Vol. 757 No. 1
65 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he intends to request that the troika agree to the full proceeds of the sale of State assets being used to stimulate economic growth and job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11175/12]
86 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the percentage of the proceeds from the sale of State assets to be reinvested in job creation will be increased. [11215/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 86 together.
I am satisfied that the agreement that the Government reached with the Troika was a remarkable advance on the position originally advanced by them and I do not propose to reopen the matter.
I would remind the Deputies that the Troika was originally pressing for asset sales of €5bn to be used exclusively to off-set debt. In the course of our discussions, we have achieved a significant breakthrough on how the proceeds of asset disposals are to be used. In return for committing to a disposal programme of up to €3bn, the Troika has agreed to the retention of one-third of the proceeds for reinvestment in the economy.
I am confident that the asset disposal programme that I announced last week can have a significantly positive outcome by driving competition in the energy sector and facilitating much needed investment in our economic recovery.
66 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a shared services expert with extensive experience in the field will join the reform and delivery office of his Department. [11226/12]
Shared services is a key aspect of the Public Service Reform Plan. The benefits of shared services are well documented internationally, including in public service contexts. They include:
standardisation of processes allowing for greater transparency and accessibility;
reduced duplication;
the elimination of waste; and
significant cost reductions in the medium term.
The Government has given my Department a strong mandate to advance the actions necessary to ensure that we deliver on the very ambitious commitments made in the Reform Plan. Good progress is already being made. Work on a shared service approach to Human Resources for the Civil Service is currently ongoing.
A dedicated Shared Services Transformation Manager with global experience of shared service delivery joined the Reform and Delivery Office of my Department last week and I am confident that this additional expertise will help to accelerate the progression of this important agenda to drive greater value for money in how the relevant services are delivered.
In line with the Public Service Reform Plan, we are taking a sectoral approach to the development of shared services. This means that within each of the sectors of Health, Education, Justice, Local Government and Defence a lead official will be charged with preparing and delivering on a strategic shared services plan appropriate to that sector by the end of June. The Shared Services Transformation Manager will lead on the Civil Service plan and will also provide central support and guidance on shared service best practice. In addition, and in line with project management best practice, Senior Responsible Owners and Project Managers are being identified for the Civil Service back-office projects as we move into the design and implementation phases.
67 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in his review of spending, if his attention has been drawn to the high cost of contract cleaners for the Department of Finance, at €203,556.00, and also for the Office of Public Works, at €704,918.90; if he has done a comparison on the amount it would cost to directly employ cleaners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11247/12]
74 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in his review of spending, if his attention has been drawn to the high cost of contract cleaners for the Department of Finance, at €203,556.00, and also for the Office of Public Works, at €704,918.90; if he has done a comparison on the amount it would cost to directly employ cleaners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11246/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 74 together.
In response to the Deputies' questions, the cost of contract cleaning in both the Department of Finance and the Office of Public Works has not been brought to my attention in the review of spending. I have noted the amounts quoted and will ask both the Department of Finance and the Office of Public Works to examine the costing and to come back to me with their views.
68 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an estimate of the number of public servants who will retire by the end of February 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11173/12]
71 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the approximate number of public servants who after making an initial declaration of interest or intent to retire by the end of February 2012 decided not to proceed with their retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11200/12]
84 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he expects to reach the target of 9,000 retirements from the public service in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11176/12]
106 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will indicate the extent to which the numbers employed in the public sector have fluctuated in each of the past five years to date in 2012; the extent to which any further reductions are intended; the degree to which impact on the delivery of public services has been measured with particular reference to the need to maintain front line services while at the same time achieving the targets set out in discussions with the troika; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11169/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 68, 71, 84 and 106 together.
The latest information from across the public service indicates that over 7,000 people have applied to retire by the end of this month. A sectoral breakdown of applications to retire is set out in the following table.
|
Sector |
Number of applications received |
|
Health |
310 |
|
Education |
2,567 |
|
Civil Service |
2,000 |
|
Local Authority |
1,236 |
|
Defence |
931 |
|
Gardaí |
362 |
|
Total |
7,406 |
In November 2011, I announced that we expected the size of the public service to fall to about 300,000 by end 2011, and that we had set a target of 294,400 for end 2012. I am glad to report that the end 2011 outturn was actually about 297,000. This reduction, combined with notified retirements to end-February, as set out in the table, indicates that the expected 9,000 "grace period" retirement number will be exceeded.
Information on the number of public servants who, after making an initial declaration of interest or intent to retire by the end of February 2012, decided not to proceed with their retirement is not available centrally but we would expect it to be very small.
With regard to changes in public service numbers over the last five years, details are set out in the following table.
|
Public Service Staff Numbers (WTE) |
Year-on-Year Difference |
|
|
2007 |
311,676 |
|
|
2008 |
319,891 |
+8,215 |
|
2009 |
310,277 |
(9,614) |
|
2010 |
305,512 |
(4,765) |
|
2011 |
296,872 |
(8,640) |
|
2012 |
294,401 (ECF target) |
(2,471) |
As the Deputies are aware, the Government is committed to further reducing Public Service numbers to 282,500 by 2015. This is in line with the Programme for Government and will allow us to achieve the paybill reductions that are required in accordance with the agreement with our external funding partners.
The Government has ensured that attention is being given to safeguarding frontline services in so far as possible. The moratorium will continue with certain limited exceptions for example in relation to some frontline posts, or statutory positions, etc. where a sufficiently strong business case is made to my Department. In the Health and Education sectors in particular special arrangements are in place for exemptions to the moratorium on recruitment for specified grades or positions. Of course, responsibility for operational planning in the context of reducing resources rests in the first instance, with each Public Service body and its parent Department. The Public Service Reform Plan and the Croke Park Agreement provide a range of mechanisms for discharging work including work reorganisation, changes to rosters or working hours, new methods of service delivery and redeployment of staff. Each public service body has scope to fully utilise these mechanisms as appropriate.
Transition Teams have been put in place for each of the sectors to deal with the specific short-term challenges arising from the ending of the grace period and to manage the process in their respective sectors. These teams are drawn from the existing Strategic Workforce Planning Groups whose task it is to ensure that sectoral employers are developing plans to deal with the operational and strategic consequences arising from staffing reductions in the coming years.
69 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on whether any sale of State assets at this junction is unlikely to achieve the best possible outcome for the State; his further views on whether the sale of State assets may bring short-term gain but will have seriously negative consequences for this country in the long term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11250/12]
80 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the decision to sell State assets is in the public interest. [11214/12]
83 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the fact that the sale of State assets will inevitably lead to job losses in these companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11249/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69, 80 and 83 together.
In comparison with the prospect that we faced when this Government came to power last year, I am confident that the asset disposal programme that I announced last week can have a significantly positive outcome by driving competition in the energy sector and facilitating much needed investment in our economic recovery.
Instead of a programme of asset sales of €5bn to be used exclusively to off-set debt, which is what the Troika was originally pressing for, we have achieved a significant breakthrough on how the proceeds of asset disposals are to be used. In return for committing to a disposal programme of up to €3bn, which is a more ambitious target than we had originally provided for in the Programme for Government, the Troika has agreed to the retention of one-third of the proceeds for reinvestment in the economy.
In deciding on the programme that I announced last week, the Government has been careful to safeguard the position of strategic infrastructure such as the electricity and gas networks and Dublin port and the House will have noted that they are not part of the disposal programme and will remain under State control.
Apart from the receipts from the sale of assets that the Government will retain for reinvestment in the economy, the sale of certain business units of State companies actually offers the prospect of access to significant new capital to grow these businesses, which might not have otherwise have been available, given the current position in capital markets.
70 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when legislation will be published in respect of reform of the Freedom of Information Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11184/12]
My Department is at an advanced stage in the preparation of the General Scheme of a Bill to give effect to the commitments in the Programme for Government in relation to Freedom of Information.
Subject to Government approval of the draft Heads of the Bill and other priorities in the Government's legislative programme, I expect to be in a position to introduce the Bill to give effect to the commitment to restore Freedom of Information legislation later this year.
Question No. 71 answered with Question No. 68.
72 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the basis on which he defined strategic from non-strategic State assets when making his decision on the State assets that were to be sold under the troika agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11248/12]
92 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the basis on which he defined strategic from non-strategic State assets when making his decision on the State assets that were to be sold under the troika agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11245/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 92 together.
In identifying which assets are to be regarded as non-strategic, Government has been guided, inter alia, by the detailed sectoral analysis contained in the report of the Review Group on State Assets and Liabilities, which was published in April of last year.
The Government considers, in particular, the electricity and gas transmission systems and Dublin Port to be strategic and vital to the optimum functioning of the economy, and the House will have noted that they are not part of the disposal programme that I announced last week. During last week's announcement, I also indicated that consideration will be given to the sale of some assets of Coillte, but I made it clear that any sale of Coillte's land-holdings is ruled out.
75 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the date on which he intends to introduce social impact bonds; if he has identified any specific areas in which these bonds could be used; if he will begin with some trial programmes; if he has identified any trial programmes; if he will provide a description of such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3945/12]
108 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has held any discussions with interested bodies, either domestic or foreign, regarding the establishment of social impact bonds here; if he will provide the names of any such bodies; the nature of any discussions held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3944/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 108 together.
The Government Programme for National Recovery 2011-2016 provides that the Government will establish a new model of financing social interventions called Social Impact Bonds that share audited Exchequer savings with charitable and voluntary organisations. My Department is considering how best to establish this new and innovative mechanism and will bring forward proposals in due course. An advisory group chaired by a recently retired Secretary General has been established to explore the potential for Social Impact Bonds and my Department is represented on this group.
A scoping exercise of the potential of Social Impact Bonds is being conducted on behalf of the advisory group by Clann Credo — the social investment fund in conjunction with Atlantic Philanthropies and the Centre for Effective Studies. This followed on a wide call to Government Departments, State Agencies and the community and voluntary sector for ideas that might be suitable for Social Impact Bonds.
Following on from these consultations, further work is progressing on the feasibility of a short listed number of areas which would be suitable to test the concept in an Irish context.
It is hoped to pilot at least one of these areas later this year and my department expects to receive a progress update on this short listing exercise from the advisory group shortly.
76 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding circular LP 6/7/2001; his views on the appropriateness of required notice periods in the public sector; his plans to require for additional notice of early retirement to be given by senior public servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11199/12]
Circular letter LP 6/7/2011 provides that civil service staff should give a three-month notice period of their intention to retire in the period up to and including 29 February 2012. Other sectors of the public service have adopted a similar approach to a notice period.
The three month notice period was introduced as a temporary measure to assist management across the public service in dealing with the large number of retirements of staff in the run up to the end of the "grace period" — i.e. the period during which the calculation of pension is unaffected by the pay reductions applied under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009.
In order to protect public services it was critical that management in each of the sectors had knowledge of the numbers of staff retiring and the business areas that might be affected by potentially large scale departures.
We are required under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding with the EU/ECB/IMF to make quarterly returns on the progress being made in relation to reductions in numbers in the public service. Accurate and early information on forthcoming retirements is an important part of this reporting requirement. It provides us with information on whether the reduction in the public service pay bill arising from impending retirements is sufficient to meet Ireland's commitments under the Memorandum of Understanding.
It is my intention to issue a revised instruction in relation to notice requirements for retirements and resignations which take place after 29th February 2012. As numbers reduce across the public service it will remain critical that management know when key staff will be leaving their organisation.
In addition, the Memorandum of Understanding will continue to be a driver in the continuing effort to reduce public service numbers. It is important, therefore, that we continue to have the most up-to-date information possible with regard to retirements going forward.
It is anticipated that discussions with the civil service unions on the introduction of a required notice period will commence shortly. The question of senior civil servants and key personnel giving longer notice will also be examined and, if necessary, will be provided for.
77 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if any State board appointees have volunteered to waive their fee or expenses; the names of such persons; the corresponding savings to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11204/12]
In response to the Deputy's question no members of State boards under the aegis of my Department have volunteered to waive their fee or expenses.
For completeness one member of the board of An Post National Lottery is not paid a fee as he is a member of the board of An Post. In addition, no fee was paid to a board member whose term expired in November 2011 as he was also a member of the board of An Post.
78 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider removing Secretaries General from the top level appointments committee. [11217/12]
The Deputy will be aware of the extensive changes which I introduced last July in relation to the composition of the Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC). There is now a majority of external members on the Committee, as well as an external Chairperson.
These changes are in line with our commitment under the Programme for Government. The appointees have been selected not only for their expertise in management and HR, but also for the new perspective they bring from outside the public service.
In this respect, it is my view that it is best practice to have Secretaries General in the civil service involved in the selection process for senior positions in the civil service.
79 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a breakdown of costs incurred in the provision of transport to Cabinet Ministers in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11188/12]
283 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost to his Department of the senior Minister's car in the period relating to 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011 to include mileage and car related expenses paid to the senior Minister; if he will detail the salaries paid to civilian drivers, overtime, subsistence and travel expenses paid to them and all other related information, and the information should include any payment made in 2012 related to a 2011 claim. [10644/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 283 together.
In period June 2011 to December 2011 the following travel costs were incurred by my Department in relation to travel undertaken by me in my role as Minister for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
On the 24th of November 2011, I travelled to Poznan via the Government Jet to attend a meeting held under the Polish Presidency. In addition I travelled to Brussels on 15th December to attend a meeting of the General Affairs Council. On this occasion I used a commercial flight which cost €295.17.
In relation to the use of my car I have received a total of €6,490 in respect of mileage claims covering the period June - December 2011.
I have two civilian drivers who are paid €631.75 per week by my Department. In the period June to December they received a combined payment of €41,154. In the same period they received a combined total of €14,733 in travel and subsistence claims.
81 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will revoke the awarding of added years and special severance gratuity payments to current Secretaries General. [11208/12]
The superannuation terms for Secretaries General are in line with their contractual arrangements. Currently serving Secretaries General appointed under the TLAC process have exit arrangements which are part of their terms of employment following a Government decision at the time of appointment. These may include the offer of an alternative post in the Public Service, or a severance payment and retirement on enhanced pension. The advice of the Office of the Attorney General is that the Government does not have discretion to change those terms.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government introduced a new regime to apply to new Secretaries General on completion of their term of office. Newly appointed Secretaries General, unless they have already reached pension age, will no longer benefit from immediate payment of pension and lump sum before they reach preserved pension age; nor will they benefit from notional added years for pension purposes. These are significant changes compared to the exit terms which applied to previous appointees.
In addition, a number of pension-related measures have been implemented in the Public Service which affect Secretaries General. The pay reductions introduced since 2010 will impact on pension benefits for those retiring after the end of the ‘grace period', i.e. from 1 March 2012 onwards. The pensions of those retiring before that date are subject to the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR) which was introduced in January 2011. I also recently provided for an increase in the rate of PSPR that applies to pensions over €100,000 from 12% to 20% which will affect Secretaries General on pensions above that level.
Finally, the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme) and Remuneration Bill to provide for a Single Public Service Pension Scheme is currently before the Oireachtas and will be implemented this year. It will introduce a pension based on career average earnings, rather than the current system of pension based on final salary, for those who will be members of the scheme.
85 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cumulative total of payments to ministerial advisers in excess of the salary cap of €92,672; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11205/12]
The current Guidelines on Special Advisors provide, except in the Offices of the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste where separate arrangements apply, that they are to be placed on the Principal Officer (standard) scale, which currently runs from €80,051 at the minimum to €92,672 at the maximum.
Remuneration in excess of the maximum point of the Principal Officer (standard) scale has been sanctioned by me in a number of instances based on the business case presented. In the majority of cases this has been based on evidence of higher earnings in the previous employment and the need to secure the appointment of an individual with particular skills and expertise. Details of the cases where a higher salary was sanctioned are to be found in the following table.
The combined salary rates of €681,833 for the six advisers concerned amounted to an excess of €125,801 over the cap of €92,672.
|
Department |
Minister/Minister of State |
Name of Adviser |
Sanctioned Pay Rate |
|
|
1 |
Agriculture Fisheries and Food |
Minister Coveney |
Ross MacMathuna |
€110,000 |
|
2 |
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources |
Minister Rabbitte |
Simon Nugent |
€97,200 |
|
3 |
Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation |
Minister Bruton |
Ciaran Conlon |
€127,000 |
|
4 |
Public Expenditure and Reform |
Minister Howlin |
Rónán O’Brien |
€114,000 |
|
5 |
Social Protection |
Minister Burton |
Ed Brophy |
€127,796 |
|
6 |
Transport, Tourism and Sport |
Minister Varadkar |
Brian Murphy |
€105,837 |
|
Total |
€681,833 |
Question No. 86 answered with Question No. 65.
87 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline the detailed impact analysis undertaken or requested by him on the sale of State assets with respect to national spatial planning and key infrastructure development, particularly with regard to the national transportation and energy companies; the likely outcomes of the entry into these specific markets by private concerns with respect to service provision to all parts of the country; if he expects any substantial new regulatory regime will be required to enforce Ireland’s obligation under EU environmental legislation after the sale of State assets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11244/12]
In deciding on the programme of asset disposals that I announced last week, the Government has been careful to safeguard the position of strategic infrastructure such as the electricity and gas networks and Dublin port and the deputy will have noted that they are not part of the disposal programme that I announced. The Government recognizes that this key infrastructure is vital to the optimum functioning of the economy and ensuring, inter alia, provision of quality services to all parts of the country and they will remain under State control.
The relevant Government Departments, overseen by my department and with the assistance of NewERA are now progressing matters with the objective of identifying by end-March any remaining policy, regulatory, legislative and/or financial issues, including the issues that the Deputy refers to, that may need to be addressed prior to disposal. Great care will be taken at all times to ensure any decisions are in the national interest and represent value for the Exchequer. It is intended that any issues arising will be addressed by the end of 2012 in order to facilitate transactions commencing in 2013.
I do not expect that a substantial new regulatory regime will be required to enforce Ireland's obligation under EU environmental legislation on foot of the programme of State asset disposals that I announced last week.
88 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the legislation to protect sub-contractors will be progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11178/12]
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce new legislation to protect small building subcontractors that have been denied payments from bigger companies. In this regard, my colleague Minister of State Mr Brian Hayes has been working with Senator Feargal Quinn to develop the Senator's private member's Construction Contracts Bill — which had passed all stages in the Seanad and had moved onto the Dáil order paper — into a robust piece of legislation.
In order to address a number of issues that were raised during the consultation on the Bill a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) was carried out. The RIA was completed and published on 27 September. The Report is available on my Department's website: www.per.gov.ie/reports.
The RIA examined issues relating to payment practices in the construction sector and assessed the need for legislative intervention. It found that legislation is desirable to improve payment practices and to allow swift resolution of payment disputes by way of adjudication, allowing projects to be completed without wasting time and money in litigation. In addition, the RIA examined the main proposals to amend the Bill that were raised during the Seanad debate and subsequent consultation. It found that there were merits to considering amending the Bill in a number of respects e.g. to bring lower value contracts within its scope and to make the adjudicators award binding in payment dispute cases. It concluded that any such amendments should be formulated in such a manner that would protect the taxpayer.
Following the RIA, Minister Hayes has now prepared proposals to progress this legislation and these are now being brought to Government for approval. It is essential that the solution to this issue needs to be balanced so as to avoid imposing regulatory or cost burdens on parties in dispute, the State or others.
89 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will indicate the degree to which the public expenditure and reform measures identified by his predecessors have achieved their respective targets to date; the extent to which it is likely that the targets to the year 2015 in terms of cost reduction measures aimed at achieving budgetary equilibrium are likely to be met; if specific reforms have illustrated particular advantage over others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11168/12]
On 17th November last year, I launched the Government's Public Service Reform Plan. The Plan differs from previous initiatives in that it provides a new imperative for cost reductions and service improvements in a context of falling Public Service numbers, linked closely to governance structures and processes designed to ensure implementation. It contains a wide range of actions and commitments, with very clear timelines, to radically reform structures, operations and processes across the Public Service.
These reforms reflect five major commitments to change, namely: placing customer service at the core of everything we do; maximising new and innovative service delivery channels; radically reducing costs to drive better value for money; leading, organising and working in new ways; and a strong focus on implementation and delivery.
The actions set out in the Reform Plan are accompanied by specified timescales for completion and Departments and major Offices have also devised their own high level Integrated Reform Delivery Plans. This combination of reforms at central, sectoral and organisational levels represents an integrated and coordinated approach to change in the Public Service.
The Government's commitment to Public Service Reform was made clear by the decision to establish a Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with a Cabinet Minister dedicated to driving the reform agenda. This has placed Public Service Reform at the centre of government. For the first time, functions and responsibility in relation to the reform of the Public Service are reflected on a statutory basis. We have established a dedicated Reform and Delivery Office in my Department to oversee and drive the reform programme.
Of course, the Cabinet Committee on Public Service Reform plays a central role in ensuring that reforms are focused and milestones achieved. We have also put in place various other governance and support structures to ensure implementation across all sectors of the Public Service. In terms of expenditure targets, it is clear from the Comprehensive Expenditure Report 2012-2014 published on 5th December last, the Capital Infrastructure Plan published on 10th November 2011 and the Implementation Body publication of the Public Service Agreement Progress Report on the 17th November 2011 that the Government is making good progress on achieving all of our targets and priorities, as articulated in the Government Programme, in terms of both bringing public expenditure back to a sustainable level and driving forward the Public Service reform agenda to ensure that efficiencies and reformed work practices play a full part in contributing to the overall budgetary consolidation effort. The Government has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to its targets and is confident that these targets will be met.
I should also mention the new "Performance Budgets" initiative which I launched last week. This initiative heralded a completely reformed budgetary process where information is used and presented in a modern and accountable manner. This will allow for the Dáil to be fully involved in expenditure policy and to hold Ministers and public service managers to account for their spending. As part of this process, last month I wrote to the Chairs of all of the Dáil Select Committees, inviting them to start engaging straight away with Ministers and Departments on the expenditure allocations for 2013.
90 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the purpose for which he intends to use the balance of the up-front payment from the national lottery operator licence. [11223/12]
94 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will include a good cause guarantee clause in the licence awarded to the new operator of the national lottery next year to ensure current funding levels are maintained. [11224/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 94 together.
I announced on 10th November 2011, in the context of unveiling the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Framework 2012-2016, that the Government has decided to review a number of options regarding the future of the National Lottery. My Department is currently examining the various options with respect to the next Lottery licence and I expect to be in a position to revert to Government in a matter of weeks.
The Government's intention is to seek a large upfront payment to the State as part of the arrangements for the new licence, with some of the payment to be used to help fund the building of the proposed new National Paediatric Hospital. I would also stress that any new arrangements for the National Lottery will involve the continued provision of significant annual revenues from the Lottery for good causes. However, in advance of a final decision by Government on how to proceed on the matter, it would be premature for me to speculate at this stage on possible terms for the next licence.
91 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is introducing measures to ensure that the salaries of all senior management in bodies and agencies that receive public sector funding or grant aid will be publicly available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10578/12]
I refer to my reply to Question Reference No. 2856/12 of 18 January 2012.
93 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps being taken to assist small business in obtaining public contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10588/12]
I refer the Deputy to my answer to his Parliamentary Question No. 3307/12 on 24 January 2012 in which I outlined the elements of my Department's public procurement guidelines that are designed to promote participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in the award of public contracts and to reduce the up-front administration burden for them. Public contracting authorities are required to observe these guidelines.
The Government continues to review the situation in regard to SME participation in public procurement and where consistent with achieving value-for-money, probity and transparency, will seek to address any further issues that might be identified.
95 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the performance assessment measures particularly with regard to policy implementation he intends to put in place following the Bertelsmann Stiftung Foundation finding that the Civil Service management capacity here is slightly below the EU average. [11221/12]
105 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the performance assessment measures he intends to implement to address the lack of a general accountability framework for senior and middle managers across the public sector. [11219/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 105 together.
Senior public service managers are accountable to the Oireachtas through their appearances before Select Committees and the Public Accounts Committee. They are also subject to rigorous independent examination of regularity, propriety and value for money by the Comptroller and Auditor General who carries out individual VFM examinations on the economy and efficiency with which a public body uses its resources. Public servants are also subject to wider scrutiny through the operation of the Freedom of Information legislation and the work of the Office of the Ombudsman.
The Public Service Management Act 1997 requires Secretaries General and Heads of Office to prepare and report on Statements of Strategy, and makes them more directly responsible and accountable for the day-to-day management of their Departments/Offices. Such responsibilities and accountability can in turn be assigned to other officials.
The Statements of Strategy set out clearly the high-level objectives against which the performance of Departments and other public service organisations will be assessed. In particular, the annual Estimates of Expenditure for 2012 have now been re-cast to ensure full alignment with the Statements of Strategy, and to include performance information against each of the high-level objectives (or strategic "programmes"). This approach, referred to as ‘performance budgeting', was piloted successfully for the Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and Agriculture Groups of Votes in 2011, and has now been rolled out generally for the 2012 Revised Estimates which were published last Thursday, 23 February. These new Estimates present an unprecedented volume of information on the performance of Departments and Offices — with particular focus on policy implementation by reference to outputs and impacts — and will provide new tools for Dáil Select Committees in their scrutiny role with regard to the annual expenditure allocations. The overall intention, in line with Government Programme commitments, is to heighten the focus upon overall performance and delivery by Departments and Offices, and improve accountability by office-holders for the achievement of results.
The Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) which applies in the Civil Service places a strong emphasis on individual performance and accountability through the setting of goals and the monitoring of performance. The integration of this system with other Human Resource processes increases the level of accountability for individuals. My Department has recently introduced changes to PMDS that streamline the process and make it a more useful tool for the management of performance. My Department will continue to review the effectiveness of performance management and develop new ways to strengthen management capability.
In addition, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to legislate for a reformulated code of laws, replacing both the Ministers and Secretaries Acts and the Public Service Management Act, on the legal relationship between Ministers and their civil servants and their legal accountability for decisions and for management of Departments. Work is ongoing in my Department in this area. I remain committed to bringing forward the reform required in the context of commitments on accountability arrangements, as set out in the Programme for Government. Legislative change to clarify accountability arrangements is a key initiative of the Government's Public Service Reform Plan that was published in November 2011.
96 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department’s reform and delivery office has compiled a comprehensive list of State agencies that includes both non-commercial State agencies and various State bodies. [11228/12]
With regard to this question, I refer the Deputy to my answer to Deputy Mary Lou McDonald (PQ Ref No: 5539/12) on 31 January 2012, which sets out the different bodies currently in operation and the approach which my Department is taking in classifying the different types of organisation.
97 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if following his commitments in the Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-2016 Medium Term Exchequer Framework, he will provide an update on his ongoing engagement with potential private sector investors, including pension funds. [11225/12]
Public infrastructure is funded primarily in two ways at the moment: Exchequer financing (the vast bulk of funding) and PPP-sourced funding for particular projects that are suited to the PPP approach while providing value for money for the State. Since the publication of the "Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-2016: Medium Term Exchequer Framework", my Department has intensified its engagement in a series of initiatives to maximise the sources of funding available for infrastructure investment. Some of these initiatives could provide lower-cost and/or longer-term substitution for existing sources of Exchequer borrowing for the Exchequer capital programme; some relate to financing solutions to close existing PPP deals; and some involve seeking new sources of private financing for public investment including via PPPs.
My Department is currently engaging with both the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Council of Europe Bank (CEB) with a view to securing funding for a number of Exchequer funded capital projects including the Schools Building programme and the Water Services programme. I appreciate the support expressed by both institutions and the confidence shown by them in offering long term funding for important Irish infrastructure developments. This funding will not be additional to that provided for in the Medium Term Investment Framework but will provide funding on more favourable terms than are otherwise available to the State.
We are also continuing to pursue the PPP approach to deliver public infrastructure alongside more traditional procurement, where it makes sense and offers value for money. Of course I acknowledge that the private funding market for PPPs is very challenging. Bank credit is in short supply internationally; our sovereign debt situation presents its own difficulties. I am very open to hearing proposals that might provide a workable solution to those difficulties. My Department has been actively engaging with private institutional investors to see whether it might be possible to match our immediate funding requirements for projects with their long term income stream needs. My Department is also in consultation with our European counterparts to explore best practice and similar initiatives in other jurisdictions like the UK.
In conjunction with my Department, the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) is working to progress pipeline PPP projects and to help unlock potential private sector investment.
98 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will revoke Statutory Instrument No. 28 of 2012. [11216/12]
Statutory Instrument No. 28 of 2012 "Oireachtas (Allowances) (Certain Ministers of State) Order 2012 (S.I. 28 of 2012) Order 2012" replaces a provision in an earlier Order, Statutory Instrument No. 347 of 2011 "Oireachtas (Allowances) (Members and Holders of Parliamentary and Certain Ministerial Offices) Order 2011", which provides for the payment of a taxable allowance to two named Ministers of State who regularly attend Cabinet meetings.
I have no plans to revoke Statutory Instrument No. 28 of 2012.
99 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress made to date in rationalising State bodies as outlined in the Government statement on public service reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11203/12]
With regard to this question, I refer the Deputy to my answer to Deputy Shane Ross (PQ Ref No.: 7802/12) on 14 February 2012, which details the progress to date on rationalising the State bodies outlined in the Public Service Reform report of 17 November 2011.
100 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is satisfied that the process of verification for mileage claims by Ministers in respect of their duties is sufficiently robust; his plans to review the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11190/12]
Since 1 May 2011 Cabinet Ministers with the exception of Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Law Reform now use their own cars. All Ministers are now paid for official mileage up to 96,540 kilometres or 60,000 miles per annum. Ministers of State have used their own cars on official business since 1984.
The payment of the travel allowance to Ministers is certified by the Accounting Officer of the Minister's Department on the basis of statements provided by the Minister from time to time certifying the total distance travelled. Furthermore accountability in relation to such payments fall within the purview of local departmental Internal Audit Committees as well as the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
101 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if following the publication of the Third Report of the Organisational Review Programme he intends to publish his Department’s comprehensive action plans in response to the Organisational Review Programme findings. [11227/12]
The Third Report of the Organisational Review Programme was published on 26th January this year. The report contains the findings of reviews of four Departments: the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It also contains comprehensive follow-up action plans prepared by each of these organisations and by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in relation to the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
As the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform was not reviewed as part of the Organisational Review Programme, the question of preparing a follow-up action plan does not arise. However, all those organisations which were reviewed will progress implementation of their action plans. The prioritization of this process will be reflected in their Integrated Reform Delivery Plans developed as part of the Public Service Reform Programme.
102 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is satisfied that the format of the forthcoming report on the implementation of the Croke Park agreement will address perceived shortcomings in the previous report such as the provision of more comprehensive details on the savings being achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11186/12]
The Implementation Body published a very comprehensive progress report last June, on foot of its annual review of the Agreement, which outlined the sustainable pay savings that were achieved under the framework of the Agreement in its first year. The Report also gave a very thorough account of the progress that had been achieved on implementing the change and reform agendas in each sector of the public service. The Body also provided an assessment of the progress to date and outlined areas for priority action in the next reporting period.
The second annual review of the Agreement will be undertaken by the Body after Easter and, as before, will assess the level of savings achieved under the framework of the Agreement in its second year (1st April 2011 to 31st March 2012). As before, it will also scrutinise the level of progress being made on implementing the reform programmes in each sector. I look forward to the outcome of that review which I expect will be published shortly thereafter.
103 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the further measures he envisages bringing forward to address the issue of excessive pay in the private and public sectors and the sheltered professions; if he sees merit in establishing a top pay commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10577/12]
297 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will establish a top pay commission to research and review all levels of compensation and remuneration across the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5512/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 297 together.
I refer to my reply to Question Reference No. 6848/12 of 7 February 2012.
104 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the changes, if any, he plans to make to Government members’ travel allowances and the accounting of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11218/12]
Since 1 May 2011 Cabinet Ministers with the exception of Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Law Reform now use their own cars. All Ministers are now paid for official mileage up to 96,540 kilometres or 60,000 miles per annum. Ministers of State have used their own cars on official business since 1984.
The payment of the travel allowance to Ministers is certified by the Accounting Officer of the Minister's Department on the basis of statements provided by the Minister from time to time certifying the total distance travelled. Furthermore accountability in relation to such payments fall within the purview of local departmental Internal Audit Committees as well as the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
107 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the pre-budget 2012 statement of the United Left Alliance advocating a emergency programme of necessary public works as response to mass unemployment. [4109/12]
As the Deputy is aware, the Government recently laid out our five year capital investment programme in Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-2016. This publication which was the result of a major review of capital expenditure, prioritises investment in that infrastructure which will be most beneficial to supporting economic growth, thereby supporting sustainable employment growth in the medium term, meets urgent social needs and maintains our existing stock of infrastructure.
The programme protects supports to the enterprise sector primarily through agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and the IDA. The unprecedented level of investment over the past few years and in 2012 delivered through the Enterprise Development Agencies can foster sustainable and valuable employment in the exporting sectors of the economy which will be critical to recovery. While the overall capital envelope for 2012 has been reduced, we have actually held the level of capital allocation for the enterprise sector relative to the preceding period.
The State will be spending some €17 billion over the next five years on capital projects throughout the country and this will help support employment in many key areas. Much of this investment will be in smaller scale locally based projects, such as local and regional road maintenance and improvement, or school building and repair. It is important to note that less expensive re-fit, refurbishment, and up-grade works can be more labour-intensive than larger capital-intensive projects that have been deferred.
109 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way it is intended to reduce to 282,000 by 2015 the numbers employed in the civil and public service; the number who are expected to leave because they have reached pension age; if it is intended that those leaving will do so on a voluntary basis; if he intends to adopt a targeted approach by Department or sector; if an overall risk assessment been done, and if so, the findings of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11532/12]
The Government is committed to reducing Public Service numbers to 282,500 by 2015. I believe that our end-2012 target of 294,400 will be delivered through retirements in accordance with existing arrangements. Following the end of the grace period, my Department will review the numbers position across the public service this year and out to 2015 and will assess the means through which our targets can most effectively be met while maintaining service delivery in critical areas.
110 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach the cost of the Attorney General’s car in the period relating to 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011, to include mileage and car related expenses paid to the AG; and salaries paid to civilian drivers and overtime, subsistence and travel expenses paid to civilian drivers, including any payment made in 2012 related to a 2011 claim. [10607/12]
I am informed that the Office of the Attorney General paid no costs in relation to mileage or car related expenses in respect of the use of the Attorney General's car during the period 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011. Payments to the civilian drivers for that period were €43,464.40 in salaries and €27.42 in subsistence. No overtime or travel expenses were incurred.
111 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Taoiseach if he will introduce physiological audit management procedure, to record gambling-related deaths here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11040/12]
The Central Statistics Office applies the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) and the associated international rules for determining the appropriate classification to the recording and compilation of official underlying cause of death statistics. The ICD classification is broadly based on the aetiology rather than the manifestation of diseases and gambling is not catered for as a category within this internationally agreed classification. Under EU law (Commission Regulation No. 328/2011 on Causes of Death) the CSO is legally obliged to codify underlying cause of death statistics to the ICD classification.
The CSO is not familiar with the Physiological Audit Management Procedure (PAMP) for the codification of official underlying cause of death statistics.
Contacts in both the World Health Organisation and EUROSTAT have also confirmed that they are unaware of the procedure or of its use in the generation of official mortality statistics.
112 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach the cost of lump sum severance payments and pensions of those leaving his Department through retirement or other grounds; and the loss of pension levy and superannuation from employees leaving his Department. [10589/12]
Three members of staff will have retired from my Department before 29 February this year.
The estimated cost of lump sum severance payments and the annual cost of pensions for these members of staff will amount to €275,390.
The estimated loss of pension levy and superannuation will amount to €15,859.
113 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach the number of freedom of information requests received by him in 2011; the number of requests for which a search and retrieval fee was sought; the maximum fee sought by him in respect of a request received; the number of requests not proceeded with following non-payment of the search and retrieval fee sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10590/12]
My Department received 98 Freedom of Information requests in 2011.
Search and retrieval fees were sought in respect of eleven requests, the highest being €282.99. No requests were withdrawn as a result of a search and retrieval fee being sought.
114 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach the cost to his Department of the senior Minister’s car and that of the Government Chief Whip in the period relating to 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011 to include mileage and car related expenses paid to the senior Minister and the Government Chief Whip; the salaries paid to civilian drivers; overtime, subsistence and travel expenses paid to civilian drivers and all other related information; and the information should include any payment made in 2012 related to a 2011 claim. [10647/12]
116 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Taoiseach the amount of mileage clocked up on a monthly basis for which expenses were claimed for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011; the amount claimed in mileage expenses on a monthly basis for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011, and the full list of trips for which mileage expenses were claimed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10808/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 116 together.
I have been supplied with a Garda car under the Ministerial transport scheme and do not use a private car for official purposes.
There has been no cost incurred by my Department on Ministerial transport in respect of the Government Chief Whip and the Minister of State for European Affairs from 1 June 2011 to date.
All salary costs in respect of the Civilian Driver assigned to the Government Chief Whip are paid by the Department of Defence.
115 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach the location and grade of all public servants within his Department or related agencies who, while not having reached the minimum retirement age to avail of cost neutral early retirement, will benefit from the provisions under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009; his plans to continue the service provided by each of the retiring staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10689/12]
Three members of staff in my Department are retiring in February 2012, comprising one Principal Officer, one Executive Officer who work-shares and one Head Services Officer. All of the officers concerned have reached the minimum age to avail of early retirement.
The staffing needs of the Department are kept under ongoing review in order to ensure that it meets its objectives. Sanction has been received from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to fill a Principal Officer vacancy and the Head Service Officer position through internal competitions. The Executive Officer post will not be replaced by my Department.
117 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will provide the total amount each Minister, junior Minister and senior civil servant has spent on entertainment expenses since being appointed in the case of the Ministers and junior Ministers and in the calendar year of 2011 with regard to senior civil servants. [10862/12]
The following table details the amount spent by my Department on entertainment expenses on behalf of the Government Chief Whip, Minister of State for European Affairs and myself from March to December 2011, and in respect of the full calendar year for Senior Civil Servants assigned to my Department. The majority of the expenditure was in respect of visiting international delegations.
All expenditure is in line with the entertainment guidelines set down by the Department of Finance.
|
Name |
Dates |
Total Amount |
|
Taoiseach |
March to December 2011 |
Nil |
|
Government Chief Whip |
March to December 2011 |
€130.00 |
|
Minister of State for European Affairs |
March to December 2011 |
Nil |
|
Secretary General, Assistant Secretary |
January to December 2011 |
€736.00 |
118 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Taoiseach the number and cost of advertisements placed in national newspapers for job vacancies in the civil and public service in the past 12 months; the number of new entrants recruited from the process; the number of vacancies filled from inside the civil and public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11514/12]
Two Assistant Secretary vacancies in my Department were advertised in national newspapers by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) in the last 12 months. The cost of the advertisements were borne by the PAS. The PAS ran an extensive search process in both the public and private sectors in respect of each position. The appointments were made by the Top Level Appointments Committee, which has an external Chair and a majority of external members. The successful candidates in both competitions were already civil servants.
119 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach if any State board appointees have volunteered to waive their fees or expenses; the names of such persons; the corresponding savings to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11898/12]
Members of the National Economic and Social Council are not paid fees in respect of their membership of the Council. Members of the National Statistics Board have not volunteered to waive their fees and expenses. These are the only Boards to which I make appointments.
120 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his view on the refusal by the Northern Ireland Secretary of State to meet elected political representatives in the North to discuss the ongoing cases of protesting prisoners at Maghaberry Prison, one of whom is in prison for more than nine months without charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10653/12]
I am not in a position to comment on the requests for meetings with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. I can confirm, however, that officials from my Department continue to closely monitor developments in relation to Maghaberry prison including the referred case. We continue to encourage resolution of the outstanding issues in that prison.
121 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason the Irish Embassy in Iran has been closed. [10673/12]
As I have previously reported to this House, the decision to close the Irish Embassy in Iran was taken following a review of overseas missions carried out by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade which gave particular attention to the economic return from bilateral missions. In light of the current pressures on public finances, the Government decided that the low volume of trade over a prolonged period did not justify maintaining a resident diplomatic Mission in Teheran. Ireland will continue to have full diplomatic relations with Iran and the Government intends to seek the appointment of a non-resident Ambassador. The Government remains committed to maintaining and developing our relations with Iran including, to the extent that it may be possible, in the economic area.
122 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, on his forthcoming visit to Malawi, he will raise the human rights issue of people’s right to peaceful protest, particularly in view of the death by shooting of 19 people at a reform meeting protest in July 2011. [10700/12]
I am visiting Malawi this week in order to see the impact of Ireland's development programme in the country, which is strongly focused on the areas of hunger and nutrition. I will also hold a number of meetings and consultations as part of the ongoing review of the White Paper on Irish Aid. During the visit I will meet with Ministers and senior officials of the Government of Malawi, as well as representatives of Non-Governmental and civil society groups. I will discuss a wide range of bilateral and international issues and I will of course raise our concerns on a number of human rights issues, including the matter referred to in the question. I fully share the Deputy's concerns in relations to the events of July 2011. At the time, with our EU colleagues, and through European Union High Representative, Catherine Ashton, we strongly condemned the use of excessive force against protesters by the Malawian authorities and the actions taken to prevent citizens from exercising their Constitutional right to demonstrate peacefully. The EU called on the people and the Government of Malawi to remain committed to the principles of democracy and to resolve disagreements through peaceful means. Since the violent incidents of last July, the Government of Malawi has entered into a dialogue with civil society representatives, which is ongoing.
The Government attaches the highest importance to human rights issues. Discussion of human rights issues is a key feature in our dialogue with other countries, including the priority countries for our aid programme, of which Malawi is one. Through our Embassy in Lilongwe, we are monitoring the situation in Malawi closely, and maintaining a strong dialogue with the Government and civil society locally, along with our EU partners. I look forward to engaging in dialogue on these issues during my visit and to assessing the situation first hand.
123 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason Bosnia was omitted from the Irish OSCE priorities. [10701/12]
As Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE for 2012, I presented the priorities for our Chairmanship to the OSCE's Permanent Council in Vienna on 12 January. These involve a lot of policy objectives and thematic concerns across the full range of the OSCE's work but do not include a list of specific country priorities. Western Balkan issues are, however, of ongoing interest within the OSCE. Within the OSCE's Human Dimension, which relates to human rights and democratisation, the Irish Chairmanship will be prioritising the issue of internet freedom. Governance is the central theme for the Economic and Environmental Dimension, including efforts to combat corruption and money laundering. In terms of the Politico-Military Dimension, the Irish Chairmanship is working to help facilitate progress in the resolution of the OSCE region's protracted conflicts, drawing on lessons learned from the Northern Ireland peace process. We are also prioritising progress on updating the OSCE's confidence and security-building measures and on enhancing the conflict prevention capacity of the organisation.
