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36474/11]

The Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible. The average waiting time for new family income supplement (FIS) claims at the end of October is 20 weeks. The waiting time for renewal FIS claims is currently between 10-11 weeks. At the end of October, there were approximately 8,679 new FIS applications and approximately 5,113 renewal applications awaiting approval.

The volume of FIS claims on hands and the delays in processing are a consequence of continued strong claim intake. The Department has introduced a number of measures to address the efficiency of claim processing for FIS in light of the current waiting times:

Existing processes and procedures are reviewed on an ongoing basis with the explicit objective of reducing delays in claim processing;

Priority is being given to renewal claims to preserve continuity of payment;

The ongoing staffing requirement is being kept under review in light of the continued strong claim intake;

Additional temporary staff have been recruited to help reduce the backlog;

Overtime working is being applied where feasible;

These measures are aimed at reducing the number of claims on hand and the average waiting time for a decision. The position is being closely monitored and kept under review by the Department.

Social Welfare Appeals

Brendan Ryan

Question:

135 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal against a decision not to award jobseeker’s allowance and supplementary welfare allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; if she will grant an early oral hearing; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36477/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the Jobseeker's Allowance and Supplementary Welfare Allowance appeals from the person concerned have been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in these 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.

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.

Employment Support Services

Joe Costello

Question:

136 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) who started the JobBridge programme on 4 July will be allowed only six of the nine months internship entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36478/11]

When the JobBridge Scheme was launched on 1 July temporary measures were put in place to facilitate Work Placement Programme (WPP) participants, who were eligible, to convert their WPP placements into JobBridge internships. This became known as the WPP Conversion Process. The following two rules applied to this conversion process:

If a participant was on a WPP for less than four months they could convert their post over to JobBridge for a total of six months;

If a participant was on a WPP for more than four months they could convert their post over to JobBridge for a total of three months.

In the case referred to, as the person in question was on a WPP placement for less than four months at the time of their application to participate in JobBridge they are therefore entitled to be on the JobBridge Scheme for six months. They are not entitled to a nine month internship as they had already been on a WPP placement with the same organisation.

Question No. 137 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Benefits

Dessie Ellis

Question:

138 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason claims for lone parents were stopped in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; the persons concerned were of the belief that income from working for the Health Service Executive as a home help is not taken into account in the means test for one parent family payment. [36490/11]

The estimate for my Department in 2011 provides for expenditure of over €1.1 billion on the one-parent family payment (OFP). For the purposes of one-parent family payment, there is no entitlement where earnings exceed a threshold of €425 gross per week. Where earnings are less than €425, the first €146.50 is disregarded and half of the balance is assessed as means. The rate of payment is then reduced accordingly.

Each year, a review form is automatically posted to OFP clients to see if the client still meets all the conditions of the payment. Both clients were issued with the review form, and both reported that their gross weekly earnings were greater than €425. Their payments were then suspended. However, where a person has income from employment with the Health Service Executive (HSE), or by a person approved by the HSE, as a home help, all such earnings are disregarded. This disregard was not applied in these cases.

Arrangements have now been made for the restoration of payment to both of the persons concerned. The Department apologises for the upset caused as a result of the suspension of the payments concerned. In order to avoid any future misinterpretation of the conditions of income as a home help, the guidelines for the scheme will shortly be updated and all relevant staff informed.

Question No. 139 taken with Question No. 127.

Social Welfare Appeals

Sean Fleming

Question:

140 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for supplementary welfare allowance for rent purposes in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Laois. [36496/11]

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, has allowed the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the decision. 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.

Community Employment Schemes

Patrick Deering

Question:

141 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a resource centre (details supplied) in County Carlow one did not qualify for a community employment scheme. [36625/11]

From 1 January 2011 policy and funding responsibility for FÁS functions in relation to employment and community employment services was transferred to the Department of Social Protection in accordance with the provisions of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2010. FÁS remains responsible for the day to day operation of community employment in accordance with the terms of a Service Agreement/Framework Document which it has concluded with the Department.

FÁS has informed me that Bagenalstown Resource Centre did not make an official application to FÁS for a community employment (CE) project. However, there is a CE participant from Carlow Regional Youth Service based at the Resource Centre. FÁS has advised that the Resource Centre contact their local FÁS Community Services Office at Government Buildings, Castlepark, Arklow to discuss the application process.

Patrick Deering

Question:

142 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection the required criteria to qualify for a community employment scheme. [36626/11]

Community Employment is an employment and training programme which helps long-term unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine. The programme assists by enhancing and developing a person's technical and personal skills which can then be used in the workplace.

The criteria for participating on community employment are based on age and length of time in receipt of various social protection payments. There are two options under which community employment can be accessed. In general, the Part-time Integration Option is for people aged 25 or over who are receiving social welfare payments for a year or more, and people of 18 years or over in receipt of disability-related payments. The Part-time Job Option is for people who are 35 or over and in receipt of social welfare payments for three years or longer. Certain groups, such as members of the traveller community, refugees and recovering drug misusers may be eligible for both options provided they are aged at least 18 years. Under certain conditions a spousal swap can be approved. Those who are signing for credits or are receiving social welfare benefits from a different country are not eligible to participate on community employment. Further detailed information is available on the FÁS website (www.fás.ie).

Departmental Schemes

Patrick Deering

Question:

143 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of JobBridge and Tús positions that have been filled nationally and in County Carlow since both schemes were launched. [36627/11]

To date a total of 2,712 individuals have commenced a JobBridge internship throughout Ireland and, of these, 48 are based in County Carlow. The number of Tús placements filled nationally to date is 1,795 of which 16 are in County Carlow.

Social Welfare Appeals

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

144 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the mortgage interest supplement appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [36634/11]

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.

Redundancy Payments

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

145 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Social Protection when a redundancy rebate payment will be made to the company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36638/11]

My officials have made contact with the company concerned and await receipt of the relevant claim form. Redundancy rebate claims received at the beginning of May 2011 are currently being processed.

Departmental Functions

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

146 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason in reply to parliamentary questions relating to delays with processing claims for rent or mortgage support or basic payments while applicants are awaiting a decision it has become commonplace to expect a reference to the fact that responsibility for such payments has been transferred to her, a fact, already well known, that should have no bearing on an applicant’s entitlement unless other issues surrounding the transfer of responsibilities exist of which the public is not aware; if she will therefore carry out an inquiry into the situation in view of the hardship caused to many vulnerable persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36650/11]

Reference to the transfer of the Community Welfare Service from the Health Service Executive to the Department of Social Protection has been included in recent Parliamentary Questions for information purposes only and does not relate to any individual case.

The reality is each application for mortgage interest supplement is determined by an officer of the Department taking account of the relevant legislative provisions and on the basis of the merits of each individual case. The timescale for determining applications for rent and mortgage interest supplements is dependent, among other things, on the availability of the required information, such as details of the applicant's income, bank statements, information from landlords, lending institutions etc. 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.

The provision of a prompt service is a major objective; however this has to be achieved in a manner that is consistent with the demands of natural justice and the need to ensure that every case is fully investigated. While certain cases may take more time to process than others, overall, I am satisfied that every effort is being made to decide rent and mortgage interest supplement claims in an efficient, effective and timely manner.

Social Welfare Benefits

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

147 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of requests for mortgage interest rent support or other supplementary welfare payment received in each of the past 12 months and to date in 2011; the number approved, rejected, refused or pending during the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36651/11]

Statistics are not available on the number of mortgage interest, rent supplement and basic supplementary welfare applications received each month or the outcome of those applications. However, I can confirm that to date in 2011 (18th November) a total of 85,913 basic supplementary welfare allowance claims, 57,207 rent supplement claims and 9,069 mortgage interest supplement claims have been awarded. I have also attached a tabular statement showing the number of basic supplementary welfare allowance, rent supplement and mortgage interest supplement claims awarded in each of the past 12 months.

Details of claims awarded in each of the last 12 months.

Claims Awarded in Month

Month Ending

Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance

Rent Supplement

Mortgage Interest Supplement

26/11/2010

7,448

5,678

875

31/12/2010

7,840

4,951

729

28/01/2011

7,218

4,548

755

25/02/2011

7,882

5,613

888

25/03/2011

7,307

5,285

887

29/04/2011

8,716

6,264

992

27/05/2011

7,004

4,767

726

24/06/2011

8,181

4,737

772

29/07/2011

10,130

6,275

1,005

26/08/2011

7,084

4,407

769

30/09/2011

9,521

6,143

959

28/10/2011

7,695

5,541

772

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

148 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the average time taken to process applications for carer’s allowance in each of the past three years to date; the number granted, refused and referred to appeal; the number overturned on appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36652/11]

The information requested in respect of carer's allowance applications is contained in the table.

Year

Average time to award

Number awarded

Number refused

2008

15 weeks

15,457

5,015

2009

9 weeks

10,730

5,776

2010

8 weeks

8,769

6,972

2011 (to end Sept)

14 weeks

5,685

3,921

These figures relate to the initial decision made on each application. I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that 1,046 carer's allowance appeals were received in 2008, 1,977 in 2009, 2,969 in 2010 and 1,838 appeals have been received in 2011 (to 31 October 2011).

During 2008 a total 750 appeals were determined of which 421 (56%) had a successful outcome for the appellant. The relevant figures for 2009 are 1,185 appeals determined of which 637 (53%) had a successful outcome. The relevant figures for 2010 are 2,145 were determined of which 1,215 (56%) has a successful outcome for the appellant. The figure for 2011 are 2,602 appeals determined of which 1,288 (49.5%) had a successful outcome.

While roughly 53% of the combined totals (3,561) had a successful outcome for appellants, almost half of these decisions (1,906) were in fact revised decisions made by deciding officers in the carer's allowance section of the Department, who reviewed the claim following the initial disallowance. These revised decisions arose primarily as a result of new facts or fresh evidence produced by the claimant after the original decision on his /her claim. In such cases an appeals officer's decision was not necessary.