124 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there are plans for Ireland to nominate a UN youth delegate to participate in the State’s official delegation to the United Nations General Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10746/12]
The question of nominating a youth delegate to participate in the State's official delegation to the UN General Assembly has been examined by my Department previously. Following consideration of the financial and human resource implications, for the Department and for Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, it was decided that youth delegates would not be included in the official delegation and this remains the position. As a time when public finances are under pressure, it is important that the UN Third Committee, which deals with youth affairs, is serviced effectively and efficiently. While I appreciate the perspective that youth delegates may bring, the priority for the coming years is to ensure adequate staffing by officials with expertise in Third Committee matters.
125 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount of mileage clocked up on a monthly basis for which expenses were claimed for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011; the amount claimed in mileage expenses on a monthly basis for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011, and the full list of trips for which mileage expenses were claimed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10802/12]
The following tables set out the amounts claimed on a monthly basis for the two Ministers of State attached to my Department for the period since March 2011, which includes a breakdown of mileage claims paid in that period. It has not been possible to compile a full list of each individual trip relating to the mileage claims in question in the time available. No claims for mileage have been made by Minister of State Mr. Joe Costello, T.D., who was appointed in December 2011.
|
Period |
Amount |
KMs |
|
10th to 31st March 2011 |
€366.23 |
620 |
|
1st to 30th April 2011 |
€460.75 |
780 |
|
2nd to 31st May 2011 |
€351.47 |
595 |
|
1st to 30th June 2011 |
€1,131.19 |
1,915 |
|
1st to 28th July 2011 |
€1,020.73 |
1,728 |
|
1st August to 30th September 2011 |
€635.05 |
1,372 |
|
1st to 31st October 2011 |
€450.24 |
1,582 |
|
1st to 30th November 2011 |
€261.83 |
920 |
|
1st to 31st December 2011 |
€156.53 |
550 |
|
Total |
€4,834.02 |
10062 |
|
Period |
Amount |
KMs |
|
14th Mar — 10th Apr 2011 |
€659.53 |
1,426 |
|
11th Apr — 31st May 2011 |
€3,008.94 |
5,183 |
|
1st — 30th June 2011 |
€972.19 |
3,416 |
|
1st — 31st July 2011 |
€1,481.34 |
5,205 |
|
1st — 31st August 2011 |
€424.05 |
1,490 |
|
1st — 30th Sept 2011 |
€704.95 |
2,477 |
|
1st — 31st Oct 2011 |
€946.86 |
3,327 |
|
1st — 30th Nov 2011 |
€971.34 |
3,413 |
|
1st — 31th Dec 2011 |
€819.65 |
2,880 |
|
Total |
€9,988.85 |
28,817 |
126 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide the total amount each Minister, junior Minister and senior civil servant has spent on entertainment expenses since being appointed in the case of the Ministersand junior Ministers and in the calendar year of 2011 with regard to senior civil servants. [10856/12]
Neither myself, the Ministers of State, or senior civil servants in my Department, have personal entertainment expense accounts. The Department has a general budgetary allocation to cover incidental official entertainment requirements and in 2011 the following amounts were spent:
Vote 28 (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)€95,342
Vote 29 Now vote 27 (International Cooperation)€8,285
This expenditure is typically incurred on lunches/dinners for visiting official delegations, as well as catering costs for certain larger official meetings hosted by the Department in Dublin from time to time. Expenditure on official entertainment is subject to per capita limits as prescribed by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and is audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
127 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason he is not pressing that an agreement made between the Irish Government and the British Government be implemented in full, and as agreed at Weston Park, that no further prosecutions and consequently prison sentences will be imposed on those who committed offences before 10 April 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10899/12]
Proposed draft legislation by the British Government to deal with this specific issue as referred to in paragraph 20 of the Weston Park accord was formally withdrawn by the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Peter Hain MP, on 11 January 2006. The draft legislation, the Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill, had been opposed by the majority of the Northern Ireland Assembly parties and the Secretary of State was compelled to withdraw the legislation when the only supporting party, Sinn Féin, could not accept certain aspects of the proposed legislation. As the Government was committed to introduce proposals only in tandem with the British government and in accordance with the consensus of the democratically elected Assembly parties, the withdrawal of the Bill meant that the proposals for dealing with the matter in this jurisdiction were also withdrawn.
128 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if paragraph 20 of the Weston Park Agreement has been fully implemented in both jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10900/12]
Proposed draft legislation by the British Government to deal with this specific issue as referred to in paragraph 20 of the Weston Park accord was formally withdrawn by the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Peter Hain MP, on 11 January 2006. The draft legislation, the Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill, had been opposed by the majority of the Northern Ireland Assembly parties and the Secretary of State was compelled to withdraw the legislation when the only supporting party, Sinn Féin, could not accept certain aspects of the proposed legislation. As the Government was committed to introduce proposals only in tandem with the British government and in accordance with the consensus of the democratically elected Assembly parties, the withdrawal of the Bill meant that the proposals for dealing with the matter in this jurisdiction were also withdrawn.
129 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, in view of the ever diminishing prospects of a two-state Palestinian solution, he will make our disapproval known in the strongest terms to the Israeli ambassador of the recent land-grab by settlers and Israeli soldiers at Kafr Qaddum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10922/12]
I have made very clear here in the Dáil and elsewhere my views of the continued expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, which I now believe constitute the single biggest impediment to peace in the Middle East. Settlement expansion inherently involves seizure of Palestinian lands and dispossession of Palestinian families. It weakens — and is intended to weaken — the ability of Palestinian leaders to engage in peace talks, it creates facts on the ground which deliberately complicate the task of reaching a peace agreement, and it risks provoking violent Palestinian reaction on the ground. Through our Missions in the area, Ireland and our EU partners try to follow the deliberately opaque and secretive processes involved. The nature and level of our reaction to these events is the subject of constant discussion, and varies from case to case. The village of Kafr Qaddum has become emblematic of the issues of land seizure and access through the resistance and demonstrations of the villagers. The most recent incident there, in which settlers were protected by Israeli forces while seizing land, is a frequent occurrence there and elsewhere in the West Bank.
In the course of my visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories last month, I made clear my views on the settlement process directly to Israeli leaders at a very senior level, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, Deputy Prime Minister Meridor, and Foreign Minister Liberman. Ireland also supports Israeli and Palestinian NGOs which are helping to fight these land seizures through the courts.
130 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the sale of Coillte assets was one of the issues discussed between Irish and Chinese Ministers and officials during the recent State visit. [11272/12]
I have consulted with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine who has advised that the possible sale of Coillte assets was not discussed between Irish and Chinese Ministers during the visit to Ireland by H.E. Xi JinPing Vice President of the People's Republic of China.
131 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, in the context of Ireland’s objective to secure a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, if he will comment on the relevance of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; if he will outline his plans to respond to this convention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11282/12]
Ireland is currently a candidate for electionto the United Nations Human Rights Council for the period 2013-2015. The Government's policy on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is primarily a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality. It is the intention to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure that all necessary legislative and administrative requirements under the Convention are being met. As the Deputy may be aware, Ireland does not become party to treaties until it is first in a position to comply with the obligations imposed by the treaty in question, including by amending domestic law as necessary.
The ongoing implementation of our National Disability Strategy in many respects comprehends many of the provisions of the Convention. In addition, the Inter-Departmental Committee on the UNCRPD monitors the remaining legislative and administrative actions required to enable ratification. At the Committee's request, the National Disability Authority, the lead statutory agency for the sector, has independently assessed the remaining requirements for ratification so as to ensure conclusively that all such issues will be addressed.
One of the key requirements in this regard is the enactment of mental capacity legislation. The Government's Legislation Programme as announced on 11 January 2012, indicates that the Mental Capacity Bill is expected to be published in the current Dáil session. The Bill will replace the Wards of Court system with a modern statutory framework governing decision-making on behalf of adults who lack capacity. The passage of this Bill will add substantially to the overall progress on implementation of the requirements towards ratification of the Convention.
132 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, in the context of Ireland’s bid for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, his views on the importance of securing official recognition by the European Union of Irish sign language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11283/12]
Ireland is currently a candidate for election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the period 2013-2015. The issue of securing official recognition by the European Union of Irish sign language is a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality. In line with a commitment in the Programme for Government different mechanisms for the recognition of Irish sign language are being examined.
133 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details of the lease held on the former residence of the Irish ambassador to Italy; the length of the lease held; the annual rent of the premises; the capital expenditure incurred over the past ten years on these premises; if this lease has been terminated and at what cost; if there is a clause in the lease requiring return to former condition on termination; if so, has this cost been provided for, if the lease has not been terminated; if he is still paying rent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11336/12]
The lease on the former residence of the Ambassador to Italy expired on 14 December 2011. By agreement with the landlord the Ambassador continued to reside there for a further two months on an ad- hoc basis until relocation to the Villa Spada in February 2012. The most recent lease on the premises ran from 15 December 2003 to 14 December 2011. The annual rent paid in 2011 was €210,288. The only costs incurred in the past ten years were in respect of normal household maintenance. No penalty payments arose in relation to termination of the lease. While the lease contained a standard clause providing for return of the premises to former condition, no claim in respect of this was made by the landlord.
134 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will detail the staffing implication, if any, arising out of his decision to close the embassy to the Holy See; if staff were made redundant; if other staff were transferred to other duties; if there were any attendant costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11337/12]
The Embassy to the Holy See was staffed by two diplomatic officer and four locally recruited staff. Of the diplomatic officers, one retired in June 2011 and was not replaced, and the other was reassigned to a post at HQ in January 2012 when the Embassy closed. One of the locally recruited staff was employed on a part time temporary contract which expired at the end of December 2011 and one member of cleaning staff whose services were no longer required was made redundant. The other two full time staff were offered alternative positions under new contracts at the Embassy to Italy to fill vacancies arising naturally there, and of these, one has chosen not to avail of this offer.
Severance payments to all recruited staff at the Embassy to the Holy See are calculated in accordance with Italian law and are expected to be finalised in the very near future.
135 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions, if any, he or his Department have had with Icelandic authorities regarding Iceland’s accession to the EU; if he has actively supported the application process; his views on whether Iceland’s accession has any significant implications for Ireland, for example, in the area of our fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11338/12]
Iceland applied for EU membership in 2009 and accession negotiations were formally opened in July 2010. In its most recent annual Progress Report on Iceland, published last October, the Commission noted the high level of progress on the negotiations due to Iceland's already highly integrated structures, its membership of the European Economic Area and the Schengen Zone, and its high calibre public administration. The accession process is currently in the screening phase, during which the Commission assesses the degree of compatibility of Iceland's laws with those of the EU. Screening reports have been delivered so far on 31 of the 35 so-called "Chapters" — specific areas of the acquis — and, due to Iceland's degree of alignment with EU law, negotiations on specific areas have been launched (eleven in total to date). It is expected that a further number of Chapters will be opened for negotiations at the next Intergovernmental Conference with Iceland, to be held in March.
Based on our close relationship with Reykjavik and on our own positive experience of enlargement in the past, Ireland supports the EU candidacy of Iceland. In this regard, we have been keen to offer advice and assistance when requested and Iceland would appear to find the Irish experience of particular relevance and value.
My Department facilitated a study visit to Dublin by an Icelandic accession team covering Common Foreign and Security Policy in October last year and provided a briefing session to an accession team covering Fisheries who visited Dublin the following month. A similar study visit focusing on our Lisbon referendum experience by a team of policy advisors from the Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs took place in October 2010. More recently, Minister of State Creighton travelled to Iceland in October last year for meetings with Foreign Minister Skarphéðinsson and senior officials from the various Ministries on the accession dossier and overall bilateral relations. The Minister and officials from my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine also held discussions with the Icelandic Chief Negotiator for EU Accession on his recent visit to Ireland 15-16 February.
The fisheries sector remains extremely important for Iceland's economy, as indeed it is for our own, and will be an area of sensitivity. These matters will be addressed in detail under the fisheries Chapter of the accession negotiation framework and officials from my Department liaise closely with officials in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to ensure that Ireland's interests are safeguarded in negotiations. In the meantime, parallel work will continue on the review of the Common Fisheries Policy, to which Ireland actively contributes.
Accession is a negotiated process and, as in any negotiation, the eventual outcome and timeframe cannot be predicted with precision. There are areas where differences between Icelandic law and EU law still exist and these areas, which include fisheries, will present challenges during the negotiations. Ireland has and will continue to play an active role in protecting our own and the EU's interests with regard to negotiations with Iceland. In this regard we look forward to working closely with Iceland, with the European Commission and with our fellow Member States to ensure a satisfactory and mutually beneficial outcome to the Icelandic accession negotiations.
136 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he, or an agency under his auspices, have audited the overseas non-governmental agencies that are in receipt of assistance from the State’s overseas aid budget in the past 12 months; if they have requested information on the salaries being paid to chief executives and other senior officials within the NGOs; if he detected whether bonuses or increments were paid to officials; the level of increase or bonus given; if he is satisfied that payments being made to certain employees of NGOs is in keeping with policy on remuneration in the public sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11340/12]
All Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) which receive funding from Irish Aid to support their work in developing countries are required to submit annual, externally audited accounts, and to publish these audited accounts on their organisational website. These audited accounts include details on the salary levels paid to senior staff, including chief executives and senior officials. As part of the external audit process in each organisation, the Board of Directors signs off on the audited accounts, including approval of remuneration for chief executives and other senior officials. Irish Aid places a very high priority on ensuring that sound corporate governance policies, including the effective functioning of the Board of Directors, are in place in organisations which receive public funds for their development work. Three audits of major Irish NGOs have been undertaken in the past twelve months by the Evaluation and Audit Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade which involved in-depth examination of the strength of the financial systems and corporate governance function. Where shortcomings are identified, the Department works closely with the organisations concerned to strengthen the relevant function in line with independent best practice standards.
In addition to this audit work, all applications for Irish Aid funding from NGOs undergo detailed appraisal based on a standard set of criteria which include corporate governance, organisational efficiency and cost effectiveness. This appraisal and the related audit information are central to funding decisions.
137 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a list of those countries that receive direct payment from him as part of its overseas aid development programme; if he, or an agency under his auspices, have audited or received reports of the national expenditure broken down by heading of these individual countries; if his attention has been drawn to the percentage of national expenditure that these countries spend on defence in terms of capital and current expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11341/12]
The overarching objective of Ireland's aid programme is to contribute to the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger in the world. To ensure that our assistance is effectively delivered to those most in need in developing countries, we work in partnership with Governments, local communities, NGOs, and key multilateral partners such as the United Nations and European Union. Our aid programme is strongly concentrated on some of the poorest countries and communities in sub-Saharan Africa.
Through the overseas aid programme the Government provides assistance to over ninety countries worldwide. Nine have been designated as Programme Countries for Irish Aid, where we have a commitment to long term strategic assistance. These are Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Timor Leste, Uganda, Vietnam and Zambia.
Working with and through government systems in our Programme Countries is essential if the improvements put in place are to be sustainable and the primary responsibility for promoting and fostering development rests with governments. Our partnerships with these countries place obligations on the recipient governments, including commitments to democratic principles, respect for human rights and the rule of law and a willingness to combat corruption, and while working with and through governments, it is important to ensure that these governments are accountable both to their populations and donors. Towards this end, Irish Aid programmes are evaluated and audited by independent experts as well as by Irish Aid's Evaluation and Audit Unit. The Evaluation and Audit Unit receive and review the annual audited government accounts, prepared by national equivalents of the Irish Comptroller and Auditor General, for each of our Programme Countries.
As part of our ongoing engagement in our Programme Countries we regularly monitor overall budgets, including defence spending. There are strict controls in place to ensure that Irish funds are spent only as agreed and are carefully tracked. This is done in various ways — through our own detailed auditing systems, through independent auditing arrangements and in conjunction with other donor partners. Ireland also works in our Programme Countries to support programmes which build the capacity of national budget processes and strengthen public financial management systems and institutions of Government, such as the Auditor General function and relevant Parliamentary Committees, in order to eliminate waste and any misuse of funds.
Ireland will continue to ensure that our funding is directed to those areas most in need, is used for the purposes intended and represents the best value for money. We are committed to delivering on our commitment that all aid funded by the taxpayer will benefit the poorest and most vulnerable in the countries where we are working.
138 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, in relation to the upcoming EU-Colombia trade agreement, if he has considered the human rights abuses existing in Colombia such as the expelling of indigenous persons from their land and the granting of land titles to foreign national companies; if an FTA will address human rights concerns in Colombia by not legitimising or facilitating the dispossession of peasants, farmers and communities from their land by forcing Colombia to establish a land registry and proper protocol for judicial processes which fairly represent peasants, farmers and communities; if Colombia’s natural resources will be protected and monitored as part of the FTA and if it will ensure that there will not be a maximising of resource exploitation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11415/12]
139 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the EU plans to meet with President Santos of Colombia in relation to human rights abuses such as the ongoing impunity of trade unionists before further negotiations on the FTA deal commence; if he has taken into consideration the fact that previous FTA agreements between Colombia and the US, Canada and the EFTA group of countries had been delayed due to human rights concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11416/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 139 together.
As I have stated on previous occasions in this House, it remains the opinion of the Government that dialogue with the Government of Colombia, bilaterally and with our EU partners, offers the best way to further the objectives of supporting democracy and improving the human rights situation there. I am aware of and share the concerns which have been expressed over human rights in Colombia, in particular the vulnerable position of trade unionists and human rights activists, as well as the very large number of Colombian people who were displaced (between two and three million) over the course of decades of conflict and terrorism. It is for this reason that Ireland attached such importance to the human rights dimensions of the EU Free Trade Agreement with Colombia and Peru during its negotiation, and will ensure that these are fully implemented when the Agreement enters into force.
I met the Vice-President of Colombia, Angelino Garzón when he visited Ireland last month, on 24 January. I conveyed the ongoing concerns of the Government of Ireland at reports of human rights abuses in Colombia. Vice-President Garzón noted his Government's determination to address human rights abuses in Colombia. The Victims' Rights and Land Restitution legislation (2011), which builds on the Justice and Peace Laws (2005) constitutes a crucial step in the efforts to push forward the peace process, and will, if fully implemented, provide reparation for more than four million victims of the long-standing armed conflict in the country.
Ireland will continue to support the efforts of the Colombian government via our embassy at Mexico City, and with our partners in the European Union.
140 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he intends to sign up to the Open Government Declaration; if he has had discussions on the issue; if he has had any communications with the Open Government Partnership; his plans on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11424/12]
I have not had any communications with the Open Government Partnership.
141 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number and costs of advertisements placed in national newspapers for job vacancies in the civil and public service in the past 12 months; the number of new entrants recruited from the process; the number of vacancies filled from inside the civil and public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11508/12]
No such advertisements were placed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the past twelve months.
142 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the arrangements for designating marked diesel, green diesel, agricultural diesel and farm diesel are fully in line with Ireland’s environmental obligations and commitments at EU level, in view of the incentive they create that is being exploited on an ongoing basis to wash the marked diesel clear with disastrous environmental consequences; if any alternative strategy is under consideration to provide for subsidised diesel for use in agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10711/12]
The taxation and designation of marked gas oil for specific uses is in line with the EU Energy Taxation Directive and Ireland's environmental obligations. In addition, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of mineral oil tax and for tackling the illicit trade in mineral oil products, that they are acutely aware of the various illegal activities that lead to loss to the Exchequer of mineral oil tax and can have a harmful impact on the environment. The most serious risk in this regard is the large scale laundering of markers from mineral oil (diesel), and the onward supply and sale of the laundered product as auto diesel. Marked mineral oil is subject to a reduced rate of mineral oil tax on condition that it is not used in road vehicles. The suggestion has been made that the present system of marking diesel for non-auto use should be replaced by one in which all diesel would be subject to the same rate of mineral oil tax, with repayment arrangements for certain users. A system of this kind would, however, give rise to additional administrative work for both the users concerned and for the Revenue Commissioners, would impose cash flow costs on users and could be open to fraud and abuse. The focus, therefore, is on strengthening the existing regime for taxing diesel at differential rates, including the implementation of enhanced licensing systems, acquiring a more effective marker, and continued robust enforcement action.
The Finance Bill 2012 proposes to enhance the supervision and control of the mineral oils supply chain by requiring that, in future, any person dealing in marked mineral oils will have to be licensed by the Revenue Commissioners to do so. It is envisaged that this important change will be complemented by amendments to the Mineral Oil Tax Regulations that will lay down new requirements for the recording and reporting of transactions by mineral oil traders.
143 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the steps that have been taken to implement the recommendation in the inter-departmental mortgage arrears working group, known as the Keane report, to establish an independent mortgage advice function; if he will confirm if the process of recruiting the 100 independent mortgage advisers has commenced; when he hopes to have the service up and running; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11349/12]
A Steering Group, chaired by a Second Secretary General in my Department and comprising senior representation from Government Departments and the Central Bank, has been established to oversee and drive the implementation of the various recommendations contained in the report of the Inter-Departmental Working Group on Mortgage Arrears across Government. As part of this, separate working groups have also been established to progress the individual work items and these individual groups report to the overall Steering Group.
One of the report's recommendations was that an independent mortgage advice function should be established to advise and support mortgage holders in their dealings with mortgage lenders and to help build trust in the debt resolution process. The Department of Social Protection is the lead Department on the mortgage advisory function work stream and is chairing the relevant working group. I understand that, in a recent Parliamentary Answer (Ref. 10447/12), the Minister for Social Protection indicated that her Department is currently examining the issues relating to the establishment of the Mortgage Advice Service and, as part of this, is also examining the efficiency, necessity and governance arrangements of this proposed service in the light of, inter alia, the role envisaged for Personal Insolvency Trustees as outlined in the Heads of a Personal Insolvency Bill as recently published by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence.
144 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance the cost to his Departmentof the senior Minister's car in the period 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011, to includemileage and car-related expenses paid to the senior Minister; if he will detail the salariespaid to civilian drivers, overtime, subsistence and travel expenses paid to them and allother related information, including any payment made in 2012 related to a 2011 claim. [10641/12]
In the period in question the cost to my Department in relation to the use of my car for Ministerial travel was €76,168.14. This cost included mileage (which is to cover car related expenses), the salaries paid to civilian drivers and the travel and subsistence paid to the drivers. Under the guidelines, Overtime is not paid to Ministerial drivers. This amount is significantly below the €280,000 average annual cost under the previous Ministerial transport regime for each Minister.
145 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the meetings that he, his special advisers or senior departmental officials have had with representatives of a company (details supplied). [10656/12]
I met with representatives of this company on one occasion in 2011.
146 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance his assessment of the jobs created by the changes to commercial stamp duty and capital gains tax as outlined in the Finance Bill. [10661/12]
147 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the anticipated cost to the Exchequer of the changes to commercial stamp duty and capital gains tax as outlined in the Finance Bill 2012. [10662/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 147 together.
As I announced in the Budget, a single Stamp Duty rate of 2 per cent will apply to non-residential property transactions executed on or after Budget night 6 December 2011. I also announced a Capital Gains Tax (CGT) incentive for property purchased between 7 December 2011 and end 2013. Where such property is held for seven years, the gain attributable to that seven year holding period will be relieved from CGT.
The measures will facilitate greater activity within the property market, leading to additional employment and activity in related sectors. They have been in place for less than three months so it is not possible to estimate how many jobs have resulted.
A significant proportion of the Stamp Duty yield received since 6 December from commercial property transactions is likely to relate to transactions which predate the Budget change. It is too early at this stage to determine what impact the change will have on the level of activity or on the cost to the Exchequer. It has been estimated that the Stamp Duty measure may cost in the region of €64 million per annum, but it is possible that the new rate will encourage transactions which might not otherwise have taken place.
It is not possible to project the extent of CGT relief under the incentive scheme, because the number of cases in which relief can be claimed is dependent on the number of properties purchased within the incentive period. The relief will vary in every case depending both on the value of the property on its disposal and the date of that disposal. No Exchequer cost will arise in respect of properties sold during the next seven years, because no relief can apply until a property is held for at least seven years. As with the Stamp Duty measure, the incentive may lead to property acquisitions and disposals which might not otherwise have taken place. The measures may also lead to additional taxes from other sources such as VAT and income tax from related employments, trades and professions.
148 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is being deducted the proper tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10687/12]
Unfortunately, it was not possible to provide the information required for this answer in the time allowed. The Revenue Commissioners will provide the answer directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
149 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Finance the reason a pension was reduced in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [10702/12]
As part of the move to the greater use of shared services in the public sector in order to drive efficiencies, the Paymaster General's Office, which is part of my Department, took over the payment, on an agency basis, of pensions of the retired staff of the Vocational Education Committees. Payment of these pensions was previously made through the Local Authorities. The Paymaster General's Office pays all pensions fortnightly on relevant Thursdays for the previous two weeks in arrears. The Local Authorities also pay pensions fortnightly, but their period of payment is for the two calendar weeks and, therefore, would contain an element of advance at the point of payment. In transferring to the Paymaster General's system, this element of advance payment was eliminated in the first fortnightly payment of pension. Thereafter pensions are paid for two weeks in arrears. No pensioner loses out as a result.
150 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance in the context of the Finance Bill 2012, if he intends under section 9 to provide the additional mortgage interest relief to a first-time buyer whose mortgage was sanctioned in 2008 but not drawn down until 2009. [10707/12]
The position is as I stated in my Budget day speech, that the Government has now fulfilled its commitment contained in the Programme for Government to increase the rate of mortgage interest relief to 30 per cent for first-time buyers who took out their first mortgage in the period 2004 to 2008. I have sought to be as flexible as possible within the constraints pertaining. Under the current tax legislation mortgage interest relief is granted from the date the first mortgage interest payment is made. The legislation is being amended for this particular measure to also include mortgage draw-down as a qualifying event for the rate increase. This means that a mortgage holder will qualify for the increased rate if he or she made his or her first mortgage interest payment in the period 2004 to 2008 or if he or she drew down their mortgage in that period. Therefore, an individual who drew down his or her mortgage in December 2008 but made his or her first mortgage interest repayment in 2009 will qualify for the increased relief. However, I do not intend to include mortgage sanctioned as a qualifying event for the purpose of the additional relief.
151 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance his estimate of the aggregate cost, for the whole of 2012, expressed in tax expenditure terms, of the tax-free lump sums that will be drawn down in 2012 by retiring civil and public servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10710/12]
The following are the current arrangements which apply in relation to the taxation of retirement lump sums paid under Revenue approved pension arrangements. These arrangements apply in both the public and private sectors and were introduced in Budget and Finance Act 2011:
Retirement lump sum amounts up to €200,000 are paid free of tax. They are also paid free of the Universal Social Charge (USC).
The portion of a lump sum between €200,001 and €575,000 is taxed on a ring-fenced basis at 20%. (This means that no tax credits or other tax reliefs can be set against this portion of the lump sum.) No USC is chargeable.
Any amount of a lump sum in excess of €575,000 is taxed under Schedule E and collected under the PAYE system (credits and other tax reliefs are available). In this instance, USC is also chargeable on the excess.
These amounts are lifetime amounts with prior lump sums taken since 7 December 2005 aggregating with later lump sums.
The Deputy's question asks for an estimate of the cost for 2012, in tax expenditure terms, of the tax-free retirement lump sums that will be paid this year on the assumption, presumably, that the amounts paid below the tax-free lifetime limit of €200,000 would otherwise be taxed at the standard rate of income tax. As there is no general requirement for data on the number or value of retirement lump sums below the €200,000 limit to be returned to my Department or to the Revenue Commissioners, I am not in a position to provide definitive figures in response to the question.
However, as an indication and based on very broad assumptions about the numbers and average remuneration levels across the public service and assuming annual retirement trends of about 2.5%, it is estimated that the annual cost in tax foregone of not applying tax at the standard rate to tax-free retirement lump sums in the public service would be about €100 million per annum.
While the tax treatment of retirement lump sums apply in both the public and private sectors, I should point out that one significant difference between public sector and private sector pension schemes is that private sector schemes invariably allow scheme members the option of commuting part of their pension fund for a tax-free lump sum. This option is not available to members of public sector schemes. Depending on the impact of any tax charge on retirement lump sums, the option to commute part of a pension fund may no longer be exercised by private sector pension scheme members or may be exercised in a manner that reduces the value of the lump sum taken to minimise or avoid any immediate tax charge.
152 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Finance the amount of mileage clocked up on a monthly basis for which expenses were claimed for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011; the amount claimed in mileage expenses on a monthly basis for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011, and the full list of trips for which mileage expenses were claimed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10801/12]
The Deputy may be aware that since 1 May 2011 all Cabinet Minister with the exception of Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Law Reform now use their own cars on official business. The following table lists the kilometre claims made by me in the period May to December 2011. The basis on which Ministers record their mileage does not require them to list individual trips.
|
Month |
Year |
Kilometres |
Claim Amount |
|
May |
2011 |
5,677 |
€3,353.40 |
|
June |
2011 |
4,880 |
€1,621.18 |
|
July |
2011 |
6,440 |
€1,889.74 |
|
August |
2011 |
6,779 |
€1,929.30 |
|
September |
2011 |
5,932 |
€1,688.25 |
|
October |
2011 |
5,221 |
€1,485.90 |
|
November |
2011 |
5,260 |
€1,497.00 |
|
December |
2011 |
5,870 |
€1,670.60 |
|
Total |
€17,911.07 |
In addition I have claimed €2,775.70 in respect of kilometre claims in January 2012.
153 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide details of the plans Irish Bank Resolution Corporation has for the disposal or management of its remaining loan book; the value of the loan book and details of where it relates to; the current estimated timeframe for winding up the bank; the total cost so far to the taxpayer of bailing out this bank; and the current estimate for the final cost of bailing out the bank. [10842/12]
As the Deputy is aware IBRC has been provided with a total capital contribution of €34.6 billion. The Deputy will appreciate that much of the information requested in his question is subject to external factors and that it is not practical to be definitive in terms of timelines or costs at this point. Suffice to say that the Board of the bank is charged with the work-out of the bank's assets in a manner that will best protect the interests of the State. However, the framework within which the bank is operating is set out in the EU Commission Decision on the restructuring plan which issued on 29.6 2011. The link below provides access the redacted version of the Decision.
IBRC is working to generate options for the efficient work out of its loan books in accordance with the Bank's approved mandate. This includes examining accelerated disposal where this makes economic sense. Following the timely sale of the majority of the Bank's US loan portfolios, the bank now continues with further detailed analysis of the remaining loans in Ireland and the UK. This analysis will further inform the Board and management team of IBRC on the timing of the next phases of de-leveraging. The exact value of its remaining loans will be reported in the Bank's annual report and accounts which are due for release next month. The final cost of rescuing the institution is estimated to be within the current capital provided by the State and will predominately be a function of the property markets in Ireland and the UK together with the availability of counter-party liquidity to enable further disposals by way of recoveries, repayments and sales. It will also depend on the outcome of any negotiations on the promissory note between the Government and the EU that are still underway. The estimated timeframe for the resolution of the institution is currently nine years as detailed in the Bank's approved restructuring plans. http://ec.europa.eu/competition/state_aid/cases/239466/239466_1251121_21_3.pdf
154 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide the total amount each Government Minister, junior Minister and senior civil servant has spent on entertainment expenses since being appointed in the case of the Ministers and junior Ministers and in the calendar year of 2011 with regards to senior civil servants. [10855/12]
In the period since March 2011 €63.00 has been spent by me in relation to Official entertainment. Senior officials within my Department spent €1,193 on official entertainment in 2011.
155 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the National Asset Management Agency’s projected costs in 2012. [10875/12]
The NAMA annual statement, which was produced in September, 2011 projected costs for the year in the region of €242 million. This was based on a preliminary review carried out in September 2011. A further more detailed review was carried out in December/January based on the costs outturn for 2011. Taking this information into account, it is projected that annual costs in 2012 will be €194m. I am advised by NAMA that most of the difference is explained by the Agency's review of projected insolvency costs which are now expected to be substantially less than originally expected. The detail of the projected costs for the Agency for 2012 is set out in the following table:
|
NAMA Direct expenses |
€m |
|
Primary servicer/master servicer fees |
75 |
|
Legal fees |
25 |
|
Reimbursement to NTMA as service provider |
44 |
|
Accounting/audit fees |
2 |
|
IT/MIS costs |
2 |
|
Miscellaneous costs |
13 |
|
Total direct expenses |
161 |
|
NAMA Indirect expenses |
|
|
Recovery/insolvency costs |
33 |
|
Total projected expenditure |
194 |
156 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who pay income tax on incomes of €30,000 to €49,999, €50,000 to €70,000, €70,001 to €100,000, €100,001 to €150,000, €150,001 to €200,000 and all at €200,001 and above in tabular form. [10896/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested, estimated by reference to the income tax year 2011, is set out in the following table:
|
Range of Gross Income |
Numbers |
|
€30,001 — €49,999 |
498,261 |
|
€50,000 — €70,000 |
231,794 |
|
€70,001 — €100,000 |
148,428 |
|
€100,001 — €150,000 |
70,892 |
|
€150,001 — €200,000 |
18,656 |
|
Over €200,000 |
21,506 |
It should be noted that the income ranges shown in the above table relate to Gross Income as defined in Revenue Statistical Report 2009.
The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2009 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends in the interim. These are, therefore, provisional and likely to be revised.
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.
157 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 24 of 1 February 2012, if he will consider introducing a legal framework whereby credit unions, who are unhappy with lending restrictions imposed on them by the Registrar of Credit Unions, have access to an appeals mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10909/12]
Section 87 of the Credit Union Act 1997 provides the Central Bank — incorporating the Registrar of Credit Unions — with the power to issue regulatory directions on certain grounds. This includes the power to place lending restrictions on credit unions. I have asked the Commission on Credit Unions to consider if there is a need for an appropriate appeal mechanism for regulatory directions under the Credit Union Act 1997.
The final report of the Commission on Credit Unions is due to be submitted to me by the end of March. I do not propose to bring forward proposals on this issue until I have had the benefit of considering the Commission's recommendation.
158 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of the net receipt from stamp duty on financial cards, credit cards, ATM cards, debit cards, combined cards and cheques in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10910/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the net receipt from Stamp Duty on financial cards and cheques in 2011, broken down by type of card, is as set out in the following table:
|
Card Type |
Net receipt 2011 €m |
|
Credit |
51.8 |
|
ATM |
1.5 |
|
Debit |
0.03 |
|
Combined (ATM/Debit) |
15.7 |
|
Cheques |
33.23 |
|
Total |
102.26 |
The figures are provisional and subject to revision.
159 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the State of the retention agreement signed between IBRC and a company (details supplied) for advice in relation to the sale of IBRC’s loan book; the cost of the contract to IBRC; the duration of the contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10921/12]
The Deputy will be aware that under the Relationship Framework the Board of the bank is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the bank. The bank has retained the services of the ‘strategic advisory arm' of the Group referred to in the question. The bank has previously been requested by my Department to confirm that there is no conflict in relation to the appointment. The Deputy will appreciate that details of the terms and purpose of the bank's appointment of this advisor are commercially sensitive and it is not appropriate to disclose such information.
160 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if the National Asset Management Agency is to take on the direct management of the debts of 600 borrowers, which are currently being managed by the banks as recommended by a person (details supplied) in his review of NAMA in 2011. [11092/12]
The report by Mr. Michael Geoghegan made a wide range of recommendations that were designed to assist the NAMA Board, including a proposal that the Agency would take on the direct management of the NAMA loans currently managed on its behalf by the participating institutions. I am informed by the Chairman of NAMA that the Board has given its approval to the establishment of dedicated teams which will monitor and supervise intensively the management of the 600 NAMA debtors which are currently being managed by Bank of Ireland, AIB and IBRC on NAMA's behalf. The teams concerned will be situated within the institutions and will ensure that the highest standards are applied by the institutions to the management of the €5 billion of NAMA debt which is involved.
161 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the number of members that will be appointed to the National Asset Management Agency’s advisory board; the number appointed thus far; the precise role of the board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11093/12]
I have appointed Mr Michael Geoghegan to chair a small group of advisors to advise me on the future strategic direction of NAMA. Mr Geoghegan has agreed to carry out his role on a pro bono basis. I am currently considering the names of potential candidates who have the appropriate experience and background to work effectively on the group of advisors with Mr Geoghegan. I expect to announce the other members shortly. At that stage, I will also announce the group's terms of reference, as well as its reporting framework and arrangements in relation to costs.
162 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Finance the criteria in relation to the rebate on diesel fuel in respect of private public transport services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11125/12]
A derogation under EU Directive 2003/96 on Energy Taxation allowed the application of a reduced rate of Mineral Oil Tax to fuel used for the purposes of certain road passenger services. That derogation has expired and the arrangement was, therefore, terminated by the Finance Act 2008. It would not be possible, having regard to the relevant provisions of EU law, to re-introduce a scheme of that nature for those services.
163 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to ensure that banks make credit available to small and medium enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11142/12]
As the Deputy is aware, the banking system restructuring plan creates capacity for the two Pillar Banks, Bank of Ireland and AIB, to provide lending in excess of €30 billion in the next three years. SME and new mortgage lending for these banks is expected to be in the range of €16-20bn over this period. This lending capacity is incorporated into the banks' deleveraging plans which allow for repayment of Central Bank funding through asset run-off and disposals over the period to 2013. The Government has imposed lending targets on the two domestic pillar banks for the three calendar years, 2011 to 2013. Both banks were required to sanction lending of at least €3 billion in 2011, €3.5 billion this year and €4 billion in 2013 for new or increased credit facilities to SMEs. The pillar banks are required to submit their lending plans to the Department and the Credit Review Office (CRO) at the beginning of each year, outlining how they intend to achieve their lending targets. The banks also meet with the Department and the CRO on a quarterly basis to discuss progress.
I can confirm that both banks have reported to me that they have achieved their 2011 targets. This information is currently being independently assessed by Mr John Trethowan of the CRO and will be dealt with in his quarterly report for end December 2011 which is due to be published shortly. The function of oversight by the CRO applies to AIB and Bank of Ireland. SMEs, sole traders or farmers can apply for a review where credit is refused, withdrawn, or offered on unreasonable conditions. Banks have set up formal internal review processes, which must first examine an appeal by a customer. Ulster Bank has also set up an internal appeal process. The CRO ensures that the pillar banks do not refuse credit to viable businesses, both by its existence and by offering the right to a review of refusals.
On 4 November last the Central Bank published a revised statutory Code of Conduct for Business Lending to Small and Medium Enterprises (SME Code) setting out new requirements for lenders when dealing with SMEs in, or facing, financial difficulties which came into effect from 1 January 2012. A full review of the SME Code will be undertaken in 2012.
The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation brought the draft heads of a Loan Guarantee Scheme Bill to Government on 24 November last. The Scheme will provide a partial guarantee to banks against losses on qualifying loans to job-creating firms to get banks lending again to industry and entrepreneurs. This Scheme will be closely targeted at commercially viable, well performing companies that have a solid business plan and a defined market for their products or services which can demonstrate repayment capacity for the additional credit facilities but which cannot secure credit facilities due to either of the following two market failures:
Insufficient collateral for the additional facilities or,
Growth / expansionary SMEs which due to their sectors, markets or business model are perceived higher risk under current credit risk evaluation practices.
The Scheme is expected to go live in Quarter 2 of 2012 following enactment of the legislation.
The Government has also approved the establishment of a Micro Finance Loan Fund to provide loans on a commercial basis for start-up businesses and micro-enterprises. It is expected that the businesses that will primarily benefit will be those at the margins of commercial lending decisions. The Scheme will use an initial exchequer investment of €10million to leverage further funds from private sources. Over a ten year period, the scheme has the potential to provide up to €100 million in additional lending to over 5000 micro-enterprises over that period. The Scheme will be demand-led and the amount of funds provided will depend on the demand from viable businesses.
As the Deputy knows, I published the independent Mazars survey of SME credit late last year. On foot of this report, a series of seven regional meetings with local representatives is now underway, hosted by the Minister for Small Business, John Perry T.D., supported by Mr John Moran, Head of Banking in the Department of Finance. The aim of these meetings is to examine further the actions which might be taken by the Government to improve access to credit for SMEs. All of these measures are, of course, underpinned by the initiatives outlined in the Government's recently published Action Plan on Jobs which recognises the importance that access to finance for SMEs will play in the implementation of strategies announced in the Plan.
164 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Finance the reason the position of chief financial officer for the National Asset Management Agency is only now being advertised; and how it came about that NAMA, a State agency which is managing loans with a nominal value of €72.3 billion, has been without a CFO for its first two years. [11143/12]
A review of NAMA was carried out by Mr. Michael Geoghegan in 2011 at the request of the NAMA Board and with my agreement. In his report he made a number of proposals to the Board of NAMA including the appointment of a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). These proposals were considered by the Board and, on 15th February 2012, NAMA announced a reorganisation of functions, the establishment of new divisions and a number of linked senior executive appointments which included the appointment of a CFO. I am advised by NAMA that, to date, the role of the NAMA CFO has, in effect been carried out by NTMA's Director of Finance, Technology and Risk, through arrangement under section 41 NAMA Act, 2009 whereby the NTMA provides certain business and support services, including financial reporting services to NAMA. However, the heavy workload associated with the Director's other NTMA responsibilities means that it has become necessary to split the functions.
I am advised that the changes in structure and responsibility at a senior level in the Agency including the appointment of a CFO will ensure that NAMA is correctly positioned for the challenges ahead and that it will enable NAMA to focus its full attention on the management of its portfolio of assets and on maximising recovery of funds for the taxpayer.
165 Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide the exact calculations used to determine that a two percentage point increase in VAT will yield approximately €670 million in increased VAT take in 2012, including all second order effects, including the impacts on VAT and other Departments due to the projected fall in consumption, the projected loss of jobs, the projected loss of corporation tax; if he will release the analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11145/12]
I would point out that the estimated additional yield from a 2% increase in the standard rate of VAT for 2012, as announced in my Budget 2012 speech, is €560 million. The estimate of €670 million relates to receipts from the 2% increase in a full year. These estimates were calculated by applying a direct increase of 2% to the expected yield from the 21% rate of VAT in 2011. They are "static" estimates in that they do not take into account any behavioural change on the part of taxpayers as a consequence of the rate change. However, the projection for personal consumption in 2012, upon which the Budget 2012 VAT forecast is primarily based, takes account of the rate change along with other factors affecting household spending (such as uncertainty and balance sheet rebuilding). The Budget 2012 forecast for VAT receipts, at €9,995 million, represents a €254 million or 2.6 per cent increase on the 2011 outturn.
Furthermore, the standard VAT rate was increased in the Budget as part of a general package of raising revenues 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 I said when I addressed the Dáil last December, the Government carefully considered the various options open to us in terms of taxation. One of the key objectives of the Government is to get people back to work. Indirect taxes have a less adverse impact on economic activity and employment, which is why Budget 2012 focused on indirect taxes such as VAT rather than on income tax.
166 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the legal costs incurred by the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation in its pursuit of persons (details supplied) both domestically and internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11151/12]
167 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the money returns or asset securement or both that have been accomplished through the legal pursuit by the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation of a person (details supplied), both here in Ireland, North and South, and overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11152/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 167 together.
As the Deputy is aware the Board of the bank is responsible for the day to day operation of the bank, including the recovery, in normal course, of debt owed to the bank. The Board of the bank is charged with responsibility for recovering the maximum value of the bank's loan book or related security having regard to the best interests of the State and the taxpayer. IBRC has informed me that all information associated with the recovery efforts and related litigation in its dealings with the parties referred to in the Questions and associated individuals and entities are commercially sensitive.
168 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the current estimated value of the National Asset Management Agency’s loan book; if he will provide a breakdown of the value of the US loan book, the British loan book, the European loan book and the Irish loan book, respectively; and if he will provide an update on NAMA plans for the sale of these loan books. [11352/12]
The most recent estimate of the accounting value of the NAMA loan portfolio is as provided for in the NAMA accounts for the third quarter of 2011. This is available on the NAMA website, www.nama.ie. I am advised by NAMA that due diligence on all of the acquired loans is not yet complete so it is not in a position to provide the final breakdown of the data requested. However, based on a preliminary analysis of the property assets securing its loans (assets valued by reference to the November 2009 valuations) 56 per cent of such assets are located in Ireland; 34 per cent in Britain; 4 per cent in Northern Ireland and the remaining in Europe and the US. Based on the November 2009 valuation, the value of Irish property assets would be of the order of €18bn, the value of British property assets would of the order of €11bn; Northern Ireland property assets of the order of €1.3bn and residual Europe and US assets of about €1.7bn.
NAMA's Board has a mandate under the NAMA Act to achieve the best financial return for the State. Its aim is to dispose of loans and the property assets underpinning these loans in a way which maximises returns for the taxpayer. That disposal strategy is subject to ongoing review by the Board.
169 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance the current estimated value of the IBRC loan book; if he will provide a breakdown of the value of the US loan book, the British loan book, the European loan book and the Irish loan book, respectively; and if he will provide an update on IBRC plans for the sale of these loan books. [11353/12]
The value of IBRC's remaining loan book, broken down by geographic region, will be reported in the Bank's Annual Report and Accounts which are due for release at the end of March this year. IBRC is working to generate options for the efficient work out of its loan books in accordance with the Bank's approved mandate. This includes examining accelerated disposal where this makes economic sense. Following the timely sale of the majority of the Bank's US loan portfolios, the Bank now continues with further detailed analysis of the remaining loans in Ireland and the UK. This analysis will further inform the Board and management team of IBRC on the timing of the next phases of deleveraging.
170 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding allowances in respect of a person (details supplied). [11378/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the person concerned and his wife are entitled to the same income tax treatment as an Irish married couple. The person is entitled to the married person's tax credit, which is €3,300 for 2012. In addition, on the basis that he is the sole income earner, he is entitled to a standard income tax rate tax band of €41,800 for 2012, that is, income tax will apply at 20% on income earned up to that amount, with any income in excess of that amount being charged at 41%. Revenue Information Leaflet IT 2 sets out a Guide to the taxation of Married Couples and Civil Partners and is available on the Revenue website at: http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/leaflets/it2.html.
The person in question may also telephone the PAYE lo-call service for the Dublin Region, 1890 33 34 25, or he may call to Revenue's public offices located at:
Central Revenue Information Office,
Cathedral St.,
Dublin 1.
Tallaght Revenue Information Office,
St. John's House,
High St.,
Tallaght,
Dublin 24.
171 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the tour operators margin scheme — a 23% VAT charge on profit margins charged to tour operators — is essentially a double taxation on travel agents who also pay VAT in the country of supply as well as the standard 12.5% corporation tax on overall profits; if he is aware that after nearly two years in place the scheme is putting the travel sector in financial difficulty and threatening its viability; if he will consider a review of this tax in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11417/12]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that provisions covering the Travel Agents Margin Scheme are contained in Section 88 of the VAT Consolidation Act 2010. This scheme, which is provided for in Articles 306 to 310 of the EU VAT Directive, with which Irish VAT law must comply, was introduced with effect from 1 January 2010. Detailed discussions with the travel industry were carried out prior to the introduction of the scheme. The scheme deals with the activities carried on by travel agents who act in the capacity of a principal when supplying certain travel services such as transport, accommodation, etc, which they have bought in from third parties for onward supply to travellers. Travel agents covered by the scheme are liable to VAT on their margin on the services provided rather than the full consideration they receive in respect of the supply of these services.
The nature of the scheme means that the travel agent only has an obligation to account for VAT on the margin in the country where he/she is established. The travel agent has no further VAT obligations in places where the travel services are supplied. The travel agent cannot recover any VAT charged when he/she purchases the travel services but this is because VAT is only accounted for on the margin when the services are supplied on to the traveller. There is no double taxation. The Scheme is a standard EU-wide Scheme and is in operation in most Member States of the EU.
172 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance how the scheme of financial assistance through refund of vehicle registration tax works for disabled drivers; if it involves an inspection of the modified vehicle to ensure the vehicle is fit for purpose; the frequency with which persons with a disability may avail of the scheme; the medical evidence required to trigger this entitlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11419/12]
The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and VRT (up to a certain limit) on the purchase of a car adapted for the transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities, to those who meet certain disability criteria. The disability criteria for eligibility for the tax concessions under this scheme are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994.
To get the Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be severely and permanently disabled and satisfy one of the following conditions:
a) be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs;
b) be wholly without the use of one leg and almost wholly without the use of the other leg such that the applicant is severely restricted as to movement of the lower limbs;
c) be without both hands or without both arms;
d) be without one or both legs;
e) be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both hands or arms and wholly or almost wholly without the use of one leg;
f) have the medical condition of dwarfism and have serious difficulties of movement of the lower limbs.
An individual who qualifies under the scheme has to retain the vehicle for 2 years before it can be replaced under the Scheme. Revenue's inspection determines that the vehicle has been adapted within the provisions of the legislation. Revenue makes no judgement on whether the modifications of the modified vehicle are "fit for purpose". The Deputy may wish to note that comprehensive information relating to the relief scheme is available on the Revenue website at: http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/vrt/leaflets/drivers-passengers-with-disabilities-tax-relief-scheme.html.
173 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Finance to indicate, in tabular form, the number of employees who have availed of the revenue assist scheme for each of the past seven years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11493/12]
Sections 472A and 88A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provide tax incentives for both employers and employees, to help the long-term unemployed to return to employment. The relevant information available in relation to employees who availed of the Revenue Job Assist scheme is for the income tax years 2003 to 2009 inclusive, the latest year for which the necessary detailed information is available.
The information requested is set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Numbers |
|
2003 |
900 |
|
2004 |
550 |
|
2005 |
550 |
|
2006 |
360 |
|
2007 |
360 |
|
2008 |
330 |
|
2009 |
390 |
174 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider changing the qualifying criteria for the revenue assist scheme from persons who have been on the live register for 12 months to persons who are on the live register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11494/12]
Sections 472A and 88A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provide for the Revenue Job Assist scheme which provides tax incentives for both employers and employees to help the long-term unemployed return to employment. Both incentives apply in respect of individuals who have been unemployed for at least 12 months and are in receipt of a specified social protection payment or who are in a category approved for the purposes of the scheme by the Minister for Social Protection with the consent of the Minister for Finance. The requirement to be unemployed for at least 12 months helps to target the relief at those who can find it more difficult to secure employment because of the extended period for which they have been out of work. It also protects the Exchequer from the potential for significant deadweight costs that would be associated with making the relief available for all individuals on the live register that subsequently obtain employment.
The Deputy may be interested to note that I have decided to extend the scheme so that individuals signing solely for credits with the Department of Social Protection can also qualify for the relief, providing that all of the other governing conditions of the scheme are met. This is provided for in Section 10 of Finance Bill 2012.
175 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the number and cost of advertisements placed in national newspapers for job vacancies in the civil and public service in the past 12 months; the number of new entrants recruited from the process; the number of vacancies filled from inside the civil and public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11507/12]
In the time allowed it was not possible to provide a detailed answer for the Deputy with regard to my Department. The Public Appointments Service (PAS) is an independent body established under the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004, to provide recruitment, assessment and selection services for the civil service. The PAS will provide data regarding competitions run by them directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
176 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Finance if any State board appointees have volunteered to waive their fee or expenses; the names of such persons; the corresponding savings to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11895/12]
In response to the Deputy's question the following table outlines the position in relation to boards under the aegis of my Department. While no appointees have volunteered to waive their fee or expenses a number have made voluntary reductions in relation to the fees paid.
|
Board/Body Name |
Name of current board members |
Remuneration details in respect of board members and board chairpersons |
|
National Treasury Management Agency Advisory Committee |
Mr. David Byrne (Chairman)Mr. Hugh CooneyMr. Kevin CardiffMr. Brendan McDonagh*Mr. Tytti NorasMr. Donald C. Roth1 Vacancy*Different individual to B. McDonagh, CEO of NAMA |
Chair — €50,000. Agreed to make a gift of 10% of 2009 remuneration to the Minister for Finance under s483 of the Taxes Consolidation Act.€25,000 Ordinary Members. Agreed to make a gift of 10% of remuneration to the Minister for Finance under s483 of the Taxes Consolidation Act from 1 January 2009. Mr Kevin Cardiff Secretary General Department of Finance received no fees. |
|
National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission |
Mr. Paul Carty — ChairmanMr. John A. Canning Jr.Dr. Brian HilleryProf. Frances RuaneMr. Maurice KeaneMr. Knut N. KjaerMr. John Corrigan (ex-officio) |
€51,424 (Chair)€34,283 (Ordinary members)This takes into account a 10% reduction in annual remuneration from 30 September 2009Mr Corrigan does not receive a fee |
|
Irish Bank Reconciliation Company |
Mr. Alan Dukes (Chairman) |
volunteered to take an annual fee of €150,000 effective from his date of appointment as Chairman. This fee is €100,000 lower than contractual fee of €250,000 which was agreed for this role. |
177 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of costs incurred in the provision of transport to Cabinet Ministers in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11903/12]
In the period in question I undertook a number of commercial flights to attend meetings in Paris, the US, Luxembourg and London. The total cost for these flights amounted to €6,972.14. In addition €2,695.61 was spent in relation to car hire for meetings attended by me in Brussels, the US and Paris. In relation to the use of my car for Ministerial travel, the total cost has been €90,065.42 for the period May — December 2011. This cost included mileage (which is to cover car related expenses), the salaries paid to civilian drivers and the travel and subsistence paid to the drivers. This amount is significantly below the €280,000 average annual cost under the previous domestic Ministerial transport regime for each Minister.
178 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding college grants in respect of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10608/12]
Appeals were received in my Department from the applicants referred to by the Deputy. The appeals have been considered and the decisions have issued to the applicants.
179 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding funding levels for a course (details supplied) both this year and over the next five years; the current staffing arrangements for the course; if he will provide an update on the provision of funding for each post; if he will ensure that the future of the course is safe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10611/12]
As the Deputy may be aware, third level institutions are autonomous bodies and responsibility for day to day management and operational affairs, including course provision, is a matter for the governing bodies and management of the relevant institution. The Higher Education Authority allocates an annual core recurrent grant to each institution and it is a matter for the institution to determine how this funding is allocated internally. Accordingly, I have no role in this matter.
180 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost to his Department of the senior Minister’s car in the period 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011, to include mileage and car-related expenses paid to the senior Minister; if he will detail the salaries paid to civilian drivers, overtime, subsistence and travel expenses paid to them and all other related information, including any payment made in 2012 relating to a 2011 claim. [10639/12]
188 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of mileage clocked up on a monthly basis for which expenses were claimed by all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011; the amount claimed in mileage expenses on a monthly basis for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011, and the full list of trips for which mileage expenses were claimed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10799/12]
275 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a breakdown of costs incurred in the provision of transport to Cabinet Ministers in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11902/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 180, 188 and 275 together.
In March 2011, the Government agreed new measures for Cabinet Ministers in relation to the provision of official transport to take effect from 1st May 2011. Between the formation of the Government on the 9th March 2011 until the 30th, April 2011 each senior Minister was provided with a state car. From the 1st, May 2011 in line with the revised procedures for cabinet ministers. Ministers are now required to provide their own transport.
As there is extensive travel involved in undertaking the duties of the office of Minister and Minister of State, and in line with the practice adopted by previous Governments, travel expenses are claimed at intervals by way of a statement provided by each Minister or Minister of State certifying the travel undertaken in connection with the office. I am provided with two civilian drivers who are paid a wage of €631.75 per week and any relevant subsistence allowance in respect of their official duties (the total subsistence paid in 2011 amounted to €1,468.11). Between 1st May and December 2011 I claimed €10,778.74 mileage expenses. Minister of State Ciaran Cannon claimed €21,465.82 mileage expenses between 9th March and 31st December 2011. The basis on which Ministers record their mileage does not require them to list individual trips.
181 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are any circumstances in which a public sector worker in a school setting (details supplied) who wishes to stay on in his or her role despite having reached the retirement age of 65 years can be accommodated, taking into consideration that an arrangement has been made with the school in question and the person is willing to continue working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10678/12]
The compulsory retirement date for a teacher reaching the age of 65 on 1st May, 2012 is 31 August 2012 where the teacher is not a new entrant under the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. In the case of a person who is a new entrant within the meaning of that Act, there is no compulsory retirement age but a minimum pension age of 65 years.
In recognition of the additional pressure of students facing state examinations, and the concerns of teachers who wish to ensure continuity of support for these children, I have made provision, for this year only, to reduce disruption to students undertaking State examinations in June. This is in the form of alleviation measures allowing post-primary schools to re-employ teachers who retire between 1 December 2011 and 29 February 2012 and who, immediately before their retirement, have been teaching students preparing to sit the Junior or Leaving Certificate examinations in 2012.
Circular 0031/2011, issued in May of last year, requires that schools prioritise registered teachers over unregistered persons and unemployed teachers over retired teachers when appointing teachers to substitute and fixed-term posts. In particular, it prohibits schools from employing retired teachers to cover short-term absences unless all efforts to employ an appropriately qualified and registered teacher have failed. This circular also requires a school principal to keep a record as to why a retired teacher had to be employed and to report to the school's board of management on the instances where this arises.
182 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if any provision will be made for 11 redundant Dell workers who qualified for support under the Dell European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to continue their education in a college (details supplied) in Limerick to complete bachelor of arts degrees in business and science; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10680/12]
I understand that these students received funding from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) for the first year of their specific programmes from September 2010 to May 2011. EGF supported measures ceased in June 2011. I am informed that FÁS made specific provision for these students to avail of an additional academic cycle for the period Sept 2011 to May 2012. This additional provision was not funded through the EGF.
The students in question were made aware at the time of registration for their programmes that funding was only available for one additional year from Sept 2011 to May 2012.
183 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of retired teachers paid on the final payroll of 2011 as a percentage of all substitute teachers — and only substitute teachers — on that payroll. [10696/12]
Teachers in primary, voluntary secondary and community/comprehensive schools are employed by the Management Authorities of the schools. They are paid on payrolls operated by my Department on behalf of the Management Authorities. In the final payroll of 2011 4.2% of the total number of substitute teachers paid were retired teachers.
184 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the application for two special needs assistants in respect of a school (details supplied). [10714/12]
As I indicated to the Deputy in my response to his question of 23rd February, 2012, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special educational needs, in accordance with my Department's criteria. I have therefore arranged for the Deputy's question regarding an individual application for Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
The NCSE has informed my Department that a reply will issue to the Deputy in relation to this matter by the end of this week.
185 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made in relation to a site selection process for the development of a post-primary school at Claregalway, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10733/12]
My Department has sought the assistance of, and is working closely with, the relevant Local Authority in relation to identifying and acquiring a suitable site for the proposed post-primary school. Due to the commercial sensitivities pertaining to site acquisitions generally I am not in a position to comment further at this time.
186 Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will set out the figures, in respect of the most recently available full year, for the number of days leave of absence taken by teachers at primary and at post-primary level, and to break down this leave as illness leave, maternity leave, or other leave. [10744/12]
187 Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Education and Skills the average number of days certified illness leave taken annually by teachers at primary and post-primary level, based on the most up to date information available; the number of teachers in each sector who at the end of the relevant year had accumulated in excess of two months, four months, six months, ten months and twelve months illness leave respectively. [10745/12]
189 Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he notifies teachers at specific intervals of the expiry of significant periods of illness leave; and the number of teachers to whom such notifications were sent at primary and post primary levels, for the most recent year where figures are available. [10814/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 186, 187 and 189 together.
A teacher who is absent from duty because of personal illness, may retain eligibility for incremental salary in respect of a maximum of 365 days of absence in any period of four consecutive years of teaching service. The sick leave period is calculated retrospectively and includes weekends, school closures and days on which a teacher is not timetabled for attendance, occurring within the period of absence.
Letters issue as necessary to the teachers and school principals concerned highlighting the number of absences accumulated and, where appropriate, bringing to their attention the provisions of Circular 60/2010 regarding the Sick Leave Scheme including referral to the Occupational Health Service and the potential expiration of entitlement to incremental salary. During the year 2011, 669 primary teachers and 415 post primary teachers were issued letters.
The details of the absences of teachers employed in primary, secondary and community/ comprehensive schools are recorded by the managerial authorities of the schools and submitted to the payroll databases in my Department.
The number of days absences recorded for the 2010/11 school year for all primary teachers in relation to sick leave and maternity leave were as follows:
|
Number |
|
|
Certified illness |
231,446 |
|
Uncertified illness |
24,578 |
|
Maternity Leave |
341,088 |
|
Maternity leave in lieu |
79,782 |
The number of days of absences recorded for Secondary and Community/Comprehensive Teachers were:
|
Number |
|
|
Certified illness |
132,566 |
|
Uncertified illness |
16,984 |
|
Maternity Leave |
150,327 |
|
Maternity leave in lieu |
35,232 |
I will arrange for details of any of the other information which is available to be forwarded directly to the Deputy.
190 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider reversing the decision to terminate all postgraduate grants; and if there is any other support in place for a person (details supplied) from an island community who is facing hardship as a result of these budgetary cuts. [10816/12]
My priority as Minister for Education and Skills is to preserve access to undergraduate higher education courses despite the difficult circumstances in our public finances. As a result, no changes were made to the eligibility criteria for undergraduate students in the recent Budget. It is also worth emphasising that 41% of all undergraduate students currently receive a grant and pay no student contributions.
Nevertheless, in the context of the overall necessary but difficult expenditure reduction measures announced in Budget 2012, new students entering postgraduate courses from the 2012/13 academic year onwards will not be entitled to any maintenance payment under the Student Grant Scheme. Existing postgraduate students will not be affected.
However, those students who meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant will be eligible to have their post-graduate tuition fees paid up to the maximum fee limit under the Student Grant Scheme. In access terms, the requirement to pay a fee is considered to be a greater obstacle to entry than lack of maintenance support at postgraduate level. This is why I opted to maintain the fee-payment ahead of maintenance payments for postgraduate students.
In addition, a further limited number of students who would previously have qualified under the standard grant thresholds will qualify to have a €2,000 contribution made towards the costs of their fees. My Department estimates this will help an additional 4,000 postgraduate students. However, there will be a new income threshold for this payment which will be lower than the standard grant threshold. The income threshold for this level of grant is currently being determined in the context of the formulation of the student grant scheme for the 2012/13 academic year.
These measures will apply to all post-graduate students, regardless of where they reside. However, the Student Assistance Fund will continue to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need. Tax relief is also available on postgraduate tuition fees.
While it is regrettable that any changes need to be made to student support, I believe this approach will continue to provide resources for a relatively wide number of post-graduate students and allow us to maintain the high level of supports provided to undergraduate students.
191 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) is included in the review of DEIS schools which is being undertaken by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10822/12]
The Report on the net impact , in terms of posts, of Budget measures on DEIS Band 1 and Band 2 urban primary schools that still had additional posts allocated under disadvantage schemes, pre-dating DEIS was published on 21 February 2012.
The School to which the Deputy refers was not included as part of this report, as it is a DEIS rural primary school and does not have any posts from previous disadvantage schemes.
192 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the status on the provision of a new school (details supplied) in Dublin 1 and that the construction was to be part-funded by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10840/12]
The Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) has informed my Department that it is no longer in a position to fund this project. The DDDA had committed to provide €6 million or 75% of the costs for this project and as such was the main funding agent for the project. As this funding is no longer available from the DDDA the project will not now proceed as originally planned.
The Department will shortly publish an outline five year programme on the projects to be constructed in that time. School building projects currently in architectural planning, including the project for this school, will be considered in the context of that programme.
193 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the catchment areas for certain schools in a geographic area (details supplied); the extent to which these schools can derogate from these boundaries; if he can direct schools to alter their catchment boundaries and allocation policies in view of changing demographics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10843/12]
There are no catchment areas for primary schools. However for planning purposes the country is divided into geographic districts each with several primary schools feeding into a post-primary centre with one or more post-primary schools. These defined districts facilitate the orderly planning of school provision and accommodation needs.
It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act 1998. In this regard a board of management may deem it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular age group or to children living in a particular area or on the basis of some other criterion. Some schools use parish or other boundaries for this purpose.
The selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based is matter for the individual school authority. In formulating an enrolment policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful and applied fairly to all applicants.
194 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide the total amount each Government Minister, junior Minister and senior civil servant has spent on entertainment expenses since being appointed in the case of the Ministers and junior Ministers and in the calendar year of 2011 with regards to senior civil servants. [10853/12]
The information requested by the deputy regarding entertainment expenses is as follows:
|
Date |
Amount |
|
|
Minister |
March 2011-to date |
€2,274.12 |
|
Minister of State |
March 2011-to date |
€2,864.82 |
|
Senior Officials |
1 Jan 2011-31 Dec 2011 |
€1,984.31 |
A proportion of the expenditure in this area is on official representation for visiting Ministers and senior officials from priority countries. International education is currently worth around €750m directly to the Irish economy, and the Government is seeking to double international student numbers in Ireland. This requires strong inter-governmental relationships with partners in priority markets in Asia, the Gulf and the Americas, which necessitates such official representation for visiting delegations.
195 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a breakdown between primary and post primary of the €491 million capital budget in his Department for 2011. [10873/12]
The total capital allocation for my Department at the beginning of 2011 amounted to €491m of which the primary sector had an allocation of €222m and the post-primary sector's allocation amounted to €161m. The total for the schools sector amounted to €383m.
On the announcement of the Jobs Initiative in May 2011 the schools sector allocation for 2011 was adjusted upwards to €418m and in November 2011 a further €28m was added to facilitate the issue of the Minor Works Grant to primary schools.
The outturn for the schools sector in respect of 2011 was €455m of which the primary sector accounted for €289.4m and post-primary sector accounted for €165.6m.
196 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students with visual impairments who study Irish at primary level and at second level; the number with visual impairments who study Irish at junior cycle and senior cycle at second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10888/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that all children with visual impairment who are attending mainstream primary or post primary schools study Irish, in accordance with normal criteria, unless they have been granted an exemption from Irish study.
Exemptions from Irish are granted in line with the specified criteria provided under my Departments Circular 12/96 for primary schools and Circular M10/94 for post-primary schools. Included among the categories of students who may make an application for exemption from Irish are students with special educational needs who have been assessed as having a general learning disability due to serious sensory impairment, and are also failing to attain adequate levels in basic language skills in the mother tongue.
My Department provides additional resources to schools to support children who have been assessed as having a level of blindness or visual impairment to the extent that it is categorised as a disability, and where they also have consequential learning support or care needs. However, this does not include all students who may have some level of visual impairment. It is therefore not possible to advise how many pupils with visual impairment are studying Irish in Primary or Post Primary schools.
197 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm that an application for a grant in respect of furniture for a school (details supplied) was turned down; the reason for same; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the school has not received a grant for furniture since 1979 and that in the meantime student numbers at the school have risen considerably; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10889/12]
My Department received an application for funding for replacement furniture from the school referred to by the Deputy.
In light of the competing demands on the available budget, it is not possible to approve funding to replace existing furniture and the school authority have been informed of this decision.
198 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the concern in a local community in relation to a possible reduction in the staffing complement at a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if the current school enrolment will be taken into account in deciding the staff numbers in view of the fact that the enrolment has grown since last September; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10892/12]
The criteria used for the allocation of teachers to schools is published annually on my Department's website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The relevant appointment and retention figures for mainstream staffing for the coming school year have been published on the Department's website. However, the staffing arrangements in schools for the 2012/2013 school year can also be affected by changes in their enrolment, the impact of other budget measures and the reforms to the teacher allocation process. The reform of the allocation process is designed to bring a more equitable distribution of existing posts between schools so there will inevitably be some schools that will lose posts and some schools that will gain posts. My Department has expanded the existing appeals process so that it is accessible to the small schools that are losing a classroom post as a result of the budget measure. Such schools will not lose their classroom post if they are projecting increased enrolments in September 2012 that would be sufficient to allow them to retain their existing classroom posts over the longer term. The detailed arrangements are set out in the Department's Staffing Circular 0007/2012, that is now published on my Department's website. The closing date for submission of appeals for the April meeting of the Staffing Appeal Board is 23 March, 2012.
199 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding human resource policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10918/12]
The Civil Service Regulation (Amendment) Act 2005 devolved responsibility for the management of civil servants from the Government to Ministers and heads of office to reflect modern human resource practices. As such, the Act applies to civil servants, rather than public servants as a whole.
Department of Education and Skills Circular 0040/2011 sets out the new pay scales for new appointees to teaching following Budget 2011. As part of Budget 2011 all new appointees to the entry grades of the public service must start at the first point of the relevant pay scale with effect from 1 January 2011.
Professional service in one part of the public sector does not automatically provide for an individual to access separate salary grades for a separate profession within another sector. This includes a voluntary move from the health to the education sector (nursing to teaching), and also within sectors — for example a lecturer who commenced employment as a teacher in the primary or post-primary school sector after 1 January 2011 would also start on the first point of the revised salary scales.
Teachers who hold non-teaching service relevant to the teaching post that they are first appointed to may apply for the award of Incremental Credit for this service. Details of this scheme are available on my Department's website www.education.ie.
200 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on the introduction of third level fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11005/12]
201 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on the introduction of a loan scheme at third level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11006/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 200 and 201 together.
The reality of the economic situation and the public expenditure corrections which must be made in the coming years present challenges across all areas of public expenditure, including higher education. Moreover, the projected growth in demand for higher education over the next two decades creates further challenges for funding. Careful planning and consideration of available evidence will allow us to develop policy options so that the system can meet those challenges in the difficult years ahead.
At my request the Higher Education Authority (HEA) completed an initial study late last year on sustainability of the current funding system for higher education. The HEA report outlines the scale of recent reductions in funding and growth in student numbers, and provides some evidence on the possible impacts of this on quality of provision. However, the HEA has emphasised that the report is preliminary only and that substantial additional work now needs to be undertaken before comprehensive proposals as to how we can sustainably fund higher education into the future can be developed. The HEA is continuing its work in this area and further advice is expected later this year.
202 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on increasing participation at third level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11007/12]
Ireland currently performs very strongly in terms of participation in higher education and has the highest tertiary attainment rate among 25-34 year olds in the European Union. Projections published by my Department in June of this year show that the demand for higher education in Ireland is set to grow by 62% in the next twenty years.
While welcome, the scale of projected growth will present major challenges for Ireland's higher education system in ensuring that student numbers can be accommodated in a sustainable way that does not compromise high quality outcomes.
The National Strategy for Higher Education makes a number of recommendations for system development, flexibility, efficiency and change aimed at supporting sustainable growth while protecting quality. Implementation of strategy recommendations is underway and a progress report is available on www.education.ie.
203 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on the relocation of DIT to Grangegorman, Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11008/12]
The Government has published details of capital funding available to my Department for the period 2012-2016. The level of funding available for Exchequer investment in higher education infrastructure provides only for funding projects where legally binding contractual commitments exist. While a master plan has been agreed for the Grangegorman project, work to date on the project has not advanced to the point of irrevocable contractual commitment.
The Government is committed to the long term future of this project. It has decided to advance initially with planning towards a PPP project for completion around 2017 and to plan for subsequent projects where construction targeted to begin post 2017.
Officials from my Department are in regular contact with the Grangegorman Development Agency, Dublin Institute of Technology and the Higher Education Authority concerning these matters and options for the next steps to progress the project having regard to the budgetary position.
204 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on the establishment of a technological university in the south east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11009/12]
On Monday 13th February, the HEA published a number of documents intended to provide a broad framework for future system development in Irish higher education, including a clear four stage process and criteria for designation as Technological University. All institutions have now been invited to identify their key strengths and their future strategic fit within the system and submit a realistic plan to HEA on that basis.
Consortiums of institutes of technology, including any potential south-east configuration, proposing to merge and apply for designation as technological universities will need to submit a formal expression of interest within six months and will be advised within a further six months whether they can proceed to the second stage for designation. Decisions on designation as Technological Universities will be taken by an independent international expert panel at the final stages of application as set out clearly in the Process and criteria document available on www.hea.ie.
205 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on merging the existing accreditation authorities, national qualifications authority, FETAC and HETAC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11010/12]
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to amalgamate the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI), the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) and the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC). This was confirmed in the Public Sector Reform Plan. Legislation providing for the amalgamation was published in July 2011 and Second Stage was taken in the Seanad in September. It is intended to secure the passage of the legislation and establish the new Authority in the first half of 2012.
206 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on the maintenance grant scheme at third level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11011/12]
The main objective of the Student Grant Scheme is to provide assistance to students, who otherwise might not be able to afford to do so, to participate in further and higher education. At third level, the grant supports eligible students in obtaining one undergraduate degree and in some cases, progressing, where appropriate, to a postgraduate course of study.
My priority as Minister for Education and Skills is to preserve access to undergraduate higher education courses despite the difficult circumstances in our public finances. As a result, no changes were made to the grant eligibility criteria for undergraduate students in Budget 2012. It is also worth emphasising that 41% of all undergraduate students currently receive a grant and pay no student contributions.
In the context of the necessary but difficult expenditure reduction measures announced in Budget 2012, reductions in support for new students entering postgraduate courses from the 2012/13 academic year had to be implemented. However, those students who meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant will be eligible to have their post-graduate tuition fees paid up to the maximum fee limit under the Student Grant Scheme. In addition, a further limited number of students who would previously have qualified under the standard grant thresholds will qualify to have a €2,000 contribution made towards the costs of their fees.
In access terms, the requirement to pay a fee is considered to be a greater obstacle to entry than lack of maintenance support at postgraduate level. This is why I opted to maintain the fee-payment ahead of maintenance payments for postgraduate students. While it is regrettable that any changes need to be made to student support, I believe this approach will continue to provide resources for a relatively wide number of post-graduate students and allow us to maintain the high level of supports provided to undergraduate students.
207 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on retaining Irish as a compulsory subject at leaving certificate level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11012/12]
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.
Reviews of Irish will also be undertaken at other levels of the system in the context of the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy 2011-2020.
208 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on the cap on special needs assistants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11013/12]
225 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on the provision of special needs education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11030/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 208 and 225 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department's policy is to promote the principle of inclusive education as envisaged in Section 2 of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN), Act 2004.
My Department, either directly or through the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), provides for a range of supports in schools to enable them to cater for students with special educational needs which includes additional resource teachers, Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) and specialist equipment. The precise model of provision made will depend on the pupil's assessed disability.
I wish to reiterate for the Deputy this Government's commitment to the provision of resources for children with special educational needs.
There has been no reduction in the number of Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) which will be available for the next school year, with 10,575 posts remaining available for allocation. It is considered that with equitable management and distribution of these resources that there will be sufficient posts to provide access to SNA support for all children who require such care support to attend school, in accordance with my Departments criteria.
Neither has there been any reduction in the overall number of resource teaching posts which will be available for allocation to mainstream schools for the next year, either through the General Allocation Model or which are available for individual allocation by the National Council for Special Education.
The fact that the number of special needs assistant and resource teaching posts are being maintained at current levels is a reflection of this Governments commitment to prioritising supports for children with special educational needs, at a time when there is a requirement to make expenditure savings across a range of areas. This commitment to protecting frontline services for children with special educational needs will ensure that the requirements of special needs pupils can continue to be provided for on an ongoing basis, despite overall budgetary pressures.
209 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on increasing class sizes at primary level and second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11014/12]
While difficult choices had to be made to identify savings across my Department's budget, the Government has tried to protect front line services in 2012. The Government has protected the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level, prioritised targeted support for the most disadvantaged schools and maintained the overall number of resource teachers and SNAs to support children with special needs.
Until now, a specific resource was provided for guidance in addition to the standard teacher allocation to post primary schools. In future, schools must meet their guidance requirements from within the overall resource provided by that normal staffing schedule. Individually schools can continue to make provision for guidance and counselling. Decisions on how this will be done will be taken at school level in the best interests of students and to ensure the best use of resources available. In this way, the main teacher allocation can be maintained at 19:1 for schools generally, while schools will have discretion to balance what they allocate for guidance against the competing demands of providing subject choice. The change that has been announced gives schools greater autonomy in how they allocate staff resources to best meet the needs of their students.
All 195 second-level school in DEIS will be given targeted support by a more favourable staffing schedule of 18.25:1. This is a 0.75 point reduction compared to the existing PTR of 19:1 that applies in non fee-paying second-level schools.
At a time of great strain in our public finances, we have to ensure that the very valuable but limited resources available for the education system are used in the best way possible. I am confident school management and teachers will continue to work together to meet the needs of the students in their care.
210 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on the early childhood care and education programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11015/12]
With the implementation of universal pre-school provision, 94% of children are availing of a pre-school year in the year prior to enrolling in the primary school system. As well as quality improvement in early years settings, my Department's policy is to ensure that there is a continuum of learning from pre-school through to the primary school system. With this in mind, my Department funded the development of Aistear through the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. Aistear is a curriculum framework for children aged 0-6 and can be used by parents as well as by early years practitioners and by teachers in junior and senior infant classrooms. Aistear has advanced considerably the thinking underpinning the infant stages of the Primary School Curriculum which is now being reviewed to reflect the approach to teaching and learning that is appropriate for young children from three to six years.
To evaluate how children are experiencing a continuum of learning from pre-school to the junior infant classroom, my Department's Inspectorate will, in 2012, be carrying out joint inspections with the HSE's pre-school inspectorate.
211 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on the DEIS programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11016/12]
DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the Action Plan for Educational Disadvantage, was launched in May 2005 and remains the Department of Education and Skills policy instrument to address educational disadvantage. The action plan focuses on addressing and prioritising the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communities, from preschool through second-level education (3 to 18 years).
Concentrating resources in favour of schools serving the most disadvantaged communities with the highest concentrations of disadvantaged pupils is consistent with the broad thrust of the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General in his report on Primary Disadvantage in 2006, which suggested that the Department of Education and Skills should focus its educational disadvantage measures on those schools serving the most disadvantaged communities.
DEIS includes a commitment for ongoing evaluation of the programme to ensure successful implementation and appropriate measurement of outcomes at both local and national level. The Educational Research Centre has undertaken this ongoing evaluation, on behalf of my Department, the aim of which is to monitor the implementation of the programme and assess its impact on students and schools at primary and post primary levels.
In addition, the Inspectorate of my Department conducted evaluations of planning in a sample of 36 DEIS schools, 18 primary and 18 post-primary. A national composite report on the effectiveness of DEIS planning in primary and post-primary schools has been completed and this report along with the ERC report were published in January 2012.
My Department will fully consider these evaluation reports before any decisions can be made regarding the future of DEIS. While a key priority for me is to continue to prioritise and target resources at schools with the most concentrated levels of educational disadvantage, the current economic climate and the challenge to meet significant targets on reducing public expenditure, particularly given the upward pressures on teacher numbers and in the context of operating under a fixed ceiling on teacher numbers affords no capacity to provide for additionality to the DEIS programme.
212 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on prefab rental; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11017/12]
The overall policy goal of my Department is to ensure the highest standard of permanent accommodation for all schools. In the context of a rapidly increasing school population and competing pressure on the capital budget available to my Department, it is sometimes necessary to make use of temporary accommodation in order to meet the accommodation needs of schools.
The policy of my Department on renting prefabricated accommodation in individual cases depends on a number of factors including:
If the accommodation need is deemed short term, the policy is generally to approve temporary rental of accommodation. For example, a school may require a temporary building while it is awaiting the completion of construction of a permanent building.
Immediacy of requirement. In some cases, a school needs accommodation at very short notice and this can only be provided through temporary accommodation. In the past, that was provided by means of either rental or purchase of prefabricated buildings or the rental of other temporary accommodation such as local halls. My Department operates a policy of providing schools with the option of purchasing prefabs outright or providing a new build with the funding available where it is expected that the school will require the extra accommodation for more than three years.
In general, the Board of Management of a school is responsible for acquiring temporary accommodation, although this is not always the case. Where circumstances warrant, my Department procures the accommodation directly rather than through the school. This would arise for instance in a case where my Department is the owner of the site in question and would therefore be the client for any capital works.
213 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on the payment of salaries in the higher education sector above the pay cap for the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11018/12]
In keeping with Government policy, a salary ceiling of €200,000 will apply to future appointments to senior positions in the higher education sector.
The vast majority of employees in the higher education sector who currently earn more than €200,000 per annum are Academic Medical Consultants, remuneration for whom falls in the main within the remit of the Minister for Health. Any changes to the terms and conditions of these consultants will have to be considered in the context of the Minister for Health's approach towards the remuneration of all medical consultants.
Since becoming Minister for Education and Skills, I have written to the Chairpersons of the University Governing Bodies requesting them to ask those individuals who earn in excess of the pay ceiling of €200,000, other than Academic Medical Consultants, to make voluntary waivers of salary. While two individuals have agreed to make personal arrangements with their employer regarding a deduction of the amount of salary in excess of €200,000, to date there have been no voluntary waivers made for the benefit of the State.
I cannot enforce a voluntary waiver nor can I insist that a waiver, if made, follows any particular format. For example, if an employee chooses to waive a portion of his or her salary in favour of a charity or their employer they are free to do so.
214 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on schools with fewer than 86 pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11019/12]
215 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on schools with fewer than 50 pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11020/12]
249 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills based on information provided by rural schools in County Offaly, namely, one, two, three and four teacher schools relating to existing and projected enrolment, if he will confirm that there will be no loss of staff at these schools in County Offaly, which could have an adverse affect of forcing the amalgamation and closures of rural schools. [11355/12]
254 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans regarding a school (details supplied) in Dublin 14; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11439/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 214, 215, 249 and 254 together.
There is no increase in the staffing schedule general average of 28:1 for the allocation of classroom teachers at primary level. However, there is a phased increase in the pupil threshold for the allocation of classroom teachers in small primary schools. As part of the Budget decisions announced, the number of pupils required to gain and retain a teaching post in small primary schools will be gradually increased between September 2012 and September 2014. The schools concerned are those with four or less classroom teachers.
The phasing of these measures can provide the schools concerned with time to consider the potential for amalgamation with other schools where this is feasible. If amalgamations take place, they will be voluntary and follow decisions taken by local communities and not by my Department.
This Government recognises that small schools are an important part of the social fabric of rural communities. They will continue to be a feature of our education landscape. However, this does not mean that small schools can stand still or never have their staffing levels changed to something that is more affordable and sustainable for these difficult and challenging times. The teachers in small schools cannot be immune from the requirement that is being asked of all public servants to deliver our public services on a reduced level of resources.
My Department has expanded the existing appeals process so that it is accessible to the small schools that are losing a classroom post as a result of the budget measure. They will not lose their classroom post if any of them are projecting increased enrolments in September 2012 that would be sufficient to allow them to retain their existing classroom posts over the longer term. The detailed arrangements are set out in the Department's Staffing Circular that is now published on my Department's website. The closing date for submission of appeals for the April meeting of the Staffing Appeals Board is 23 March 2012.
216 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on the provision of State funding to fee paying schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11021/12]
The funding to which the Deputy refers is the arrangement whereby the salaries of teachers employed within the approved annual staffing allocation for fee charging schools by my Department are paid by the State; an arrangement that pre-dates the introduction of the Free Education scheme and which exists since the foundation of the State. The estimated cost of these posts is in the order of €100 million.
The Deputy will be aware that I announced a review last December, in the context of the Budget 2012, where I made a further one point change to the staffing allocation of fee charging schools. I indicated at the time that the purpose of the review would be to inform future policy in relation to exchequer support for these schools.
The review will be completed in the coming months and in time to inform Government deliberations on the next budget. The majority of fee paying schools have responded to a request from my officials seeking initial information regarding tuition fees charged for the academic year 2011/12. Reminders have issued to a small number of schools. Once complete this information will enable a calculation of the gross income from tuition fees in respect of each school and it will be related to the exchequer resources foregone by each school because it is a fee charging school.
The information will be shared with the schools and each school will be provided with an opportunity to provide any further information on their finances and liabilities that may impact on the level of fee income they actually have available.
217 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on language provision in primary, secondary and third level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11022/12]
In 2004 the Department invited the Council of Europe Language Policy Division to develop a Language Education Policy Profile for Ireland. The Council of Europe offers member States assistance in carrying out analyses of their language education policies with the assistance of a team of international experts. The Profile was published in 2007. It recommended that Ireland should develop a national languages strategy. Its remit would cover such areas as: the place and role of languages in society; possible scenarios for the integration of languages in the education system and the implications for curriculum development, teacher education, etc.; language provision at second level; structures or measures to provide ongoing advice on language policy.
A Working Group has developed a draft languages policy for internal submission to the Department preparatory to a wider consultation phase. In the meantime, policy is that two languages, Irish and English should be available from the beginning of primary schooling, that immersion approaches will be supported under which English may be delayed to the start of the second term in senior infants, that Irish will remain a compulsory subject in second level schools except for those with exemptions, and that the languages English, Irish, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese and Arabic will continue to be offered as part of the curriculum in schools in senior cycle. There are no plans in the current budgetary situation to extend the range of languages available as part of the curriculum in second level schools. However, the availability of Transition Year and the option of school developed short courses proposed as part of junior cycle reform will provide opportunities for schools to provide additional languages if they wish to do so.