Of the 487 carers appeals determined by an appeals officer in 2008, 158 were allowed or partially allowed (32%) while in 2009 the relevant number allowed by Appeals Officers was 277 (33%); the relevant figure for 2010 was 520 allowed (35.64%); and, for 2011, 700 (34.76%).

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

149 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons from whom a refund of overpayments of adult dependant allowance attached to old age pension is being sought in view of the fact that the particular allowance was always means tested; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36653/11]

An increase for qualified adult (IQA) is payable to recipients of certain benefits, allowances and pensions in respect of a qualified adult (their spouse, partner or civil partner) who is being wholly or mainly maintained by them, and where the qualified adult's personal means from any source(s) do not exceed a weekly means limit.

As part of the Department's Control Strategy, scheme administrations carry out annual and periodic reviews of IQA entitlement. Review projects for State pension (contributory) and invalidity pension recipients are currently being undertaken. It is the Department's policy to pursue the full recovery of all overpayments identified in these control activities in accordance with its debt recovery guidelines, and to put in place a debt recovery plan by agreement with the person concerned at a rate of repayment which does not cause them undue financial hardship. The Department is currently dealing with almost 400 cases where overpayments have been identified.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

150 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which refunds are being sought in respect of means tested allowances; if the applicants were informed of the conditions at the time of award of the payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36654/11]

The prevention of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system is an integral part of the day-to-day work of my Department which processes in excess of 2 million claims each year and makes payments to some 1.4 million people every week. However, it is important to recognise that the vast majority of people are receiving the entitlement due to them.

When a customer makes an application for any social welfare payment they are provided with a detailed information booklet in addition to the application form. This booklet clearly outlines the conditions for eligibility for the particular scheme. The application form further outlines these conditions and requires the applicant to sign a declaration to the effect that they will notify the Department if they no longer fulfil those conditions or if their means or circumstances change in a manner which would affect their payment.

In addition, when a claim is awarded, a decision letter is issued to the customer which outlines the fact that they are required to notify the Department of any changes in their means or circumstances which may affect their payment. When a claim is reviewed at a later date, the customer is again asked about their means and circumstances and informed that they must notify the Department of any changes.

Where, following a review of a claim in payment, it is confirmed that the customer had been receiving a payment to which they were not entitled, or were receiving a payment at a higher rate than they were entitled, a deciding officer makes a revised decision on the entitlement. Deciding officers decide the effective date of a revised decision having regard to the new facts or new evidence and the circumstances of the case. This can result in the assessment of an overpayment.

Fraud overpayment cases arise mainly on foot of false declarations by customers concerning their employment, income or family status. Non-fraud cases are primarily due to customer or third party error or departmental error. In the case of customer error, the customer had not fully disclosed their full means or circumstances, but the deciding officer decides it was an error or oversight by the customer, not wilful concealment or fraud. Estate cases arise where undisclosed means by customers (usually pensioners) come to light after their deaths.

The Department is fully committed to recovering 100% of overpayments arising as a result of suspected fraud or error. Effective debt recovery is seen as an integral part of the deterrent to fraudulent claiming. Debt holders should be aware that a debt owing to my Department will remain on their records until fully recovered. This will result in a reduction of all future entitlements up to and including state pension. Following the death of a customer who owes a debt, the Department has a claim on any estate remaining. Persons who have a debt and who are not longer dependent on social welfare are required to repay this debt as quickly as possible. The Department actively pursues the recovery of all overpayments including the initiation of civil proceedings where appropriate.

The Deputy should note that I recently launched a new Fraud Initiative (2011-2013) which is aimed at putting in place a range of actions to combat fraud and abuse of the social welfare system and to ensure there is public confidence and trust in the system. Given this enhanced approach, the Department plans to increase the level of debt recovery by reviewing the overall approach, particularly in the context of overpayments that have arisen from suspected social welfare fraud. While the details, including in particular legal requirements, will have to be examined closely, a range of options will be explored under this initiative with a view to both minimising overpayments and increasing recoveries. The consideration of all options in these areas has of course to be balanced, clearly taking into account the core income support and social inclusion purpose of social protection payments.

Departmental Staff

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

151 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which staff have been transferred to her Department to deal with extra work arising from the economic situation; if staff increases have increased in precise ratio to the extra number of applications for various payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36655/11]

In the period since May 2009, in excess of 900 staff have been assigned to my Department to fill critical vacancies and additional posts that were approved to deal with the significant increase in claims for the various schemes operated by the Department. The staffing needs of the Department are continuously reviewed, having regard to workloads and the competing demands arising. While assignments were not made in the precise ratio of the increase in applications for individual payment type, I can assure the Deputy that senior managers ensure that the best use is made of all available resources.

The Department continues to source available staff to fill critical vacancies by way of redeployment, or transfer from within the Department and other Government Departments, taking account of the employment control framework target, as determined by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. In addition to sourcing all available staff, the Department is involved in a major service delivery modernisation project to improve the efficiency with which applications for the various schemes are processed.

Social Welfare Benefits

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

152 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when she expects to have backlogs in respect of applications for various payments from her Department cleared; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36656/11]

Processing times vary across schemes because of the volume of applications and the differing qualification criteria. For example, means assessments are required for all social assistance schemes, medical examinations are required for some of the illness related schemes and customers must also satisfy the habitual residence conditions. In the case of insurance based schemes, it may be necessary to ascertain details of foreign insurance records.

The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. To this end, operational processes and procedures and the organisation of work are continually reviewed in all areas of the Department. These reviews are supported by modern technology, the potential of which is continuously harnessed. Claims are processed in the most efficient and expeditious way possible, having regard to the eligibility conditions that apply to each scheme. Since May 2008, through redeployment and the allocation of additional posts, some 900 staff have been assigned to the Department to fill critical vacancies and deal with the increased volume of claims.

Over the past ten years the Department has been involved in a major service delivery modernisation project to improve the efficiency with which it processes claims. The project involves the development of new IT functionality and associated business process re-organisation. This new system is up and running in Child Benefit, State Pension (Contributory), State Pension (Transition), State Pension (Non-Contributory), Widow's, Widower's and Civil Partnership Pensions, Bereavement Grant, Domiciliary Care, Free Travel and Household Benefits. In May 2011, the system was implemented for Invalidity Pensions and Carer's Allowance Scheme in August 2011. It is anticipated that the new system will introduce significant processing efficiencies and a quicker and more responsive service to customers on these schemes, in line with efficiencies gained in the other schemes where the initiative has already been implemented.

It should also be noted that many factors outside the Department's control can impact upon claim processing times e.g. the supply of relevant information by the customer, employers or other third parties.

Social Welfare Appeals

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

153 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of appeals in respect of all forms of social welfare currently on hand; the percentage this represents of all applications under each heading; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36657/11]

The figures, requested by the Deputy, in regard to the total number of appeals in respect of all forms of social welfare currently on hand and the percentage this represents of all applications under each heading is attached to this reply in tabular form. It should be noted that the figures in relation to the appeals outstanding as a percentage of the applications are not directly related in that some of the outstanding appeals relate to applications made prior to the beginning of 2011.

I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping the methods of operation by which the Social Welfare Appeals Office conducts its business under constant review, and that the processes are continuously being enhanced to reduce the backlogs in the Office and, overall, to reduce the processing times for dealing with appeals.

Appeals awaiting decision at 31/10/2011

Applications received to 31/10/2011

Appeals outstanding as a % of applications

Blind Pension

14

185

8%

Carers Allowance

1,402

15,388

9%

Carers Benefit

65

1,750

4%

Child Benefit

819

26,743

3%

Disability Allowance

3,238

20,457

16%

Illness Benefit

2,177

249,432

1%

Domicillary Care Allowance

1,546

4,412

35%

Bereavement Grant

35

21,906

0.2%

Family Income Supplement

82

44,304

0.2%

Invalidity Pension

1,571

12,346

1%

One Parent Family Payment

671

14,632

5%

Maternity Benefit

28

42,775

0.06%

State Pension (Contributory)

92

30,505

0.3%

State Pension (Non-Cont)

197

5,906

3%

State Pension (Transition)

22

19,104

0.1%

Occupational Injury Benefit

50

11,784

0.4%

Disablement Pension

327

1,520

22%

Guardian’s Payment (Con)

32

429

7%

Guardian’s Payment (NonCon)

8

142

6%

Jobseeker’s Allowance

3,945

204,166

2%

Jobseeker’s Benefit

682

186,872

0.4%

Respite Care Grant

160

6,311

3%

Supplementary Welfare Allowance

989

568,103

0.2%

Treatment Benefits

1

394,040

0.0003%

Widow’s Pension (Con)

17

6,407

0.3%

Widow’s Pension (NonCon)

22

492

5%

Widows Parent Grant

1

989

0.1%

Social Welfare Benefits

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

154 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the repetitive and duplicative means testing now being applied in respect of all means tests; the reason a single test cannot be adopted thereby dramatically reducing administrative costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36658/11]

My Department operates a range of means tested schemes and these schemes, including the means testing elements, are administered through a network of local and central offices. In the case of means tested social assistance schemes, the vast majority of claimants are means tested only once. In a small number of cases, a second means test may be required if they apply for basic supplementary welfare allowance or rent/mortgage interest supplement.

Two important projects are currently underway which will enhance the delivery of means tested payments. The objective of the first project is to facilitate the capture and storage of means information and the calculation of customer means across social assistance schemes has been completed and is currently being rolled out.

One of the benefits of this project is that the Department will, where appropriate, be able to re-use means information already held which in turn will provide better customer service by reducing the need for different parts of the Department to request information from the applicant. Other benefits of this project include: achieving qualitative and quantitative improvements in productivity; achieving value for money in the use of resources; implementing secure control processes; providing better management information; allowing for the future introduction of mobile working to facilitate the electronic capture of data at time of investigation; and placing the Department in a position to anticipate and respond to changing business demands e.g. additional means factors, changes to scheme rules etc.