Students at third level have access to a wide range of foreign language courses which can be taken as core subjects or in combination with a range of other disciplines, supported by the IOT Languages Strategy Network, and the Erasmus programme. The new Higher Education Strategy emphasises that higher education institutions need to actively engage with stakeholders in the communities they serve and this will be a key priority for implementation. My Department and its agencies will continue to engage with industry to ensure that the education responds insofar as is possible to the emerging needs of enterprise in this area.
218 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on the development of preschool education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11023/12]
My Department's policy on the development of preschool education is to raise the quality of provision through workforce development and through effective practice. This is in line with the 2011 EU Commission's Communication COM (2011) 66 on ‘Providing all our children with the best start for the world of tomorrow'. In terms of quality improvement, my Department has funded two practice frameworks — Síolta, the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education which addresses all dimension of practice where children aged 0-6 are present and Aistear, the Curriculum Framework for Early Years (NCCA 2009). My Department also published a Workforce Development Plan for the Sector in December 2010.
219 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on the rehiring of retired teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11024/12]
I issued Circular 0031/2011 in May of last year. One purpose of which is to ensure, as far as practicable, that schools prioritise unemployed teachers over retired teachers. In particular, it prohibits schools from employing retired teachers to cover short-term absences unless all efforts to employ an appropriately qualified and registered teacher have failed. This circular also requires a school principal to keep a record as to why a retired teacher had to be employed and to report to the school's board of management on the instances where this arises.
In addition to the above, under Circular 0040/2011, teachers who are retired and who return to teaching are now remunerated at the first point of the revised salary scales applicable to new entrants. This represents a significant financial disincentive for teachers who retired at the top of their salary scale, often with a post of responsibility allowance, to return to teaching.
The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009 provided for a reduction in the pay of public servants. Under the Public Service Pension Rights Order 2011 (S.I. No. 80 of 2011), 29 February 2012 was set as the final date on which public servants could retire and have their pension entitlements calculated on the older, higher rates.
I am also seeking to reduce the impact of these retirements on students preparing for the State examinations. I am allowing schools to re-employ teachers who retire between 1 December 2011 and 29 February 2012, and who had been teaching classes due to sit State exams in 2012, until the end of the school year. These measures are confined to teachers teaching State examination classes in post-primary schools and do not apply to teachers with no exam classes or to primary school teachers. I am aware that there are a large number of qualified and registered teachers who are unable to source work at the current time. I am also very alive to the pressures our young people are under to perform well in their State exams. I believe that the approach being adopted strikes the right balance between the needs of students who face into significant examinations, the retiring teachers who have invested a huge amount of time and effort in preparing students for their examinations and those teachers who are looking forward to the opportunities presented by the increased level of retirements at a time of constrained resources.
220 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on teachers teaching subjects when they do not have a third level qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11025/12]
It is the policy of my Department that only a teacher registered with the Teaching Council, and who has qualifications appropriate to the sector and suitable to the post for which he or she is proposed, should be employed in a school. Unregistered personnel should not be appointed except in exceptional circumstances and then only when all avenues for recruiting registered teachers have been exhausted and for quite restricted time periods.
Circular 31/2011 issued last year by my Department sets down rules in this regard and is applicable to all appointments made on or after 1 September 2011. Schools are required to keep a list of appropriately qualified registered teachers who are available for substitute teaching at short notice. Teachers who are available for work may inform schools in their locality and be included on this list. Schools must then use this list or a service like Subsearch or TextaSub when they need a teacher at short notice.
If a school cannot find an unemployed teacher in time, they may then employ a retired appropriately qualified registered teacher. If none is available, it may move on to employ a registered teacher whose qualifications are for a different sector or post giving preference, wherever possible, to an unemployed teacher over a retired one. If a school, despite its best efforts, cannot find a registered teacher it may, for a maximum period of one week, employ an unregistered person, provided that it is satisfied that the person is competent and capable to act in place of a teacher. A school must continue looking for an appropriately qualified registered teacher and, if it finds one in the meantime, the interim person must be let go. Principals are obliged to keep a record and report to the board of management on instances where retired registered teachers and unregistered people are employed. Historical provisions allow for recognised non-graduate teachers of Rural Science, Woodwork, Metalwork, Art, Home Economics, Woodwork and Building Construction and Secretarial studies. The Teaching Council also provides for the registration of teachers of certain non-graduate subjects in the Further Education Sector and the Post Primary Sector for VEC teaching only.
From 2013 all applicants for registration with the Council will be required to hold, at a minimum, a level 8 award (degree level) on the National Framework of Qualifications.
221 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on the introduction of book rental schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11026/12]
My Department has undertaken a survey of schools to establish the current situation regarding school book rental and loan schemes. This survey has recently been completed.
When the results of this survey have been examined in detail, I will consider how I might incentivise the introduction of book loan or rental schemes in schools that do not currently operate such schemes. I believe it is the most effective means of lowering costs for all parents.
My Department is also, currently preparing guidelines for schools on best practice in the operation of such schemes.
222 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on making science a compulsory subject at junior certificate level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11027/12]
88.9% of junior cycle students sat science in the junior certificate examinations in 2011. The main challenge relates to the low proportions who take the physical sciences, physics and chemistry, in senior cycle.
In the context of junior cycle reform, which will begin implementation on a phased basis from 2014 onwards, all of the existing subjects are being continued, and Irish (except where there is an exemption), English and Mathematics will remain core full subjects. Schools will also have the option of providing locally developed short courses of 100 hours, supported by exemplars developed by the NCCA.
All students will be required to achieve 24 statements of essential learning as part of their programme. These include describing, illustrating, interpreting, predicting and explaining patterns and relationships, developing an understanding of the natural world, and understanding the distribution of social, economic and environmental phenomena. It will be a matter for schools to determine, from the range of subjects and short courses on offer, how these statements of learning will be met.
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. Good and enthusiastic science teachers have the opportunity to inspire a real interest in their subject and so ensure that pupils will want to sit the exam.
It is particularly important that we ensure the reforms address the needs of those who are currently least served by the system, and that the changes do not lead to an erosion of the practical or vocationally oriented subjects in schools. Curricular choice has been shown to be an important factor in strengthening retention rates to completion of senior cycle in school.
223 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on tackling mental health problems within schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11028/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that medical and therapy supports for children who are suffering from mental health problems are provided by the Health Service Executive.
My Department provides for Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support for children who have care needs relating to an assessment of Emotional Behavioural Disorder (EBD) or Severe Emotional Behavioural Disorder (SEBD). SNA support is also provided in relation to students who may have a disability diagnosis other than EBD or SEBD, but who may have been allocated care support for behavioural issues. In total, approximately 6,000 children in primary and post primary schools are currently being supported by some 4,500 SNAs either wholly or partly to address behavioural issues.
Where children with a diagnosis of EBD or SEBD have consequential learning support needs, they also receive Resource Teaching support.
Other supports which are available for schools to deal with emotional and behavioural difficulties include the National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS) in post primary schools and the support teacher scheme in primary schools.
Schools are also supported by the National Educational Psychology Services. The National Educational Psychology Service has published ‘Behavioural, Emotional and Social Difficulties — A Continuum of Support for Primary Schools — Guidelines for Teachers" and intends to also shortly publish new Guidelines for schools for Supporting Students with Behavioural, Emotional and Social Difficulties.
224 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on publishing a plan for the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11029/12]
The Deputy will be aware that a number of sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act have already been commenced.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) made recommendations which suggested that additional investment over a period of years of up to €235m per annum, across the education and health sectors, would be required to fully implement the EPSEN Act. My Department's opinion is that the level of investment required would be greater than that envisaged in the NCSE report.
In the light of the very difficult economic situation, and these significant costs, the previous Government deferred the full implementation of EPSEN.
Given the costs involved and current fiscal constraints, addressing this issue will be very challenging. I will be considering how we can develop a plan to implement the objectives of the EPSEN Act so as to deliver improved educational outcomes for students with special needs.
Question No. 225 answered with Question No. 208.
226 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on reversing the cut to the number of psychologists in the National Educational Psychological Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11031/12]
The Deputy will be aware that all primary and post- primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA) whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly.
NEPS currently directly employs some 173 psychologists sited in 22 local and Regional offices countrywide and assigned to schools in their respective catchment areas.
I can inform the Deputy that preparations are in hand within my Department to replace psychologist staff lost due to retirement under current public sector reform arrangements.
In regard to commitments within the Programme for Government to further expand NEPS staffing psychologist staffing levels I will be consulting with colleagues within Government in relation to this and other such commitments with a view to the timing of the implementation thereof at which stage I will make public my Department's intentions in this regard.
227 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on the provision of school transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11032/12]
The school transport schemes are operated by Bus Éireann, on behalf of my Department, and currently transport over 113,000 children, including about 8,000 with special educational needs, to and from school throughout the school year.
The main objective of my Department's Primary and Post Primary School Transport Schemes is to support the safe transport to and from school of children who would have difficulty travelling, for reasons of distance, to their nearest school if transport is not supported.
In this regard, children are eligible for school transport if they satisfy the distance criteria and are attending their nearest school or education centre having regard to ethos and language.
Children with special educational needs resulting from a diagnosed disability are eligible for transport if they are attending the nearest recognised: mainstream school, special class/school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet their special educational needs.
There is an annual charge for children who avail of school transport services but eligible children who hold valid medical cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from these charges; there is no charge for eligible children with special educational needs.
More detailed information may be obtained from the relevant schemes which are published on the Department and Bus Éireann websites.
228 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on the emergency works scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11034/12]
The main purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme is to ensure the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are most in need of resources as a result of an emergency situation or on receipt of an enrolment application from a special needs pupil.
An emergency is a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.
Primary and post-primary schools requiring emergency works to be undertaken can apply under this scheme by completing in full the Emergency Works Application Form.
229 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policy on the summer works scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11035/12]
As the Deputy is aware, the Government's Medium Term Infrastructure and Capital Investment Framework, which was published on 10th November last, sets out the demographic challenge facing the education system. Total enrolment in both primary and post-primary schools is expected to grow by almost 70,000 between now and 2018 — over 45,000 at primary level and 25,000 at post primary — and will continue to grow up to at least 2024 at post-primary.
In view of the very real need to ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of new schools, together with extension projects, will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years. In the context, therefore, of the financial constraints imposed by the need to prioritise available funding for the provision of essential school accommodation, it is not possible for me to advance with a summer works programme this year.
230 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a non-EU dependent child of a person who has permission to remain in the State by virtue of marriage to an Irish national residing in the State is deemed eligible to apply for a maintenance grant by the vocational education committee however a dependent child, not of EU nationality, of an Irish citizen is not eligible to apply; if there are any plans to revise the criteria for maintenance grants in respect of residency status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11036/12]
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority — local authority or VEC.
The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application form, including those relating to nationality, it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student would qualify for a grant. However, the nationality requirements for the student grant scheme are set out in section 14 of the Student Support Act 2011 and regulation 5 of the Student Support Regulations 2011. In summary, it is the student, and not his/her parents, that must meet the nationality requirements in their own right to qualify for a student grant.
231 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 84 of 6 December 2011, in view of the fact that planning permission has now been refused by An Bord Pleanála if he has identified a suitable alternative for the school to be built; if he considers the National Asset Management Agency land at a location (details supplied) a suitable alternative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11037/12]
239 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 84 of 6 December 2011, if he will provide an update on the planning application for a school (details supplied); the efforts he has made to secure appropriate accommodation; the date on which building work will start on that new building; if he will provide a timeline for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11139/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 231 and 239 together.
The Deputy will be aware that an application for planning permission for a school building on a site in the area was recently refused on appeal to An Bord Pleanála. Officials from my department are working in conjunction with the Local Authority towards securing permanent sites to meet current and projected future needs at primary level in the area. However, the Deputy will understand that given the sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally, I am not in a position to comment further at this time.
The acquisition of sites and the delivery of the school building projects will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.
232 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on his review of plans to abolish DEIS legacy posts. [11099/12]
The Report on the net impact , in terms of posts, of Budget measures on DEIS Band 1 and Band 2 urban primary schools that still had additional posts allocated under disadvantage schemes, pre-dating DEIS was published on 21 February 2012.
The report provides data on 140 DEIS Band 1 and DEIS Band 2 schools which were identified as being impacted by the possible loss of posts. Where schools are adversely affected by Budget measures, the most significant losses can be attributed to the withdrawal of posts from previous disadvantaged schemes . The losses from other factors such as the change to the new staffing schedule for Band 1 schools, demographics or the new General Allocation Model are not as significant.
The report indicates that the majority of schools, 107, would lose between 0.5-2 legacy posts while 22 schools would lose between 3 and 4 legacy posts, and a further 3 schools would lose more than 5 legacy posts. 8 schools would not lose any legacy posts.
The full report with a list of the schools involved is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.
233 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a breakdown of the number of DEIS legacy posts that will be abolished and for a breakdown in tabular form of which schools across the State will lose posts under his plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11100/12]
The Report on the Net Impact, in terms of posts, of Budget measures on DEIS Band 1 and Band 2 urban primary schools that still had additional posts allocated under disadvantage schemes, pre-dating DEIS was published on 21 February 2012.
The report provides data on 140 DEIS Band 1 and DEIS Band 2 schools which were identified as being impacted by the possible loss of posts. Where schools are adversely affected by Budget measures, the most significant losses can be attributed to the withdrawal of posts from previous disadvantaged schemes. The losses from other factors such as the change to the new staffing schedule for Band 1 schools, demographics or the new General Allocation Model are not as significant.
As already announced the withdrawal of 192 posts from primary schools outside DEIS Band 1 and 2 and from DEIS second level schools will proceed. These involve 136 posts from 163 post primary schools, 16 posts from 16 rural primary schools, 40 posts from 17 non-DEIS primary schools.
It is not possible at the moment to provide the information sought by the Deputy as the priority for my Department now is to complete the teacher allocation process at this time. Notifications to issue to each DEIS Band 1 and Band 2 school of their staffing entitlements for 2012/13, including the outcome of the Government's decision to retain 235 posts from previous disadvantage schemes in 140 Band 1 and Band 2 DEIS schools is currently being finalised.
When this process is complete, the information will be forwarded to the Deputy directly.
234 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the impact his plans regarding DEIS schools will have on the number of teaching posts at a school (details supplied) in County Donegal. [11101/12]
235 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a breakdown of the impact of his plans with regard to DEIS legacy posts will have on schools in County Louth. [11102/12]
241 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills the full effects of his recent statement partially rowing back on his post-budget 2012 statement, in respect of each of the schools with and without a DEIS designation in the Dublin region. [11153/12]
250 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to his statement of 21 February regarding revision of proposed cuts to DEIS schools, if he will confirm there will be no alteration to staffing levels and or services facilities in all designated DEIS schools in County Offaly. [11356/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 234, 235, 241 and 250 together.
It is not possible at the moment to provide the information sought by the Deputies as the priority for my Department is to complete the teacher allocation process at this time. Notifications are currently being finalised to issue to each DEIS Band 1 and Band 2 school of their staffing entitlements for 2012/13, including the outcome of the Government's decision to retain 235 posts from previous disadvantage schemes in 140 Band 1 and Band 2 DEIS schools.
When this process is complete, the information will be forwarded to the Deputies directly.
236 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the timeframe for the delivery of new schools (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11118/12]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the tender process for the appointment of a design team for the school building project to which he refers is nearing completion. A final check of the preferred candidates insurances and tax clearance is under way. Once this is complete, assuming no issues arise, the contracts of appointment will issue to the design team consultants. The Department will shortly publish an outline five year programme on the projects to be constructed in that time. School building projects currently in architectural planning, including the project for these new schools, will be considered in the context of that programme.
237 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will immediately reverse the decision to cut and suspend all teachers’ allowances, including qualification allowances for new entrants to the teaching profession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11123/12]
244 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the review of teacher qualification allowances, supervision, substitution and other post of responsibility allowances will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11231/12]
253 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he proposes to reverse the decision not to pay allowances to new entrants to the teaching profession, which would create an unfair and unequal system in which certain teaching staff are paid up to 30% more than new entrants; the reason graduates completing their studies in May 2012 will have to comply with the Croke Park agreement and the parameters thereof in terms of the 33 extra hours and so on while their remuneration has not been protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11425/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 237, 244 and 253 together.
In his address to Dáil Éireann on December 5th 2011 the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform announced that Public Service bodies will have to achieve a reduction of 5% in the cost of allowances and premium payments in 2012. In order to achieve the necessary reduction, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is conducting a review of allowances and premium payments across the Public Service. Pending the outcome of this review, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has advised my Department that delegated sanction for the payment of allowances to new beneficiaries is withdrawn with effect from 1st February 2012. The only exception to the prohibition on the awarding of new allowances is Principal and Deputy Principal Allowances. I understand that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will advise of the outcome of the review shortly. I am not in a position to comment further in relation to teacher allowances until then.
The Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 provides that there will be no reductions in the pay rates of existing public servants. All teachers who were eligible to hold allowances prior to 1 February 2012 continue to be eligible for these allowances. The provisions of the Public Service Agreement, including the delivery of the additional hours, form part of the terms and conditions of a teacher's contract of employment and as such it is expected that all teachers will continue to work in accordance with these provisions.
238 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will assist in the payment of child dependant allowance to a VTOS participant (details supplied) in view of the fact that the only income for one month to their household will be this payment. [11132/12]
The person referred to by the Deputy is attending a Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) course operated by City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee (VEC). VTOS participants who are in receipt of Job Seekers Benefit or Jobseekers Allowance are paid a weekly training allowance by the relevant VEC in lieu of their Department of Social Protection payment. VECs obtain details from the Department of Social Protection of the payment that each participant is in receipt of and their VTOS training allowance is set at this rate for the duration of the programme.
The VTOS participant referred to by the Deputy was in receipt of the personal rate of Job Seekers Benefit from the Department of Social Protection when he joined the VTOS programme. This payment did not include a dependant adult or dependant child allowance therefore he is not entitled to payment of a dependant child allowance as part of the VTOS training allowance.
240 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence regarding teachers’ allowances (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11148/12]
In his address to Dáil Éireann on December 5th 2011 the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform announced that Public Service bodies will have to achieve a reduction of 5% in the cost of allowances and premium payments in 2012. In order to achieve the necessary reduction, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is conducting a review of allowances and premium payments across the Public Service. Pending the outcome of this review, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has advised my Department that delegated sanction for the payment of allowances to new beneficiaries is withdrawn with effect from 1st February 2012. The only exception to the prohibition on the awarding of new allowances is Principal and Deputy Principal Allowances. I understand that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will advise of the outcome of the review shortly. I am not in a position to comment further in relation to teacher allowances until then.
242 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will detail the amount of the savings made through cuts in teacher allocations to DEIS and small schools which will be retained in his Department to fund the proposed literacy strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11156/12]
Budget 2012 provided for the phased withdrawal of approximately 428 posts allocated to some schools under disadvantage programmes prior to the introduction of the DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) Initiative in 2005. In January 2012, I asked my Department to report on the net effect, in terms of posts, of this Budget measure on DEIS Band 1 and Band 2 urban primary schools that still had additional posts allocated under disadvantage schemes, pre-dating DEIS. Following on from this analysis of the Budget measure, the Government agreed last week to retain 235 of these posts on a concessionary basis in DEIS Band 1 and DEIS Band 2 primary schools.
As was announced on Budget Day, 20 of the legacy posts being withdrawn will be re-allocated for the purposes of providing the continuous professional development element of the Department's Literacy and Numeracy strategy which also has a focus on tackling disadvantage and is a key commitment in the Programme for Government.
243 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11161/12]
251 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills his view on the situation of a resource teacher (details supplied); and if he will clarify the way this service will be provided from next year and ensure that vulnerable children are not given a substandard service. [11358/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 251 together.
The staffing arrangements for the 2012/13 school year are set out in Primary Circular 0007/2012 which is available on my Department's website. This includes the detail of the reform of the allocation process which is designed to bring a more equitable distribution of existing posts between schools. The new arrangements incorporate a long overdue updating of the GAM (learning support) allocation for all schools. This inevitably involves changes to existing clustering arrangements whereby a teacher is shared between schools. A further change is that schools in any locality are being empowered to cluster and arrange their GAM resources in a manner that best suits their local needs. This should be completed by schools in March.
There are also new and separate arrangements for how resource hours for individual pupils are converted into teaching posts in schools. The requirement for resource hours in a school varies from year to year depending on the number, if any, of its pupils with autism etc. Small schools generally have a lower requirement for resource hours. The new arrangements take account of the later timescale for the allocation of these hours necessitated by individual assessment by the NCSE. All of the changes are designed to enable a more efficient operation of the teacher redeployment and recruitment and to reduce the impact of travel time between schools where teachers are shared. My Department will be working with schools and the relevant education partners to ensure that the new arrangements operate as efficiently as possible. As the process proceeds this work can take account of any appropriate local arrangements that might be made to further optimise travel arrangements.
245 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Skills the mechanisms or criteria that were used to determine which DEIS posts would be retained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11262/12]
The Report on the net impact , in terms of posts, of Budget measures on DEIS Band 1 and Band 2 urban primary schools that still had additional posts allocated under disadvantage schemes, pre-dating DEIS was published on 21 February 2012. Due to conflicting numbers of posts being reported as potentially lost to Band 1 and 2 schools it was necessary to obtain clarity with regard to the net effect of a range of factors on teacher allocations in these schools; for example, increasing and decreasing enrolments, the reforms to the existing teacher allocations process and up to date enrolments, all of which contribute to determining the staffing requirement for these schools for 2012/13 school year. On foot of analysis of this report, the Government agreed to my proposal to retain these posts, on a concessionary basis, in DEIS Band 1 and DEIS Band 2 primary schools. My Department's Social Inclusion Unit will now be writing to the schools concerned, and all DEIS Band 1 schools in relation to their staffing allocations for 2012/13 school year.
246 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is any way in which people who know that they are going to be made redundant a month before the start of a course under the BlueBrick scheme can access the course under this scheme, even if they do not fulfil the criteria of the course given that they know they will be unemployed when the course starts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11291/12]
247 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) can be accepted onto a BlueBrick course in view of his circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11292/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 247 together.
More than 750 places have been provided on 17 higher diploma ICT Skills conversion Programmes as one of the measures included in the joint Government-Industry ICT Action Plan to boost the domestic supply of ICT graduates for Irish employment opportunities. Participating institutions will decide their own academic entry requirements. The new programmes are targeted at jobseekers who would have the capacity and underlying aptitude, as well as an honours degree in a cognate discipline, to undergo an intensive programme of study and work experience to acquire honours degree level ICT programming skills. Anyone can apply regardless of their social welfare status.
Participation in the programmes will not create any entitlement to receive an income support payment from the Department of Social Protection, or to extend the period of time for which any existing income supports are payable. However, unemployed people who are in receipt of Jobseekers payment (JA/JB) for at least 3 months in the 6 months prior to the commencement of the programmes will be able to retain such payments for the duration of time that an entitlement exists to such a payment.
248 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) was granted a higher education grant for four years, when the course is clearly four and a half years, and is now deemed ineligible for the 2011-12 academic year. [11306/12]
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority.
The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application form and supporting documentation, it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student should qualify for a grant. An applicant may appeal the decision of the grant awarding authority to its appeals officer. Where the appeals officer decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department or the independent appeals board, as appropriate.
Question No. 249 answered with Question No. 214.
Question No. 250 answered with Question No. 234.
Question No. 251 answered with Question No. 243.
252 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the rationale behind mid-term breaks and other breaks in the school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11387/12]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the standardisation of the mid-term, Christmas and Easter breaks for all schools. The arrangements for the standardisation of these breaks are agreed under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council and were first introduced in 2004 to implement a specific requirement in the national agreement Sustaining Progress. Sustaining Progress set the achievement of a standard school year as a requirement for all primary and post primary schools in the country. In encompassing all schools in both sectors it was designed to bring certainty and clarity on a country wide basis to the arrangements for the vacation periods covered by the agreement. The current agreement covers the breaks for Christmas, Easter and mid-term in the first and second terms for the school years up to 2013/14 and is set out in Circular 0034/2011 which is available on my Department's website.
255 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a reply has issued in respect of queries made by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if not, when a reply will issue. [11441/12]
A reply has issued to the correspondence referred to by the Deputy.
256 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on the progress made to date on the project to provide a new second level school facility for Clifden, County Galway. [11445/12]
The major building project at the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The Design Team are currently working on finalising the Stage 2(b) Submission (Detailed Design and Tender Documents) which will then be forwarded to my Department for review. Thereafter, officials from my Department will be in contact with the Board of Management with regard to the further progression of the project. The Department will shortly publish an outline five year programme on the projects to be constructed in that time. The school building projects currently in architectural planning, including the project at Clifden Community School, will be considered in the context of that programme, taking into account the funding available, the building costs involved and the progression of other major projects required to meet demographic needs.
257 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the option for amalgamation that exists for a school (details supplied) which is located in a Gaeltacht area but which conducts its business and affairs through English and has a different status to neighbouring schools which conduct all their business and affairs through Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11452/12]
Where an amalgamation is being considered between schools in a Gaeltacht area, the sociolinguistic factors of the community of each school should be considered by the Patron(s). If the school to which the Deputy refers wishes to amalgamate, it is open to the school to identify a suitable amalgamation partner in their locality. Any proposal to amalgamate would have to be approved by the patron(s) involved. The details of any proposal can then be forwarded to my Department for consideration.
258 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the avenues of appeal or recourse available to parents if, following their complaints to the relevant primary school board of management, the said board fails to investigate the particular complaints or inadequately investigates same; in these circumstances if there are alternative ways by which theses parents could pursue these complaints to a conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11474/12]
The Deputy will be aware that under the Education Act 1998, legally, all schools are managed by school Boards of Management, on behalf of the school patrons or trustees, and it is the Board of Management that employ the teachers at the school. Accordingly, whereas I provide funding and policy direction for schools, neither I nor the Department have legal powers to instruct schools to follow a particular course of direction with regards to individual complaint cases, or to investigate individual complaints except where the complaint involves a refused enrolment, expulsion or suspension, in accordance with Section 29 of the 1998 Education Act.
In dealing with parental complaints, my Department's role is to clarify for parents how their grievances and complaints against schools can be progressed. If a parent wishes to make a complaint against a teacher or school they should contact the relevant school authorities. The complaint procedures adopted by most schools are those that have been agreed between the teacher unions and school management bodies. Where a parent feels that the school's board of management has failed to investigate or adequately investigate their complaint, they should contact the Ombudsman for Children. The Office of the Ombudsman for Children may independently investigate complaints about schools recognised with the Department of Education and Skills, provided the parent has firstly and fully followed the school's complaints procedures. The key criterion for any intervention by the Ombudsman for Children is that the action of the school has had a negative affect on a child. The office can be contacted at Ombudsman for Children's Office, Millennium House, 52-56 Great Strand Street, Dublin 1, (Ph) 1800 20 20 40 or (01) 8656800, E-mail oco@oco.ie.
259 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide the numbers of employees at each of the seven universities and also DIT and GMIT who receive gross salaries of between €50,000 and €99,999 per annum. [11476/12]
260 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide the numbers of employees at each of the seven universities and also DIT and GMIT who receive gross salaries of between €100,000 and €149,000 per annum. [11477/12]
261 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide the numbers of employees at each of the seven universities and also DIT and GMIT who receive gross salaries of between €150,000 and €199,999 per annum. [11478/12]
262 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide the numbers of employees at each of the seven universities and also DIT and GMIT who receive gross salaries of €250,000 or more per annum. [11479/12]
263 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide the numbers of employees at each of the seven universities and also DIT and GMIT who receive gross salaries of between €200,000 and €249,999 per annum. [11480/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 259 to 263, inclusive, together.
My Department does not have details of the number of employees at each of the seven universities, DIT and GMIT who receive a gross salary of between €50,000 and €99,999 per annum Based on information provided by individual institutions in January details in respect of the other salary bands are contained in the following table:
|
Institution |
€100,000 to €149,999 |
€150,000 to €199,999 |
€200,000 to €249,999 |
€250,000 and over |
|
UCD |
280 |
28 |
20 |
1 |
|
UCC |
121 |
12 |
34 |
0 |
|
NUIG |
98 |
10 |
21 |
0 |
|
NUIM |
66 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
TCD |
180 |
10 |
21 |
1 |
|
UL |
73 |
7 |
7 |
0 |
|
DCU |
66 |
12 |
0 |
0 |
|
DIT |
41 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
GMIT |
6 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
264 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the hardships being caused to post-primary schools as a result of the decision to review the appointment of assistant principals and freeze all payments for allowances for newly appointed individuals until this review is completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11483/12]
265 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to a situation at a post-primary school (details supplied) in which two assistant principals have been appointed but cannot take up their positions as a result of his Department’s decision to freeze payment allowances pending a review of all new appointments to this grade; the advice he will offer to the school in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11484/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 264 and 265 together.
In his address to Dáil Éireann on December 5th 2011 the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform announced that Public Service bodies will have to achieve a reduction of 5% in the cost of allowances and premium payments in 2012. In order to achieve the necessary reduction, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is conducting a review of allowances and premium payments across the Public Service. Pending the outcome of this review, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has advised my Department that delegated sanction for the payment of allowances to new beneficiaries is withdrawn with effect from 1st February 2012. The only exception to the prohibition on the awarding of new allowances is Principal and Deputy Principal Allowances.
I understand that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will advise of the outcome of the review shortly. As Minister for Education and Skills I am conscious of the difficulties that the current situation imposes on schools, particularly in regard to the filling of Assistant Principal positions. The position is that schools may continue to appoint persons to Assistant Principal posts, where they have the approval of my Department to do so. However, because of the withdrawal of the sanction to pay allowances to new beneficiaries, an allowance for such a post may not be paid. This position has been communicated to the school.
266 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if it is possible to facilitate access to an ASD unit as soon as possible in the case of a minor (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11486/12]
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports including the approval of special classes for autism. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I have arranged for the matters raised by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their direct reply.
267 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the details of the reductions in pay and all allowances that apply to new entrants to the teaching profession; his views on the impact these reductions will have on staff morale in view of the fact that teachers performing the same work will have significantly different pay and allowances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11492/12]
The first table shows the pay scales and allowances paid to teachers with effect from 1 January 2010 compared with the reduced pay scales and allowances for new entrant teachers that took effect on 1 January 2011.
In his address to Dáil Éireann on December 5th 2011 the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform announced that Public Service bodies will have to achieve a reduction of 5% in the cost of allowances and premium payments in 2012. In order to achieve the necessary reduction, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is conducting a review of allowances and premium payments across the Public Service.
Pending the outcome of this review, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has advised my Department that delegated sanction for the payment of allowances to new beneficiaries is withdrawn with effect from 1st February 2012. The only exception to the prohibition on the awarding of new allowances is Principal and Deputy Principal Allowances. The second Table lists the teaching allowances for which delegated sanction has been withdrawn with effect from 1 February 2012. I understand that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will advise of the outcome of the review shortly. I am not in a position to comment further on the position in relation to teacher allowances until the review is completed.
|
1/1/10 |
New Entrants post 1/1/11 |
|
|
1 |
€30,904 |
€27,814 |
|
2 |
€31,972 |
€28,775 |
|
3 |
€33,041 |
€29,737 |
|
4 |
€34,113 |
€30,702 |
|
5 |
€35,775 |
€32,198 |
|
6 |
€36,853 |
€33,168 |
|
7 |
€37,929 |
€34,136 |
|
8 |
€40,640 |
€36,576 |
|
9 |
€41,994 |
€37,795 |
|
10 |
€43,612 |
€39,251 |
|
11 |
€45,222 |
€40,700 |
|
12 |
€46,844 |
€42,160 |
|
13 |
€48,200 |
€43,380 |
|
14 |
€49,996 |
€44,996 |
|
15 |
€49,996 |
€44,996 |
|
16 |
€49,996 |
€44,996 |
|
17 |
€52,472 |
€47,225 |
|
18 |
€52,472 |
€47,225 |
|
19 |
€52,472 |
€47,225 |
|
20 |
€52,472 |
€47,225 |
|
21 |
€55,744 |
€50,170 |
|
22 |
€55,744 |
€50,170 |
|
23 |
€55,744 |
€50,170 |
|
24 |
€55,744 |
€50,170 |
|
25 |
€59,359 |
€53,423 |
|
1/1/10 |
New Entrants post 1/1/11 |
|
|
1. (a) (i) H. Dip. in Ed. (Pass) |
€591 |
€532 |
|
(ii) Higher Froebel Cert. |
€591 |
€532 |
|
(b) (i) H. Dip. in Ed. (1st or 2nd Hons) |
€1,236 |
€1,112 |
|
(ii) Ard Teastas Gaeilge |
€1,236 |
€1,112 |
|
(c) Primary Degree (Pass) |
€1,842 |
€1,658 |
|
(d) Masters Degree by thesis or exam (Pass) |
€4,918 |
€4,426 |
|
(e) Primary Degree (1st or 2nd Hons) |
€4,918 |
€4,426 |
|
(f) Masters Degree (1st or 2nd Hons) |
€5,496 |
€4,946 |
|
(g) Doctors Degree |
€6,140 |
€5,526 |
|
Only one of the allowances at (a) or (b) may be held together with one of the allowances (c) to (g) |
||
|
2. (i) *An Teastas i dTeagasc na Gaeilge le honoracha |
€4,278 |
€3,850 |
|
(ii) *Higher Diploma in Education (1st or 2nd Hons) |
€4,278 |
€3,850 |
|
(iii) *Primary Degree (Pass) together with at least 3 years approved experience in commercial, industrial or other approved occupation |
€4,278 |
€3,850 |
|
(iv) Diploma for Teachers of Deaf |
€2,437 |
€2,193 |
|
Diploma for Teachers of Blind |
||
|
Diploma for Teachers of Mentally and Physically Handicapped Children |
*Payable only to teachers who were in receipt of an allowance of £110 (pre July 1968) and who did not qualify for a higher allowance at 1. above
|
1/1/10 |
New Entrants post 1/1/11 |
|
|
1. Rural Science Teachers (for organisation and development of education activities outside formal class instruction) |
€1,842 |
€1,658 |
|
2. Itinerant Domestic Science Teachers |
€1,842 |
€1,658 |
|
3. Teaching through Irish |
€1,583 |
€1,424 |
|
4. Gaeltacht Grant payable to teachers in the Gaeltacht other than those in receipt of an allowance equal to 10% of scale salary |
€3,063 |
€2,757 |
|
5. Island Allowance |
€1,842 |
€1,658 |
|
6. Special allowance payable to teachers in Comprehensive Schools |
€2,471 |
€2,224 |
|
Untrained Teachers’ Rate |
||
|
Z01 |
€27,354 |
€24,619 |
|
Allowance for Teachers with 35 years’ service |
€2,324 |
€2,091 |
|
Allowance Payable to Teachers in the Prison Service |
||
|
Honorarium |
€4,773 |
€4,296 |
|
1/1/10 |
New Entrants post 1/1/11 |
|
|
CATEGORY 2 |
€16,825 |
€15,143 |
|
CATEGORY 3 |
€13,146 |
€11,831 |
|
CATEGORY 4 |
€10,130 |
€9,117 |
|
Allowance payable to teachers of apprentices in Dun Laoghaire and Co. Cork VECs |
€9,740 |
€8,766 |
|
Secure Unit Allowance/Disturbed Adolescent Allowance 100% |
€2,195 |
€1,976 |
|
Retired teachers who may be recruited as substitute teachers, |
||
|
Rule 87 (Higher Froebel Cert.) |
€1,435 |
€1,291 |
|
Rates as at 1/1/10 |
Revised rates for new entrants from 1 January 2011 based on point of scale reduced by two increments where applicable |
||
|
Primary daily rate casual (qualified teacher) |
|||
|
(includes 22% holiday pay) |
€195.33 |
€164.26 |
Based on 4th pt CBS + Honours degree |
|
Based on 6th point CBS + Honours degree |
|||
|
Primary daily rate (unqualified) |
€127.91 |
€115.12 |
|
|
(includes 22% holiday pay) |
|||
|
Based on 1st point untrained scale /52.18/5+22% |
|||
|
Unqualified hourly rate Primary |
€28.97 |
€26.07 |
|
|
Based on 1st point untrained scale /183/5.16 |
|||
|
Post primary hourly rate casual (qualified) |
€46.85 |
€40.10 |
Based on 5th pt CBS + Hons Deg + Dip |
|
(includes 22% holiday pay) |
|||
|
Based on 7th point CBS + Hons Deg and Dip (35.44) |
|||
|
Post primary hourly rate (non-casual qualified) |
€49.72 |
€42.13 |
Based on 2nd pt CBS + Pass Deg+Dip |
|
(interim rate includes 56% holiday pay) |
|||
|
Based on 4th Point CBS + Pass Deg and Dip |
|||
|
Post primary unqualifed hourly rate |
€40.85 |
€34.61 |
|
|
(includes 22% holiday pay) |
|
Supervision and Substitution |
Hourly 1/1/10 |
Annual |
|
Rate for 2010/2011 school year |
€47.82 |
€1,769.00 |
|
NEW ENTRANTS |
Hourly 1/1/11 |
Annual |
|
Rate for 2010/2011 school year |
€43.04 |
€1,592.00 |
|
Name / Description of Allowance |
Amount of allowance€ |
Beneficiary (Grade) |
|
Higher Diploma in Education (pass) |
591 |
Teacher |
|
Higher Diploma in Education (honours) |
1,236 |
Teacher |
|
Primary Degree (pass) |
1,842 |
Teacher |
|
Primary Degree (honours) |
4,918 |
Teacher |
|
Master’s Degree (pass) |
4,918 |
Teacher |
|
Master’s Degree (honours) |
5,496 |
Teacher |
|
Doctor’s Degree |
6,140 |
Teacher |
|
Diploma in Special Ed |
2,437 |
Teacher |
|
Supervision and Substitution — minimum 37 hour payment — payment for hours worked in excess of 37 is at the hourly rate for the hours worked |
1,769 for 37 hours or 47.82 per hour |
Teacher |
|
Assistant Principal |
8,520 |
Assistant Principal |
|
Director of Adult Education — Rate varies depending on category of school — categories are based on number of enrolment hours |
3,769 — 22,645 |
Director of Adult Education |
|
Supervising Teacher in Prison Education Unit — Rate varies based on number of teachers in the unit |
8,520 — 23,127 |
Supervising Teacher |
|
Programme Coordinator AP level |
8,520 |
Programme Coordinator |
|
Special Duties Teacher |
3,769 |
Special Duties Teacher |
|
Deputy Supervising Teacher in Prison Education Unit |
8,520 |
Deputy Supervising Teacher |
|
Programme Coordinator SDT level |
3,769 |
Programme Coordinator |
|
Assistant Supervising Teacher in Prison Education Unit |
3,769 |
Assistant Supervising Teacher |
|
Allowance payable to Principals of schools offering a part-time adult education programme — Rate varies depending on category of school |
1,625 |
Principal |
|
Allowance for Principals who act as Secretary to Board of Management — rate varies based on number of students in school |
523 — 1,572 |
Principal |
|
Honorarium |
4,773 |
Teacher |
|
Allowance payable to Principals of 5 Community Schools for management role in sports complexes |
4,820 |
Principal |
|
Secondment allowance Category 1 (Divisional Inspector scale) |
25,638 |
Teacher on secondment — rate varies depending on length of service |
|
Secondment allowance Category 2 |
16,825 |
Teacher on secondment |
|
Secondment allowance Category 3 |
13,146 |
Teacher on secondment |
|
Secondment allowance Category 4 |
10,130 |
Teacher on secondment |
|
Director of Education Centre allowance |
27,197 |
Teacher on secondment |
|
Gaeltacht grant |
3,063 or 10% of salary |
Teacher |
|
Teaching through Irish |
1,583 |
Teacher |
|
Island Allowance |
1,842 |
Teacher |
|
Visiting Teacher Allowance |
8,520 |
Teacher |
|
Secure Unit Allowance/ Disturbed Adolescent Allowance |
2,195 |
Teacher |
|
Allowance payable to teachers of apprentices in Dun Laoghaire and County Cork VECs |
9,740 |
Teacher |
|
Allowance for teachers with 35 years service |
2,324 |
Teacher |
|
National Teacher PCW allowance |
1,842 |
Teacher |
|
Principal — pre PCW — Rate varies depending on points rating of school |
6,660 — 25,303 |
Principal |
|
Personal rate of Principal Allowance — Rate varies depending on category of school |
6,660 — 11,163 |
Principal |
|
Personal rate of Principal Allowance Pre ’87/ Revised Duties — Rate varies depending on category of school |
8,521 — 14,289 |
Principal |
|
Vice Principal — pre PCW — Rate varies depending on points rating of school |
2,944 — 15,983 |
Vice Principal |
|
A Post — pre PCW |
6,660 |
A Post |
|
B Post — pre PCW |
2,944 |
B Post |
|
Rural Science Teachers |
1,842 |
Teacher |
|
Itinerant Domestic Science Teachers |
1,842 |
Teacher |
|
Special Allowance to Teachers in Comprehensive Schools |
2,471 |
Teacher |
|
Special Payment to EPTs under AR 2/98 — rate varies depending on years of service |
313 — 1,644 |
Teacher |
|
Special Payment to TWTs under AR 2/98 — rate varies depending on years of service |
626 — 5,482 |
Teacher |
|
Rule 87 (Higher Froebel Cert) |
1,435 |
Teacher |
|
Long Service Increment |
1,477 |
Teacher |
|
Special differential allowance paid to ex- Prepatory College Professors |
2,860 |
Teacher |
|
Personal Allowances referred to in Paragraph 2 of C/L 50/70 |
2,565 — 13,049 |
Teacher |
|
Children’s Allowances |
113 |
Teacher |
|
Secretary to Board of Management allowance (payable on a personal basis to Principals of Comprehensive schools who held the allowance prior to the implementation of Agreed Report 3/06) |
2,802 |
Principal |
268 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills if correspondence (details supplied) can be considered in the request for a primary school place in respect of the person; the mechanism the family should follow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11497/12]
As I indicated to the Deputy in my response to his question of 21 February, 2012, the enrolment of a child in a school is a matter in the first instance for the parents of the child and the Board of Management of a school. My Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment to schools.
My Department provides for a range of placement options and supports for schools which have enrolled pupils with special educational needs in order to ensure that, wherever a child is enrolled, s/he will have access to an appropriate education. The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB will try to help parents to find a school placement if their child has been unable to secure a school placement to date. The NEWB can be contacted at National Educational Welfare Board, National Headquarters, 16-22 Green Street, Dublin 7 or by telephone at 01-8738700.
In addition, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) can assist parents to identify appropriate educational placements for children with special educational needs. Parents may contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs and to seek assistance in identifying placement options, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department. Only where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld, may the Secretary General of my Department direct a school to enrol a pupil.
269 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number and costs of advertisements placed in national newspapers for job vacancies in the civil and public service in the past 12 months; the number of new entrants recruited from the process; the number of vacancies filled from inside the civil and public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11505/12]
The table outlines the costs of advertisements placed by my Department in national newspapers for job vacancies in the civil and public service since January 2011. My Department, through the Public Appointments Service (PAS) placed an advertisement in the print media in December 2011 inviting applications for the position of primary and post primary inspectors. To date no appointments have been made arising from this process. In the period in question no vacancies in my Department have been filled from within the civil and public service. In line with Government policy my Department must carry out its functions within staffing levels assigned to it by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (PER) in accordance with the Employment Control Framework (E.C.F.).
I should point out that the recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for the individual school authority, subject to procedures agreed under Section 24(3) of the Education Act 1998. Costs for advertising are paid from the schools' capitation grants and an individual breakdown of costs is unavailable to the Department. As of 1st January 2009, all advertising of teaching posts at primary level has been on one of five listed websites which include sites run by the Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN) and the management bodies. Web-based advertising was extended to all special needs assistant positions at primary level as of 1st December 2011. Vacancies for the post of principal may also be advertised on www.publicjobs.ie. Schools at post-primary level are currently required to advertise teaching posts in the national press. The Department is currently liasing with the relevant bodies at post primary level with a view to advertising all teaching posts on-line for the 2012/2013 school year:
|
Post(s) Advertised |
Cost |
Outcome |
|
Co-ordinator for for Jewish Studies Support Service (April) |
€2,472.53 |
No appointment made |
|
Co-ordinator for for Jewish Studies Support Service (June) |
€2,810.65 |
1 Co-ordinator appointed on a PT basis from an existing teaching position. Not a full time secondment* |
|
Director of Blackrock Education Centre |
€2,529.59 |
1 full time secondment* from an existing teaching position |
|
Secondment vacancies with the Project Maths Development Team |
€3,794.37 |
2 full time secondments* from existing teaching positions |
|
Secondment vacancies with the Professional Development Service for Teachers |
€6,193.98 |
13 full time secondments from existing teaching positions |
|
Secondment vacancies with A) — An tSeirbhis Tacaiochta Dara Leibheal don Ghaeilge and B) — The Special Education Support Service |
€4,046.91 |
A) One full time secondment* from existing teaching position. B) no suitable candidate identified |
|
Secondment opportunity with The National Behaviour Support Service |
€3,271.34 |
1 full time secondment* from an existing teaching position |
|
Secondment vacancies with the Professional Development Service for Teachers |
€6,407.42 |
13 full time secondments* from existing teaching positions and creation of a panel for future opportunities |
|
Secondment opportunities within the Special Education Support Service |
€3,271.34 |
2 full time secondments* from existing teaching positions |
|
Teachers in European Schools |
€2,750.94 |
8 full time secondments* from existing teaching positions |
|
Teachers in European Schools |
€2,796.00 |
Advertisement placed to recruit 17 serving teachers on secondment* to the European Schools. Closing date is 9th March 2012 |
|
Post of Director in the European Schools |
€2,572.00 |
Closing date is 9th March |
|
5 post primary and a minimum of 1 primary inspector posts at the Department of Education and Skills |
€9,666.88 |
No appointments made to date. |
|
€52,583.95 |
*Note: These secondments arise from serving teachers on the Departmental payroll being seconded to the posts in question. While on secondment their basic salaries are paid by the Department ).The teachers seconded were replaced by temporary teachers who will remain in the schools until the seconded teachers return. The salaries of the replacement teachers are also paid by the Department.
270 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the broadband for a school (details supplied); if a provider has been found; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11577/12]
This school is currently provided with a satellite connection the Schools Broadband Access Programme. There have been two attempts to provide this school with a DSL (fixed line) connection, however both attempts failed because of the distance between the school and the Eircom exchange, DSL connectivity is only possible within a certain distance of an exchange. The contracts for connectivity under the Schools Broadband Access Programme are currently being re-tendered. In re-tendering these contracts, every effort has been made to try and encourage as many small providers as possible to respond. Following this process, it is hoped that there will be a significant reduction in the number of schools reliant on satellite connections. At this point, it is not possible to comment on what type of connection will be provided to Culmullen NS under the new contracts.
271 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding insurance providers for primary schools; if direction is given to schools by him on which providers to choose; the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11594/12]
Responsibility for the payment of insurance to cover employers and public liability, and property damage rests with the Board of Management of primary schools. The cost of insurance is met by schools from the grants paid by my Department. It is a matter for the Board of Management to determine which provider it will purchase its insurance from.
272 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position of schools regarding developing schools status with regard to GCEB posts; if they will get an increase in these posts in line with an increase in their enrolment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11595/12]
A developing school post is defined as a school where the enrolment on 30 September, 2012 is projected to exceed the enrolment on 30 September 2011. The criteria for developing school posts for 2012/13 school year is set out in circular 0007/2012. The number of posts retained by a DEIS school following the Government's decision to retain posts in Band 1 and 2 DEIS schools from previous disadvantage schemes will be taken into account when considering such a school's application for a developing school post for 2012/13.
273 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason 40 hours of home based tuition is not being paid in respect of a person ( details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if he will review the case and pay what is due; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11610/12]
The July Education Programme is an educational programme operated by my Department for children who have been diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and/or a severe to profound general learning disability. The Home Based programme is available where a child cannot avail of the school based programme. A maximum of 40 hours' home tuition can be approved for the month of July .This allocation consists of a maximum of 10 hours per week for 4 weeks. Unused hours from any given week cannot transfer to a subsequent week.
The case to which the Deputy refers has been reviewed by officials in my Department.The terms of the scheme were not adhered to by the person in question, due to the family taking a holiday in the first two weeks in July. The maximum grant aid of 20 hours was issued therefore, for the tuition provided in the last two weeks of July.
274 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if any State board appointees have volunteered to waive their fee or expenses; the names of such persons; the corresponding savings to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11893/12]
To date my Department has not been advised of any waiver of fees by individual board members of those bodies under the aegis of my Department where fees are applicable. In respect of one of such bodies, I would like to inform the Deputy that remuneration fees will not apply to the new Board of the State Examinations Commission (SEC) which is due to be established shortly. The following fees currently apply in respect of SEC:
|
€ |
|
|
Chairperson |
€11,970 per annum |
|
Four Ordinary Members |
€7,695 per annum |
276 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the numbers of persons who were paid under Vote 12 superannuation and retired allowances in 2011 and his estimate of same for 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10589/12]
18,636 persons were paid from Vote 12 last year, including spouses and children as well as occupational pensioners; the estimate for 2012 is 19,448.
277 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason a person (details supplied) had their employment terminated by the Office of Public Works when other individuals at the same grade with the same length of experience were retained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10847/12]
The person in question completed his apprenticeship and was released on the 2nd November, 2011. In any circumstances, the Office of Public Works can only retain what apprentices it requires to meet operational needs. However, since the introduction of the Government moratorium on recruitment it has not been possible to retain any apprentices on completion of their contract.
278 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of the payments made by the State to private land owners in 2010 and 2011 to acquire land for use in the public capital programme, to include the land that was being purchased and the price paid and the landowner who received the money. [10874/12]
The Properties purchased by the Office of Public Works in 2010/2011 are set out in the table below:
|
Property Name |
Purchase Cost |
Vendor |
|
Goleen Coast Guard Station |
€8,500.00 |
Sean McCarthy |
|
Galway Sluice Barrage |
€190,000.00 |
John David Barber |
|
Clare Street 22-25 |
€5,650,000.00 |
Royal Liver Assurance Ltd. |
279 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his policy on amending the Valuation Act 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11076/12]
As I mentioned in previous replies in relation to proposals to amend the Valuation Act 2001, significant work has already been done by the Commissioner of Valuation and by my officials on the formulation of a Bill to streamline and improve the valuation system. The Government has approved the Heads of an amending Bill and these are now with the Parliamentary Draftsman's Office for drafting of the Bill. Subject to such technical adjustments as may be found necessary in the course of drafting, the Bill will be published and processed as soon as possible as part of the Government's overall legislative programme.
The proposed provisions will modernise the valuation legislation and cater for such technical changes as have been found necessary in the light of practical experience with its operation since 2001. It will streamline a number of areas such as the operation of the system for appeals against valuations. Significantly, the proposed legislation will facilitate a speeding up of the national revaluation programme being undertaken by the Valuation Office. As part of this, the proposed legislation will contain provisions to allow new options for revaluation, including the introduction of a Self Assessment approach, accompanied by appropriate controls, and for outsourcing some of the work. I understand that schemes to pilot these options in two local authority areas are being drawn up by the Valuation Office in parallel with the drafting of the enabling legislation.
280 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will instruct all Departments, State agencies and local government bodies to include, as a matter of course, appropriate social clauses in all public procurement contracts for supplies, services and construction to enhance the prospects of Irish, regional and local-tenders securing said contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11348/12]
The rules onawarding public contracts have provisions which allow the specification of social criteria, such as the requirement for employment of long term unemployed, as a condition in the performance of the contract. Any such provision must be compatible with EU law, i.e. they must be made known to all interested parties and must not restrict participation by contractors from other Member States. Subject to this, contracting authorities have the discretion to apply such conditions, as appropriate. I understand that the National Procurement Service is currently looking at developing guidance for contracting authorities in relation to the use of such social clauses.
281 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount currently allocated to a national coastal protection programme and within thisprogramme if there is an allocation for the protection of the beach at Portrane, CountyDublin, which is experiencing coastal erosion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11354/12]
The allocation for national coastal protection is included in Flood Risk Management capital allocation of the Office of Public Works (OPW), which for 2012 is €45m. It is expected that expenditure of the order of €200,000 will be spent on the Irish Coast Protection Strategy Study during 2012. OPW does not have an application from Fingal County Council in relation to the area in question. An application was received in 2009 under the Minor Works scheme and was rejected as it did not meet the scheme' criteria. Any application received will be assessed in accordance with the scheme eligibility criteria, in conjunction with other applications received and having regard to the overall availability of resources.
282 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has examined the costs involved in operating the new system of payments to Ministers’ drivers and use of cars; if he will outline the savings achieved to date by each Minister; if he is considering further changes to the administration of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11463/12]
Since 1 May 2011 Cabinet Ministers with the exception of Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Law Reform now use their own cars. All Ministers are now paid for official mileage up to 96,540 kilometres or 60,000 miles per annum. Ministers of State have used their own cars on official business since 1984. My Department does not maintain records of the travel costs for each Minister, However, at the time the change was made last year it was estimated that the annual savings from Cabinet Ministers using their own cars rather than using State ones would be of the order of €4 million.
284 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views that while, for the past number of years, each Department with responsibility for expenditure that is part funded by the National Lottery surplus published information concerning such expenditure on their website, the reality is that no Department publishes a consolidated compendium of its National Lottery expenditures — on its website or otherwise — and the considerable changes in Department structures, titles, staffing and responsibility in the course of 2011 make it a practical impossibility for a lay person, even with access to departmental websites; if he will identify the way National Lottery funds were expended in recent years, geographically, thematically or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10709/12]
As I have outlined in replies to previous questions, the allocation of funding from subheads which are part-funded by the surplus from the National Lottery is the responsibility of a number of Government Departments and Agencies. These Departments and Agencies are listed each year in Appendix 1 of the Revised Estimates for Public Services (REV). In recent years, funding raised by the Lottery has only part-funded the subheads with the balance coming from the exchequer. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a breakdown of the distribution of Lottery funding per se.
I note the Deputy's comments on the accessibility of the information she was seeking and I am making sure that Departments are fully aware of the requirement that they publish the appropriate details on their websites.
285 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of mileage clocked up on a monthly basis for which expenses were claimed for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011; the amount claimed in mileage expenses on a monthly basis for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011, and the full list of trips for which mileage expenses were claimed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10806/12]
In response to the Deputy's question the following tables contains details requested by the Deputy in respect of kilometre claims made by both myself and the Minister of State in the Office of Public Works. Please note mileage for Minister of State is from March 2011.
|
Month |
Year |
Kilometres |
Value |
|
May |
2011 |
3,300 |
€1,949.31 |
|
June |
2011 |
3,550 |
€1,970.26 |
|
July |
2011 |
3,200 |
€910.72 |
|
August |
2011 |
765 |
€217.72 |
|
September |
2011 |
3,400 |
€967.64 |
|
October |
2011 |
3,530 |
€1,004.64 |
|
November |
2011 |
3,300 |
€939.18 |
|
December |
2011 |
2,950 |
€839.57 |
|
Total |
23,995 |
€8,799.04 |
|
Month |
Year |
Kilometres |
Value |
|
March |
2011 |
629.12 |
€371.62 |
|
April |
2011 |
2,041.82 |
€1,206.10 |
|
May |
2011 |
2,754.61 |
€1,789.94 |
|
June |
2011 |
3,912.00 |
€1,707.56 |
|
July |
2011 |
3,521.00 |
€1,202.42 |
|
August |
2011 |
1,620.00 |
€553.23 |
|
September |
2011 |
6,190.00 |
€2,113.88 |
|
October |
2011 |
2,880.00 |
€983.52 |
|
November |
2011 |
4,722.00 |
€1,612.56 |
|
December |
2011 |
3,320.00 |
€1,133.78 |
|
Total |
€12,674.61 |
The Minister of State in OPW claimed €1,573.05 in respect of kilometres for January 2012.
The basis on which Ministers record their mileage does not require them to list individual trips.
286 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of State contracts which were awarded to private companies for each year from 2006 to 2011 inclusive; the number of these companies which were registered for tax purposes here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10838/12]
The statistics requested by Deputy Nulty are not available, as they are not collated centrally. The National Procurement Service (NPS), based in the Office of Public Works, is responsible for eProcurement and for the operation of the eTenders public procurement portal (www.etenders.gov.ie). On average 5000 tenders for the procurement of goods, services and works are advertised on eTenders every year. The overall procurement spend by the public sector amounts to an estimated value of between €14 and €16 billion per year.
Since 2009, the NPS has been responsible for producing annual statistical information in relation to above-EU threshold procurement activity by the Irish public sector and providing these statistics to the European Commission. The thresholds valid from January 2010 to December 2011 above which tenders must be advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) are as follows:
|
Table |
||
|
Works: |
||
|
Contract Notice |
€4,845,000 |
Threshold applies to Government Departments and Offices, Local and Regional Authorities and other public bodies. |
|
Supplies and Services: |
||
|
Contract Notice |
€125,000 |
Threshold applies to Government Departments and Offices |
|
Contract Notice |
€193,000 |
Threshold applies to Local and Regional Authorities and public bodies outside the Utilities sector. |
|
Utilities: |
||
|
Works Contracts/Prior Indicative Notice |
€4,845,000 |
For entities in Utilities sectors covered by GPA |
|
Supplies and Services |
€387,000 |
For entities in Utilities sectors covered by GPA |
The information that is available currently for the years 2006-2010 relates to above-EU threshold contracts only and is contained in the tabular statement below. Data in respect of 2011 will not be available until later this year. The Deputy should be aware that the figures contained in the table relates to the number of contracts placed which were above the EU Threshold for the year in question and must not be interpreted as indicative statistics for the overall procurement spend. It must also be borne in mind that these statistics relate only to above threshold procurements, where contract award notices were published, and where the nationality of the winning tenderer was disclosed. In the case of all public service contracts with a value of €10,000 or more (inclusive of VAT) within a 12 month period, the contractor is required to provide a valid tax clearance certificate before payment can issue.
For example, when considering the year 2009, €2.8 billion worth of expenditure was advertised in the Official Journal; out of the €15 billion public procurement spend in that year. Of this €2.8billion, 12% went to non-domestic companies. The NPS estimates that less than 5% of the overall spend went to non-domestic suppliers, as a significant proportion of the overall procurement spend is below the EU threshold and is also below the threshold for advertising on eTenders (the eTenders threshold was €50,000 in 2009).
The figures for 2008 are broadly similar, but indicate that a higher number of above-threshold tenders were advertised in the OJEU. The EU Commission has agreed that the figures for 2008 can be taken to indicate, "about 95% of all procurement by value was from domestic suppliers".
It should be noted that the statistics do not distinguish between companies in the UK and those based in Northern Ireland, so of the contracts going "abroad", many of the contracts may have stayed on the island of Ireland.
It should also be noted also that all the statistics relating to non-domestic suppliers relate to suppliers with an address in countries other than Ireland and do not distinguish between European and non-European suppliers.
In a recent survey conducted by the National Procurement Service and sent to all registered suppliers on eTenders 20% of respondents said that they had won public procurement contracts in Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom and 15% said that they had won public procurement contracts in other member states.
|
2010 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
No. of Contracts |
Value €000 |
|
|
Irish Suppliers |
690 |
3,001,218 |
|
Non-Domestic Suppliers |
102 |
285,183 |
|
Total |
792 |
3,286,759 |
|
No. of Contracts |
Value €000 |
|
|
Irish Suppliers |
777 |
2,537,622 |
|
Non-Domestic Suppliers |
170 |
347,137 |
|
Total |
947 |
2,884,759 |
|
No. of Contracts |
Value €000 |
|
|
Irish Suppliers |
1,016 |
4,217,564 |
|
Non-Domestic Suppliers |
296 |
568,338 |
|
Total |
1,312 |
4,785,902 |
|
No. of Contracts |
Value €000 |
|
|
Irish Suppliers |
Numbers not available |
4,786,975 |
|
Non-Domestic Suppliers |
Numbers not available |
513,146 |
|
Total |
5,300,121 |
|
No. of Contracts |
Value €000 |
|
|
Irish Suppliers |
800 |
2,682,751 |
|
Non-Domestic Suppliers |
151 |
1,039,696 |
|
Total |
951 |
3,722,447 |
287 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide the total amount each Government Minister, junior Minister and senior civil servant has spent on entertainment expenses since being appointed in the case of the Ministers and junior Ministers and in the calendar year of 2011 with regard to senior civil servants. [10860/12]
In response to the Deputy's question details in respect of my own Department is as follows. I as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform spent €315.90 on official entertainment since May 2011. In the same period senior officials in my Department spent €472.40.
I have been informed by the Office of Public Works that the Minister of State spent €526.45 and the Chairman spent €500 on official entertainment in 2011.
288 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will honour the outcome of independent third party adjudications made in relation to agreements between the Department of Defence and PDFORA on the payment of allowances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11136/12]
Subject to the provisions of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009 and the terms of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014, the findings of the third party adjudicator in relation to claims by PDFORRA are currently being honoured.
Following the Independent Adjudicator's decision of September 2010 under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for the Defence Forces, clarification was provided by the Adjudicator that the reports which found in favour of certain PDFORRA claims could not be implemented while the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009 was in place. This remains the position.
In addition it should be noted that all parties to the Public Service Agreement 2010-201, including PDFORRA, have agreed that no cost-increasing claims for improvement in pay or conditions of employment will be made or processed during the currency of the Agreement.
289 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the sectorial transitional team plans and service implications following the exodus of 6,600 public servants at the end of February will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9363/12]
293 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has considered deferring some of the pending public sector retirements particularly from maternity services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6385/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 289 and 293 together.
It is a matter for each sector to manage potential service delivery issues arising from retirements to end-February and beyond. Questions as to how these issues are being managed should most appropriately be addressed to the relevant Minister. As the Deputy is aware, sectoral Transition Teams have been put in place to deal with the specific short-term challenges arising from the ending of the grace period. The reports from these Teams indicate that they have given due consideration to the impact of staffing reductions on the various sectors and the most fitting and expeditious ways of managing these. As they have the most current information on service provision at a local level, each sectoral Transition Team has been directed to actively communicate with the public via whichever means appropriate in order to allay concerns with regard to critical frontline service delivery. Public concerns about service levels should be addressed proactively and the public should be kept informed of business continuity arrangements that are in place. In the case of the civil service, material from the Transition Team process is available on my Department's website at http://per.gov.ie/civil-service-sectoral-plan/ .
Beyond the February 2012 grace period deadline, the Strategic Workforce Planning Groups in each sector will continue to ensure that sectoral employers develop plans to deal with the operational and strategic consequences arising from the outflow of staff in 2012 and future years on an ongoing basis.
290 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views that there should be more co-operation in relation to roster flexibility in the context of the Croke Park agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7781/12]
291 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views and if he will provide an update on the Croke Park agreement implementation. [7787/12]
292 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has met recently with the social partners in relation to the Croke Park agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7783/12]
295 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the future of the Croke Park agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5153/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 290 to 292, inclusive, and 295 together.
The Implementation Body for the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 (or ‘Croke Park Agreement) published its first Annual Progress Report in June 2011. The Report examined the savings and reform delivered in the first year of the Agreement and found that sustainable pay bill savings in the order of €289m had been achieved during the review period. It also reported that "solid and measurable" progress was being made on implementing the Action Plans for reform in each sector, while pointing to certain issues that needed to be accelerated over the next reporting period.
An interim report published by the Body in November provided evidence of further progress on the delivery of change and reform across the public service under the Agreement over the period April to September 2011. The second annual review of the Agreement is scheduled to take place after Easter and will assess the savings achieved in the second year of the Agreement. As before, it will also scrutinise the level of progress being made on implementing the reform programmes in each sector. I look forward to the outcome of that review which I expect will be published shortly thereafter.
The Government has stated that it wishes to honour the commitments given under the Agreement, namely that there would be no further reductions in the pay rates of serving public servants or compulsory redundancies (save where existing exit provisions apply). However, we have also made clear that it will only be possible to do so provided there is full delivery of the necessary flexibilities and reforms that are required under the Agreement. There are no proposals to invoke Paragraph 1.28 of the Agreement ("The implementation of this Agreement is subject to no currently unforeseen budgetary deterioration").
In regard to rostering reform, it is for public service management in the sectors concerned to pursue such reform in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement, and the agreements in each sector, in a manner which ensures the full potential of the Croke Park Agreement is realised. I am not aware of instances where staff are refusing to co-operate with roster reform. There are some examples of progress in this area including the introduction of an extended working day for medical laboratory staff last year; extended working arrangements for radiography staff from February 2012 and the scheduled introduction of a new roster model for An Garda Síochána from April 2012.
Finally, in regard to engagement with the social partners, I addressed a meeting of the IBEC National Council on 25th January last and it was a useful opportunity to listen to the views of IBEC members on a range of issues relating to the public service reform agenda and the Croke Park Agreement. In addition, my officials are in regular contact with representatives from the Public Services Committee of ICTU, IBEC and other stakeholders on issues relating to the Department's work.
294 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has finalised his plans in relation to the sale of State assets and in particular the possible investment on job creation from same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5155/12]
The Deputy will be aware that I announced details of the Government plans to dispose of certain non-strategic State assets last week. The assets to be sold will be:
Bord Gáis Eireann's Energy business (but not including BGE's gas transmission or distribution systems or the two gas interconnectors, which will remain in State ownership); and
some of ESB's non-strategic power generation capacity;
Consideration will also be given to the sale of some assets of Coillte, but not its land-holdings, and the sale of the States remaining shareholding in Aer Lingus when market conditions are favourable and at an acceptable price to Government.
This programme of disposals is based on the guiding principles that there will be no fire sales; integral transmissions and distribution systems will be retained in State ownership and full value will be derived for the State. It represents a commitment by Government to disposals of up to €3bn, and in return the EU/ECB/IMF troika has agreed to the retention of one-third of the proceeds for much needed reinvestment in our economic recovery along the lines suggested in the Deputy's question.
296 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is satisfied that proceeds from the sale of State assets can be used to address infrastructure deficiencies within the economy in a way that boosts economic growth and employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5633/12]
I announced last week that, following intense engagement, I secured an agreement with the Troika that a third of the proceeds of our asset disposals programme can be used for re-investment in our economy. This is a substantial change to the Troika's previous position and will help promote recovery in the economy. The Government has agreed with the Troika the sale of state assets up to a value of €3 billion which would mean that we could retain around €1 billion. We are now considering carefully how we should use this money to maximise the return to the economy.
298 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason two separate Civil Service mileage rates exist for each engine size, one rate for the first 6,437 km and then a second rate that is almost half that first rate for each class for each kilometre over 6,437 km; the reason these specific kilometre point scales were chosen; the savings that would accrue on 2011 expenditure of the rate was either standardised to the lower rate, or standardised to an equivalent of the mean of the two rates; the number of total kilometres accrued in the Civil Service in 2011 above the 6,437 km rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9851/12]
Motor travel rates are designed to recoup civil servants for the cost of using their cars on official business.
The expenses that are covered by the motor travel formula can be broken into two categories; the overhead and the running costs. The overhead costs include the cost of replacing the car, insurance costs, AA/RAC membership, driving licence and car tax. The running costs include the cost of maintenance, tyres, oil and petrol.
Overhead costs are incurred whether the car is used on official business or not. The overhead costs are front loaded in the 0 to 6437 kilometre category. In effect 48% of the overhead costs are recouped in the first 6,437 kilometre category while the other 52% are recouped in the next 21,000 kilometres.
The purpose of front loading the overhead costs is to ensure that more of those costs are recouped to officers in recognition of the fact that they are using their own cars on official business and that some officials may be undertaking small amounts of travel.
If the rates were not front loaded in this manner, the motor rates for the highest category of car would be constant at about 33.54 cent per kilometre (rather than 59.07 cent for the first 4,000 miles and 25.53 cent thereafter).
It needs to be borne in mind that all travel and subsistence rates were reduced by 25% from March 2009 and have not been amended since then. It was estimated that at the time of the 25% cut the savings that would accrue to the Exchequer would be of the order of €45 million.
Information is not available in my Department to undertake the calculations of total civil service travel as requested by the Deputy.
299 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views that it is appropriate that two separate bands exist for Civil Service subsistence rates, often known as overnight allowances, on the basis of salary, and that band A is a higher rate of allowance for those earning higher salaries; if he will provide an explanation for the reason such discrimination on income exists; the amount that would be saved on the basis of 2011 expenditure if the bands were standardised to the lower band B; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9852/12]
The current civil service Class A and Class B subsistence rates are payment allowances that have been developed through the industrial relations process conducted under the Civil Service Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme. Historically, there were five classes of subsistence rates in the civil service which ranged from class A to class E.
Since 2004 a process has been under way to merge the Class A rate with the lower Class B rate. The mechanism which was being used to achieve this merger was to only apply 40% of any increase to the A rate on each occasion the rates were increased.
As no increase has been conceded in subsistence rates since 2009 the merger process had not been completed yet, although the difference is marginal. The current rates are set out in the table below:
|
Overnight rates |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Class of Allowances |
Normal Rate |
Reduced Rate |
Detention Rate |
|
A Class |
€108.99 |
€100.48 |
€54.48 |
|
B Class |
€107.69 |
€92.11 |
€53.87 |
(a) normal rate applies for first fourteen nights.
(b) reduced rate for the next twenty-one nights.
(c) detention rate for next twenty-eight nights.
300 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number and costs of advertisements placed in national newspapers for job vacancies in the civil and public service in the past 12 months; the number of new entrants recruited from the process; the number of vacancies filled from inside the civil and public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11512/12]
The Public Appointments Service (PAS) is generally in a position to provide answers to the Deputy in relation to the competitions run by that organisation. However, due to resource constraints and the volume of work involved, it would not be possible to extract this data for reply on Tuesday 28th February. The Deputy will be provided with the relevant information in writing as soon as possible.
301 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeframe involved for recruiting and appointing a new Comptroller and Auditor General; the effort he will make to attract interest from the private sector; the salary on offer; the way that the interview board will be made up or selected; if Accounting Officers will be on the board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11516/12]
At its meeting on 11 January the Government decided to accept the resignation of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) with effect from 27 February. The Decision provided that the Minister for Finance, in consultation with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, would make arrangements for the selection of a candidate, by open competition, to be proposed to the Dáil for nomination by the President for appointment as C&AG.
This competition is being conducted using a Top Level Appointments Committee (TLAC) type approach with the assistance of the Public Appointments Service (PAS). On Friday 10th February, the advert for the competition to fill the post of C&AG appeared in The Irish Times and on the PAS website at www.publicjobs.ie.
The proposed likely timeframe set out by PAS is as follows:
Closing date for applications 1 March (this date may be extended);
Shortlisting week commencing 12 March;
Preliminary interviews week commencing 26 March;
Final interviews to be held by TLAC;
Candidate to be proposed to the Dail for nomination to the President for appointment as C&AG.
In order to attract a strong field of applicants various approaches are being undertaken by the Public Appointments Service. The position was advertised in the press and on www.publicjobs.ie . In addition relevant professional bodies and consultancy houses have been contacted along with other search efforts to ensure a strong field of candidates.
The rate of pay will be €190,000 or €200,000 as appropriate depending on the appointees employment history.
No decision has yet been made in relation to the make up of the interview board.
302 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is satisfied that public expenditure cuts to date arising form the memorandum of understanding are likely to achieve the desired targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11580/12]
303 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the full extent of the expected savings likely to be achieved across all Government Departments, including State and semi-State bodies or agencies, in the course of the current year; the extent to which this is likely to coincide with preordained targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11581/12]
304 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which in the context of his efforts to achieve his proposals to make savings over various Government Departments and their subordinate bodies, he is satisfied that the right balance can be achieved in terms of maximum savings and job retention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11582/12]
305 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the factors featuring most prominently as being obstacles in his efforts to achieve savings throughout various Government Departments and their respective subordinate bodies or agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11583/12]
306 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the Government Departments most likely to achieve savings targets set out or identified in the memorandum of understanding within the shortest period of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11584/12]
308 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has examined any new proposals for savings throughout the public sector not previously identified in the McCarthy report or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11586/12]
309 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has received proposals from the general public or independent bodies or agencies in the context of achievable savings throughout the various Government Departments and subordinate bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11587/12]
310 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which measures taken by him can positively affect the competitiveness of the economy in general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11588/12]
311 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if, in the context of any discussions with his EU colleagues, a consensus has emerged in respect of efficiency and savings desirable throughout the eurozone and all EU member states; the extent to which the various member states can converge in terms of efficiency and cost effectiveness throughout the respective public sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11589/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 302 to 306, inclusive, and 308 to 311, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware a Comprehensive Review of Expenditure exercise was carried out by all Departments in 2011 to identify means of reducing expenditure, in line with our commitments under the Joint EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland, while minimising the impact on service delivery. All proposals, including those from members of the public and third party submissions were fully appraised for this exercise and the outcomes were published in the Comprehensive Expenditure Report 2012-2014 (CER).
The Departmental ceilings required to meet this year's expenditure adjustment are clearly set out in the Revised Estimates Volume 2012 (REV), published 23 February 2012, and are consistent with those published in the CER. Furthermore, I have extended the performance budgeting initiative to the majority of Departments, which strengthens the focus on what the public service delivers and aids the process of policy-making through transparency of goals and objectives. My Department has also recently launched a new, more rigorous Value-for-Money Code which will involve the ongoing process of review and evaluation of programmes across all Departments.
It should be noted that this Government has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to meet its targets under the Joint EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support and is confident that by meeting these targets we will continue to improve competitiveness and grow our economy, while continuing to provide high-quality public services with improved efficiency and performance across all areas of public administration.
307 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the degree to which it is expected to maximise the return from the sale of any State assets with particular reference to the need to employ a strategy that delivers the maximum benefit to the taxpayer and the integrity of the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11585/12]
I have made it clear to the House on more than one occasion that the Government's programme of asset disposals is based on the guiding principles that there will be no fire sales; integral transmissions and distribution systems will be retained in State ownership and full value will be derived for the State.
As the Deputy will be aware, the EU/ECB/IMF Troika has agreed to the retention of one-third of the proceeds for reinvestment in the economy in return for a commitment on our part to a disposal programme of up to €3bn. Therefore, in addition to its contribution to relieving the State's heavy debt burden, the programme that I announced last week has the potential for significant positive economic outcomes in terms of driving competition in the energy sector and facilitating much needed investment in our recovery.
312 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he intends to sign up to the new European directive to exempt micro-enterprises from accounting and financial reporting obligations which was adopted by the financial and economic affairs council on the 21 February; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11381/12]
327 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he intends to sign up to the new European directive to exempt micro-enterprises from accounting and financial reporting obligations which was adopted by the financial and economic affairs council on the 21 February; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11382/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 312 and 327 together.
The Directive in question provides that Member States may provide for exemption from certain obligations for companies meeting stipulated thresholds.
My Department will be consulting with interested parties to assist with formulating a recommendation to me in this matter.
313 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the cost to his Department of the senior Minister’s car in the period from 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011, to include mileage and car-related expenses paid to the senior Minister; if he will detail the salaries paid to civilian drivers, overtime, subsistence and travel expenses paid to them and all other related information, and the information should include any payment made in 2012 relate to a 2011 claim. [10643/12]
The accompanying table provides details of the mileage and car-related expenses paid to me by my Department in respect of the use of my private car during the period 1 June to 31 December 2011. As requested by the Deputy, this figure includes payments made to me in 2012 related to a 2011 claim:
|
Date: |
Purpose of expenditure: |
Amount: |
|
1 June to 31 December 2011 |
Mileage expenses in respect of use of private car for official business. |
€4,574.45 |
I wish to advise the Deputy that in accordance with the Government Decision of 15th March 2011, I may claim mileage expenses for the use of my private car in accordance with rates and regulations set down by the Department of Finance. The mileage rates payable include capital costs as well as depreciation, comprehensive insurance (Class 1), maintenance and petrol.
This arrangement regarding the use of my private car for official business also makes provision for the employment of two civilian drivers. Civilian drivers may claim subsistence on the same basis as civil servants with the exception of certain drivers who live more than 24.14kms. or more from the G.P.O.
Details of salaries and subsistence expenses paid to the Civilian drivers in respect of the period — 1 June to 31 December 2011 are set out in the following table:
|
Driver |
Salary |
Subsistence |
|
Driver 1 |
€19,331.55 |
€224.86 |
|
Driver 2 |
€20,595.05 |
€398.47 |
There were no further expenses incurred in respect of overtime for the period in question.
It should be noted that based on Department of Justice, Equality and Defence estimates, the previous average costs for the provision of Ministerial transport was of the order of €280,000 per annum.
314 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the meetings that he, his special advisers or senior departmental officials have had with representatives of a company (details supplied). [10657/12]
Since my appointment as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation I have had one meeting with a representative of the company. This meeting took place on 15 August 2011. No other meetings have taken place.
315 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his assessment of the jobs created by the changes to commercial stamp duty and capital gains tax as outlined in the Finance Bill. [10660/12]
As the Minister for Finance announced in the Budget, a single Stamp Duty rate of 2 per cent will apply to non-residential property transactions executed on or after Budget night 6 December 2011. The Minister also announced a Capital Gains Tax (CGT) incentive for property purchased between 7 December 2011 and end 2013. Where such property is held for seven years, the gain attributable to that seven year holding period will be relieved from CGT.
The intention is that these measures will facilitate greater activity within the property market, leading to additional employment and activity in related sectors. They have been in place for less than three months so it is not possible to estimate how many jobs have resulted.
316 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding Industrial Development Agency lands in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10750/12]
The management of IDA Ireland's property portfolio is a day to day operational matter for the Agency and not one in which I have a function.
I am informed by IDA that it holds approximately .55 hectares of land in Annascaul. This land is rented on a yearly basis and an invitation to tender to rent this land is released every year to the public. An invitation to tender for the renting of this land was published in ‘The Kerryman' newspaper on 15th February, 2012 and an Agreement is currently being put in place for letting this land for 2012.
I understand that IDA does not own any land in Kenmare.
317 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount of mileage clocked up on a monthly basis for which expenses were claimed for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011; the amount claimed in mileage expenses on a monthly basis for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011, and the full list of trips for which mileage expenses were claimed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10804/12]
In accordance with the Government Decision of the 15th March 2011 I use my private car instead of a State car for official business. Under this arrangement I may claim mileage expenses in accordance with rates and regulations set down by the Department of Finance. Similarly, the two Junior Ministers attached to my Department are also covered by the same arrangement emanating from a previous Government Decision relating to the use of private cars instead of State cars. The mileage rates payable include capital costs as well as depreciation, comprehensive insurance (Class 1), maintenance and petrol.
Please find details below of the official mileage incurred by Ministers in my Department for which expenses have been claimed to date:
|
Minister Richard Bruton T.D. from May 2011 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Official mileage incurred during |
Kms |
Amount reimbursed € |
|
Dec ’11 |
982 |
279.48 |
|
Jul — Nov ’11 |
9,598 |
3791.31 |
|
Jun ’11 |
1,089 |
503.66 |
|
May ’11 |
1,886 |
872.28 |
|
Total |
13,555 |
5446.73 |
|
Official mileage incurred during |
Kms |
Amount reimbursed € |
|
Jan ’12 |
7,805 |
5030.36 |
|
Dec ’11 |
6,484 |
2214.29 |
|
Nov ’11 |
8,521 |
2909.92 |
|
Oct ’11 |
7,842 |
2678.04 |
|
Sept ’11 |
7,588 |
2591.3 |
|
Aug ’11 |
4,417 |
1508.41 |
|
Jul ’11 |
8,722 |
2978.56 |
|
June ’11 |
6,654 |
2272.34 |
|
May ’11 |
5,891 |
2011.78 |
|
Apr ’11 |
6,516 |
3517.36 |
|
Mar ’11 |
2,920 |
2069.99 |
|
Total |
73,360 |
29782.35 |
|
Official mileage incurred during |
Kms |
Amount reimbursed € |
|
Jan ’12 |
5,633 |
3327.41 |
|
Dec ’11 |
4,830 |
1374.62 |
|
Nov ’11 |
3,804 |
1082.62 |
|
Oct ’11 |
8,125 |
2312.38 |
|
Sept ’11 |
6,400 |
1821.44 |
|
Aug ’11 |
3,253 |
925.8 |
|
July ’11 |
4,534 |
1290.38 |
|
June ’11 |
6,530 |
1858.44 |
|
May ’11 |
5,787 |
2002.05 |
|
Mar — Apr ’11 |
5277 |
3117.12 |
|
Total |
54,173 |
19112.26 |
With regard to the element of the question relating to the full list of trips for which mileage expenses were claimed, I wish to advise the Deputy that the basis on which ministerial mileage is calculated does not require individual trips to be recorded. In accordance with the provisions of the Government Decision, the mileage allowance is reimbursed "on the basis of a statement furnished from time to time by the office-holder certifying the total mileage travelled and related to the office, in the car provided by the office holder in place of a State car, in the period covered by the claim."
It should be noted that based on Department of Justice, Equality and Defence estimates, the previous average costs for the provision of ministerial transport was of the order of €280,000 per annum.
318 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in view of the recent decision to sign the statutory instrument on European Communities (Copyright and Related Rights) Regulations 2011, if he will outline the safety measures to protect legitimate Internet traffic; the way this will be policed; the recourse that will be open to anyone who finds that their content has been deemed in breach of copyright; the way this process will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10832/12]
The proposed Statutory Instrument is intended to ensure the return to the legal position that was considered to pertain, in relation to injunctions against intermediaries, prior to a High Court judgment in October 2010. This judgment also stated that Ireland was not in compliance with its EU obligations under Copyright Directive 2001/29/EC.
The wording of the proposed Statutory Instrument only allows a right holder to apply for an injunction in respect of a particular work. It is important to note that the requirement being legislated for is to ensure that right holders are in a position to apply for an injunction against intermediaries whose services are used by a third party to infringe a copyright or related right. It should be noted that the EU Copyright Directive only directs that an injunction may be applied for — it does not mandate that it should be granted. It is also important to note that the granting of injunctions is not an automatic procedure. Injunctions involve a judicial process before the High Court.
Copyright must be balanced in that process by a consideration of the other rights involved, e.g. protection of private data, freedom of expression and information, the right to conduct a business. Any remedy must be proportionate. This is also spelt out in the draft Statutory Instrument when it is explicitly laid down that the rights of any person (including businesses) likely to be affected, must be given due regard when the court is deliberating on the granting of an injunction.
In other words, before granting any such injunction, a court will have to take into account the fact that blocking access to a website could involve damage to the owners of the legal content on that website. The court must ensure any remedy is not contrary to the right of information or freedom of expression and that any measures proposed should not be unnecessarily complicated or costly.
Any injunction under the proposed amendment of the Copyright Act 2000 would have to be considered in the context of the pronouncements of the Court of Justice of the European Union in judgments connected with this area.
These judgments (particularly Sabam v Scarlet and Sabam v Netlog) held that the protection of the fundamental right to intellectual property must be balanced against the protection of the fundamental rights of others who would be affected by the granting of an injunction. These rights include the right to conduct a business, to privacy, to freedom to receive and impart information and reiterated that any remedy proposed should not be unnecessarily complicated or costly.
319 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the stage at which the Chinatown development, which secured planning permission for first phase development at Athlone, County Westmeath, stands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10846/12]
I am aware of this potential business proposition, as is IDA Ireland although the agency is not directly involved with it.
Any funding arrangements and potential future funding is a matter for the promoters i.e. the Chinese/Irish consortium.
IDA Ireland has confirmed to me that it has had regular meetings with the Irish promoters but has not received any grant application or proposals to date.
IDA Ireland has issued a broad letter of support to Athlone Business Park Limited despite the project not being a direct fit with IDA Ireland's core business. As set out in that letter, IDA Ireland would assist the company where possible by way of direction in the marketplace and support locally, should they require it.
320 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide the total amount each Minister, Minister of State and senior civil servant has spent on entertainment expenses, since being appointed in the case of the Ministers and junior Ministers, and in the calendar year of 2011 with regards to senior civil servants. [10858/12]
The amount paid in 2011 in respect of the expenses incurred in providing hospitality to facilitate official business were €215.30 in respect of ministers from our respective dates of appointment and €3,122.91 by officials of my Department for the full calendar year.
321 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in view of the two recent reports regarding the Industrial Development Agency’s supported jobs in County Offaly over the past two years and the report showing Offaly to have the second lowest income per head, if he will outline his and the IDA’s proposal for increased activity in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11002/12]
One of the targets set out in IDA Ireland's Strategy document "Horizon 2020” is the creation of 62,000 direct jobs in 640 investment projects in the period to 2014, which will result in 105,000 new jobs overall in the economy, with 50% of investments being located in areas outside of Dublin and Cork. The Strategy also highlights that IDA Ireland will work with existing client companies operating in Ireland to transform the existing foreign direct investment (FDI) base in order to develop, retain and grow employment in these companies.