The second project involves the integration of the Community Welfare Service (CWS) into the Department. This will result in a more coordinated approach to the provision of service to the public. This will create opportunities to remove duplication of work, including in the area of means assessment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

155 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the refusal rate in respect of disability allowance, invalidity pension and disability benefit, as a percentage of total applications in each of the past 24 months to date in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36659/11]

The statistics requested are set out in the tabular statements. The statistics in relation to disability allowance and invalidity pension relate to the initial decision on a claim and do not reflect where a claim may be subsequently allowed either on review by a deciding officer following submission of new facts or evidence or as a result of an appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

Disability Allowance

Invalidity Pension

Month

Claims decided

Claims disallowed

Percentage of claims disallowed

Month

Claims decided

Claims disallowed

Percentage of claims disallowed

Nov-09

1,801

887

49.25

Nov-09

623

253

40.61

Dec-09

815

429

52.64

Dec-09

578

291

50.35

Jan-10

2,219

1,087

48.99

Jan-10

578

291

50.35

Feb-10

1,644

873

53.10

Feb-10

617

328

53.16

Mar-10

1,414

797

56.36

Mar-10

577

278

48.18

Apr-10

1,554

883

56.82

Apr-10

692

393

56.79

May-10

1,397

698

49.96

May-10

658

337

51.22

Jun-10

1,205

571

47.39

Jun-10

602

290

48.17

Jul-10

2,239

1,192

53.24

Jul-10

642

289

45.02

Aug-10

1,379

730

52.94

Aug-10

623

261

41.89

Sep-10

1,371

621

45.30

Sep-10

513

215

41.91

Oct-10

1,788

1,031

57.66

Oct-10

666

324

48.65

Nov-10

1,864

1,108

59.44

Nov-10

685

329

48.03

Dec-10

1,174

725

61.75

Dec-10

Jan-11

1,920

1,123

58.49

Jan-11

Feb-11

2,095

1,073

51.22

Feb-11

Mar-11

1,545

809

52.36

Mar-11

Apr-11

1,743

1,009

57.89

Apr-11

May-11

1,565

776

49.58

May-11

Jun-11

1,424

685

48.10

Jun-11

735

361

49.11

Jul-11

2,637

1,692

64.16

Jul-11

1099

671

61.06

Aug-11

1,501

742

49.43

Aug-11

437

193

44.16

Sep-11

3,743

2,670

71.33

Sep-11

1453

1012

69.65

Oct-11

2,095

1,137

54.27

Oct-11

1015

771

75.96

A breakdown of Invalidity claims decided and refused is not available from December 2010 to June 2011. A dual payments system was in operation from December 2010 until all claims were migrated onto a new computer platform in May 2011.

Illness Benefit

Month

Claims decided

Claims disallowed

Percentage of claims disallowed

Nov-09

29,512

3,873

13.12

Dec-09

24,179

3,168

13.10

Jan-10

26,353

3,334

12.65

Feb-10

24,927

3,309

13.27

Mar-10

26,114

3,231

12.37

Apr-10

22,633

2,598

11.48

May-10

22,167

2,484

11.21

Jun-10

24,684

2,850

11.55

Jul-10

26,275

3,136

11.94

Aug-10

20,863

2,392

11.47

Sep-10

25,037

2,928

11.69

Oct-10

23,860

2,654

11.12

Nov-10

26,993

3,008

11.14

Dec-10

17,940

1,981

11.04

Jan-11

25,798

2,946

11.42

Feb-11

30,708

3,616

11.78

Mar-11

26,204

3,141

11.99

Apr-11

22,110

2,264

10.24

May-11

24,769

2,639

10.65

Jun-11

23,297

2,760

11.85

Jul-11

24,632

2,879

11.69

Aug-11

26,847

3,070

11.44

Sep-11

24,247

2,828

11.66

Oct-11

23,357

2,609

11.17

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

156 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection, further to Parliamentary Question No. 208 of 8 November 2011, the way the decision was reached that further documents must be supplied in order to process the application for rent allowance when the documents as listed in the aforementioned parliamentary question were in fact submitted to the Department already (details supplied); if she will further indicate when payment under the rent allowance scheme will issue in this instance as the applicant faces immediate eviction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36662/11]

The person concerned made an application for rent supplement on the 8th of September but her rent was in excess of the maximum rent limit appropriate to her family composition. The person concerned has been requested to reduce her rent to the limit permitted. The person concerned has also failed to provide the Department with a housing needs assessment from her local County Council. A decision will be made on her application when the necessary information has been provided.

Pension Provisions

Patrick Deering

Question:

157 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount of money paid in severance packages to retired and retiring chief executives of State and semi-State companies in the past four years; and the annual cost of their pensions. [37015/11]

The two statutory bodies operating under the aegis of this Department which have Chief Executive Officers are the Citizens Information Board and the Pensions Board. Of these, the only retirement which occurred within the last four years was the CEO of the Citizens Information Board. The Citizens Information Board has advised me that their former CEO received a lump sum pension payment of €185,370.50 on her retirement in 2008. The current annual cost of the pension is €51,518.95.

Ferry Services

Michael McCarthy

Question:

158 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in respect of the recent awarding of a ferry contract (details supplied), the reasons behind the decision not to award the tender to an individual; the specific criteria the individual failed to meet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36512/11]

Michael McCarthy

Question:

159 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in respect of recent confirmation of intent to award a ferry contract to an individual (details supplied), the specific criteria the successful tenderer met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36513/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 159 together.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the tendering process is not complete until the contract is awarded. Therefore, it is not possible for me to provide information with regard to the fulfilling of the award criteria by any tenderer. However, any party involved in the public procurement process may contact my Department where they will receive a full debriefing on their tender and their scores in relation to the award criteria, as outlined in the tender documents.

Pension Provisions

Patrick Deering

Question:

160 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount of money paid in severance packages to retired and retiring chief executives of State and semi-State companies in the past four years; and the annual cost of their pensions. [37007/11]

Information in respect of pension costs and lump sums paid in the past four years to retiring chief executives of State bodies/agencies with the sectoral remit of the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht is set out in the table. No severance payments were made in the cases listed.

Body/Agency

Amount of lump sum

Year in which lump sum was paid

Annual cost of pension

Údarás na Gaeltachta

€207,585

2009

€64,118

National Concert Hall

€121,449

2010

€40,122

Irish Film Board

€22,472

2011

€5,995

Patrick Deering

Question:

161 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of money paid in severance packages to retired and retiring chief executives of State and semi-State companies in the past four years; and the annual cost of their pensions. [37009/11]

The matter of severance packages to retired and retiring Chief Executives of State and semi-State companies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the agencies in accordance with Department of Finance (Public Expenditure and Reform) guidelines. I am arranging for the Agencies under the aegis of my Department to provide relevant details to the Deputy.

Proposed Legislation

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

162 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to bring proposals for a climate Bill before the Joint Committee on the Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht before the UN talks on climate change begin in Durban in December. [36767/11]

Shane Ross

Question:

169 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when Dáil Éireann can expect a climate change Bill; if it will be before 31 December 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36444/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 169 together.

I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 257, 258, 268, 269, 292, 294, 295 and 302 of 2 November 2011 which sets out the position. The Climate Policy Review was published on 3 November 2011 and is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.

Departmental Properties

John O'Mahony

Question:

163 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of premises and sites being rented or leased not currently in use and the cost of maintenance and security on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36376/11]

John O'Mahony

Question:

164 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of premises and sites rented or leased by his Department; the location of same; if they are currently in use and the cost for 2009 and 2010 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36381/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 164 together.

There are no premises or sites being rented or leased by my Department that are currently not in use. In general, premises occupied by my Department are rented by the OPW, rather than directly by my Department. The location and costs of premises and sites rented directly by my Department in 2009 and 2010 are set out below.

Rental Cost For 2009

Rental Cost For 2010

Office space — Met Éireann, Dublin Airport

€73,206

€73,536

Office space — Met Éireann, Shannon Airport

€150,639

€150,635

Met Éireann, Cork Airport

Nil

Nil

Land — Met Éireann, Valentia

€500

€500

In relation to the office space at Cork Airport, rent for 2009, 2010 and 2011 is yet to be paid, pending the finalisation of discussions with the Dublin Airport Authority which manages the airport. My Department also shares with other Government Departments the rent and ancillary costs of a premises occupied by Ireland's Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels. My Department's share of rental costs associated with this office is set by the Department of Foreign Affairs at €19,196 for 2010. This arrangement came into effect from January 2010.

Local Authority Functions

Brendan Smith

Question:

165 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify the reserved functions of a local authority; the assets that must be brought to a council for disposal purposes which includes land, buildings, goodwill, sale of service, database or other material asset; if this matter can be clarified with reference to where in law, the various categories of assets dealt with are and if they are included or otherwise by specific inclusion or exclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36398/11]

Reserved functions are exercised by resolution of the members passed at a meeting of a local authority. Every function of a local authority which is not a reserved function is an executive function of the local authority concerned. The following table sets out, in summary, reserved functions associated with the disposal of material assets.

Reserved Function

Relevant Legislation

Land disposals, notification of members

Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001

Power of housing Authority to sell or lease certain dwellings

Section 90 of the Housing Act 1966, as amended

Allocation of Affordable Housing (Part V)

Section 98 of Planning and Development Act 2000

Allocation of Affordable Housing (1999 Scheme)

Section 8 of Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002

Disposal of mortgages held by housing authorities or Housing Finance Agency

Section 14 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992

Abandonment of public roads

Section 12 of the Roads Act 1993

Extinguishment of public rights of way

Section 73 of the Roads Act 1993

Powers of local authorities in relation to market rights owned by them

Section 8 of the Casual Trading Act 1995

Promotion of interests of local community

Section 66 of the Local Government Act 2001

Functions of road authority re abandonment of railway line

Section 21 of the Transport Act 1950

Local Authority Housing

Martin Ferris

Question:

166 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will be supporting a foundation (details supplied) in its plans to develop a day and residential service for adults and children with autism or Asperger’s syndrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36417/11]

My Department's involvement with voluntary and co-operative housing schemes relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The detailed administration of the schemes, the processing of applications and the certification that projects comply with the terms and conditions of the funding schemes are the responsibility of the local authority in the first instance. As such, each local authority is responsible for the assessment and appraisal of all new voluntary sector projects and ensuring that they are advanced through the planning, procurement and implementation phases in accordance with the requirements of the Capital Works Management Framework for publicly funded capital projects. The Approved Housing Body in question is liaising with Limerick County Council with a view to making an application for funding under any new call for proposals for projects under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) in 2012.