Offaly, together with Laois, Longford, Westmeath and Roscommon forms IDA's Midland Region. In line with the National Spatial Strategy, the location of emphasis for IDA in the Midlands Region is the linked Gateway of Tullamore, Athlone and Mullingar, which IDA actively promotes to potential investors through their network of overseas offices.
In County Offaly there are 10 IDA supported companies employing approximately 800 people, while in the region as a whole there are 44 IDA client companies employing 4,600 people.
As Ireland competes for investments at the highest end of the value chain, the concept of scale is crucial. Leading corporations require a significant population of highly qualified talent, essential physical and digital infrastructure coupled with the availability of sophisticated professional support services. There is intense and continual international competition to win FDI, which is mainly dominated by Metro City Regions with populations in excess of 1 million i.e. London, Manchester, Boston and Los Angeles. Ireland has only one Metro City Region, the Greater Dublin area, so, in order to achieve regional economic development, IDA Ireland focuses on marketing Gateway locations within each Region and highlights the opportunities provided by Hub locations which are within commuting distances of these Gateways. In addition, IDA Ireland promotes other locations as part of its marketing efforts in response to specific client requirements.
IDA Ireland has also invested significantly in the development of property solutions in the Midlands Region that can meet the requirements of new and existing FDI clients. IDA Ireland will continue to market the available lands and buildings in the Midlands Gateway. In respect of Co. Offaly, IDA has a fully serviced Business Park in Srah, Tullamore with a number of green field sites available for projects.
Even with intense global competition for FDI and the very difficult global economic environment, there are still investment opportunities in global markets. IDA Ireland has assured me that it will continue to compete vigorously for projects for Ireland, and for the Midlands Region, in order to further the economic development of the Region. It must be remembered, however, that in the final analysis, it is the investor who decides where to locate.
322 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding a dispute before the Labour Relations Commission (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11127/12]
The Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court are statutory bodies independent in the performance of their duties. The question deals with matters relating to the day-to-day functioning of the bodies and is one, therefore, in which I have no direct responsibility.
323 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the timeframe he expects in regard to the forthcoming transition involving county enterprise boards; if he will take into account the needs of potential applicants for support for a speedy transition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11140/12]
As the Deputy will be aware, under the recently launched the Action Plan for Jobs, I propose to establish a new "one-stop-shop" small and micro-enterprise support structure. These "One Stop Shops" will be called "Local Enterprise Offices" and will build on the significant work done by the CEBs to date. The new structure will be achieved through the dissolution of the existing CEBs and the creation of a new Micro Enterprise and Small Business Unit within Enterprise Ireland that will work with the Local Authorities to establish a Local Enterprise Office (LEO) in each Local Authority.
In conjunction with the dissolution of the CEB legal structure, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities will be tasked with the practicalities of setting-up and rolling-out a LEO structure. In this regard there is clearly a lot of detailed developmental work to be done over the coming months to effect these changes, and to put appropriate new structures in place. In advance of this work being done it is not possible to say with absolute certainty the exact date of official establishment of the LEO network, however the maintenance of the delivery of supports and services to the micro-enterprise sector is of paramount importance to all concerned and I would underline that it is "business as usual" for the clients of the City and County Enterprise Boards until these changes have been effected.
324 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the resources and supports which are in place to help a struggling small business (details supplied) survive; and the way businesses can access such resources. [11232/12]
The role of Dublin City Enterprise Board as one of the Network of CEBs, across the country 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 promoter may therefore in the first instance wish to contact their local Board; Dublin City Enterprise Board to discuss what options and advice may be available to them and their business. Dublin City Enterprise Board is located at the 5th Floor, O'Connell Bridge House, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2. Phone: 016351144; Fax: 016351811; Email: info@dceb.ie.
325 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will detail an assessment of adherence to Prompt Payment of Accounts Act 1997 by the bodies included in the schedule. [11280/12]
The Prompt Payment of Accounts Act 1997 requires Government Departments to report each year on details of their accounting practices. The Government is nevertheless very much aware of the cash flow difficulties currently being experienced by SMEs.
In this regard, since 2009, Central Government Departments have been improving their respective payment times and are obliged to pay their suppliers within 15 days of receipt of a valid invoice. This 15 day prompt payment rule was introduced by the Government on an administrative basis.
Departments are required to report Quarterly to my Department on their performance in meeting this target. To date, 9 sets of Quarterly returns have been published on my Department's website www.djei.ie and full details of adherence to the prompt payment rules are available online. The most recent returns, for the last quarter of 2011 will be published on the website shortly. This data shows that inter alia in value terms of 97.8% of invoices were paid within 15 days.
The 15 day prompt payment rule was extended beyond central Government Departments and rolled out to the Health Service Executive, the Local Authorities, State Agencies, and all other Public Sector Bodies, (excluding Commercial Semi-State bodies), in respect of valid invoices received, on or after, 1 July 2011.
As part of this new extended arrangement, parent Departments are required to publish on their respective websites Quarterly composite reports covering those bodies under their aegis. The individual bodies covered by this arrangement are also required to publish their own Quarterly reports on their respective websites.
These new reporting arrangements should ensure that all Ministers will be able to monitor the performance of the bodies under their aegis and will enable them to address any issues with those bodies who are not meeting these obligations.
326 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will detail the consideration given to including the National Asset Management Agency in the list of scheduled bodies under the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act. [11281/12]
The issue of late payment is covered by the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 388 of 2002).
Under these Regulations, it is an implied term of every commercial transaction that where a purchaser does not pay for goods or services by the relevant payment date, the supplier shall be entitled to interest ("late payment interest") on the amount outstanding. In the absence of any agreed payment date between the parties (i.e. specified in the contract), late payment interest falls due after 30 days has elapsed, provided the invoice is not subject to query. Interest applies until such time as payment is made by the purchaser. The current late payment interest rate from 1 January 2012 is 8% (that is based on the ECB rate of 1% plus the margin of 7%). The Regulations also provide for compensation for debt recovery costs.
The above Regulations repealed Sections 4 to 11 of the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act 1997 (No. 31 of 1997). Sections 1 to 3 and 12 to 16 of the 1997 Act remain in force.
A Ministerial Order made in 2000, under Section 3 of the 1997 Act, entitled the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act 1997 (Amendment of Schedule) Order, 2000 (S.I. No. 383 of 2000), the Schedule to the Order, includes under the definition of "purchasers":
"A Minister of the Government having charge of a Department of State, in respect of the functions for the carrying out of which that Department is responsible to the Minister (including any office or body, not otherwise specified in this Schedule, of such Department, in relation to which functions are vested in the Minister) and whether or not referred to as the Minister, the Department or that office or body".
Accordingly, the National Asset Management Agency, which was established by the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009, and which publishes an Annual Report to the Minister for Finance is already covered by the provisions of the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 388 of 2002).
328 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number and costs of advertisements placed in national newspapers for job vacancies in the civil and public service in the past 12 months; the number of new entrants recruited from the process; the number of vacancies filled from inside the civil and public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11510/12]
Recruitment to my Department is undertaken by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) through competitions advertised in the public press. Therefore, no cost has been incurred by my Department in respect of advertisements placed in national newspapers for job vacancies in the civil service in the past 12 months.
There were four new entrants recruited from competitions advertised and undertaken by PAS on behalf of my Department in the last 12 months. These recruits were appointed to the Competition Authority. Six vacancies within my Department were filled from inside the Civil and Public Service; three of these by way of promotion, two staff members were taken from the Central Applications Facility and one staff member redeployed from Ordnance Survey Ireland.
Information in respect of bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department is a day to day matter for those organisations and my Department does not have the information sought by the Deputy. I have, however, requested the relevant Agencies and bodies under the aegis of my Department to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
329 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to parliamentary Question No. 133 of 22 February 2012, if he will name the official responsible for liaising with the Irish business and innovation centres, BICs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11599/12]
The senior official within the Enterprise Development Unit of my Department who currently acts as the liaison and contact point for the Irish BICs is Ms Margaret Lawlor, who can be contacted at margaret.lawlor@djei.ie .
330 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will address concerns regarding the new copyright law and provide an update on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11603/12]
The proposed Statutory Instrument is intended to ensure the return to the legal position that was considered to pertain, in relation to injunctions against intermediaries, prior to a High Court judgment in October 2010. This judgment also stated that Ireland was not in compliance with its obligations under EU law.
Several concerns were expressed after the judgment by interested parties. Accordingly a public consultation was held on the wording of the proposed Statutory Instrument. This consultation was widely publicised at the time and more than 50 submissions were received. I am extremely grateful to those interested parties, groups and individuals who responded. Their submissions have proved very valuable in providing a comprehensive understanding of the differing views on the many issues involved. There was also liaison with the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
The submissions were carefully considered and legal opinion contained therein was referred to the Office of the Attorney General. I also met with several organisations with specific interests. The matter was debated in the Dáil on 31st January 2012. I stated then that any injunction under the proposed amendment of the Copyright Act 2000 would have to be considered in the context of the pronouncements of the Court of Justice of the European Union in judgments connected with this area.
These judgments (particularly Sabam v Scarlet and Sabam v Netlog) held that the protection of the fundamental right to intellectual property must be balanced against the protection of the fundamental rights of others who would be affected by the granting of an injunction. These rights include the right to conduct a business, to privacy, to freedom to receive and impart information. In addition, any measures proposed should not be unnecessarily complicated or costly.
Since the Lisbon Treaty, any legislation upholding EU law is bound by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
331 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views regarding Ireland’s latest ranking on the European innovation table; the actions he is taking to ensure that innovation policy is being implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9362/12]
The European Commission's Innovation Union Scoreboard, published earlier this month, shows Ireland retaining its position among those Member States with above average performance in their research and innovation systems. The scoreboard shows that Ireland has strengths in a number of areas including Human Resources, open, excellent and attractive research systems, and economic effects, which include employment in knowledge intensive activities and knowledge intensive service exports. It also identifies a number of areas where Ireland's performance is below the EU average, including R&D expenditure in the Government and Higher Education sector, venture capital investment, innovative SME collaborations and SMEs introducing product or process innovations. However, within some of the areas of relative weakness Ireland is performing above the EU average. For example, while we are below average in "innovative SMEs collaborating with others" and "public and private scientific co-publications" we are above average on "SMEs collaborating in-house".
Innovation is an integral part of overall economic policy and is central to the Government's reform agenda — this is best illustrated in the recently published Action Plan for Jobs which contains a myriad of initiatives to support broad based innovation.
The overall objective of the Action Plan for Jobs is to get the economy back on the right path to sustainable, exporting, innovative and enterprise led growth. It engages every Government Department and over 35 Agencies and Offices and will be monitored on a quarterly basis. A key objective of the Plan is to use research and innovation to build competitive advantage. A number of specific initiatives will deliver on this objective.
The majority of public research funding will be aligned with priority areas where we are most likely to get economic returns and monitoring systems will be put in place to measure the impact of funding. This initiative was approved by Cabinet last week and the Report of the Research Prioritisation Steering Group, which is informing this prioritisation process, will be published tomorrow. A key economic goal in this process will be a significantly enhanced focus on collaborative research with enterprise and on commercialisation by growing the number of researchers in enterprise and enhancing the flow of researchers between academia and enterprise.
Science Foundation Ireland operates a range of programmes designed to deliver world class research in third level institutions linked to Irish enterprises. Industry and academia collaborations have now reached 800 linkages across 500 companies. The remit of Science Foundation Ireland will be extended to include applied research, in addition to its existing remit covering oriented basic research, thereby enhancing the focus on commercialisation. SFI's funding will include support for Research Centres to enable them to build scale and world class in a sustainable way that fully underpins the development of industry in Ireland and the commercialisation of Irish research.
IDA will continue their strategy of attracting high quality FDI projects to Ireland and more firmly embed existing FDI companies with a strong emphasis on RDI — in 2011 IDA approvals for RDI stood at €700million representing an increase of 40% from 2010. The Department of Finance is also implementing, via the Finance Bill 2012, the R&D tax credit improvements announced in the budget which will help all companies and support research and innovation generally. This year, my Department will provide €140m to Enterprise Ireland (EI) to ensure the continued growth in the capacity in indigenous Irish companies to develop innovative and cutting-edge products, processes and services.
Enterprise Ireland will expand their in-company innovation capability and host a Big Ideas Showcase in 2012 to focus on securing investment and identifying business partners that will bring new technologies to the next stage of commercialisation. New Technology Centres in Cloud Computing, Learning Technologies and Financial Services will be established and preparatory work will begin on others relevant to the prioritisation exercise mentioned already. EI will also develop and pilot, in the South East, an innovation Graduates Programme managed in conjunction with the Institutes of Technology and open a call under the Innovation Voucher Scheme specifically focused on design and branding activities for SMEs, with Third Level Institutes as providers. A second call will be launched under Innovation Fund Ireland to attract significant venture capital players to Ireland.
In the area of Intellectual Property (IP) a new Protocol is being developed to manage IP arising from state funded research and a feasibility study is underway to examine what structures and policies could be developed to make Ireland a world centre for managing and trading in IP.
Public Procurement is also being used as a lever for innovation. My Department is working with Enterprise Ireland and others to develop a Procuring Innovation Initiative to increase purchasing of innovative solutions from SMEs by encouraging a more flexible approach to tendering that focuses on procuring solutions to needs rather than specific products or services.
My Department is working with the Department of Health and relevant State Agencies to develop a Health Innovation Hub to drive collaboration between the health system and enterprise leading to the development and commercialisation of new healthcare technologies. There are also a number of initiatives being taken to support innovation in sectors including the Green Economy, Agri-Food, ICT, Cloud Computing, Retail and Wholesale.
Innovation is cross-cutting and requires a broad based approach. The breadth of initiatives in the Action Plan for Jobs to support innovation is a testament to the Government's commitment to delivering innovation policy to support our economic recovery.
332 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if any State board appointees have volunteered to waive their fee or expenses; the names of such persons; the corresponding savings to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11896/12]
Of the fifteen members of the Board of Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority, IAASA, four are not entitled to Board fees by virtue of the positions they hold. These are the CEO of IAASA, the Director of Corporate Enforcement, the representative from the Revenue Commissioners and the representative from the Central Bank. Of the remaining Board Members, Mr Brendan Kennedy — Pensions Board nominee waived his entitlement to fees for 2011.
This represents a saving of €11,970 per annum.
IDA Ireland
The Chairman of the Board of IDA Ireland, Liam O'Mahony, has elected to waive his fee for membership of the Board. Also two Ordinary Members of the Board have opted to waive their fee. They are, Mr Paul Duffy, appointed to the Board on 8th February 2011, and Mr Alan Gray, who was appointed to the Board of IDA Ireland on 25th January 2012.
This represents a saving of €44,460 per annum.
Shannon Development
The Board of Shannon Development have not waived their fees/expenses, however they have all taken a voluntary reduction in their fees of 5%.
Forfás
Dr. Don Thornhill, an Ordinary Member of the Board of Forfás has elected to waive his fee.
This represents a saving of €11,970 per annum.
Expenses are a day to day matter for the Agencies. In this regard I have asked that each Agency contact the Deputy directly with the relevant information.
333 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a breakdown of costs incurred in the provision of transport to Cabinet Ministers in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11904/12]
The accompanying tables provide a breakdown of costs incurred in the provision of transport for me as Minister in 2011. Prior to the Government Decision of 15th March 2011 Cabinet Ministers had the use of State Cars, therefore all transport costs were met by the Department of Justice and Equality.
|
Purpose of Expenditure |
Amount |
|
Mileage expenses in respect of use of private car for official business |
€5,446.73 |
The current arrangement with regard to the use of my private car for official business makes provision for the employment of two civilian drivers. Details of salaries for civilian drivers for the period 1 May 2011 to 31 December 2011 and subsistence expenses in respect of the same period are set out as follows:
|
Driver |
Salary |
Subsistence |
|
Driver 1 |
€21,605.85 |
€224.86 |
|
Driver 2 |
€22,237.60 |
€398.47 |
In addition to the expenses outlined above, my Department paid €167.27 directly to a service provider in respect of tolls incurred in the course of official business.
It should be noted that based on Department of Justice, Equality and Defence estimates, the previous average costs for the provision of ministerial transport was of the order of €280,000 per annum.
336 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is carrying out a review of the domiciliary care allowance; the purpose of this review; and if the review applies to all recipients. [11442/12]
Domiciliary care allowance (DCA) has been administered by my Department since April 2009, when responsibility for the scheme transferred from the Health Service Executive.
DCA cases are routinely reviewed to ensure that the conditions for receipt of the payment continue to be met. Cases are reviewed based on either the recommendation of the medical assessor (MA) when the claim was initially processed, or on the basis of information received about a change of circumstances which could potentially affect the continued entitlement of a case already in payment.
Scheduled reviews, on the recommendation of the MA, are based on the prognosis of the child's disability and how their condition may improve over time. A review date is entered when the claim is initially awarded, as recommended by the MA.
The review interval will vary from 12 months in cases where the child's disability is likely to improve significantly in the short-term, to a 5 or 10 years review date if the child's condition is likely to remain unchanged for the foreseeable future. In circumstances where a child has a lifelong disability that is unlikely to improve by any significant degree, a "do not review again" status may be recommended and such cases are not included in the review programme.
337 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if back to school clothing allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10597/12]
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) scheme operates from the beginning of June until the end of September each year.
The person concerned was refused a BSCFA payment as her application was received in December 2011 which is after the closing date for receipt of claims. It is open to the person concerned to seek a review of this decision.
338 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of families currently in receipt of both family income supplement and carer’s allowance payments; and the savings anticipated as a result of the inclusion of carer’s payments for the purpose of calculating entitlement to FIS as introduced in the last budget. [10602/12]
There are currently 937 carer's allowance and benefit recipients whose spouse or partner is in receipt of FIS.
Budget 2012 contained a measure which provides for the assessment of carer's benefit and carer's allowance payments in determining entitlement to Family Income Supplement (FIS). This measure brings the treatment of these two payments for FIS purposes into line with the treatment of all other primary social welfare payments.
The measure will be implemented on a phased basis over three years. One third of the income from carer's allowance and carer's benefit payments will be assessed in 2012, two thirds in 2013 and the full amount in 2014.
This measure will result in estimated savings of €1 million in 2012, €3 million in 2013 and €5 in 2014.
340 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost to her Department of the senior Minister’s car in the period relating to 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011 to include mileage and car related expenses paid to the senior Minister; if she will detail the salaries paid to civilian drivers, overtime, subsistence and travel expenses paid to them and all other related information, and the information should include any payment made in 2012 related to a 2011 claim. [10645/12]
The Government decided in March 2011 to confine the use of State cars from 1 May 2011. Accordingly, I now use my own car for official business. The travel/mileage rates payable depend on the car engine size and also incorporate a number of expense elements associated with the cost of running a car. These cost elements include insurance, full membership of AA/RAC, road tax and licence. The engine size of my car is 1400cc and the rate applicable is 46.25 cent per kilometre.
The mileage costs, which I have claimed since 01 May 2011 to 31 December 2011, amount to €5,825.92.
I have two civilian drivers, both on a remuneration rate of €631.75 per week. The total salary costs involved was €34,924.70.
They may also claim travel and subsistence allowances, in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regulations for necessary absences on official duties from home and headquarters.
Total cost of travel and subsistence claimed by my drivers to 31 December 2011 is €733.25.
The total cost incurred in all of the above amounts to €41,483.87.
341 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection when the appeal against the disallowance of a lone parents allowance will be heard in respect of a person (details supplied). [10650/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 25 January 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. 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.
342 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeals process involving the SCOPE section of her Department and relating to the following companies and persons (details supplied) will conclude; and when the decision relating to that process will be made available to those who are directly involved. [10677/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of the appeal of the person concerned took place on 12 May 2011 and the Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the light of all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the hearing. The Appeals Officer is also researching certain aspects of the case and hopes to have this research completed shortly and a decision issued by the end of next month. The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer decision when the appeal has been determined.
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.
343 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 155 of 15 February 2012, if she will provide the following details, the number of community employment supervisor posts that have been held by the same individual for one year, two years, three years, four years and longer than four years, the number of CE posts that have been held by the same person for one year, two years, three years, four years and longer than five years; in relation to the funding of CE schemes in County Louth, if she will provide a breakdown on the amount of the funding is on wages and the amount that is on other costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10694/12]
Statistics for CE projects in Louth (Dundalk and Drogheda offices) as at 31/01/2012:
|
Completed Years |
Supervisors |
Participants |
|
< 1 year |
1 |
374 |
|
1 year |
3 |
295 |
|
2 years |
1 |
144 |
|
3 years |
2 |
20 |
|
4 years |
3 |
4 |
|
5 years + |
40 |
7 |
Funding of participant wages/allowances makes up 90% (approximately €13m out of €14.3m) of the community employment funding for schemes in Louth. The remaining 10% is expended on Supervision, materials and training.
344 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if she will expedite payment. [10717/12]
The entitlement to jobseeker's benefit of the person concerned is currently being reviewed and a decision will be made as soon as possible.
345 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection in the case of invalidity pension applications, the reason it can take up to a year for the files to be sent to the social welfare appeals office in the event that a refusal of benefit is appealed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10726/12]
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 and subsequent appeals are submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) without delay. Invalidity pension is a weekly payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of an illness or incapacity. To qualify, both medical and social insurance (PRSI) conditions must be satisfied.
There has been a consistent upward trend in recent years in the number of applicants for invalidity pension. There were 7,475 new claims registered in 2009, 8,774 in 2010 and 14,621 in 2011.
In order to meet the challenge of increased volumes of new claims for its schemes, the Department has embarked on a major programme of process redesign and modernisation, including the deployment of new computer systems. Processing of new invalidity pension claims on the new system commenced in December 2010 and the existing claimload was transferred to the new system in May 2011. Significant redeployment of staff resources to project work during the period and some initial technical issues with the new system resulted in unacceptable delays in relation to submission of claims to the SWAO. The technical issues have since been resolved and delays being experienced have been reduced over the past few months. Processes and procedures are continuously reviewed with the explicit objective of reducing delays. The position is being closely monitored and kept under review by my Department.
346 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection in the case of carer’s benefit and allowance applications, the reason it can take up to a year for the files to be sent to the social welfare appeals office in the event that a refusal of benefit is appealed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10727/12]
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 and subsequent appeals are submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) without delay.
There has been a high volume of applicants for carer's allowance in recent years. There were 16,574 registered in 2009, 18,212 in 2010 and 17,259 in 2011.
In order to meet the challenge of increased volumes of new claims for its schemes, the Department has embarked on a major programme of process redesign and modernisation, including the deployment of new computer systems. The first tranche of new carer's allowance claims began to be processed under the new system is August 2011. It is anticipated that the new system will introduce significant processing efficiencies and a quicker and more responsive service to the customer. Accordingly, the project is being given high priority and involves a significant level of time and commitment from the relevant staff in the Department. This has had a short-term negative impact on claim processing times and ancillary work.
The time taken in 2011 to process a carer's allowance appeal, from the date a notice of appeal is lodged to the date a submission is lodged with the SWAO, is an average of approximately 13 weeks. Processes and procedures are continuously reviewed with the explicit objective of reducing delays. The position is being closely monitored and kept under review by the Department.
Regarding carer's benefit appeals, 80% of appeals submissions are sent to SWAO within four weeks of receipt and the balance within 8 weeks. This has been consistent for the last three years.
348 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection in the case of illness benefit applications, the reason it can take up to a year for the files to be sent to the social welfare appeals office in the event that a refusal of benefit is appealed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10729/12]
In the case of an illness benefit appeal it is most unusual for it to take up to a year for the file to be sent to the social welfare appeals office. However, if the deputy is aware of a particular case, my department will have the matter investigated if the necessary details are provided. Currently, the illness benefit branch is dealing with appeal cases it received in mid January of this year.
350 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection the entitlements of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10742/12]
The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 27 July 2011. He failed on two occasions to respond to written requests for more information which was required in order for his application to be assessed. Accordingly, his claim was withdrawn on 6 February 2012 and he was notified in writing of this.
With regards to his potential social welfare entitlements, it is difficult to provide this information without full details of the person's circumstances. The person concerned may make an appointment with an information officer in his local Social Welfare Office who can outline any social welfare entitlement that he may have. Alternatively, comprehensive information on the range of schemes and supports my Department provides is available on our website www.welfare.ie.
351 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount of mileage clocked up on a monthly basis for which expenses were claimed for all Ministers attached to her Department since March 2011; the amount claimed in mileage expenses on a monthly basis for all Ministers attached to her Department since March 2011, and the full list of trips for which mileage expenses were claimed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10807/12]
The Government decided to confine the use of State cars from 1 May 2011. Accordingly the information requested by the Deputy in relation to the mileage expenses which I have claimed since then is set out in the following tabular statement. The basis on which Ministers record their mileage does not require them to list individual trips:
|
Period |
Kms |
Amount |
|
1/5/2011 — 31/7/2011 |
7,600 |
€3,251.81 |
|
1/8/2011 — 31/10/2011 |
6,324 |
€1,493.73 |
|
1/11/2011 — 31/12/2011 |
4,574 |
€1,080.38 |
|
Totals: |
18,498 |
€5,825.92 |
352 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if it is possible to employ a person registered with FÁS for a period of 12 months full time to work in a private business and have a share of their wage or salary paid by FÁS. [10825/12]
Under current regulations it is not possible to employ a person registered with FÁS for a period of 12 months full time to work in a private business and have a share of their wage or salary paid by FÁS or The Department of Social Protection.
353 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the correct level of rent support payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10831/12]
The person concerned is in receipt of her full entitlement to rent supplement based on her household circumstances.
354 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide the total amount each Government Minister, Minister of State and senior civil servant has spent on entertainment expenses since being appointed in the case of the Ministers and Ministers of State and in the calendar year of 2011 with regards to senior civil servants. [10861/12]
The total amount spent on entertainment expenses since my appointment in March 2011 to date was €1,698.
The amount incurred on entertainment expenses in the calendar year of 2011 was €1,856. These figures include all entertainment expenditure by the Department including Ministerial expenses and those of senior civil servants.
355 Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she has taken to heighten the recognition of fibromyalgia as a long-term illness to enable sufferers to claim disability. [10864/12]
Fibromyalgia is accepted as a certifiable medical condition. Eligibility to illness related benefit/allowance is determined by its severity and expected duration. The medical assessment is made in accordance with the Department's evidence based medical protocols.
357 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection if a qualified child increase is payable to any community employment participants; the conditions under which payment may be granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10890/12]
The following is an outline of the conditions under which the Qualified Child increase is payable to a participant on Community Employment following the changes announced in Budget 2012:
|
Existing Participants |
New Participants |
|
|
Jobseekers Allowance (JA) |
Qualified child increase paid where eligible, subject to household means assessment |
Qualified child increase paid where eligible, subject to household means assessment |
|
Farm Assist (FA) |
Qualified child increase paid where eligible, subject to household means assessment |
Qualified child increase paid where eligible, subject to household means assessment |
|
Jobseekers Benefit (JB) |
Qualified child increase paid where eligible at either half or full rate per JB entitlement |
Qualified child increase paid where eligible at either half or full rate per JB entitlement |
|
One Parent Family Payment (OPFP) |
No increase for a Qualified Child (IQC) on CE payment. Child payment continues on retained OPFP. |
Increase for a Qualified Child (IQC) paid on CE payment. OPFP ceases on CE commencement. |
|
Deserted Wife’s Benefit (DWB) |
No increase for a Qualified Child (IQC) on CE payment. Child payment continues on retained DWB. |
Increase for a Qualified Child (IQC) paid on CE payment. DWB ceases on CE commencement. |
|
Widow(er)s Pension (WP) |
No increase for a Qualified Child (IQC) on CE payment. Child payment continues on retained WP. |
Increase for a Qualified Child (IQC) paid on CE payment. WP ceases on CE commencement. |
|
Disability Allowance (DA) |
No increase for a Qualified Child (IQC) on CE payment. Child payment continues on retained DA. |
Increase for a Qualified Child (IQC) paid on CE payment. DA ceases on CE commencement. |
|
Blind Pension (BP) |
No increase for a Qualified Child (IQC) on CE payment. Child payment continues on retained BP. |
Increase for a Qualified Child (IQC) paid on CE payment. BP ceases on CE commencement. |
|
Illness Benefit (IB) |
No increase for a Qualified Child (IQC) on CE payment. Child payment continues on retained IB. |
Increase for a Qualified Child (IQC) paid on CE payment. IB ceases on CE commencement. |
|
Invalidity Pension (IP) |
No increase for a Qualified Child (IQC) on CE payment. Child payment continues on retained IP. |
Increase for a Qualified Child (IQC) paid on CE payment. IP ceases on CE commencement. |
Existing participants are those who were employed on CE as at Friday 13 January 2012, or on maternity leave or sick leave from their CE placement at that date.
New participants are defined as those employed on or after 16 January 2012 who have not been employed on CE within the 12 months preceding their commencement date.
358 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer’s allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied). [10897/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 24 October 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 9 January 2012 and have been assigned 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.
361 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision on an application for carer’s allowance will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10931/12]
Following a review of the continuing entitlement of the person concerned to half-rate carer's allowance in respect of two care recipients, payment of carer's allowance was stopped. Based upon all the available evidence, including a report submitted by an investigative officer of the Department, it was decided that the person is no longer providing full-time care and attention as laid down in the scheme guidelines.
On 4 January 2012, she was notified of this decision and the reasons for it. Further information was subsequently submitted by the person concerned requesting a review of the decision. The deciding officer decided that there was nothing in this information that warranted a revision of the original decision to disallow payment of half-rate carer's allowance and the decision stands. On 14 February 2012, she was notified of the outcome of the review.
362 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision on an appeal for carer’s allowance will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10932/12]
The person concerned is in receipt of half-rate carer's allowance in respect of one care recipient.
The person concerned was refused carers allowance in respect of a second care recipient on the grounds that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full-time care and attention as prescribed in regulations. He was notified of this decision and the reason for it.
He appealed this decision and submitted additional medical evidence in support of his appeal. This information has been forwarded to the Department's Medical Assessor for consideration. The result of the review is expected shortly and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
363 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision on an application for carer’s allowance will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10933/12]
I confirm that an application for carer's allowance was received from the above named.
On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of her claim, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
364 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10935/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of the appeal of the person concerned took place on 07th February 2012 and the Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the light of all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the hearing. The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer decision when the appeal has been determined.
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.
365 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10936/12]
Further to my response to Parliamentary Question Ref. No. 2253/12 on 17th January 2012, I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there is no update to the information given previously.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
366 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10937/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 23rd November 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 22 February 2012 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned 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.
367 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10938/12]
Further to my response to Parliamentary Question Ref. No. 2257/12 on 17th January 2012, I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there is no update to the information given previously.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
368 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10939/12]
An application for domiciliary care allowance was received on 5th August 2011. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who found that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on 18th October 2011 advising the customer of the decision.
An appeal has been lodged against the decision to refuse the allowance. As part of the appeal process, the application has been forwarded to another of the Department's Medical Assessors for further consideration, including a review of any new information supplied. Upon receipt of their opinion, the case will be forwarded for consideration by the Appeals Office, if necessary.
369 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10940/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 31st August 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 06th January 2012 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration on 14th February 2012.
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.
370 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10941/12]
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 on 15th March 2012. The person concerned has been notified of the arrangements for the hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
371 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10944/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of the appeal of the person concerned took place on 07th February 2012 and the Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the light of all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the hearing. The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer decision when the appeal has been determined.
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.
372 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10946/12]
I confirm that an application for carer's allowance was received from the above named.
Correspondence issued to the person in question on 15 September 2011 and a reminder issued recently, as the documentation supplied in support of the claim was not fully completed. However, no reply has been received to date.
On receipt of the fully completed documentation and completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects his claim, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
373 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10947/12]
An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received from the person concerned on 24th August 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 decision letter issued to the person concerned on 1st November 2010 refusing the allowance. She subsequently appealed this decision and was informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 22nd July 2011 that the appeal had been disallowed.
The decision/appeal process for this application is now complete. If the person concerned has additional information which was not made available to the deciding officer and appeals officer when they made their decisions, it is open to her to re-apply for the payment.
374 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10948/12]
I confirm that an application for carer's allowance was received from the above named.
On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of his claim, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
375 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10952/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 16th February 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf the Deciding Officer 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.
376 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10953/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 24th November 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. 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.
377 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10955/12]
I confirm that an application for carer's allowance was received from the above named.
On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of his claim, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
378 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10958/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 21st September 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 03rd November 2011 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration on 11th January 2012.
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.
379 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10961/12]
Further to my response to Parliamentary Questions Ref. Nos. 2234/12 and 2250/12 on 17 January 2012, I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there is no update to the information given previously.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
380 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10962/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 28th January 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. 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.
381 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [10966/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 08th September 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 10th January 2012 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration on 14th February 2012.
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.
382 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10967/12]
I confirm that an application for carer's allowance was received from the above named.
On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of his claim, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
383 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10968/12]
I confirm that an application for carer's allowance was received from the above named.
On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of his claim, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
384 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10970/12]
I confirm that an application for carer's allowance has been received from the above named.
On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all aspects of his claim, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
385 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10973/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 21st September 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 21st November 2011 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration on 11 January 2012.
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.
386 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11089/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 24 August 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 1 February 2012 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned 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.
387 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the grounds on which invalidity pension was refused in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she will review this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11094/12]
Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions.
This department received a claim for invalidity pension for the person concerned on 21 June 2011. The medical evidence provided by the claimant in support of her claim was examined by a medical assessor who was of the opinion that the person concerned does not satisfy the medical criteria. The application for invalidity pension was disallowed by a deciding officer. The person in question was notified of this decision and the reason for it on 15 July 2011.
Further medical evidence was subsequently submitted by the claimant. This additional evidence, along with the original information, was evaluated by a different medical assessor who also was of the opinion that she did not satisfy the medical criteria for invalidity pension. The deciding officer found that there were no grounds to overturn the original decision to disallow invalidity pension and the person concerned was notified of the outcome on 25 January 2012.
The person concerned has appealed the decision and her file has been forwarded to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office for determination.
388 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an application for carer’s allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will expedite a response. [11108/12]
The person concerned was refused carer's allowance on the grounds that the care recipient is not so invalided or disabled as to require full-time care and attention as laid down in legislation. On 30 November 2011 he was notified of this decision and the reasons for it. The person in question appealed the decision and submitted additional medical evidence in support of his claim. This additional medical evidence has now been reviewed by a medical assessor, however, it has been decided that a revision of the original decision is not warranted.
An appeals submission will be prepared and his file and papers will be referred to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for determination as soon as possible.
389 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an application for disability allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will expedite a response. [11109/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 06 December 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 17 January 2012 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned 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.
390 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Social Protection if the terms and conditions negotiated with FÁS for community employment supervisors will still be binding regardless of the decisions announced in the budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11111/12]
Community Employment Supervisors are employed by the Community Sponsors directly and all their terms and conditions are set out in their contract of employment with their employer. There has been no change to the CE grant allocated to fund supervisor salaries, this has remained unchanged in recent years.
391 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are any clauses under which companies using the JobBridge scheme can specify a third level qualification as a requirement for an applicant to get the internship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11117/12]
The National Internship Scheme 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 scheme is limited to individuals who are currently on the Live Register and have been in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance/Benefit or are signing on for credits for at least 3 of the last 6 months.
The eligibility to access the National Internship Scheme is based on the overall objective of labour market policy in ensuring a pathway to appropriate employment, training and education opportunities for those on the Live Register. It is important that as employment opportunities become available they are taken up by those on the Live Register. The structure for achieving this objective is through a reinvigorated National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) which currently provides the framework for engaging with the unemployed.
Given the scale of the unemployment crisis, the key objective of labour market policy and of the NEAP will be to keep those on the Live Register close to the Labour Market and prevent the drift into long-term unemployment. This will ensure that Live Register members availing of activation measures such as the National Internship Scheme will, while retaining social welfare unemployment payments and a top up allowance of €50, get an opportunity to engage in the workplace, get work experience and so be in a position to avail of employment opportunities as the economy improves.
As such any clause requiring a minimum education requirement for potential applicants would be counterproductive both to the spirit of the scheme and our ultimate goal of stimulating and encouraging the Labour Market.
The Internship Scheme is progressing extremely well. Over 4,900 internship placements have commenced since 1 July 2011. In addition, there are over 2,000 posts currently advertised on the JobBridge website.
392 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applicants for exceptional needs payments for religious ceremonies — that is, communions and confirmations — from County Donegal who were refused a payment in 2010 and 2011. [11157/12]
Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department may make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off, exceptional expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. These ENP payments are a vital component of the SWA scheme and link the income support function of the scheme with the wider welfare role of the Department's community welfare service.
There is no automatic entitlement to a payment. ENPs are payable at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
The Department does not maintain records of the number of applications received or refused for support for religious ceremonies. Records are only available for the number of payments that have been made.
393 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason certain social protection payments are no longer paid into local post offices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11288/12]
394 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection the social protection payments that are paid through the post office system and those that are not available through the post office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11289/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 393 and 394 together.
My Department is committed to providing a high quality service to our customers. In most cases, we offer a range of payment options to customers including payment at a local post office via electronic information transfer (EIT), payment through a bank, building society account or certain credit unions via electronic funds transfer (EFT) or payment by cheque.
There are some exceptions whereby for administrative or control purposes we may limit the choice of payment method. This is determined by reference to the scheme payment which the customer is in receipt of, the payment options available under that scheme and by reference to control and risk consideration. For example, Illness Benefit is not generally paid at Post Offices while on the other hand, Jobseeker's Benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance are generally paid only at Post Offices. In the case of Illness Benefit, payment is generated by a medical certificate, which may be received on any day of the week. Not having a designated payday makes EFT the preferred payment option. In the case of Jobseeker's Benefit and Jobseeker's Allowance, payment at the Post Office contributes to the Department's current approach to fraud control.
Payment can be received at Post Offices under most of the Department's schemes, including all of the schemes with large numbers of recipients. These are listed in the first of the following tables, while the payments that are not available at post Offices are listed in the second table.
|
Schemes where payment is available through at post office via EIT: |
|
State Pension Contributory/Non-Contributory |
|
State Pension (Transition) |
|
Pre-Retirement Allowance |
|
Widow/er’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory/Non-Contributory Pension |
|
Deserted Wife’s Benefit/Allowance |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
|
Guardian’s Payment Contributory/Non-Contributory |
|
Child Benefit |
|
Invalidity Pension |
|
Death Benefit Pension |
|
Disability Allowance |
|
Carer’s Benefit/Allowance |
|
Blind Pension |
|
Jobseeker’s Benefit/Allowance |
|
Back to Work Allowance/Back to Education Allowance |
|
Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme |
|
Family Income Supplement |
|
Farm Assist |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
|
Free Schemes |
|
Respite Care Grant |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
|
Schemes where payment is not available through post office via EIT: |
|
Maternity Benefit |
|
Health and Safety Benefit |
|
Adoptive Benefit — Illness Benefit* and Partial Capacity Benefit |
|
Injury Benefit |
|
Disablement Benefit |
|
Bereavement Grant and Widowed Parent Grant (one off payment) |
*There are approximately 200 long-term recipients receiving payment via EIT.
395 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding funding arrangements for Tús for the year ahead; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11290/12]
€84m has been allocated to Tús for 2012. It is anticipated that these funds which are required to meet the pay costs of participants and supervisors, provision of materials, insurance, health and safety training and related operational costs will be adequate to cover the 2012 costs and allow for the maximum utilisation of the initiative.
396 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal will be decided in respect of a person (details supplied). [11296/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 16 August 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 17 January 2012 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration on 27 January 2012.
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.
397 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal will be decided in respect of a person (details supplied). [11297/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13 October 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 05 January 2012 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration on 27 January 2012.
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.
398 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection, further to Parliamentary Question No. 120 of 16 February 2012, when a decision on an application for carer’s allowance will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [11307/12]
I confirm that the care recipient of the person in question satisfies the medical criteria for receipt of carer's allowance. In the interest of fairness and equity applications are processed, as far as possible, in order of the date in which they were received.
On completion of the necessary investigations relating to all other aspects of his case, including assessment of means, establishment of habitual residency and provision of full-time care, a decision will be made and the person concerned notified directly of the outcome.
399 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she would consider, with her EU colleagues, the design and adoption of a system whereby member states could share information on payments and claims being made by citizens in an effort to detect persons who are claiming welfare payments in more than one member state or persons who are employed in one member state while claiming in another, in an effort to tackle social welfare fraud on an EU basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11365/12]
The social security rights of people moving around the EU are governed by EU Regulations 883/2004 and 987/2009. These Regulations, which have been in existence in one form or another since 1959, are designed to co-ordinate the social security systems of the various Member States so that people and their families are not disadvantaged when they move within the EU.
There is a general duty on Member States to co-operate with one another to ensure the effective implementation of the Regulations. This entails Member States exchanging information on an on-going basis in relation to insurance records and benefits in payment so that the entitlements of migrant workers under EU regulations can be assessed. To date, this has been largely paper-based but the EU is, in cooperation with the Member States, currently developing a computerised system to support these information exchanges.
The target date for having the system fully operational in all Member States is May 2014. It is expected that the system will streamline the exchange of information thereby ensuring a more speedy payment of benefits to those in cross-border situations. The EU is also concerned with minimising the incidence of fraud and error associated with the claiming and payment of benefits across the Union and will consider the role the new electronic system can play in supporting action in this area.
Currently, there is provision in the legislation of my Department to allow an Social Welfare Inspector to investigate a claim at the request of the competent authority of another Member State or other country with which a reciprocal agreement has been made. Provision is also made for the transfer of bulk information relating to recipients of social welfare payments to the competent authority of another Member State or other country with which a reciprocal agreement has been made.
400 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection, in view of her recent successes in detecting social welfare fraud, if she will consider the introduction of a reward scheme for information leading to successful prosecutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11366/12]
My Department accepts reports of possible fraud from members of the public in relation to the operation of its schemes and uses both a dedicated phone number and a facility on the Department's website for this purpose. Members of the public are asked to provide as much detail as possible about the case they are reporting and they can do so anonymously.
In 2011, my Department dealt with 16,917 anonymous reports and in approximately 13,000 of these cases, a report of suspected fraud was sent to the relevant area for examination. In roughly 4,000 of the cases received in 2011, it was not possible to issue a report to an investigator due to (i) a lack of information supplied, (ii) a claim not being in payment or (iii) the information reported would not impact on entitlement.
Detailed statistics on the outcomes of anonymous reports are unavailable because anonymous or confidential reports of abuse are used merely to trigger or instigate investigations and are not taken into account when the review of the customer's payment is being decided. In this context the introduction of a reward scheme for information received is not being considered at present. In addition, my Department is very conscious of its obligations regarding data protection and the privacy of its customers and of persons who report allegations of abuse.
As Minister, I am very conscious of the need to protect public money and I am determined to ensure that abuse of the system is prevented and is dealt with effectively when detected.
401 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has considered introducing measures that would require airlines serving Ireland to provide details of movements of persons into and out of State to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11367/12]
The prevention of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system is an integral part of the day-to-day work of the Department. My Department has a wide ranging programme to combat social welfare fraud and abuse. The Fraud Initiative 2011-2013 sets out a range of actions to ensure an integrated approach is taken to the prevention, deterrence and detection of social welfare abuse across the Department's various schemes and services.
In this context, my Department is considering all viable measures that will enhance fraud prevention and detection. The provision of information directly from airlines is one such measure but would necessarily have to be considered in legislative context and in conjunction with those Departments and agencies with primary responsibility for air transport and immigration. The data protection implications of such a measure would also need to be fully considered.
The Department will continue to work closely with other Departments and agencies in the context of any legislative proposals necessary in this area to ensure that any measures are appropriate and proportionate.
402 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal for mortgage interest relief in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11370/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 18 January 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by our on behalf of the Deciding Officer 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.
403 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection, further to Parliamentary Question No. 135 of 16 February 2012, the grounds on which it was decided this person did not meet the conditions of being habitually resident in the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11372/12]
The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 26 July 2011. The medical evidence supplied with her claim was referred to one of the department's medical assessors who was of the opinion, based on the information supplied, that she was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The deciding officer accepted this opinion. The deciding officer further decided that the person in question does not meet the condition of being habitually resident in the State, in accordance with the guidelines. Accordingly, her claim for disability allowance has been refused and the person in question has been notified of the decision and the reasons for it.
The person concerned failed to meet the condition of being habitually resident in the state on the basis that the nature and purpose of her residence in the State at the time of her application for disability allowance did not provide for habitual residence condition approval. In addition, her main centre of interest was not established in Ireland at the time of her application for disability allowance and she was absent from the State for a lengthy period of time in 2009.
404 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Social Protection whether a person who is in receipt of one-parent family payment before taking up a place on a community employment scheme will be automatically put back on one-parent family payment following the end of their CE programme if they still qualify, or whether they will be treated as a new one-parent family applicant. [11422/12]
The community employment (CE) scheme enables lone parents to return to the workforce by offering them part-time and temporary placements in work positions based within local communities.Prior to Budget 2012, lone parents who entered CE were entitled to retain their one-parent family payment (OFP). From 16 January, 2012, new participants on CE will not be able to claim a social welfare payment at the same time. As such, from that date onwards, when a lone parent enters CE, their OFP claim will be closed. This will not affect those who are currently in receipt of the OFP and on CE. Upon completion of a CE scheme, lone parents are encouraged to seek permanent part-time and full-time work elsewhere based on the experience and new skills that they have gained from CE. However, if their circumstances remain unchanged and work is unavailable, they can apply for the OFP and, if so, their claim will be treated as a new one.
405 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Social Protection if the new partial capacity benefit scheme will allow persons covered by the scheme to apply for community employment places. [11423/12]
The Partial Capacity Benefit scheme was formally launched on Monday 13 February 2012. Full details of the scheme have been published on my Department's website and an information leaflet has also been published.
The Partial Capacity Benefit scheme provides an opportunity for people with disabilities, and assessed to have an employment capacity which is restricted when compared to the norm, to avail of employment opportunities in the open labour market while continuing to receive an income support payment.
From 16 January 2012, new participants on Community Employment schemes will not be able to simultaneously claim their original social welfare payment and a Community Employment allowance. These arrangements apply also to claimants of the Partial Capacity Benefit. Accordingly, it will not be open to claimants to retain Partial Capacity Benefit while on a Community Employment scheme.
406 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if tracking is carried out on social welfare appeals and reviews which are upheld to see whether there is a pattern; if certain deciding officers are negligent or uninformed of qualifying criteria, or if the public are failing at an early stage to submit all documents and information required. [11426/12]
Over 70 different schemes and services are administered by the Department's staff and over two million people receive a weekly payment. In addition, the Department has been faced with an unprecedented increase in the number of people accessing its services over the last couple of years.
Regarding appeals and reviews, each claim presented is examined on its own merits in relation to the pertinent facts and circumstances. Should any trend in relation to issues with decisions become apparent, however, these are examined to see whether any clarification is needed in relation to the qualifying requirements. There is regular contact between the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the Decisions Advisory Office of the Department in this regard.
Staff Development Unit, the central training unit of the Department, has developed a new Deciding Officer course for Jobseeker's Allowance and Jobseeker's Benefit which is currently being delivered to our regional local office trainer network. This structured training initiative is part of the ongoing supports for deciding officers and, in conjunction with on the job training, ensures that deciding officers have the necessary knowledge to deal with the varied and complex decisions that are presented to them, and that decisions made are consistent and of a high standard. Where a question arises as to how to proceed with a decision, the officer can consult the relevant scheme guideline, or following on from this, advice may be sought from the Scheme owners, the Regional Decision Advisor or the Decisions Advisory Office.
Application forms and explanatory leaflets are available on the Department's website and at the Department's offices and clearly set out the information required. Citizen Information centres can assist customers in completing application forms should they request this. Customers should provide all supporting documentation at the time of claim. However, should they not provide the documentation at that stage, they may provide it at a later stage and it will then be considered by the deciding officer.
The Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its clients and to ensuring continuous improvements in the standard of service it provides. In this regard, the Department receives regular feedback on services through its daily contact with clients. The Department also has a client consultation framework in place whereby it seeks participation from clients to assist in developing policies and service delivery mechanisms. This is achieved through surveys, client panels, as well as meetings with client representative groups and those engaged in welfare information services.
In launching the recent report "Person or Number?" I referred to the duty of the Department to provide a professional, inclusive and timely service. Such reports, using case studies to highlight the difficulties faced by particular clients, provide a clear indication of where customer service may not meet the standards expected and will be of use in developing our Client Action Plan and Charter for 2012-2014.
407 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to open, close or privatise social welfare offices around the State; and if she will indicate the locations where changes are planned. [11427/12]
The increase in the Live Register over the past number of years has placed additional pressures on my Department's local offices in terms of providing a satisfactory service to the public.
As a consequence of this and of the transfer of functions and staff from the HSE and from FÁS to the Department, some of the Department's buildings require refurbishment, extensions or, in some cases, replacement. The Department relies on the Office of Public Works (OPW) for the provision of new office accommodation. To this end it has requested the OPW as a matter of priority to acquire new local office accommodation in a number of locations throughout the country to enable it deliver a satisfactory service to the public. Priority locations include Loughrea, Balbriggan, Swords, Castlebar and Newbridge.
The Department has no plans to privatise offices delivering social welfare services.
408 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the length of time of each contract to provide social welfare services; the tendering process that has been engaged in; and the number of years each of the private contracted social welfare sub-offices has been in operation. [11428/12]
410 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the social welfare offices that are run by private service providers on behalf of her Department; the annual rent paid for each of the offices in question; the value of each of the contract with a private services provider; the duration of each; and the number of staff in each office. [11430/12]
411 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if a review has ever been carried out of the accuracy of assessments and decisions made by private contractors providing social welfare office services in comparison with public offices. [11431/12]
412 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if all staff in privately operated social welfare offices are required to adhere to the same requirements in terms of customer relations, data protection, co-operation with statutory bodies and advocates as the civil servants in public offices. [11432/12]
413 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if staff in privately operated social welfare offices are under the same terms and conditions as their counterparts in the public sector. [11433/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 408 and 410 to 413, inclusive, together.
It is not possible to compile all the information requested within the necessary timeframe. The information will be sent to the Deputy as soon as possible.
409 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the rent paid for each public social welfare office in the State; and the landlord’s name and the expiry date of each current lease or tenancy agreement. [11429/12]
The Office of Public Works has responsibility for the acquisition and maintenance of social welfare office accommodation for my Department. Matters of leasing, landlords, and individual rents are managed by that Office.
414 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Social Protection when she anticipates that the partial capacity benefit scheme will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11435/12]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Partial Capacity Benefit scheme was formally launched on Monday 13th February 2012. Full details of the scheme have been published on my Department's website and an information leaflet has also been published.
415 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Social Protection the average waiting time for a decision on whether to award carer’s allowance, and if this has increased in the past three years. [11438/12]
The information requested in respect of carer's allowance applications is contained in the table:
|
Year |
Average time to award |
Number awarded |
Number refused |
|
2009 |
9 weeks |
10,730 |
5,776 |
|
2010 |
8 weeks |
8,769 |
6,972 |
|
2011 (to end Sept) |
17 weeks |
5,685 |
3,921 |
The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers.
Figures for the last quarter of 2011 are unavailable as, due to the introduction of a new claims processing system in the carer's allowance area, new claims are being processed on the new system while older claims are still being processed on the old system. A total of 17,758 carer's allowance applications were registered in 2011 and 13,762 were processed in the same period. Some 7,698 applications are registered and awaiting a decision at present.
As mentioned above, a major service delivery modernisation project is under way to improve the efficiency of administration of the carer's allowance scheme. This involves the development of information technology functions and associated business process re-organisation. The first tranche of new care's allowance claims began to be processed under the new system in August 2011.
It is anticipated that the new system will introduce significant processing efficiencies and a quicker and more responsive service to the customer. Accordingly, the project is being given high priority and involves a significant level of time and commitment from the relevant staff in the Department. This has had a short-term negative impact on claim processing times which is expected to continue until the completion of the modernisation project in June of this year when all existing carer's allowance claims will be transferred onto the new processing systems. In addition, to dealing with approximately 330 new carer's allowance applications that are received each week, overtime working is being applied to help reduce backlogs that have built up. However, it is expected to be a significant number of months before the backlog is reduced to an acceptable level.
While the new systems and processes will facilitate a significant improvement in overall processing times, it should be noted the intake of carer's allowance claims remains at a high level and that individual claims may continue to take some time to process. Entitlement to carer's allowance is based on satisfying medical, means and residency conditions. In determining entitlement to the allowance, in certain cases unavoidable time lags are involved in making the necessary investigations and inquiries to enable accurate decisions to be made. Delays can also arise if those applying for the allowance are not in a position to supply all the necessary information in support of their claim.
The staff and other resources available to the Department are regularly reviewed with a view to ensuring claims are processed as quickly as possible. I acknowledge that the time taken to process carer's allowance claims is not satisfactory but I am satisfied that the Department is taking appropriate steps to resolve the situation. In the meantime, if a person's means are insufficient to meet their needs while awaiting a decision on a claim, they may apply for a means tested supplementary welfare allowance payment from their local community welfare officer.
416 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection when she expects a redundancy payment to issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11448/12]
A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned was received on 12 September 2011. Redundancy lump sum claims received in June 2011 are currently being processed.
417 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will indicate the progress of the Civil Registration Act of 2004 so as to allow families of Irish persons who die abroad register for an Irish death certificate. [11449/12]
Usually where an Irish citizen dies abroad, the death is registered by the civil authorities of the place where the death occurred, and a certified copy of the death registration is obtainable. This certificate, translated if necessary, is normally sufficient for all legal and administrative purposes here and for these reasons alone there is no necessity for the death to be registered in the State. The provisions and procedures governing the registration of deaths in Ireland are contained in Part 5 of the Civil Registration act, 2004.
Section 38 of the Act provides that in specific circumstances the death of an Irish citizen domiciled in the State may be registered here. This applies where such a death occurs in a place where there is no system of registration or where it is not possible to obtain a copy of or extract from the civil records of the death. In all other circumstances the death is registered by the civil authorities of the place where the death occurred.
Any broadening of the current provisions requires careful consideration given the number of people who live and die in other countries and who have or are entitled to have Irish citizenship. However, I would hope to be in a position to introduce legislation on this, and other aspects of civil registration, in 2012.
418 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when the date for an oral hearing is likely to be set in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in respect of their application for domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11487/12]
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 and 2011 when the intake rose to 32,432 and 31,241 respectively. 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.
419 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons on the live register for a period not exceeding two years who are between the age of 20 and 40 years old; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11495/12]
The number of persons on the live register for a period not exceeding two years and aged between twenty and forty years of age at the 31st of January 2012 was 192,905. I have set out below for your information a table detailing the breakdown of this number by age and duration.
|
Age |
Less than 3 Months |
3-6months |
6-12 months |
1-2years |
Sum: |
|
20 |
3,041 |
1,257 |
1,954 |
2,086 |
8,338 |
|
21 |
3,686 |
1,105 |
1,750 |
1,747 |
8,288 |
|
22 |
4,529 |
1,108 |
1,809 |
1,510 |
8,956 |
|
23 |
5,190 |
1,156 |
2,018 |
1,688 |
10,052 |
|
24 |
5,405 |
1,278 |
1,889 |
1,800 |
10,372 |
|
25 |
5,860 |
1,276 |
2,083 |
1,759 |
10,978 |
|
26 |
5,566 |
1,210 |
1,902 |
1,845 |
10,523 |
|
27 |
5,433 |
1,216 |
2,027 |
1,939 |
10,615 |
|
28 |
5,630 |
1,185 |
1,921 |
1,895 |
10,631 |
|
29 |
5,393 |
1,216 |
2,008 |
1,920 |
10,537 |
|
30 |
5,268 |
1,176 |
2,073 |
1,805 |
10,322 |
|
31 |
5,203 |
1,167 |
2,020 |
1,888 |
10,278 |
|
32 |
4,803 |
1,088 |
1,872 |
1,803 |
9,566 |
|
33 |
4,575 |
1,046 |
1,894 |
1,659 |
9,174 |
|
34 |
4,229 |
1,006 |
1,770 |
1,616 |
8,621 |
|
35 |
3,896 |
938 |
1,701 |
1,617 |
8,152 |
|
36 |
3,746 |
858 |
1,683 |
1,531 |
7,818 |
|
37 |
3,621 |
847 |
1,684 |
1,514 |
7,666 |
|
38 |
3,525 |
908 |
1,615 |
1,507 |
7,555 |
|
39 |
3,385 |
857 |
1,604 |
1,518 |
7,364 |
|
40 |
3,276 |
788 |
1,531 |
1,504 |
7,099 |
|
95,260 |
22,686 |
38,808 |
36,151 |
192,905 |
420 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [11499/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 18th January 2012. 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.
421 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the number and costs of advertisements placed in national newspapers for job vacancies in the Civil Service and public service in the past 12 months; the number of new entrants recruited from the process; the number of vacancies filled from inside the Civil Service and public service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11513/12]
The Department of Social Protection does not directly place advertisements in the national newspapers for job vacancies. The Public Appointments Service (PAS) is responsible for the recruitment of staff and advertising posts on behalf of the Department. In the past 12 months positions advertisements were placed by PAS to recruit 4 interns under the Job Bridge Initiative and a total of 517 temporary staff at clerical officer grade and no cost was directly incurred by the Department.
422 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection further to a previous parliamentary question the status of an appeal for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; if the appeal will be approved as a matter of urgency based on medical evidence submitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11524/12]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the carer's allowance appeal, by the person concerned, was registered in that office on 15th February 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. 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.
423 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the outcome to a claim for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [11525/12]
The person concerned was found eligible for Domiciliary Care Allowance by an Appeals Officer. She was notified on 15th December 2011 that her claim was awarded.
424 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their redundancy payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11578/12]
A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned was manually submitted on 6 January 2012. There are two categories of claims being dealt with at present, namely, claims received since the introduction of a new online system on 3 October 2011 and claims received prior to that date. For manually submitted claims received since the start of October 2011 we are currently processing claims received at the end of November/start of December 2011.
425 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason temporary staff are being taken on at a local social welfare office (details supplied) in County Kildare when there are a large amount of permanent staff on a waiting list seeking transfers there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11598/12]
426 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider the case of a Department employee living in County Kildare seeking transfer to a local office, even on a temporary basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11604/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 425 and 426 together.
As an exception to the current moratorium on recruitment across the civil and public service, the Department has received limited sanction to recruit temporary clerical officers to provide cover for staff who are absent on a temporary basis due to, for example, sick leave or maternity leave. When filling a vacancy the Department is obliged, in the first instance, to fill the post by the redeployment of staff from other departments or agencies. Where there are no staff available from the redeployment panel, the Department then seeks to fill the post by reference to the relevant transfer list. In accordance with protocols agreed centrally with unions and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the names of officers seeking to transfer to alternative locations are recorded on the relevant transfer list in strict order of date of application. The Department has no discretion to deviate from the order of the lists.
427 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if any State board appointees have volunteered to waive their fee or expenses; the names of such persons; the corresponding savings to the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11897/12]
The three statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department are the Citizens Information Board, the Pensions Board and the Social Welfare Tribunal. In addition, the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of the Department but it does not have a Board.
Citizens Information Board
Ms Sylda Langford (Chairperson) and Ms. Noeline Blackwell have volunteered to waive their fees which will represent a combined total saving for 2011 and 2012 of €20,948.
Ms Fiona Ward, the Department's representative on the board and her predecessor Mr. Daragh O'Connor are not entitled to any fees.
The following Board members did not claim any expenses in 2011:
Daragh O'Connor and Fiona Ward (Department representatives), Sylda Langford (Chairperson), Margaret Zheng, Laurie Cearr, Michael Butler, Martin Naughton, Josephine Henry, Noeline Blackwell, Michael McGuane, Sandra Ronayne and Eugene McErlean. It is not possible to calculate the saving to the State regarding unclaimed expenses.
Pensions Board
Mr. Kevin Finucane, a member of the Pensions Board, has volunteered to waive his fee resulting in a combined saving for 2011 and 2012 of €15,390.
Ms Patricia Murphy is the Department's representative on the board and she is not entitled to any fees.
Social Welfare Tribunal
No remuneration is paid to the members of the Social Welfare Tribunal. The Tribunal meets only when and where required in order to deal with claims for Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit made in the context of an industrial dispute. Members can claim fees for attending hearings or meetings and are also entitled to claim for travel and subsistence expenses, where appropriate. It has not been necessary to hold meetings or hearings for a considerable time as there have been no claims associated with industrial disputes which required the attention of the Tribunal.
Office of the Ombudsman
The Office of the Ombudsman does not have a board and therefore no expenses in relation to the board members occur.
428 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a breakdown of costs incurred in the provision of transport to Cabinet Ministers in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11906/12]
A Cabinet decision was made in March 2011 confining the use of State cars with effect from the 01 May 2011 and accordingly I now use my own car for official business. The travel/mileage allowance rates payable depend on the car engine size and also incorporate a number of expense elements associated with the cost of running a car. These cost elements include insurance, full membership of AA/RAC, road tax and licence. The engine size of my car is 1400cc and the rate applicable is 46.25 cent per kilometre. The costs which I have claimed since the 01 May 2011 to 31 Dec 2011 amount to € 5,825.92.
I have two civilian drivers, both on a remuneration rate of €631.75 per week. The total salary costs involved was €34,924.70. They may also claim travel and subsistence allowances, in accordance with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regulations, for necessary absences on official duties from home and headquarters. Total cost of travel and subsistence claimed by my drivers to 31 Dec 2011 is €733.25. The total cost incurred in all of the above amounts to €41,483.87.
429 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his policy on hare coursing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11054/12]
Hare coursing in the State is administered by the Irish Coursing Club, a body set up under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958. Statutory responsibility for the Act is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. My responsibilities under the Wildlife Acts relate to the conservation of populations of certain protected species, including hares. Where a licence to capture and tag hares under the Wildlife Acts is required, each licence application is dealt with individually, having regard to the conservation impact on the species. My Department has granted such licences to the Irish Coursing Club, on behalf of their affiliated clubs, in relation to the holding of coursing meetings during the 2011/2012 season.
430 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his policy on stag hunting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11055/12]
The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2010 made it an offence to hunt a deer with two or more dogs. This legislation had the purpose of banning stag hunting by riders and hounds. I will continue to keep all provisions of the Wildlife Acts under review and introduce improvements to the law, where appropriate. However, I have stated that one of my biggest challenges is to work towards greater common understanding of the issues we face in protecting our natural heritage. My Department has significant challenges before it to ensure that Ireland is in full compliance with EU Directives on nature conservation and that we ensure that the richness of Ireland's built and natural heritage contributes to national economic recovery. It is my view that the resources of my Department should be focused on those areas at this time.
431 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the fact that the European Commission has said that de-designation of special areas of conservation is possible though difficult, if any progress has been made on the issue of possible de-designation of certain raised bogs and the designation of other raised bogs of a comparable quality that are owned by the State or Bord na Móna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11376/12]
Article 9 of the Habitats Directive provides for de-designation of Special Areas of Conservation. According to the Directive, this is only permissible where it is warranted by natural developments noted as a result of the surveillance undertaken by the Member State. Natural developments are understood to mean situations where habitats may be damaged by erosion, landslides or other occurrences in nature. Any de-designation would require the agreement of the European Commission and be undertaken on the basis of clear scientific evidence. On foot of discussions with Commission officials, my Department's clear understanding is that the provisions of Article 9 do not apply to the situation in regard to turf-cutting on raised bog SACs in Ireland where damage has been caused by manmade drainage and extraction.
432 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on hedge cutting policy; if reform is planned in this area; if he will provide an update on current policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10594/12]
The Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2010 prohibit the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation growing on uncultivated land or in hedges or ditches during the nesting and breeding season for birds and wildlife, from 1 March to 31 August. This is subject to certain specific exceptions, one of which permits these activities during the prohibited period on grounds of public health and safety, notably where road hazards may require hedge trimming or vegetation clearance.
Hedgerows and scrub are important as wildlife habitats and they need to be managed in the interests of both farming and biodiversity. Accordingly, I included a commitment in the National Biodiversity Plan 2011-2016 to review the overall policy in this area. The commitment is to review, in co-operation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, both hedgerow and scrub regulation with a view to producing guidelines to encourage best practice for hedgerow and scrub management for wildlife.
433 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the cost to his Department of the senior Minister’s car in the period relating to 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011 to include mileage and car-related expenses paid to the senior Minister; if he will detail the salaries paid to civilian drivers, overtime, subsistence and travel expenses paid to them and all other related information, and the information should include any payment made in 2012 related to a 2011 claim. [10636/12]
The costs to my Department arising from the use of my car for official business, including drivers' salaries and expenses, in the period 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011, are set out in the table. No overtime payments were made to my drivers in respect of this period:
|
Table |
|
|
Official mileage paid in respect of Minister’s car |
€16,130 |
|
Combined salary cost of persons employed as civilian drivers |
€39,168 |
|
Subsistence expenses paid to civilian drivers |
€11,937 |
|
Total cost of service from 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011 |
€67,236 |
434 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will ensure that the extra €20,000 funding for the capture of feral mink will be used in humane capture practices and that the bounties will engage in only humane practices; if he will address the scope and strategy involved in the capturing of feral mink and the conservation of wildlife under threat of the non-indigenous feral mink population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10651/12]
A report published by my Department in 2009 estimated the population of wild mink in the State could reach a total of between 20,500 and 33,500 individuals, and identified ground-nesting birds as the species most vulnerable to mink predation. Accordingly, my Department is concentrating its resources on protecting the nesting sites of rare and threatened bird species, including red-throated diver, corncrake, grey partridge, waders and terns, from a range of predators, including mink. Experience has shown that targeted control of predators at specific times can have a significant benefit to the breeding success of these bird species.
With regard to the particular funding referred to by the Deputy, I requested, in granting the funding in question to the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC), that, as far as it is possible, special attention should be given to the counties of Donegal, Galway, Mayo and Kerry to enhance work in those areas where my Department has been concentrating its own efforts. My Department is particularly aware of the potential impacts of mink control on non-target species, especially otter, pine marten and stoat. The funding, therefore, is being provided to the NARGC with a strong reminder that these other species are protected. Accordingly, even accidental capture of such species while targeting mink would be an offence and only acceptable legal forms of live traps can be used, with snares and fentraps expressly forbidden.
435 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason landowners have to apply for a permit for cutting turf on natural heritage area Kilronan Mountain, County Roscommon, using an excavator and turf hopper. [10675/12]
The Wildlife Acts provide for the protection of natural heritage areas. If the Deputy wishes to submit details of the issue in question, I will revert to him directly.
436 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount of mileage clocked up on a monthly basis for which expenses were claimed for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011; the amount claimed in mileage expenses on a monthly basis for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011, and the full list of trips for which mileage expenses were claimed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10795/12]
Details in relation to claims for official mileage submitted by me, as Minster, and by the Minister of State at my Department since March 2011 are outlined in the Tables. It may be noted that each claim is submitted with a signed declaration of mileage undertaken in an official capacity during the period in question and is checked by a senior official before payment is authorised.
|
Period covered |
Kms |
Payment |
|
May 2011 |
6,741 |
€3,888 |
|
Jun 2011 |
7,704 |
€2,192 |
|
Jul 2011 |
9,846 |
€2,802 |
|
Aug 2011 |
7,151 |
€2,035 |
|
Sep 2011 |
8,830 |
€2,513 |
|
Oct 2011 |
7,932 |
€2,257 |
|
Nov 2011 |
7,923 |
€2,254 |
|
Dec 2011 |
7,291 |
€2,075 |
|
Jan 2012 |
6,472 |
€3,812 |
|
69,890 |
€23,828 |
|
Period covered |
Kms |
Payment |
|
30 Apr — 30 May 2011 |
5,653 |
€1,608 |
|
30 May — 30 Jun 2011 |
6,619 |
€1,883 |
|
30 Jun — 09 Aug 2011 |
7,099 |
€2,020 |
|
09 Aug — 01 Oct 2011 |
6,816 |
€1,939 |
|
01 Oct — 31 Oct 2011 |
6,450 |
€1,835 |
|
01 Nov — 15 Dec 2011 |
8,073 |
€2,297 |
|
15 Dec — 28 Jan 2012 |
5,648 |
€1,607 |
|
46,358 |
€13,189 |
It is not feasible to provide details in relation to each individual trip undertaken.
437 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the State supports and assistance that were provided to the re-opening of the Lighthouse Cinema, Dublin 7 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10841/12]
No financial supports or assistance were provided by my Department or agencies in its remit to this reopening.
438 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide the total amount each Government Minister, Minister of State and senior civil servant has spent on entertainment expenses since being appointed in the case of the Ministers and Ministers of State and in the calendar year of 2011 with regard to senior civil servants. [10849/12]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht was established on 2 June 2011 and the collation of information for the purposes of replying to the Deputy's Question related to that timeframe only. It was also assumed for the purposes of replying to the Question that senior civil servants would be defined as officers of the rank of Assistant Secretary and higher. Entertainment is not defined as including costs incurred in relation to events such as official receptions or launches. I am advised that no entertainment expenditure was incurred since 2 June 2011 by me, by Minister of State McGinley, or by the relevant senior civil servants at my Department.
439 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé i gceist ag an gComhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas treoir a thabhairt d’Fhoras na Gaeilge leanacht den infheistíocht a bhí á déanamh aige in úsáid na teicneolaíochta faisnéise i dtaca le forbairt na Gaeilge go mór mór ó thaobh luathscríbhneoireacht na teanga, sintéis na Gaeilge agus deiseanna ríomhaireachta chun litriú Gaeilge a cheartú, agus ábhar eile mar é; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [10904/12]
Aithnítear go mbaineann tábhacht nach beag le nuálaíocht i réimse na teicneolaíochta faisnéise chun an Ghaeilge a fhorbairt don aonú haois is fiche. Dá réir sin, tá dul chun cinn mór déanta ag Foras na Gaeilge sa réimse seo le blianta beaga anuas. Mar shampla, bhí ról lárnach ag Foras na Gaeilge i bhforbairt na dtionscadal seo a leanas:
Bunachar náisiúnta téarmaíochta don Ghaeilge —www.focal.ie — agus dlúthdhiosca den phríomhbhailiúchán téarmaíochta forbartha mar áis don té gan cheangal idirlín;
Sintéiseoir Gaeilge don dá mhór-chanúint, Uladh agus Connacht;
Cuimhní aistriúcháin — MemoQ — chomh maith le traenáil ina n-úsáid;
Cúrsa oiliúna ar line d'aistritheoirí atá creidiúnaithe ag Ollscoil na hÉireann Má Nuad;
Siollabas do theagasc na Gaeilge ag an tríú leibhéal —www.teagascnagaeilge.ie;
Leaganacha de Microsoft i nGaeilge — le híoslodáil saor in aisce ó shuíomh Microsoft;
Tuarthéacs; feidhmchlár thuarthéacs do ghutháin Vodafone; agus tionscadal guthán a chuireann nua-théarmaíocht i nGaeilge ar fáil —www.getthefocal.com;
Leagan leictreonach den Fhoclóir Nua Béarla/Gaeilge a bheidh ar fáil faoi dheireadh na bliana 2012.
Is féidir liom a dheimhniú go bhfaigheann an Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas tuairiscí rialta ó Fhoras na Gaeilge maidir leis an dul chun cinn atá á dhéanamh sna réimsí éagsúla atá idir lámha aige, lena n-áirítear úsáid na teicneolaíochta faisnéise i bhforbairt na Gaeilge. Leanfaidh an Chomhairle leis an tacaíocht don réimse oibre sin, de réir mar is cuí, i gcomhthéacs tosaíochtaí eile mar aon le cúrsaí buiséid.
440 D’fhiafraigh Michael P. Kitt den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén bhéim atá ar phoist a chur ar fáil sa Ghaeltacht sa “Plean Gníomhaíohcta le haghaidh Post, 2012”; cén plean straitéise atá ann don Ghaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [10923/12]
Tá sé mar aidhm ag an bPlean Gnímh le haghaidh Post 2012 , a foilsíodh i mí Feabhra 2012, tacú ar bhealach uileghabhálach le deiseanna fostaíochta a ghiniúint ar fud an Stáit. Chuige sin, cuimsíonn gníomhartha an phlean poist a sheachadadh i gach Roinn Rialtais agus os cionn 35 áisíneacht agus oifig Stáit, mo Roinnse agus Údarás na Gaeltachta san áireamh.
Sonraíonn an plean dá réir go mbeidh baint ag Údarás na Gaeltachta le gníomhartha ar leith atáábhartha dá fheidhmeanna, go háirithe i ndáil le forbairt a dhéanamh ar earnálacha nideoige, mar shampla, uisceshaothrú, próiseáil éisc, turasóireacht chultúrtha, na healaíona, na tionscail chruthaitheacha, an tionscal closamhairc agus na meáin dhigiteacha. Aithníonn an plean fosta an múnla rathúil atá forbartha ag Údarás na Gaeltachta cheana chun tacú le pobail áitiúla deiseanna fostaíochta a aimsiú, go háirithe i gcomhthéacs na n-acmhainní nádúrtha atá ar fáil dóibh.
Tá suim iomlán de €19.082m curtha ar fáil i Vóta mo Roinne d'Údarás na Gaeltachta don bhliain reatha chun cuidiú leis a chuid spriocanna a bhaint amach. Anuas air sin, tá cead ag Údarás na Gaeltachta an fáltas a fhaightear ó dhíol maoine a athinfheistiú ina chláir chaipitil. Tuigim go mbeidh fáil ag Údarás na Gaeltachta ar circa €5m eile i mbliana chun na críche sin.
D'fhógair Údarás na Gaeltachta ina ráiteas deireadh bliana ar 23 Eanáir 2012 go bhfuil sé ag súil, leis na hacmhainní atá ar fáil dó, go gceadófar tograí nua i rith na bliana a chruthóidh thart ar 700 post nua. I rith 2012, díreoidh straitéis fhiontraíochta an Údaráis ar thacaíocht a sholáthar dá chomhlachtaí reatha, infheistíocht bhreise a lorg ó chliantchuideachtaí nua agus reatha, agus tacú le fiontair a bheidh bunaithe ar acmhainní nádúrtha. Cuirfear béim ar leith ar an bhfostaíocht a cailleadh i gceantair áirithe le roinnt blianta anuas a athchur agus ar an bhfostaíocht sa Ghaeltacht a thabhairt ar ais chuig leibhéil a bhí ann roimhe seo.
441 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10927/12]
The land referred to in the Deputy's Question is situated in one of 24 raised bog special areas of conservation (SACs) affected, from the end of last year, by the cessation of turf cutting for reasons of environmental protection under the EU Habitats Directive. In April 2011, the Government announced a redress package for those affected by the cessation of turf cutting in such cases. The package offers qualifying turf cutters the option of a financial payment of €1,000 per year, index linked, over 15 years or, where feasible, relocation to non-designated bogs, where they can continue to cut turf. Those wishing to relocate can avail of the financial payment or the delivery of cut turf while relocation sites are identified and prepared. The cost of acquiring and preparing relocation sites will be met by the State.
In December 2011, my Department wrote to known owners of land and rights in the 24 SACs to inform them of the cessation of turf cutting in these sites and to invite applications for compensation. Advertisements have also been placed in local and national papers. The deadline for the receipt of applications for compensation is the end of February 2012.
442 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason current legislation only applies and is directed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service at small farmer holders rather than commercial peat operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11375/12]
Commercial peat extraction operations have been prohibited from Special Areas of Conservation and Natural Heritage Areas since 1999. In areas outside such sites, peat extraction is governed through the planning system and requirements for Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control licensing. Under the provisions of a derogation given in 1999 by the then Minister, turf-cutting by individuals for their own domestic supply was allowed to continue on raised bog SACs for a period of ten years. This period has now elapsed. No further turf-cutting can occur on these bogs without express legal consent. I have put in place a scheme to provide compensation to affected turf-cutters or to facilitate their relocation to alternative non-designated bogs where they can continue to cut turf.
443 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number and costs of advertisements placed in national newspapers for job vacancies in the civil and public service in the past 12 months; the number of new entrants recruited from the process; the number of vacancies filled from inside the civil and public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11501/12]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht was established on 2 June 2011 and the collation of information for the purposes of replying to the Deputy's Question relates to that timeframe only. I can advise the Deputy that my Department has placed no advertisements in national newspapers for job vacancies during the period in question.
In relation to the bodies funded from the Department's Vote, the details sought by the Deputy, as advised to my Department, are set out in the table. It may be noted that in the case of the North South bodies, advertisements were placed in both jurisdictions — North and South.
|
State Body |
No. of posts filled to date |
Advertising costs |
Number of Ads Placed in National Newspapers |
|
Irish Museum of Modern Art |
1 new entrant |
€11,755 |
1 |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
3 new entrants |
€28,926 |
4 |
|
The Arts Council |
1 new entrant |
€22,350 |
5 |
|
Waterways Ireland |
16 new entrants |
€5,941 |
5 |
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
3 new entrants5 from civil and public service |
€20,350 |
18 |
|
Ulster-Scots Agency |
1 new entrant |
€14,647 (£12,010)* |
4 |
*Exchange rate used €1.00 = £0.82
444 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason for delays in processing applications for the warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10739/12]
Better Energy: Warmer Homes delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to households that are vulnerable to energy poverty. The scheme is managed on behalf of my Department by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and delivered through a range of Community Based Organisations (CBOs), augmented by a panel of private contractors in order to ensure national coverage.
The SEAI are in the process of contract renewal with the network of Community Based Organisations (CBOs) with a view to concluding negotiations at the earliest possible opportunity. In addition, an Invitation to Tender was recently published by the SEAI to establish a new panel of private contractors to augment this network. The public procurement process through the Official Journal of the European Union will take a number of weeks to conclude and a panel should be in place by early in Quarter Two.
The SEAI advises that there are a total of 10,382 homes on the national waiting list as of 13 February 2012. Service delivery plans, within the available 2012 budget, are currently being finalised. Households on the waiting list on 31 December 2011 will be retrofitted according to their position on the waiting list.
2012 will mark a shift in emphasis on the Better Energy: Warmer Homes scheme to take account of the Government's Affordable Energy Strategy, which I launched last November. Heretofore, applicants were considered eligible for retrofit measures if they met defined criteria, such as eligibility for the National Fuel Scheme. All successful applicants were placed on a waiting list and addressed in rotation. The focus in 2012 will shift to addressing those households identified as being in extreme energy poverty as a priority; such households typically spend over 20% of their disposable income on energy services. This will ensure that those most in need receive the benefit of energy efficiency measures first.
445 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the positions for non-ministerial appointment membership of the board of Inland Fisheries Ireland were advertised; if so, where; and the number of persons that applied. [11279/12]
Section 12 of the Inland Fisheries Act 2010 (No 10 of 2010) provides for the appointment of three members to the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) on the nomination of the Joint Oireachtas Committee. The Committee, through the Public Appointments Service, sought expressions of interest for the three positions from individuals who had recognised expertise or a track record in one or more of the areas set out in the Act. As I had no direct involvement in that process I am not in a position to supply the information requested.
446 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps being taken, and the timescale, to roll out broadband access to a location (details supplied) in County Meath. [10599/12]
Ireland's telecommunications market has been liberalised since 1999 and thus the delivery of broadband services is a matter, in the first instance, for private sector commercial operators which are licensed and regulated by the independent regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).
The Government has undertaken a number of initiatives to bring broadband to those parts of the country where operators have been unable to offer services on a commercial basis. In the case of one such intervention, namely the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), services are available since October 2010 from the NBS service provider, 3, to persons with a fixed residence or fixed business in each of the 1,028 Electoral Divisions (ED) designated to be covered under the Scheme. The general area of Greetiagh, Bohermeen, County Meath encompasses two EDs; namely Ardbraccan ED (Ref: 167002) and Martry ED (Ref: 167060). Ardbraccan ED is in the NBS Coverage Area and Martry ED falls outside of the NBS Coverage Area.
The EU State Aid and competition rules govern how States can intervene in areas where existing service providers operate. Accordingly, the NBS is prohibited from providing a service in served areas where to do so would give rise to an unacceptable level of market distortion. The mapping exercise undertaken by my Department at the time of designing the NBS in 2008, found that broadband services were available in Martry ED and consequently the ED was excluded from the Scheme.
Should residents in the general area of Greetiagh Bohermeen, County Meath, wish to check if their premises is in in the NBS Coverage Area, they can do so by contacting 3 by telephone at 1800 944791 or by using the Coverage Check facility on 3's website at the following link: http://www.three.ie/contractstore/shop/flow/BroadbandCoverageCheck.aspx
The Rural Broadband Scheme (RBS) was launched last year in recognition of the fact that despite the widespread availability of broadband throughout Ireland, there still remained individual premises that were unable to receive broadband provision, due to technical difficulties such as line of sight issues. This Scheme, which is being rolled out this year, is aimed at making a basic broadband service available to those individual un-served premises in rural non-NBS areas who wish to avail of such services. The combination of private investment and State interventions means that Ireland will meet the EU Commission's "Digital Agenda for Europe" target of having a basic broadband service available to all areas by 2013.
The Government accepts that the widespread availability of high speed broadband is a key requirement in delivering future economic and social development. With basic broadband services now widely available across Ireland, the challenge is to accelerate the roll out of high speed services. The Next Generation Broadband Taskforce, which I convened last summer, has an important role to play in this regard. It comprises the CEOs of all of the major telecommunications companies operating in the Irish market, as well as CEOs of some other companies that provide broadband services. The Taskforce will conclude its deliberations shortly. I intend to consider the findings and recommendations of the report of the Taskforce as quickly as possible and to make a submission to Government in this regard. It is my objective to move quickly thereafter to put in place the optimal policy environment for the delivery of high speed broadband.
447 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the excessive telephone costs involved for not-for-profit community-based organisations operating helpline services to vulnerable persons on a cross-Border basis; if he and his Northern Ireland counterpart have any plans to address the expense of making calls on this basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10663/12]
The telephone costs charged to not-for-profit community-based organisations operating helpline services, including on a cross-border basis, is a commercial matter between service providers offering such services and telephony service providers.
448 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage of small and medium enterprises that have access to broadband internet. [10684/12]
Specific statistics on broadband uptake by SMEs are not currently gathered. It is known however, that as of mid-2011 for Enterprises in Ireland (with 10 or more employees), 91% had a broadband connection (source: Central Statistics Office Information Society Statistics 2011). These statistics are based on a survey of e-commerce and ICT usage by enterprises that was conducted by the Central Statistics Office in the first half of 2011.
There is a mounting body of evidence illustrating the value to enterprises in general, and SMEs in particular, of getting on-line and taking advantage of the enormous commercial potential offered by the Internet, especially in the areas of online marketing and commerce.
Part of the work currently being undertaken by the Next Generation Broadband Taskforce includes examining ways of boosting Internet usage, particularly among the segments of Irish society that have been identified as being digitally disengaged. The SME sector is seen as an important focus and I expect that there will be recommendations emanating from the Task Force Report specifically focussing on the need to address this issue. I note also that there are a number of private sector initiatives currently being rolled out to assist small businesses in availing of the opportunities that the Internet presents.
I expect that the recommendations of the Task Force and experience of existing initiatives will help to inform policy on the roll out and take-up of broadband services to the benefit of society and economy generally.
449 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of mileage clocked up on a monthly basis for which expenses were claimed for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011; the amount claimed in mileage expenses on a monthly basis for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011, and the full list of trips for which mileage expenses were claimed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10797/12]
Information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the tables below:
|
Amount € |
Mileage |
Month |
|
1,849.82 |
3,969 |
May |
|
858.36 |
3,016 |
June |
|
2,578.14 |
4,666 |
July |
|
122.95 |
432 |
August |
|
1,006.64 |
3,535 |
September |
|
814.79 |
2,860 |
October |
|
984.60 |
3,458 |
November |
|
996.64 |
3,500 |
December |
|
0 |
0 |
January 2012 |
|
0 |
0 |
February 2012 |
|
Total 9,211.94 |
Total 25,436 |
A 10% deduction is made each month for mileage not related to the Office of the Minister.
|
Amount € |
Mileage |
Month |
|
1,394.68 |
4,900 |
March |
|
2,422.46 |
4,101 |
May |
|
2,117.85 |
4,929 |
June |
|
902.25 |
3,170 |
July |
|
0 |
0 |
August |
|
1,943.89 |
6,830 |
September |
|
884.32 |
3,107 |
October |
|
1,435.45 |
5,043 |
November |
|
360.52 |
1,266 |
December |
|
2,475.62 |
4,191 |
January 2012 |
|
0 |
0 |
February 2012 |
|
Total 13,937.04 |
Total 37,537 |
A 25% deduction is made each month for mileage not related to the Office of the Minister of State. With regard to the Deputy's request for a full list of trips for which mileage expenses were claimed I wish to inform the Deputy that the basis upon which Ministers record their mileage does not require them to list individual trips.