Planning Issues

Brendan Smith

Question:

167 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the situation in respect of planning requirements, if any, on the conversion of suburban front and rear gardens into patio and concrete areas for parking, which is restricting the potential for soakage of heavy rain and putting pressure on the drainage system; if the matter can be clarified; if rules or guidelines can be quoted; when they were introduced and the urban areas in which they apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36419/11]

Under the Planning and Development Acts 2000 — 2010, all development, unless specifically exempted under the Acts or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. Certain developments are exempted under section 4 of the Act and Part 2 and Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended.

Article 6 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2011, which commenced on 8 September 2011, amended Class 6 of Schedule 2, Part 1 of the Regulations to provide that any works within the curtilage of a house for —

the provision to the rear of the house of a hard surface for use for any purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the house as such, or

the provision of a hard surface in the area of the garden forward of the front building line of the house, or in the area of the garden to the side of the side building line of the house, for purposes incidental to the enjoyment of the house as such,

is exempted development for the purposes of the Planning Acts. The exemption is subject to the following conditions:

The level of the ground must not be altered by more than 1 metre above or below the level of the adjoining ground, and

Provided that the area of the hard surface is less than 25 square metres or less than 50% of the area of the garden forward of the front building line of the house, or 50% of the area of the garden to the side of the side building line of the house, as the case may be, whichever is the smaller, or

If the area of the hard surface is 25 square metres or greater or comprises more than 50% of the area of the garden forward of the front building line of the house, or 50% of the area of the garden to the side of the side building line of the house, as the case may be, it must be constructed using permeable materials or otherwise allow for rainwater to soak into the ground.

Water Conservation

Brendan Smith

Question:

168 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify his policy on harvesting rainwater; if local authorities are encouraged to introduce harvesting systems; if any initiatives have been taken to retrofit local authority offices or depots; if any grant schemes have been introduced by him to encourage these initiatives; if he will provide an estimate of total cost for provision and treatment of water for own use by local authorities; if he will consider initiatives to encourage, or give instructions to local authorities to introduce grant schemes as is done with house insulation to introduce dual systems to domestic dwellings in order that water can be harvested for sewerage system, car washing and garden use and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36422/11]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

170 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 353 of 15 November 2011, his plans to encourage water harvesting and to provide financial incentives to encourage same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36475/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 170 together.

Harvested rainwater can potentially be used as an alternative source of water for various domestic purposes, e.g. supplying toilet cisterns, car-washing etc. and for various business and commercial operations. There are also environmental and economic benefits that can accrue from reducing the demand for water abstraction at source and the subsequent and expensive treatment of raw water for human consumption. Large-scale rainwater harvesting systems are already in use by some schools, factories and other buildings and are increasingly being incorporated into new developments.

Retro-fitting a rainwater harvesting system could require the installation of an attic storage tank and the re-routing and upgrading of plumbing and, therefore, could be expensive. Any plumbing system based on rainwater collection may contain traces of atmospheric and environmental pollutants, along with animal and bird faecal matter. It is essential, therefore, that there is no cross connection between any pipe, fitting or appliance carrying non-potable water and pipes carrying potable water in order to avoid potentially serious issues for public health and risk of cross-contamination of the public water supply. It is essential that any installer is competent in safeguarding potable water supplies within a mixed pipe system and consumers installing such systems should be aware of the on-going operational and maintenance requirements.

Many local authorities provide advice on their websites regarding water conservation and the efficient use of water. Some local authorities, for example Dublin City Council, have arrangements in place whereby water butts for household use can be purchased directly from the authority.

The introduction of a grants scheme for any purpose must be managed within current budgetary constraints and, in so far as the funds administered by my Department are concerned, there are currently no plans to introduce a scheme of grant aid for the installation of rainwater harvesting systems.

Question No. 169 answered with Question No. 162.
Question No. 170 answered with Question No. 168.

Local Authority Funding

Timmy Dooley

Question:

171 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to review the way in which rates are calculated on public houses; and if his attention has been drawn to the impact of the cost of rates on the viability of many pubs through out the country. [36539/11]

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.

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 provide for more consistent and up-to-date valuations for rating purposes and to assist in making the rating system fairer and equitable for ratepayers. Following completion of the revaluation programme, there is expected to be a much closer and uniform relationship between rental values of property and their commercial rates liability and this relationship will thereafter be maintained by means of recurring revaluations provided for in the Valuation Act.

The Commissioner of Valuation is actively reviewing options which might hold potential for accelerating the delivery of the revaluation programme to all rating authorities within a shorter timeframe. 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.

Rural Development

Brendan Griffin

Question:

172 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the administration of public funds in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in County Kerry.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36548/11]

My Department has been in contact with South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd (SKDP), the Local Action Group contracted on my Department's behalf to implement the Axis 3 and 4 elements of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 in the Castlemaine area. It appears that there is a local dispute around the use of the Castlemaine Community centre which has received funding under the current RDP.

SKDP has informed both parties involved in the dispute that they must ensure the facility is made available to all members of the community, in accordance with the rules of the RDP. SKDP has assured my Department that they will provide ongoing mediation to ensure that this dispute is resolved as soon as possible and will keep my Department informed of any future developments.

Local Authority Charges

Patrick Deering

Question:

173 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the expected income from the proposed property tax both nationally and on a county basis; and if he will give a commitment that the money collected in each county will remain in the county. [36628/11]

The EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland commits the Government to the introduction of a property tax for 2012. The Programme reflects the need, in the context of the State's overall financial position, to put the funding of locally delivered services on a sound financial footing, improve accountability and better align the cost of providing services with the demand for such services.

In light of the complex issues involved, a property tax, requiring a comprehensive property valuation system, would take time to introduce and accordingly, to meet the requirements in the EU/IMF Programme, the Government has decided to introduce a household charge in 2012. The household charge is an interim measure and proposals for a property tax will be considered by the Government in due course.

It is estimated that there are some 1.6 million residential properties in the State potentially liable to the household charge. As such, if collected in full, the household charge has the potential to raise €160 million annually. The charge will be collected centrally on a shared service/agency basis for all local authorities. It is intended that the proceeds from the household charge will be paid into the Local Government Fund and will be re-distributed on an equalised basis to local authorities within the context of the annual allocations of General-Purpose Grants. The legislation to underpin the household charge will be published and brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas shortly.

Social and Affordable Housing

Jack Wall

Question:

174 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 184 of 16 November 2011, his plans to address the issue; if he will give consideration to reassessing the stated Regulation 22, thus permitting families or persons address the difficult and unacceptable circumstances that they are encountering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36635/11]

Paragraph (1) of Regulation 22 of the Social Housing Assessment Regulations, 2011, provides that a household with alternative accommodation that would meet its housing need is ineligible for social housing support. Paragraph (2) of the Regulation effectively ensures that paragraph (1) does not operate to exclude from eligibility for social housing support an applicant who owns accommodation that is occupied by his or her spouse, from whom he or she is separated or divorced.

The Regulation is worded in such a way that once there is a Deed of Separation in place, this aspect of eligibility for social housing support can be determined. There is no need therefore to await judicial separation or divorce to get a decision on social housing support in these cases. I consider that this provision is reasonable in most cases. I acknowledge, however, that situations may exceptionally arise that may not easily be dealt with under the current Regulations. My Department is keeping the social housing assessment provisions under ongoing review and in this context will consider what wider discretion might be given to housing authorities to address the individually difficult and complex cases which may present to them.

Dormant Accounts Fund

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

175 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it is intended that the guaranteed right of reclaim from the dormant accounts fund will continue to be a perpetual one and if sums deposited in an Irish financial institution in the 1700s and dormant since the 1800s will apply in the terms of existing legislation for dormant accounts in the 20th and 21st century; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36668/11]

Current legislation provides for a scheme to transfer dormant accounts in banks, building societies, An Post, as well as unclaimed life assurance policies to the care of the State, while guaranteeing a right of reclaim to those funds. The main purpose of the legislation is to reunite account holders/policy holders with their funds in credit institutions and insurance undertakings. Under the Dormant Accounts Amendment (2011) Bill, the right to reclaim funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund will remain unchanged. Any change would have significant legal and constitutional, including property rights, implications.

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

176 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends to extend the dormant accounts legislation to credit unions that are in surplus, in the manner indicated by his predecessor at the time when the Dormant Accounts Act initially came into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36669/11]

I have no plans at present to extend the Dormant Accounts legislation to credit unions. In practical terms, increasing the amount available in the Dormant Accounts Fund does not necessarily allow for the introduction of new dormant accounts measures or programmes. Government Departments and agencies must source monies for dormant accounts programmes and measures from their Exchequer allocation, in the same way as with any other funding programmes. However, this is a matter I am prepared to keep under review, particularly in the context of any improvement to the budgetary situation.

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

177 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will report on the amount disbursed by way of appropriations-in-aid from the dormant accounts investment and disbursement account in the 12 months up to the memorandum of understanding with the EU-ECB-IMF coming into force in December 2010; if he will report on the amount disbursed by way of appropriations-in-aid from the dormant accounts investment and disbursement account in the period since the memorandum of understanding came into force; if he will report on whether the existence of the MOU is a factor in the difference between the two figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36670/11]

The Dormant Accounts Acts provide for an annual transfer by credit institutions and insurance undertakings of monies in accounts determined to be dormant into the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF). Since its establishment in April 2003 to the end of September 2011 the transfers to the DAF have totalled some €626.69m, which includes interest earned of some €35.63m. Funds reclaimed in that period by account holders amounted to approximately €219.87m. The net value of the Dormant Accounts Fund (uncommitted funds) is €81.81m.

A summary of the current status of the DAF is available on my Department website. This provides a profile of the Fund showing yearly inflows, reclaims, disbursements, etc, from 2003 to the end of September 2011. In 2010 disbursements from the fund totalled €20.267m; the following table sets out details in this regard, including the relevant Departments and agencies involved. The disbursements from January 2011 to the end of September 2011 are €0.818m; however, it is not appropriate to compare the 2011 figure to the 2010 figure, as end of year accounting procedures have yet to be completed in respect of all expenditure in 2011. While the expenditure in 2011 is likely to be significantly down on 2010 levels, this reflects the severe budgetary situation and is not related to the existence of the Memorandum of Understanding with the EU/ECB/IMF.

Table 1

Accounts Fund 2010

Disbursements

2010

Pobal (Formerly ADM, Service provider and agent of the Dormant Accounts Board)

€875,000

Dept. Community, Rural and Gaeltacht

€5,286,000

Education and Skills

€2,003,000

HSE

€6,119,000

Transport, Tourism and Sport

€395,000

Children and Youth Affairs

€2,966,000

Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Justice and Equality

€672,000

Irish Prison Service

€218,000

Environment, Community and Local Government

€719,000

Social Protection

€1,014,000

Total

€20,267,000

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

178 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to practice in the UK where dormant accounts funds are disbursed alongside the lottery funds in a single integrated administrative process; if he sees any applicability for that model in this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36671/11]

Several countries have successfully set up schemes in recent years to enable assets in dormant accounts to be reinvested in society. I have discussed the UK model with a delegation from the Dormant Accounts Board recently. That model enables banks, Buildings Societies and so on, to pass this money, on a voluntary basis, to the Big Lottery Fund for distribution for social and environmental purposes, while also retaining the right of reclaim to account holders.

While the mechanism for distribution is different between our jurisdictions, the overall thrust of the schemes is the same. There is nothing to suggest that one is better than the other; indeed more than a quarter of a billion Euros has been disbursed from the Fund here since it was set up in 2003. Accordingly, I see no reason to change the administrative procedures for the roll out of Dormant Accounts Funds as provided for in existing and proposed Dormant Accounts legislation.

Pension Provisions

Patrick Deering

Question:

179 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of money paid in severance packages to retired and retiring chief executives of State and semi-State companies in the past four years; and the annual cost of their pensions. [37012/11]

Three chief executive officers or equivalents have retired from State agencies under the aegis of my Department in the past four years. The information requested is set out in the table.

Retirements in the past four years

Name of Body

Number of retirements

Severance Payment

Gross Retirement Lump Sum €

Gross Annual Pension €

An Bord Pleanála

1

Not Applicable

364,617

121,539

Local Government Management Services Board (now part of LGMA)

1

Not Applicable

237,966

79,322

Western Development Commission

1

Not Applicable

No pension or lump sum was payable as the CEO served less than two years and pension contributions were refunded in line with pension scheme rules.

Proposed Legislation

Finian McGrath

Question:

180 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding personal debt. [36486/11]

Finian McGrath

Question:

181 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding personal debts and mortgage arrears. [36666/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together.

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question Number 321 of 2 November, 2011 which indicated the following: "In line with a commitment in the Programme for Government the Personal Insolvency Bill is in the course of being developed in my Department to provide for a new framework for settlement and enforcement of debt and for personal insolvency. The commitment under the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland is to publish the Bill in Quarter 1 of 2012. It is my objective to publish the measure ahead of the EU/IMF deadline, if possible. Moreover, it is intended that the Heads of the Bill, which are expected to be finalised in the near future, will be forwarded to the Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality for its consideration".

Garda Vetting of Personnel

John O'Mahony

Question:

182 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications for vetting awaiting decision or clearance as at 1 November 2011; the month in respect of which such vetting applications were first received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36369/11]

I can inform the Deputy that based on information that is readily available from the Garda Authorities the number of vetting application on hand at the start of November was in the region of 45,000 to 50,000. In relation to providing the Deputy with information pertaining to when those applications were received, I am further informed that this would take an inordinate amount of time to determine and could not be justified given the current demands on the resources of the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU).

However, the Deputy may wish to know that the current average processing time for vetting applications now stands at 5 weeks approximately. This processing time can, nevertheless, be affected by seasonal fluctuations or the necessity to seek further information on particular applications which may result in the processing time exceeding the present average of 5 weeks.

As I have said previously, I am very conscious of the need to keep the time required to obtain a vetting to the minimum possible. Since becoming Minister I have taken a number of measures which have significantly reduced the time taken for the processing of vetting applications. The sanction of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform was obtained to retain the services of 10 temporary employees working in the GCVU. Sanction was also obtained to engage an additional 10 temporary employees and these are now working in the GCVU. A further initiative to provide internships through the National Internship Scheme, "Job Bridge", under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection, is also currently under way. All of this should have a further positive impact on processing times.

Departmental Properties

John O'Mahony

Question:

183 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of premises and sites being rented or leased not currently in use and the cost of maintenance and security on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36377/11]

John O'Mahony

Question:

184 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of premises and sites rented or leased by his Department; the location of same; if they are currently in use and the cost for 2009 and 2010 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36382/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 184 together.

The details of the rental properties leased in the name of the Minister for Justice and Equality are as follows:—

Property

Location

Annual Rent 2009

Annual Rent 2010

Currently in Use

Department of Justice, Montague Court

Dublin 2

€691,080

€691,080

Yes

Forensic Science Laboratory, Trinity Enterprise Centre

Trinity College, Dublin 2

€31,905.28

€31,905.28

Yes

Probation Service*

Dublin

€0

€296,594.58

No. Yearly maintenance charge €3,274.10. No security charge

Garda Síochána Inspectorate, 87 St Stephen’s Green

Dublin 2

€107,200

€107,200

Yes

Probation Service Community Organisation at Courthouse Square, Westpark,Tallaght

Dublin 24

€366,158.15

€373,335

Yes

Probation Service Community Organisation at Parnell Street

Dublin 1

€125,000

€125,000

Yes

Probation Service Community organisation at Unit A3 Santry Industrial Estate PACE Project

Dublin 9

€58,500

€58,500

Yes

Probation Service Office

Cavan Town

€32,771

€30,275

Yes

Probation Service Office Drogheda

Co. Louth

€2,158

€0

No — Lease terminated.

Probation Service Office Castle Street

Co. Sligo

€4,000

€0

No — Lease terminated.

Probation Service Office Southside Industrial Estate Pouladuff Road

Co. Cork

€23,000

€28,500

Yes

Probation Service Office, Athy

Co. Kildare

€21,000

€16,500

Yes

Data Protection Commissioner Canal Road Station Road Portarlington

Co. Laois

€73,500

€73,500

Yes

Irish Prisons Service Building Services Division Unit 2, Airways Industrial Estate, Santry

Dublin 9

€388,000

€388,000

Yes

Garda Interview Facility Unit 25, Northwood Court, Santry

Dublin 9

€63,400

€63,139

Yes

Garda Interview Facility Unit at Collooney Business Park

Sligo

€14,580

€14,520

Yes

Garda Interview Facility 2H and 2J, North Valley Business Centre, Mallow Road

Cork

€28,455

€28,338

Yes

Garda Interview Facility Unit B/12-10 Letterkenny Town Centre, Letterkenny

Co. Donegal

€38,889

€38,729

Yes

Garda Interview Facility Railway Square

Waterford

€0

€36,845

Yes

Garda Interview Facility Units 203 — 204, Q House, Furze Road, Sandyford

Dublin 18

€0

€0

Yes

The Young Persons Probation and Irish Youth Justice Service*

Limerick

€0

€0

No. No security or maintenance costs.

* Full address not provided for security reasons.

I can also tell the Deputy that I am informed that there are two properties that are held by agencies falling under the aegis of my Department that are not currently in use. One of these properties is leased by the Legal Aid Board in Dublin. This property has a maintenance charge of €2,228 and security costs of €643 have been paid to date in 2011. A further property is located in Castlebar and is leased by the Family Mediation Service. This service has, from 1 November, been subsumed into the Legal Aid Board. This property is not incurring any cost for maintenance or security.

Garda Deployment

Michael Lowry

Question:

185 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide details on the cost to the State of providing a crime prevention officer; the cost of bringing a crime prevention officer from Waterford to the Tipperary area when one is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36388/11]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the cost to the State of providing a Crime Prevention Officer consists of an annual salary at Sergeant rank which is in the range of €44,725 — €53,119 and a Crime Prevention Allowance which is set currently at €30.90 per week. The primary cost of bringing a Crime Prevention Officer from Waterford to the Tipperary area is variable and comprises travel and subsistence expenses payable at the normal rates for An Garda Síochána.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is satisfied that a full and effective policing service is being delivered to the community. Local Garda management closely monitors the allocation of all resources having regard to crime trends, general policing needs and specific operations at District, Divisional and Regional level.

Garda Stations

Sandra McLellan

Question:

186 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the future plans for Cloyne Garda station, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36526/11]

Sandra McLellan

Question:

187 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there are plans to close Cloyne Garda station, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36527/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 187 together.

A final decision on whether station closures will take place, and if so what stations, will be taken in the context of the Commissioner's draft Policing Plan for 2012 and will be announced shortly. The policing plan will also be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.

It is the case that, as with every other public sector organisation, the Garda Síochána is going to have to manage with reduced resources. The Garda Commissioner has therefore quite properly been reviewing all aspects of the Garda Síochána's policing model, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies and the operation of Garda stations, both in terms of opening hours and possible closures.

The purpose of the review is to ensure that Garda resources are managed and deployed in the most appropriate manner to meet existing and emerging policing requirements and to maintain Garda frontline services to the greatest extent possible — which is consistent with Government policy.

Visa Applications

Terence Flanagan

Question:

188 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding visas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36531/11]

There is already a scheme in place to grant long term residence without condition as to time (immigration Stamp 5) to persons in certain categories who have been residing legally in Ireland for 8 or more years. This would apply to workers with an existing Stamp 1 permission as a work permit holder. It also covers the lawfully resident spouses of such persons. There is no general plan to grant students with over 8 years residence either a stamp 4 or Stamp 5 status. That does not however prevent individual cases being examined on their merits. If the circumstances warrant it the issue of a stamp 4 may be possible in limited circumstances.

Departmental Properties

John O'Mahony

Question:

189 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Defence the number of premises and sites rented or leased by his Department; the location of same; if they are currently in use and the cost for 2009 and 2010 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36385/11]

John O'Mahony

Question:

190 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Defence the number of premises and sites being rented or leased not currently in use; the cost of maintenance and security on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36505/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190 together.

Private rental properties leased by Minister for Defence

Full Time rentals — Reserve Defence Force

County

Address

Clare

Kilrush Creek Marina, Kilrush

Cork

Weir St., Bandon

Donegal

Unit 4, Court Place, Carndonagh (1st Floor Unit)

Galway

Hut Site, Tuam

Leitrim

8 Park Lane, Carrick-on-Shannon

Mayo

Foxford, Ballina

Monaghan

Cross St., Carrickmacross

Monaghan

Drumgoask, Monaghan

Offaly

Kilcruttin, Tullamore. Ground Floor Unit

Sligo

Unit 12B, Cleveragh Business Centre

Part Time rentals — Reserve Defence Force

County

Address

Carlow

Hut Site, Carlow Workhouse

Cork

Town Hall, Bandon — 2 rooms.

Cork

Parochial Hall, Wolfe Tone Square, Bantry

Cork

Beara Sports Hall, Castletownbere

Cork

Community Hall, Chapel St., Charleville

Cork

GAA Club, Macroom

Cork

Industrial Hall, Clonakilty

Cork

St. Patrick’s Hall, Dunmanway

Cork

Scoil Mhuire Hall, Kanturk

Cork

Community Centre, Kilworth

Cork

Parish Hall, Roscarbery

Cork

GAA Club, Millstreet

Cork

Scoil Phadraig, New Road, Mallow

Galway

Hall Einne, Carraroe

Galway

Community Hall, Portumna

Limerick

Community Centre, Abbeyfeale

Limerick

Community Hall, Boher

Limerick

Muintir Na Tire Hall, Hospital

Limerick

Hut Site, Newcastlewest

Limerick

Community Hall, Pallas Green

Mayo

Scouts Den, Ballina

Mayo

Community Hall, Swinford

Meath

Gilsen Boys School, Oldcastle

Tipperary

St. Patrick’s Parochial Hall, Ballymacarberry

Tipperary

Hut Site, Tipperary Town

Waterford

Community Centre, Cappoquin, Villierstown

Wexford

Community Hall, Courtnacuddy, Enniscorthy

Wexford

Parish Hall, Cushinstown

Wexford

Scout Hall, Gorey

Wicklow

Parochial Hall, Tinahely

Army Barracks

Robert Troy

Question:

191 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence if he can confirm that the Mullingar Reserve Defence Forces have been advised that following the closure of Columb Barracks they will need to rent alternative accommodation and that their weapons will be required to be held between Athlone and the Curragh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36542/11]

At present the RDF use facilities in Columb Barracks Mullingar one night a week for training purposes. Prior to the closure of the barracks arrangements will be made to provide alternative accommodation in the town. On nights that the training involves the use of weapons it will be necessary for these to be brought from Custume Barracks Athlone. This type of arrangement exists with many RDF training locations throughout the country where the training location is outside of a permanently occupied barracks.

Robert Troy

Question:

192 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence the way the proposed savings on closure of Columb Barracks, County Westmeath was costed; and if he will provide these savings in writing. [36543/11]

As I have said previously annual savings in respect of utilities, security duty allowances and maintenance amount to approximately €1.3 million per annum in respect of the four closures. In relation to Columb Barracks Mullingar these savings amount to approximately €0.4 million based on the most recent figures available. In addition to the cost of utilities each barracks requires a security detail and additional further personnel are tied up on purely administrative duties connected to the management of the particular barracks. Because maintaining barrack security can require around the clock cover, a much larger pool of personnel is required. Therefore, several hundred additional man years will become available for operational duties. At a minimum, the value of this efficiency gain across the four locations will exceed €5 million per year.

The consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective in the ongoing defence modernisation programme and has been recommended in many reports over the past number of years. This was a key consideration of Government in addressing this issue as releasing personnel from security and support functions enables the operational capacity of the Defence Forces to be maintained notwithstanding the fall in strength.

Robert Troy

Question:

193 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence the way in which the relocated soldiers from Columb Barracks are to be accommodated in Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath; if Custume Barracks has the necessary accommodation space currently or will additional accommodation space be required. [36544/11]

Over the coming weeks officials from the Department and Defence Forces engineers will be visiting Custume Barracks Athlone to finalise a detailed long-term plan to provide the required accommodation to facilitate those transferring from Cavan and Mullingar. This plan is likely to follow the precedent that was successfully used during the 2009 barrack closure programme. At that time a range of temporary facilities were provided while the arrangements for the construction, over the following 2-3 years, of more permanent facilities were put in place.

Robert Troy

Question:

194 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence if a revised valuation has been carried out on Connolly Barracks, Longford; if so, if he will advise of the new valuation; and if he has had any further consultation with the local authorities in Longford. [36545/11]

Since becoming Minister I have been actively engaged in seeking a means of dealing with Connolly Barracks, Longford. On 29 September I met with a delegation from Longford to discuss possible future uses of the former barracks. Arising from that meeting I asked my Department to have the site revalued. As a consequence of that revaluation and discussions between my Department and the local council I am optimistic that a satisfactory agreement will be made with regard to the future of the barracks.

Robert Troy

Question:

195 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence when he anticipates holding a further consultative meeting with the Columb Barracks action group. [36546/11]

Robert Troy

Question:

196 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence if he is in any consultation with any interested party regarding an alternative use for Columb Barracks, County Westmeath. [36547/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 196 together.

Since the announcement of the Government decision on barrack closures the Department has written to each Government Department and various agencies and local authorities seeking expressions of interest in acquiring any of the properties to benefit the local community as a whole but with particular emphasis on job creation measures. The Department will, in the coming weeks, also be contacting the local authorities and county development boards to establish the full extent of any particular planning conditions that might apply and the nature of developments that will be facilitated on these sites.

I have asked to be kept fully appraised of progress with these consultations and will if necessary become directly involved myself. If any local group thought it useful to meet with me or my officials regarding the future use to which the barracks might be put I will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements.

Defence Forces Promotions

Robert Troy

Question:

197 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence, further to Parliamentary Questions No. 150 of 12 October 2011 and 453 of 25 October 2011, the actual number of promotions by rank and brigade which he approved; and the date the instructions issued to the military authorities to proceed in tabular form. [36550/11]

The position is that on 10 October 2011, I sanctioned limited promotions within the Reserve Defence Force to bring the current strength in all ranks, except Corporal, to 70% of the established strength in each rank as provided for in Defence Force Regulations CS 4. In the case of the rank of Corporal, I have sanctioned promotions to bring the current strength to 60% of the established strength as provided for in Defence Force Regulations CS 4. The actual number of promotions that arise in each of the Army Reserve, the Reserve Defence Force Training Authority and the Naval Service Reserve as a result of the sanction of 10 October, and based on the strength numbers at 30 September 2011, are set out in the attached tabular statement.

It is possible that a limited number of consequential promotion opportunities may also arise. These will be identified once promotion plans for each of the Army Reserve, the Reserve Defence Force Training Authority and the Naval Service Reserve have been prepared by the Military Authorities. Additionally, further promotional opportunities may arise where it is shown that there is any further reduction in current strength figures which would reduce the strength below 70% (60% in the case of Corporals) of the established strength for the Reserve Defence Force. This matter will be kept under review in the context of the ongoing Value for Money Review of the Reserve Defence Force and the outcome of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure.

Army Reserve

Lt Col

Cmdt

Capt

Lt

Total Officers

S M

BQMS

CS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

Total NCOs

PTES

CADETS

Total

Army Res Established Strength

3

130

274

277

684

18

18

106

133

838

1,723

2,836

5772

0

9,292

Army Res Actual Strength as of 30 Sept 2011

3

82

170

280

535

12

14

81

79

582

888

1,656

2,916

0

5,107

% Actual v Established Strength

100

63

62

101

78%

67

78

76

59

69

52

58%

51

55%

70% of established strength

2

91

192

194

13

13

74

93

587

*1034

Total Officer Promotions

Total NCO Promotions

Total Promotions

Actual No. of Promotions to level of 70%

0

9

22

31

1

14

5

**146

166

197

*60% to apply to rank of Cpl

**60% to apply to rank of Cpl

Non-Integrated RDF Training Authority (RDFTA)

Lt Col

Cmdt

Capt

Lt

Total Officers

S M

BQMS

CS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

Total NCOs

PTES

CADETS

Total

RDFTA Non Int Established Strength

1

4

17

1

23

1

0

3

2

15

11

32

0

0

55

RDFTA Actual Strength at 30 Sept 2011

0

4

8

6

18

1

0

1

1

10

0

13

0

0

31

% Actual v Established Strength

0

100

47

600

78%

100

33

50

67

0

41%

0

0

56%

70% of established strength

1

3

12

1

1

0

2

1

11

*7

0

0

Total Officer Promotions

Total NCO Promotions

Total Promotions

Actual No. of promotions to level of 70%

1

0

4

5

1

0

1

7

9

0

0

14

*60% to apply to rank of Cpl

Naval Service Reserve

Lt Col

Cmdt

Capt

Lt

Total Officers

S M

BQMS

CS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

Total NCOs

PTES

CADETS

Total

Naval Res Established Strength

0

4

28

0

32

0

0

4

12

24

48

88

280

0

400

Naval Res Actual Strength as of 30 Sept 2011

0

3

10

7

20

0

3

10

0

10

30

53

151

0

224

% Actual v Established Strength

75

36

62

250

0

42

63

60%

54

56%

70% of established strength

0

3

20

0

0

0

3

8

17

*29

Total Officer Promotions

Total NCO Promotions

Total Promotions

Actual No. of Promotions to level of 70%

10

10

8

7

**0

15

25

*60% to apply to rank of Cpl

**60% to apply to rank of Cpl

Reserve Defence Force

Robert Troy

Question:

198 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence the effective strength by rank of the first line Reserve; the cost per year for the past three years and the payment by rank made in 2010. [36551/11]

The Military authorities have advised that the strength of the First Line Reserve (FLR), as at 31 October 2011, was 288. The breakdown of this number by rank is as follows:

FLR — Officers (Total 92):

FORMATION

CDR

LT CDR

COMDTS

CAPTS

LT

S/LT

TOTAL

ARMY

6

37

0

43

AIR CORPS

5

6

0

11

NAVAL SERVICE

1

23

11

3

38

TOTAL

1

23

11

43

11

3

92

FLR — Other Ranks (Total 196):

FORMATION

SGT

CPL

PTE

TOTAL

ARMY

1

11

123

135

AIR CORPS

1

1

7

9

NAVAL SERVICE

8

2

42

52

TOTAL

10

14

172

196

The FLR has not been activated over the last number of years and the only cost associated with the FLR is the annual payment of gratuities from Subhead D of the Defence Vote. The outturn for FLR Gratuities, as per the Revised Estimates, for the three years 2008 to 2010 was:

First Line Reserve (FLR) Gratuities

2008 REV Outturn(€000)

2009 REV Outturn(€000)

2010 * REV Outturn(€000)

Officers

64

51

1

Non-Commissioned personnel

5

3

5

Total:

69

54

6

* Note: FLR Officers who qualified for gratuities in 2010 were not paid until early 2011.

The FLR gratuities outturn for 2010 was significantly lower because the payments for FLR Officers for 2010 were not paid until January 2011, which will be reflected in the 2011 outturn. The total payments by rank to members of the FLR who qualified for gratuities in 2010 were:

FLR Rank

Gratuity Payment €

COMMANDER*

€497.74

LIEUTENANT COMMANDER *

€9,954.80

LIEUTENANT NS *

€2,712.16

SUB LIEUTENANT NS *

€227.28

PETTY OFFICER

€292.04

LEADING SEAMAN

€137.89

ABLE BODIED SEAMAN

€854.25

COMMANDANT *

€6,968.56

CAPTAIN *

€15,551.32

LIEUTENANT *

€566.30

2ND LIEUTENANT *

€454.56

SERGEANT

€111.74

CORPORAL

€90.15

PRIVATE 3 STAR

€2,191.71

PRIVATE GRADE 1

€308.25

Total:

€40,918.75

* Note: These figures include payments to FLR Officers who qualified for gratuities in 2010 but who were not paid until early 2011.

Robert Troy

Question:

199 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence the numbers of the Reserve Defence Force submitted for security clearance in 2009, 2010 and 2011; the numbers who received security clearance in 2009, 2010, and 2011; and of those, the number of those were attested by brigade. [36552/11]

It was not possible to provide the detailed information sought by the Deputy in the time available. My Department is currently seeking to compile the relevant data and I will provide the information directly to the Deputy once it comes to hand.

Pension Provisions

Patrick Deering

Question:

200 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Defence the amount of money paid in severance packages to retired and retiring chief executives of State and semi-State companies in the past four years; and the annual cost of their pensions. [37010/11]

The agencies associated with this Department are the Civil Defence Board, the Army Pensions Board and the Board of Coiste an Asgard. The Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Defence Board is a serving civil servant at Principal Officer grade. The arrangements that apply to the CEO in respect of pension are the same as for all Civil Service staff. The Army Pensions Board and the Board of Coiste an Asgard do not have a Chief Executive Officer.

Agri-Environment Options Scheme

Michael Lowry

Question:

201 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applicants still awaiting approval under the agri-environmental options scheme for 2010; the number of farmers awaiting approval under this scheme in County Tipperary; the reasons for this delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36389/11]

All 8,347 valid applicants have been approved for participation in the Agri-environment Options Scheme (AEOS) and there are no outstanding approvals. Payments in respect of 2010 are proceeding as quickly as possible. Under 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. This administration check has now been completed and my Department is now dealing with the discrepancies that have arisen on individual files following this check. I have given the highest priority to the processing and payment of outstanding AEOS payments and to the elimination of all unnecessary delays.

Grant Payments

Pat Breen

Question:

202 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, further to Parliamentary Question No. 432 of 18 October 2011, when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36393/11]

An application under the 2011 Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 10 May 2011, processing of which has recently been finalised, thereby allowing the 50% advance of the Single Payment to issue to the applicant on 7 November and the Disadvantaged Areas payment on 16 November.

Common Fisheries Policy

Brendan Ryan

Question:

203 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts he is making to ensure that the small inshore fishing fleet in this country is recognised as a separate sector within the overall Common Fisheries Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36400/11]

The Common Fisheries Policy covers all fisheries and fish stocks and there would not be a basis for excluding inshore fisheries from the Policy. The CFP sets down the rules and regulations for the management and conservation of all fish stocks both those subject to quota restrictions covering both inshore and off shore fishing grounds and inshore stocks, many of which are not subject to quota.

The EU Commission's proposal for a reformed CFP extends, to 2022, the right for Member States to restrict access in a zone within 12 nautical miles of the coastline as is currently in place. These restrictions have reduced fishing pressure in the 6 and 12 miles zones and have provided a level of protection against increased fishing effort from other Member States within the zone.

I am not in favour of differentiating between our inshore fleet and the rest of the fishing fleet for quota management purposes. I do not support the Commission's proposal to establish a mandatory Transferable Fishing Concessions (quotas) for vessels above 12 metres in length and as such I do not accept its approach to a differentiation of the small inshore fleet, in this regard. I will be seeking additional support for the inshore sector in the context of the reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is an appropriate funding provision to support the inshore fleet in particular in the effective management and conservation of inshore stocks in areas such as technical measures such as v notching lobster, environmental management, support and certification and safety.

Grant Payments

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

204 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an application made for single farm payment in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36413/11]

An application under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 21 April 2011, processing of which has resulted in an over-claim being identified in relation to one parcel. The person named was written to in this regard. The person named replied on 8 November accepting that the over-claimed area should be reduced. The over-claim resulted in a penalty, which was deducted from the 50% advance of the Single Payment, which issued to the applicant on 14 November. Balancing payments under the Single Payment Scheme are scheduled to commence on 1 December 2011.

Brendan Griffin

Question:

205 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will issue on an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36471/11]

An application under the 2010 Single Payment Scheme/Grassland Sheep Scheme was received from the person named on the 12 May 2010. This application was fully processed and payment under the Grassland Sheep Scheme issued on 1 February 2011, based, in accordance with the provisions of the Scheme, on the original Sheep Census return received by my Department on 26 January 2010, which indicated that the person named had fifty-six breeding ewes in his flock.

Brendan Griffin

Question:

206 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision on an appeal for single farm payment will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36476/11]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 14 April 2010. This application was selected for a Cross Compliance/Ground Eligibility inspection. During the course of the Cross Compliance inspection breaches were recorded relating to a bovine herd register, bovine passport, incomplete flock register and missing sheep dispatch dockets that resulted in an overall Cross Compliance penalty of 1% being recorded.

During the course of the Eligibility inspection, deductions due to scrub and ineligible areas led to a claimed area of 75.51ha being reduced to a payable are of 73.72ha. As the difference between the area found and the area claimed was 1.79ha no further penalty would apply. The person named was informed of this decision on 9 November 2010 and of his right to seek a review. He was also informed of his right to appeal the outcome of a review to the Independent Agriculture Appeals office. A request for review was received on 11 July 2011 and is currently being considered. The person named will be informed of the outcome as soon as it is available.

Pension Provisions

Patrick Deering

Question:

207 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of money paid in severance packages to retired and retiring chief executives of State and semi-State companies in the past four years; and the annual cost of their pensions. [37006/11]

These payments are a matter for each State agency and are subject to the guidelines issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

Patrick Deering

Question:

208 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of money paid in severance packages to retired and retiring chief executives of State and semi-State companies in the past four years; and the annual cost of their pensions. [37008/11]

There have been no retirements in the grade specified by the Deputy from any of the agencies under the aegis of my Department in the period concerned.

Health Service Staff

John O'Mahony

Question:

209 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of permanent staff and temporary staff employed by the Health Service Executive in each HSE area for year end 2008, year end 2009, year end 2010 and till October 2011, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36365/11]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Cards

John O'Mahony

Question:

210 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of medical card applications received by the primary carers reimbursement service in July, August, September and October 2011; the number approved each month and the current number awaiting approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36366/11]

I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply this information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Health Services

Jack Wall

Question:

211 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health if he or officials of his Department met with a support group (details supplied); if so, the results of such a meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36394/11]

Neither the Minister for Health nor any officials of the Department have met with the support group referred to. In relation to the Health Service Executive, the matter has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.

Medical Cards

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

212 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on an appeal for a full medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36414/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Ambulance Service

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

213 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will request the Health Service Executive to re-examine the situation of ambulance cover in south Kerry, and particularly in the Caherciveen hospital area in view of the fact that the area can be left without ambulance coverage from 8 p.m. in the evening to 8 a.m.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36445/11]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Mental Health Services

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

214 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if funding will be put in place to construct the required building for mental health services in Killarney town, County Kerry, which would assist with the closure of St. Finnian’s national hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36446/11]

Following the publication of the ‘Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-2016: Medium Term Exchequer Framework', the Health Service Executive will commence drawing up its capital programme for the multi-annual period 2012-2016. The Executive is required to prioritise the capital infrastructure projects within its overall capital funding allocation taking into account the existing capital commitments and costs to completion over the period. The proposed plan requires my approval with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

Drugs Payment Scheme

Billy Kelleher

Question:

215 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if Pradaxa has been removed from the drugs reclaim scheme; if so, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36451/11]

Brendan Ryan

Question:

224 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health the status of the drug Pradaxa as it relates to medical card holders and the drug payment scheme; if he will protect those medical card holders who cannot be prescribed Warfarin from being subject to a charge for Pradaxa if it is removed from medical card holders and the drugs payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36511/11]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

225 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding Pradaxa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36514/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 215, 224 and 225 together.

Pradaxa capsules of 75mg and 110mg are available on prescription to patients availing of the GMS and the Drug Payment Schemes for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in adult patients who have undergone elective hip replacement surgery or elective knee replacement surgery.

The HSE is assessing the availability of resources in 2012 to consider long term treatment with Pradaxa capsules of 150mg for the prevention of stroke in patients with Atrial Fibrillation. This is a complicated process with long term implications. The HSE has written to all GMS doctors and community pharmacy contractors to clarify the position in relation to Pradaxa. The HSE will continue to update healthcare professionals in relation to the matter. The HSE does not intend to disturb established therapeutic regimens for patients whose treatment with Pradaxa for the prevention of stroke was initiated prior to the recent clarification.

Health Services

Seán Kenny

Question:

216 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made to date in providing a primary care centre at a location (details supplied) in County Dublin. [36470/11]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for the management and delivery of the health capital programme. I have, accordingly, referred your question to the Executive for attention and direct reply.

Hospital Services

Jack Wall

Question:

217 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health if he or the Health Service Executive has carried out any research of the admittance records of Naas General Hospital, County Kildare, of patients (details supplied); if so, the decisions or determinations made as a result of such research; if any actions have been or are to be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36473/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Staff

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

218 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Health the number of staff nurses who have retired since the public service recruitment moratorium was introduced in March 2009; the number of these vacancies that have been filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36484/11]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Care of the Elderly

Finian McGrath

Question:

219 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will increase home support in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [36485/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Medical Cards

Mattie McGrath

Question:

220 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the percentage of applications for medical cards where additional information is requested and his views on same; the most common piece of additional information required; if he has any plans to improve the application process in order that applicants can ensure that they have submitted all of the required information; the timeframe for applications to be finalised after receipt of requested information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36498/11]

I have asked the Health Service Executive for a report on the issues raised by the Deputy. I will revert to the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.

Michael McCarthy

Question:

221 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that he has received an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when a decision will issue on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36499/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Nursing Home Closures

Billy Timmins

Question:

222 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the reason a home (details supplied) in County Dublin closed. [36500/11]

The nursing home in question was established in 1959 and there are 80 residents currently at the facility. There is also a day centre at the front of the main building providing a service to older persons from the local community.

The HSE completed a survey of the physical infrastructure, mechanical services installations and water & drainage services at the Unit and found substantial issues and deficits in these areas. It is estimated that it would cost almost €3 million to carry out the essential works to address these issues. However these works would not ensure compliance with National Quality Standards. On that basis, the HSE decided to close St Brigid's and transfer the majority of services to the new modern purpose built unit at Hollybrook Community Nursing Unit at Inchicore. The new CNU at Inchicore has a total capacity of 50 beds. It has not been opened to date due to the current constraints on staffing.

As capacity of the new CNU is less than that at St Brigid's the proposal also envisages that some staff and residents will transfer to other public units. This will provide the HSE with an opportunity to reopen beds that are closed at these facilities. Selection of an alternative placement for residents will be informed by the medical and care needs of each resident as evaluated by clinical staff. It is important to emphasise that no resident will be placed in a more costly financial position because of the move.

The day-care services at St. Brigid's are used by approximately 18 people daily from Monday to Friday. Part of the relocation plan will include the placement of these clients in alternative day centres suitable for their needs in their local areas. Ongoing consultation will continue to take place with residents, their families, staff, representative organisations and public representatives.

Medical Cards

Mattie McGrath

Question:

223 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36509/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Questions Nos. 224 and 225 answered with Question No. 215.

Hospital Services

Sandra McLellan

Question:

226 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding Mallow General Hospital, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36516/11]

Sandra McLellan

Question:

227 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health if he will outline future plans for service provision at Mallow General Hospital, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36517/11]

Sandra McLellan

Question:

228 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health if he will outline his plans for emergency service provision at Mallow General Hospital, County Cork; the date on which a decision will be made with regard to the future of the emergency department there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36518/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 226 to 228, inclusive, together.

The Government intends to publish a framework for the development of smaller hospitals, which will set out the way these hospitals provide services to patients and how they work within their regional hospital networks. The framework and its implementation is a priority of the Government. In developing the framework, the Government is clear that:

there is an important future role for smaller hospitals, in which they will provide services for more patients, not fewer

no acute hospital will close, and

safety issues in all acute hospitals, large or small, must be fully addressed, by providing the right type of services in the right settings.

We also need to take into account the individual circumstances of each hospital, to recognise the need for regional solutions and, within the excellent context provided by the HSE's clinical programmes, to encourage local innovation in response to service issues that arise locally or regionally. The best solutions will vary between regions and within the overall context referred to there is no question of a ‘one size fits all' approach. I have already said that the reorganisation of our acute system must involve a two way transfer of services between the larger and smaller hospitals, and that as much of the less complex acute treatment should be provided as close to a patient's community as possible. I expect that the model for reassignment of services will be a dynamic one, capable of adapting to the changing needs of patients and the health service, nationally, regionally and locally, and the evolving nature of medical treatment and technology.

In April this year, HIQA published its report on Mallow General Hospital. I am satisfied that the actions taken in relation to the hospital have addressed many of the report's recommendations on the safety and quality of the hospital's services. This work has involved close consultation with senior clinicians, professionals and management.

Detailed planning for the remaining changes, including changes to the emergency department necessarily involves significant local consultation, in line with the smaller hospitals framework. The involvement of GPs is an important element of the consultation process and the final proposals will be cleared with my office before formal implementation commences.

The overall approach at Mallow is in line with my vision for smaller hospitals — that they are a vibrant element of local health services, providing treatment and care at the appropriate level of complexity to patients in their own areas. It confirms the crucial role that Mallow Hospital will play, as part of a wider network of acute hospitals across Cork and Kerry, in providing care for the population of North Cork.

Health Services

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

229 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the total spend on the dental treatment services scheme, DTSS, in the year to November 2011; the total budget set aside for the DTSS in 2011; the reasons for any differences between the two figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36519/11]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

230 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the total expenditure on the dental treatment services scheme between January and October 2011 and the same period in 2010; the number of eligible persons who availed of the DTSS between January and October 2011 and the same period in 2010; the total expenditure per person on the DTSS between January and October 2011 and the same period in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36520/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 229 and 230 together.

The figures requested concerning the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) are set out in the table.

January — October 2010

January — October 2011

Expenditure on the DTSS

€70.5 million

€42 million

Number of unique patients

339,784

296,475

Average expenditure per patient

€207

€142

Due to the position of the public finances, funding for the DTSS was capped by the Government at €63 million in Budget 2010. Restrictions on the level of treatments available under the scheme were introduced in April 2010. Nevertheless the final expenditure in 2010 was €79.1 million which reflects the legacy from the more comprehensive scheme. The allocation for the Scheme in 2011 is also capped at €63 million. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has measures in place to ensure that patients with special needs, high risk patients and those who have greater clinical needs receive priority for treatment. In addition, a free oral examination every calendar year and free emergency dental treatment with a focus on the relief of pain and sepsis are available to all eligible patients. The HSE will continue to monitor the operation of the DTSS to ensure the most beneficial, effective and efficient use of available resources.

Medical Cards

Tom Fleming

Question:

231 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate the delay in processing a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry [36521/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

232 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36524/11]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Sale of Alcohol

Timmy Dooley

Question:

233 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health his plans to recommend the introduction of a minimum price order for the sale of alcohol in view of the below cost selling practice by some multinational supermarkets and the consequent impact of this practice on social order and public health. [36535/11]

Minimum pricing is a mechanism of imposing a statutory floor in price levels for alcohol products that must be legally observed by retailers; it's primary function would be to discourage at risk levels of alcohol consumption. A National Substance Misuse Strategy 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 question of a minimum price for alcohol — along with measures for the policy areas of prevention strategies, treatment, rehabilitation 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.

Hospital Procedures

Patrick Deering

Question:

234 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health the procedure for blood testing in Waterford Regional Hospital; and the length of time it takes to receive the results. [36631/11]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Services

Charles Flanagan

Question:

235 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Laois will receive an appointment at the pain clinic at St. James Hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36647/11]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Pension Provisions

Patrick Deering

Question:

236 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health the amount of money paid in severance packages to retired and retiring chief executives of State and semi-State companies in the past four years; and the annual cost of their pensions. [37013/11]

The Voluntary Health Insurance Board is the only commercial state agency under the aegis of my Department. The information in relation to the Board is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Road Network

Finian McGrath

Question:

237 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has given a concession to the M6 toll road that eight seater cars can be charged as a mini bus (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36525/11]

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 National Roads Authority (NRA) under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007). The contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes, including the M6, are commercial agreements between the NRA and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned. Noting this position, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Tourism Promotion

Brendan Griffin

Question:

238 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a progress report on Tourism Ireland’s recently announced winter marketing campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36532/11]

The matter raised is an operational one for Tourism Ireland Limited as the body responsible for promoting the island of Ireland as a visitor destination overseas. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's Question to Tourism Ireland and asked them to reply directly to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Irish Coast Guard

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

239 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when approval will be given to a project (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36637/11]

Providing a suitable building for the Irish Coast Guard volunteer unit in Killybegs to enable it to operate in a safe and efficient manner remains a priority for my Department. Every effort will be made within the context of the funding provided to the Department in the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme 2012 to 2016 to complete the development.

Sports Capital Programme

Tom Fleming

Question:

240 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will give priority consideration to the necessary funding for a club (details supplied). [36661/11]

The club in question has received funding of almost €300,000 under the Sports Capital Programme since 2000. All grant allocations have been drawn down in full by the club.

Pension Provisions

Patrick Deering

Question:

241 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of money paid in severance packages to retired and retiring chief executives of State and semi-State companies in the past four years; and the annual cost of their pensions. [37016/11]

The detailed pension payments for chief executives of State agencies are available from the relevant agencies. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the agencies for which I have responsibility for their direct response. If the Deputy does not receive a reply within ten working days, please advise my private office.

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