450 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide the total amount each Minister, Minister of State and senior civil servant has spent on entertainment expenses since being appointed in the case of Ministers and Ministers of State and in the calendar year of 2011 with regards to senior civil servants. [10851/12]
The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the following table:
|
Amount |
|
|
Minister Rabbitte |
€83.35 |
|
Minister O’Dowd |
€113.63 |
|
Deputy Secretary General |
*€1,478.81 |
*The expenditure in question relates to the hosting by the Department of a working dinner on 27 September 2011 for the 12 members of the International Energy Agency country Review team visiting Ireland to undertake the five-yearly IEA Review of Ireland's Energy Policy. The dinner was also attended by the Chair and Commissioner of the Commission for Energy Regulation, the CEO of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and three Department officials (including the Deputy Secretary General).
451 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will consider subsidising the cost of enabling Eircom exchanges to provide broadband to customers in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10880/12]
Ireland's telecommunications market has been open to competition since late 1999 and has succeeded in attracting many of the major international players in addition to a high number of indigenous service providers.
There is no national direct State involvement in the Communications Market. State involvement tends to arise in the provision of services in cases of clear market failure (for example through the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) and the current Rural Broadband Scheme (RBS). Such interventions are always subject to EU State Aid rules, which require the State to demonstrate market failure and to be technology-neutral and company-neutral in procuring services.
Eircom is a private company and clearly has a major role in the broadband market. It is therefore not possible for the State to in any way subsidise investment in this (or any other company's) infrastructure without distorting competition and breaching EU competition rules.
As a consequence of continued private sector investment and the implementation of the Government's NBS and RBS, Ireland will meet the EU Commission's "Digital Agenda for Europe" target of having a basic broadband service available to all areas by 2013.
With basic broadband services now widely available across Ireland, the challenge is to accelerate the roll out of high speed services. The Next Generation Broadband Taskforce which I convened last summer has an important role to play in this regard. It comprises the CEOs of all of the major telecommunications companies operating in the Irish market, as well as CEOs of some other companies that provide broadband services. The Taskforce will conclude its deliberations shortly. I intend to consider the findings and recommendations of the report of the Taskforce as quickly as possible and to make a submission to Government in this regard. It is my objective to move quickly thereafter to put in place the optimal policy environment for the delivery of high speed broadband.
452 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for the future of the Digital Hub Development Agency, particularly in the context of the proposal contained in public service reform that the DHDA should be merged with Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland; the progress made with regard to this proposal; if his attention has been drawn to companies operating within the hub that are concerned about the uncertainty regarding its future; if he is concerned that the uncertainty might inhibit enterprises from locating in the hub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10911/12]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 491 of the 11 January last.
In that reply I indicated that discussions with relevant stakeholders, including the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA), the IDA and Enterprise Ireland would be advanced urgently in the context of the announcement on 17 November last. I also advised the Deputy that the process would also take account of a Strategic Review of the Digital Hub by my Department.
In the intervening period my officials have met a number of the relevant stakeholders and I have also met with the DHDA CEO and some of his senior management team.
This process of stakeholder engagement, which includes the DHDA management, is continuing with a view to informing decisions on the long term future of the agency.
Regarding any concerns that companies operating within the Digital Hub or any prospective companies considering locating there may have, I re-iterate my view that the Digital Hub is playing an important role in promoting employment and new opportunities in the digital media sector. The Government's recently published Action Plan for Jobs also recognises the role of the Digital Hub in sustaining new jobs and enterprise. It is my intention that any new governance model that emerges over the coming months will continue to maintain and support the valuable work of the DHDA.
453 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11046/12]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 134 of 18 January 2012.
The decision on the regulatory treatment of the gas interconnectors is statutorily a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002. I have no function in the matter. The CER, as the independent energy regulator has a remit to protect energy consumers, ensure security of supply and support competitiveness. It also has a duty to ensure that new sources of gas for the Irish market do not result in unwarranted increases in the price of gas to business and domestic consumers. I am aware that on the 17th February the CER published a Proposed Decision Paper on the issue of the regulatory treatment of the gas interconnectors. Together with all players and potential players in Ireland's gas market, Shannon LNG has a key commercial interest in the outcome of the CER's ultimate decision on this very complex regulatory question and given the complexities there are many different perspectives on this issue.
The CER has announced that it intends to hold one further Public Forum for stakeholders on the 1st March. Given the multiplicity of perspectives on the matter, I expect that all stakeholders will be attending the Forum.
In tandem, stakeholders have the additional opportunity to respond to the CER by the 16th March on the matters raised in the Proposed Decision Paper. At the end of this period, the CER will assess all comments received and publish a final decision. I understand that the CER expects a final decision to be available by the end April. The CER's decision will bring the regulatory certainty which is needed by all stakeholders in the gas market including those with investment decisions to make.
454 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there is any assistance available to help a community centre (details supplied) build a fully passive centre and to open it as a showcase for best practice in energy conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11160/12]
The Better Energy Programme administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is designed to incentivise energy efficiency upgrades in existing buildings that were constructed prior to the introduction of the current Building Regulations.
As the proposal to build a fully passive community centre at Kielduff is a new construction project, there is no grant assistance under SEAI's Programmes to incentivise energy efficient performance standards over and above those set out in the Building Regulations for new buildings.
455 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a review is under way with a view to closing rural post offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11285/12]
Matters relating to the post office network, including post office closures, are an operational matter for the management and Board of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function.
456 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the rural post offices, if any, in County Donegal that are being considered for closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11286/12]
Matters relating to the post office network, including post office closures, are an operational matter for the management and Board of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function.
457 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number and costs of advertisements placed in national newspapers for job vacancies in the civil and public service in the past 12 months; the number of new entrants recruited from the process; the number of vacancies filled from inside the civil and public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11503/12]
I can inform the Deputy that no such recruitment process took place in my Department in the past 12 months. Two Clerical Officers were appointed from the redeployment panel in March 2011.
Information in respect of bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department is a day to day matter for those organisations and my Department does not have the information sought by the Deputy. I will, however, request the relevant Agencies and bodies under the aegis of my Department to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
458 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the proposals, if any, there are to extend the natural gas network to a centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11575/12]
The development and expansion of the natural gas network is in the first instance a commercial matter for Gaslink, the subsidiary Network Company of BGE, which is mandated under Section 8 of the Gas Act 1976, as amended, to develop and maintain a system for the supply of natural gas that is both economical and efficient.
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is a statutory, independent body, has, since 2002, been charged with all aspects of the assessment and licensing of prospective operators who wish to develop and/or operate a gas distribution system within the State under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002. I have no direct statutory function in relation to the connection of towns to the gas network.
The CER, in 2006, approved a new network connections policy, which created the opportunity to reassess the feasibility of connecting certain towns to the gas network. In order for any town to be connected to the gas network, certain economic criteria need to be satisfied as a prerequisite. This policy ensures that, over a certain period, the costs of connecting the town to the network are recouped through the actual consumption of gas and the associated tariffs. Otherwise uneconomic projects will increase costs for all energy consumers. The policy allows for the appraisal of a town either on its own or as part of a regional group of towns.
Having regard to CER's current network connections policy, Bord Gáis Networks, and more recently Gaslink, carried out a comprehensive assessment of 39 towns (including Cavan) not already connected to the national gas network, with detailed economic analysis based on criteria outlined in the policy. The study was published in April 2010 following approval by the CER. The Gaslink report found that 35 towns, including Cavan, did not qualify for connection on economic grounds.
Nevertheless, Gaslink continues to review the towns which did not qualify for connection under the Study, and other towns, on an ongoing basis. I understand that following a recent assessment by the CER of a Gaslink-review of Cavan, the CER found that Cavan failed to meet the specific economic criteria to allow the town to be approved for connection to the national gas network. The key factor which would qualify a town or group of towns in any future review would be a significant increase in demand for natural gas, probably resulting from the addition of a new large industrial or commercial facility.
459 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if any State board appointees have volunteered to waive their fee or expenses; the names of such persons; the corresponding savings to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11891/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the instruction from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform that all board members should be given the option to waive the related board fee on a discretionary basis as a matter of formal protocol has been brought to the attention of all State Bodies under the aegis of my Department.
It is a matter for the individual board members concerned to determine whether or not they will waive the fee. The issue of payment of fees and expenses is an operational matter for each agency.
460 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a breakdown of costs incurred in the provision of transport to Cabinet Ministers in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11901/12]
The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the table:
|
Minister’s Mileage Costs 2011 |
Salary Cost for 2 Civilian Drivers 2011 |
Civilian Driver Expenses 2011 |
Total 2011 |
|
€9,212 |
€44,746 |
€6,280 |
€60,238 |
461 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason Bord Na Móna is exempt from all legislation in relation to turf and peat extraction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10676/12]
Under the Planning and Development Acts 2000 — 2011, all development, unless specifically exempted under the Acts or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. Article 6 and Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 set out certain classes of development which are exempt from planning permission requirements. The exemptions are circumscribed by article 9, which places a number of general qualifications on the availability of exemptions: e.g. where the development would impact on a national monument.
Article 13 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2011 amended Class 17 of Schedule 2, Part 3 of the Regulations to provide that peat extraction in a new or extended area of less than 10 hectares is exempted development for the purposes of the Planning Acts.
However, section 17(b) of the Environmental (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 amended section 4(4) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 to provide that development is not be exempted development if an environmental impact assessment or an appropriate assessment of the development is required.
The extraction of peat in the course of business which involves an area exceeding 50 hectares is an integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC) activity licensable by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Environmental Protection Agency Acts 1992 to 2011.
There is no general planning exemption for development undertaken by Bord Na Móna.
462 Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will introduce a monthly instalment payment option for motor taxation, thus that those who wish to tax their car for a year can do so by monthly instalments and can gain the benefit of the lower tax charge applied to the purchase of a full year's car tax; his views that the difference between the rate paid for car tax on a three monthly basis and on a one year basis is now much greater than in the past and that it now hits those who are on lower incomes harder than in the past; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10837/12]
There are no plans to introduce a monthly instalment payment option for motor tax.
The rates of duty currently applicable to half-year and quarterly discs are 55.5% and 28.25% of the annual rate respectively. These relativities have remained generally constant since the 1960s, although they were reduced to 55% and 27.5% respectively in the period between 1992 and 2001.
The estimated annual income from the increased charges for half-year and quarterly discs is in the region of €20m. Were changes to be introduced to charge for these discs on a pro-rata basis, the loss in income would have to be compensated for elsewhere in the motor tax system, or through the taxation system generally.
With regard to the remaining points raised in the question, I refer to the reply to Question No. 429 of 21 February 2012.
463 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he proposes to introduce the legislation which will allow for a reduction in the voting age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11651/12]
511 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on the electoral system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11084/12]
512 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on the introduction of a list system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11085/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 463, 511 and 512 together.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment that the Government will establish a Constitutional Convention with a brief to consider and report within 12 months on, among other items, review of the Dáil electoral system and reducing the voting age to 17. The Taoiseach will shortly be meeting the Opposition to consult them on the Government's proposals for the structure, operation and membership of the Convention.
464 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a vacant property in County Galway which is uninhabitable is liable for the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10601/12]
530 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if derelict properties which are exempt from the €200 charge on non-principal private residences are also exempt from the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11266/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 464 and 530 together.
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, set out the legislation underpinning the household charge and the charge on non-principal private residences respectively.
The legislation places the charges under the care and management of the local authorities, and application in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority. Interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts.
The definition of "residential property" in section 2(1) of the Acts is relevant when considering whether a property that is not used or lived in is liable to the charges.
The Acts contain a common definition of "residential property" as a " ... building that is situated in the State and that is occupied, or suitable for occupation, as a separate dwelling ... ".
There are a number of indicators as to what makes a property suitable for occupation for the purposes of determining liability to the charges. The indicators include the structure of the property, whether or not it has a roof, whether or not it is so affected by dampness as to render it unsuitable for habitation, and whether or not it has sanitary facilities, including a water closet and water supply. A property that is not suitable for occupation should not be regarded as a residential property within the meaning of the Acts.
The Acts place the onus on an owner of a residential property to assess his or her liability to the charges on the relevant liability dates and, if liable, to declare that liability and to pay the charges in respect of that property by the due dates.
465 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding a sewerage scheme (details supplied). [10612/12]
A comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure has been approved for County Limerick in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library. The total value of contracts underway and those proposed for commencement during the period of the Programme in County Limerick is some €29 million.
The Dromcollogher Sewerage Scheme comprising contracts for a wastewater treatment plant (Design Build Operate) and Network is included among the contracts to start during the period of the Programme at a total estimated cost of €5 million.
I understand that Limerick County Council will shortly be submitting a revised Preliminary Report for the Dromcollogher Sewerage Scheme to my Department. Once approved, the Council can then proceed with the preparation of contract documents for the scheme.
466 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the cost to his Department of the senior Minister's car in the period relating to 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011 to include mileage and car related expenses paid to the senior Minister; if he will detail the salaries paid to civilian drivers, overtime, subsistence and travel expenses paid to them and all other related information, and the information should include any payment made in 2012 related to a 2011 claim. [10640/12]
In line with Government policy, I do not use a state car. My Department has employed two civilian drivers since May 2011 for driving duties in my own car in line with approved arrangements. Details of the salaries and the travelling and subsistence expenses paid to the two drivers for the period since their appointment to 31 December 2011 are set out in the table. Neither driver was paid overtime last year:
|
Salary |
Travel and Subsistence |
Total in 2011 |
|
|
Driver 1 — Appointed 1.5.2011 |
22,111.60 |
3,594.88 |
25,706.48 |
|
Driver 2 — Appointed 4.5.2011 |
21,858.90 |
5,318.60 |
27,177.50 |
|
Total |
43,970.50 |
8,913.48 |
52,883.98 |
I have received a total of €4,826.26 in mileage expenses for the period May to July 2011. I have yet to claim mileage expenses for the remainder of 2011.
467 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a person (details supplied) in County Limerick is liable to pay the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10652/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the legislation, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge by 31 March 2012, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. The household charge is on a self assessment basis and interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts.
Section 3(4) of the Act provides that where a residential property is owned by two or more persons, those persons shall be jointly and severally liable to pay the household charge in respect of that property.
There are a number of exemptions and waivers from payment of the household charge under the legislation. In particular, section 4(2) of the Act provides an exemption from liability to pay the household charge for the year in which that liability date falls if, on that date, an individual who is the owner of a residential property, which was that person's main or sole residence, is not residing in that property by reason of his or her having had to vacate the property due to long term mental or physical infirmity and that person is residing in another property that he/she does not own.
Section 4(6) of the Act defines the meaning of "long term mental or physical infirmity" as that which required the person to vacate the property in which he/she had been dwelling for a continuous period of more than 12 months and provides that such an infirmity must be certified by a registered medical practitioner.
468 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will explain the €100 standard charge that a company (details supplied) is charging customers and yet not providing adequate service. [10672/12]
The charges applied by waste management companies are a matter between those companies and their customers, subject to compliance with all applicable environmental and other relevant legislation, particularly the conditions attached to each waste collector's collection permit issued by the relevant local authority under the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007, as amended. Waste collection in individual local authority areas may also be subject to local bye-laws.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce competitive tendering for household waste collection, under which service providers would bid to provide waste collection services in a given area, for a given period of time and to a guaranteed level of service.
A public consultation designed to inform the policy development process concluded in September 2011. A large number of responses were received from a broad spectrum of interests. A consensus is not apparent and, on almost all of the relevant issues, a considerable breadth of opinion was expressed. All of the responses received, in addition to a summary document, are available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie.
I expect to be in a position to submit final proposals in relation to household waste collection to Government by Easter this year. All policy proposals will be carefully considered by Government and will take account of the full range of issues and perspectives. Issues including pricing structures, value for money and service standards will be considered in this context.
469 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he intends to bring forward legislation to ensure the correct implementation of Directive 85/337/EC on environmental impact assessments; if he is confident that the deficiencies identified by the European Court of Justice when giving its judgment against Ireland in Case-50/09 in March 2011, in relation to co-ordinated decision making procedures, have been rectified by the relevant statutory authorities and that these authorities have correctly implemented the directive since the date of the court’s judgment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10691/12]
In March 2011, the Court of Justice of the European Union found against Ireland in Case C-50/09 to the effect that Ireland had:
(1) not fully transposed Article 3 of Council Directive 85/337/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, as amended (commonly known as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive);
(2) excluded demolition works from the scope of Irish legislation transposing the EIA Directive; and
(3) not fully met its decision-making obligations pursuant to the EIA Directive in relation to projects involving a dual consent, that is, both a land use consent and a pollution control consent.
In respect of (1) above, sections 53 and 54 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 directly transpose Article 3 of the EIA Directive into Irish planning legislation. Furthermore, acknowledging the wider applicability of Article 3 to other consent systems provided for in Irish law, my Department, in consultation with other Departments, is currently in the process of engaging on these other legislative consent processes outside the planning system to ensure full and correct transposition of Article 3 in those codes.
In respect of (2) above, developing on the legislative amendments contained in the Planning and Development Regulations 2008, the Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2011 provide that the category of ‘works of demolition' now requires EIA. I understand that the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is examining the scope for legislative reform as it relates to EIA in the context of its National Monuments legislation.
In respect of (3) above, my Department is currently considering possible amending legislation which would prohibit an applicant from submitting a stand-alone environmental licence application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in certain cases unless it is clearly established that mandatory or sub-threshold EIA is not required in respect of the proposed activity. Conversely, if EIA is necessary, the applicant would be required to submit either a copy of the Environmental Impact Statement which forms parts of the planning application (to be made to An Bord Pleanála) or a screening decision from An Bord Pleanála confirming that EIA is not required for the proposed licensable activity. Consideration is also being given to the inclusion of formal consultation mechanisms between the EPA and An Bord Pleanála to further underpin the integrated decision-making process between the two agencies.
In view of the foregoing actions already taken and being expedited, and acknowledging my Department's ongoing consultations with the European Commission on complex legal issues, I am confident that Ireland is addressing the findings of the court in this case in a considered and comprehensive manner, which should ensure full and correct transposition and implementation of the EIA Directive in national legislation, and secure early resolution of the case.
470 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a review has been undertaken regarding housing issues (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10698/12]
Since the Rental Accommodation Scheme began in late 2005, some 37,757 households have transferred from rent supplement into RAS or other social housing options. Of these 21,892 were housed directly under RAS.
Each local authority is responsible for the effective and efficient management of the scheme within its own area, including the management of vacancies that arise. Notwithstanding this where a vacancy does arise local authorities have three months to fill that vacancy before my Department discontinues recoupment in respect of that accommodation.
Housing authorities are very conscious of the need to attain value for money, and particularly so in the current economic climate. Value for money in relation to RAS can be viewed in a number of ways and can reflect both direct and indirect financial costs and benefits. Negotiating rent reviews and discounts along with the efficient management of RAS properties are some of the means my Department has advised authorities to utilise to attain good value and ensure the appropriate use of public funds. A value for money and policy review study of RAS is currently under way and will be finalised shortly.
471 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if approved charities are exempt from the new household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10703/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the legislation, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge by 31 March 2012, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. The household charge is on a self assessment basis and interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the courts.
Section 4 of the Act sets out the exemptions and waivers from the household charge. In particular, section 4(1)(b) provides an exemption from the household charge where the owner is—
(i) a body corporate beneficially entitled in possession, and
(ii) an approved body within the meaning of section 848A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.
472 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will affirm his commitment to working with local government and other community development and enterprise stakeholders to ensure that a recovering economy will result in an even distribution of opportunity; his views that there is a particular need to target in an integrated way urban areas which face particular problems resulting from both the economic downturn and investments in the past, problems which did not facilitate the development of sustainable communities capable of benefiting from the period of apparent prosperity or coping with the subsequent downturn; if he will agree that major regeneration programmes such as in Ballymun and Limerick assist in addressing these deficits; if accordingly he will commit to developing and implementing the Planning Aid model, as developed by the Royal Town Planning Institute, RTPI, in the UK, and by Community Technical Aid in Ireland, as an integral element of the regeneration process in these communities initially, and ultimately across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10708/12]
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to a fundamental reorganisation of local government structures with the aim of bringing about stronger, more cohesive, local government with greater capacity to address challenges, maximise efficiency and promote economic and social development. Wider policy proposals will be brought to Government in the near future for an action programme on local government, with particular attention being given to strengthening local government structures generally at regional, county and sub-county levels and expanding the role of local government. The programme will also reflect work under way in relation to alignment of local and community development with local government and local government efficiency implementation.
The community and voluntary sector has a vital role to play in partnership with local communities, State agencies and local authorities in developing sustainable communities where local enterprise initiatives can thrive and develop into the future. Initiatives generated in the community often address a variety of issues that influence job creation both directly and indirectly. Under the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP) the Government supports the participation and empowerment of local communities in tackling disadvantage. This Programme targets 80% of programme budgets towards the provision and coordination of education and employment supports to these communities, with the remainder focusing on access and uptake of services and promoting the engagement of disadvantaged communities with policy and practice. To this end some €55 million will be invested in our communities through the LCDP in 2012.
This Government remains committed to the regeneration of the estates and communities in our most disadvantaged areas. Despite the current adverse economic conditions and consequent Exchequer constraints, I am continuing to prioritise funding for regeneration within the overall social housing programme. Last year alone my Department provided €118 million for regeneration, representing 25% of the total housing capital investment programme.
As regard planning, transparency has always been an essential part of the planning system. Insofar as the planning application process is concerned there is a facility for the public/third parties to make submissions, and to appeal the decision of the planning authority to An Bord Pleanála. In relation to development by a local authority the Planning Act and Regulations similarly make provision for input from the public, whether in the case of decisions made by the elected members of the local authority, or, as is the case where the development would require assessment under the Environmental Impact Assessment or Habitats Directives, An Bord Pleanála. The forward planning process also makes provision for statutory consultation with the public in relation to the preparation of development plans and local area plans.
Also, my Department is advancing a significant programme of reform in the planning area to support proper planning and sustainable development and economic renewal. The 2002 National Spatial Strategy (NSS) is a twenty-year planning framework designed to achieve a better balance of social, economic and physical development and population growth between regions, including the urban structure of Gateway cities and towns, Hub towns and other towns and villages. A comprehensive review of implementation of the NSS was undertaken during 2010, culminating in the publication in October 2010 of the NSS Update and Outlook Report (available at environ.ie); this addresses a range of issues relevant to urban areas, including the vitality of city and town centres.
In addition, the adoption of updated Regional Planning Guidelines in 2010 for the twelve-year period to 2022, and legislative requirements under the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 to include new Core Strategies in development plans, are further implementing the NSS within the forward-planning process and ensuring an appropriate policy focus on the importance of urban areas, including city and town centres, for the long term proper planning and sustainable development of the country.
My Department published statutory Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas (Cities, Towns and Villages) in December 2008. The Guidelines are accompanied by an Urban Design manual which sets out practical examples and best practice.
Furthermore, I intend shortly to finalise draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Retail Planning on foot of the submissions received during the public consultation process. These Guidelines are aimed, inter alia, at promoting and supporting the vitality and viability of city and town centres, and also highlight the options open to planning authorities for the operations of Business Improvement Districts as provided by the Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Act 2006. I also intend to publish a consultation draft of planning guidelines on Local Area Plans later this year which will also address matters relating to the vitality of city and town centres.
I am, in addition, working in conjunction with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport on a Manual for Streets which will address design guidance and standards for streetscapes and related shared space, and will be guided by universal design and accessibility principles.
I am therefore satisfied that this policy and legislative framework, together with the suite of existing and proposed planning guidelines, will ensure effective delivery of a sustainable policy, but I will continue to keep under review the need for any further provisions in this regard.
473 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to amend the Building Control Act 2007 to give recognition to so-called grandfather architects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10724/12]
Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 sets out the detailed requirements for the registration of persons who are permitted to use the title of Architect.
Section 22 in particular provides for the registration, following a process of technical assessment, of persons who had been performing duties commensurate with those of an architect for a period of ten or more years prior to the commencement date of the Act and who are practically trained rather than being academically trained or qualified. The assessment process, as set down in considerable detail in Section 22, is based solely on the assessment of work submitted by the applicant.
I have no plans to amend the Act along the lines suggested.
474 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a person is liable to pay the household charge when part of the property is subject to commercial rates and he or she is living in another part of this property. [10740/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the legislation, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge by 31 March 2012, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. The household charge is on a self assessment basis and interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the courts.
Under the legislation, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge by 31 March 2012, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver.
Section 2 of the Act sets out the meaning of "residential property" for the purposes of the Act. In particular, section 2(2)(d) of the Act provides that a building that is wholly used as a dwelling (other than a dwelling that forms part of a mixed hereditament within the meaning of the Local Government (Financial Provisions) Act 1978), and in respect of which local authority rates are payable, is not a residential property for the purposes of the household charge.
475 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if Dublin City Council will seek payment from the 18,000 households who have yet to pay their bin collection charges in view of the fact that the majority of the 140,000 households in Dublin City have paid their charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10774/12]
Operational and other implications of the transfer of household waste collection by services Dublin City Council to a private sector waste collector are a matter for the City Council and the waste collector. Queries on the matter should, accordingly, be addressed to the City Council.
476 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the consideration that was given and the consideration being given in relation to the household charge and property tax for persons living in communities with privately maintained infrastructure, for example a gated community where a management company is responsible for maintenance of roads and other amenities. [10787/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the legislation, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge by 31 March 2012, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver.
Revenues from the household charge support the provision of local services. Internationally, local services are administered by local authorities and financed by local service charges. In Ireland, local authorities are responsible for, among other services, public parks; libraries; open spaces and leisure amenities; planning and development; fire and emergency services; maintenance and cleaning of streets and street lighting. These facilities benefit everyone.
I have recently established an inter-departmental expert group to design an equitable property tax having regard to its terms of reference. This group has been asked to report to me by end April, 2012. I will then bring proposals to Government for decisions on the structure and modalities of the property tax.
477 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of mileage clocked up on a monthly basis for which expenses were claimed for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011; the amount claimed in mileage expenses on a monthly basis for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011, and the full list of trips for which mileage expenses were claimed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10800/12]
Details of the distance travelled and related expenses paid to me and Ministers of State in my Department in the performance of our official duties since March 2011 on a monthly basis are set out in the table. I have yet to claim travel expenses for the period from August 2011 to date. Minister of State O'Dowd has not yet claimed any travel expenses from my Department:
|
Minister Phil Hogan |
Minister of State Jan O’Sullivan |
Minister of State Willie Penrose |
||||
|
Kms. |
€ |
Kms. |
€ |
Kms. |
€ |
|
|
March 2011 |
Nil |
Nil |
1,860 |
|||
|
April |
Nil |
Nil |
3,471 |
2,563.40 |
||
|
May |
3,786 |
2,236.39 |
Nil |
2,945 |
1,771.55 |
|
|
June |
3,526 |
1,814.98 |
Nil |
3,066 |
1,408.28 |
|
|
July |
2,728 |
776.42 |
Nil |
4,588 |
1,822.87 |
|
|
August |
Nil |
Nil |
389 |
|||
|
September |
Nil |
Nil |
1,843 |
|||
|
October |
Nil |
Nil |
3,742 |
2,482.07 |
||
|
November |
Nil |
Nil |
1.961 |
669.68 |
||
|
December |
Nil |
576 |
163.93 |
Nil |
||
|
January 2012 |
Nil |
792 |
467.84 |
Nil |
||
|
February |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Note: Some travel expenses payments covered more than one month.
Details of the trips to which the above travel expenses relate for each Minister are set out in the following Tables. The basis on which Ministers record their mileage does not require them to list individual trips.
|
Week ending |
Purpose of Trips |
|
01/05/11 |
Official engagements in Thurles, Ennis and Clonmel |
|
08/05/11 |
Leinster House and official functions in Clogh, Kilkenny, Carrick-on-Suir, Tullow and Bantry |
|
15/05/11 |
Official engagements in Bantry, Kinsale and Cork, Dublin, Kilkenny |
|
22/05/11 |
Leinster House and official functions in Galway City, Headford, Limerick, Athenry, Leixlip, Ballymote Co. Sligo and north west, Ballina, Carrick-on-Shannon, Sligo and Dublin |
|
27/05/11 |
Official functions in Dublin, Athy, Kilkenny, Piltown, Castlecomer, Waterford and Belview, Co. Kilkenny |
|
05/06/11 |
Leinster House and official functions in Dublin, Laois, Carlow and Kilkenny |
|
12/06/11 |
Leinster House and official functions in Curracloe, Gorey, Thomastown, Dublin and Limerick City |
|
19/06/11 |
Official functions in Galway, Kilkenny, Carrick-on-Suir, Burnchurch and Rathvilly |
|
26/06/11 |
Leinster House and official functions in Callan, Castlecomer, Portlaoise and Kilkenny |
|
03/07/11 |
Leinster House and official functions in Leighlinbridge, Carlow, Ballon, Kilkenny, Freshford, Leixlip, Dublin, Armagh, Tullow and Kilkenny |
|
10/07/11 |
Leinster House and official functions in Newmarket, Fota, Cobh, Youghal, Cork, Kilkenny |
|
17/07/11 |
Leinster House and official function in Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary |
|
24/07/11 |
Leinster House and official function in Kilkenny |
|
Week ending |
Purpose of Trips |
|
23/12/11 |
Dublin to Limerick, Limerick to Dublin |
|
08/01/12 |
Limerick to Dublin |
|
15/01/12 |
Limerick to Dublin, Leinster House and Dublin to Limerick |
|
Week Ending |
Purpose of Trips |
|
13/03/11 |
Cabinet/Dáil, Department, Custom House |
|
20/03/11 |
Department, Cabinet/Dáil/Department |
|
27/03/11 |
Department, Cabinet/Dáil/Department/Midland Regional Authority — Dublin, Tullamore |
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03/04/11 |
Department, Cabinet/Dáil/Department |
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10/04/11 |
Department, Cabinet/Dáil/Department — Dublin |
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24/04/11 |
Department/Aras and Uacthtarain, Cabinet/Dáil/Department — Dublin, Westmeath |
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17/04/11 |
Department, Cabinet/Dáil/Department. Official Opening — Dublin, Longford |
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08/05/11 |
Cabinet/Dail, Sod Turning, Address Planning Institute/Visit Refuge — Dublin, Mullingar, Galway |
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15/05/11 |
Department, Cabinet/Dáil/Department, Opening of Conference — Dublin, Castlepollard |
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22/05/11 |
Department, Cabinet/Dáil/Department, IPAV Conference — Dublin, Cavan |
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29/05/11 |
Cabinet/Dáil — Dublin |
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05/06/11 |
Meeting in Department, Cabinet/Dáil, Attend review of troops, Address CEB Event — Dublin, Athlone, Mullingar |
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12/06/11 |
Department, Cabinet/Dáil/Department — Dublin |
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19/06/11 |
Department, Cabinet/Dáil/Department — Dublin |
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26/06/11 |
Cabinet/Dail, Planning for Age Conference, Visit to Limerick Regeneration — Dublin, Santry, Limerick |
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03/07/11 |
Department/Seminar/Cabinet, Official Opening — Dublin, Kildare |
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10/07/11 |
Department, Cabinet, Visit to Regeneration Programme and Dáil — Dublin, Sligo |
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17/07/11 |
Department/Presentation of Awards, Cabinet, Dáil — Dublin |
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24/07/11 |
Department, Cabinet/Dáil, Business Event Launch, Event at King’s Inn — Dublin, Kinnegad |
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31/07/11 |
Department, Cabinet, Housing Launch — Dublin |
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28/08/11 |
Department, Visito to Industrial Plant, Presentation of Trophies — Dublin, Castlepollard, Longford, Gainstown, Tyrellspass |
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04/09/11 |
Cabinet/Department, Better Town Presentations — Dublin, Longford |
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11/09/11 |
Official Opening of housing development, Rathmines, Dublin |
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25/09/11 |
Meetings, Cabinet Dail, Ploughing Championship, LAMA Seminar — Athlone, Dublin, Kildare, Dungarvan |
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02/10/11 |
Road Opening, Cabinet/Dáil, Housing Conference — Mullingar, Dublin, Galway |
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09/10/11 |
Cabinet/Dáil, Opening of Conference/ Meeting, Strategy Launch — Dublin, Core |
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16/10/11 |
Conference, Presentation of Awards, Cabinet/Dail, Press Launch, Housing Opening, RTPI Awards — Dublin, Mullingar, Trim |
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23/10/11 |
Housing Opening, Community House launch, visit to Housing Asssociation Centre, Cabinet/Dáil, Launch at Croke Park, Conference Opening — Monard, Tipperary, Tuam Galway, Dublin Mullingar |
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06/11/11 |
Cabinet/Dáil, Meeting in Custom House, Opening Address, Presentation of Certificates — Dublin, Mullingar, Athlone |
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13/11/11 |
Cabinet/Dáil, Meeting in Custom House, Visit to Ballymun Regeneration, Presidential Inauguration Events — Dublin, Ballymun |
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20/11/11 |
Cabinet/Dáil — Dublin |
478 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will direct all local authorities to make arrangements to accept payment of the household charge and the non-principle private residence charge in cash, as legal tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10819/12]
There is a range of options available for persons to pay the household charge. An online system www.householdcharge.ie is in place in the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) to enable homeowners to pay the household charge by credit/debit card or in four instalments of €25 by direct debit. In addition, homeowners can make payment by cheque, postal order, credit/debit card or in four instalments of €25 by direct debit by completing the relevant payment details on the declaration form and posting it to Household Charge, PO Box 12168, Dublin 1. Instalment payments are available by direct debit only and persons opting to pay in this way must register their details before 1 March, 2012.
A bureau is in place in the LGMA to administer the charge on a shared service/agency basis for all local authorities. In addition, all county/city councils have been requested to have arrangements in place for persons to attend their principal offices to pay the household charge up to 31 March, 2012.
Payment of the charge on non-principal private residences may be made by credit/debit card via the online system www.nppr.ie. In addition, persons can make payment by cheque, postal order and credit/debit card by completing the relevant payment details on the declaration form and posting it to NPPR PO Box 11654, Dublin 8. Persons may also pay the charge at the office of the local authority in whose area the property concerned is situated.
I am satisfied that there are comprehensive suites of payment options available to persons to pay the charges.
479 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form the city and county managers who will have retired between March 2011 and the end of February 2012; the age of each city and council manager on retirement; and the number of added years awarded to each city and county manager as well as the amount of the special severance gratuity payment awarded. [10833/12]
Article 78 of the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998 deals with the pension entitlements of city and county managers.
My Department has examined the new pension terms for secretaries general to assess how they apply to city and county managers. The implementation of new pension terms will require legislation. The precise detail of this is currently being examined.
The information requested is outlined in the table:
|
Local Authority Manager for: |
Retirement Date |
Age at Retirement |
Added Years |
Severance Gratuity |
|
South Tipperary |
April 2011 |
65 |
NIL |
NIL |
|
Waterford County |
September 2011 |
53 |
8.3754 Years |
€66,255.50 |
|
Limerick City |
February 2012 |
58 |
8.9945 Years |
€91,222.50 |
480 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide the total amount each Government Minister, Minister of State and senior civil servant has spent on entertainment expenses since being appointed in the case of the Ministers and Ministers of State and in the calendar year of 2011 with regard to senior civil servants. [10854/12]
The total amount spent on entertainment for official business purposes by my office and the offices of the Ministers of State in my Department since the appointment of the new Government are set out in the table. The table also sets out the entertainment costs incurred by the Management Advisory Committee of my Department during 2011. A sum of €1,026.51 included in my official entertainment costs were the costs associated with the State visit of His Serene Highness Prince Albert of Monaco to Ireland in April 2011.
|
Period |
Meeting Expenses |
Official Entertainment |
|
|
Minister Phil Hogan T.D. |
March 2011 to date |
€558.31 |
€1,272.04 |
|
Minister of State Jan O’Sullivan T.D. |
Dec 2011 to date |
€35.97 |
Nil |
|
Minister of State Willie Penrose T.D. |
March 2011 to November 2011 |
€108.88 |
Nil |
|
Minister of State Fergus O Dowd T.D. |
March 2011 to date |
No costs incurred by this Department |
|
|
Secretary General |
2011 |
€1,528.66 |
Nil |
|
Assistant Secretary, Environment Division |
2011 |
€132.44 |
€58.65 |
|
Assistant Secretary, Planning and Housing Division |
2011 |
€348.13 |
Nil |
|
Assistant Secretary, Local Government Division |
2011 |
€410.05 |
Nil |
|
Assistant Secretary, Water and ICT Division |
2011 |
€101.79 |
Nil |
|
Assistant Secretary, Finance and Central Services Division |
2011 |
€29.96 |
Nil |
|
Assistant Secretary, Community Division |
2011 |
Nil |
Nil |
481 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if and under what statute or legislation was the entity household charge established in order to receive payment and collect money for the €100 household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10876/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge.
482 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if exemptions will be given in relation to the household charge to individual houses who are experiencing major structural problems with their dwellings and are currently going through the legal system at present with the developer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10882/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the legislation, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge by 31 March 2012, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver.
Interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the courts.
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides for a number of exemptions and waivers from payment of the household charge.
The exemptions from payment of the household charge are—
Residential properties that are part of the trading stock of a business and have not been sold or been the source of any income since construction,
Residential property owned by a Minister of the Government, a housing authority or the Health Service Executive,
Voluntary and co-operative housing,
Residential property subject to commercial rates and wholly used as a dwelling,
Residential property owned by certain charities or discretionary trusts, and
Residential property which an owner has vacated due to long-term mental or physical infirmity (e.g. elderly person that has moved into a nursing home).
The waivers which apply concern—
Owners of residential property entitled to mortgage interest supplement, and
Owners of houses in certain unfinished housing estates.
In relation to pyrite, the independent Pyrite Panel is due to submit it's report to me shortly. On receipt of the report I will give careful consideration to the position of home owners whose homes are affected by pyrite. The identification of dwellings affected by pyrite is quite complex and this issue will need careful consideration following receipt of the report.
483 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he intends to issue a call for proposals to avail of the 2012 capital assistance scheme; the amount of funding that will be made available through this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10898/12]
Work is currently underway on preparing the Social Housing Investment Programme for 2012, including projects funded under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS). Information submitted by local authorities is still being collated and examined. I will, in the context of an examination of existing programme commitments under the CAS, give consideration to the financial scope for a call for proposals for new CAS projects during 2012. I envisage making announcements in relation to budgets or allocations for the various housing supply programmes in early March.
484 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding a sewerage scheme for Kilconnell village, Ballinasloe, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10926/12]
The Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, provides for the development of a comprehensive range of new water services infrastructure in County Galway. The Programme includes contracts under construction and to commence to the value of some €130 million in Co. Galway during the period of the Programme. However, the Kilconnell Sewerage Scheme was not amongst the priority contracts and schemes selected for inclusion in the current Programme.
The Programme aims to prioritise projects that target environmental compliance issues and support economic and employment growth. A key input to the development of the Programme was the assessment of needs prepared by local authorities, including Galway County Council, in response to my Department's request to the authorities in 2009 to review and prioritise their proposals for new capital works in their areas. These were subsequently appraised in the Department in the context of the funds available and key criteria that complemented those used by the authorities. Inevitably, through this process, certain projects that had been proposed had to give way to others that were more strategically important at that time.
Progress under the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2012 was reviewed in mid-2011 and through this process, consideration was given to any newly emerging priority contracts and schemes submitted by local authorities for addition to the Programme. No proposal for the Kilconnell Sewerage Scheme was received from Galway County Council in response to the review.
485 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11045/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge.
There is a range of options available for persons to pay the household charge.
Online: An online system www.householdcharge.ie is in place in the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) to enable homeowners to pay the household charge by credit/debit card or in four instalments of €25 by direct debit (deadline for instalments is before 1 March 2012).
By Post: Registrations forms are available from City/County Councils, Libraries or by calling loCall 1890 357 357. Payment can be made by sending a cheque or postal order made payable to ‘Household Charge'. Send completed application form with payment to Household Charge, P.O. Box 12168, Dublin 1.
Local Authority: All county/city councils have been requested to have arrangements in place for persons to attend their principal offices to pay the household charge up to 31 March 2012.
A bureau is in place in the LGMA to administer the charge on a shared service/agency basis for all local authorities.
486 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on climate change legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11057/12]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 339 of 17 January 2012 which sets out the position in this matter.
487 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on combating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11058/12]
For the purposes of the Kyoto Protocol, Ireland is committed to limiting greenhouse gas emissions to 13% above 1990 levels over the 2008-2012 period. In accordance with the National Climate Change Strategy, that target will be met on foot of domestic mitigation action supplemented by the purchase of carbon allowances or credits under the flexible mechanisms provided for in the Protocol.
Ireland's greenhouse gas mitigation target for 2020 requires a 20% reduction on 2005 levels in the sectors of the economy not covered by the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS). This reduction must be achieved along a legally-binding trajectory, beginning in 2013 at the average emissions for 2008-2010, with annual targets up to 2020. This poses a very significant challenge and, even under the most optimistic scenario, a compliance gap will need to be bridged. This gap will be addressed through domestic policy development complemented, as necessary, by use of the flexibilities provided in Decision 406/2009/EC of 23 April 2009.
Irish installations participating in the EU-ETS will operate within an EU-wide cap which will deliver a 21% reduction on 2005 levels by 2020.
The review of national climate policy which I published in November 2011 was based on a major stock-taking exercise and is intended to provide the basis for a wide-ranging debate on future policy development. Building on that foundation, the policy agenda will be progressed in three, interconnected ways.
Firstly, the Government has decided to ask the Secretariat to the National Economic and Social Council to carry out an independent piece of analysis to inform advancement of the national mitigation agenda in line with our EU commitments and with a view to developing a longer-term plan for a low-carbon future. This work is expected to be finalised by end-2012. Secondly, a public consultation will commence shortly to ensure the widest possible range of views and ideas inform future policy. Finally, there will be continued engagement across Government via the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and the Green Economy with a view to making progress on sectoral mitigation measures.
488 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on incineration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11059/12]
489 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on the Poolbeg incinerator, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11060/12]
490 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on landfill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11061/12]
491 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on hazardous waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11062/12]
492 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on the privatisation of waste management services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11063/12]
493 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on waste management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11064/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 488 to 493, inclusive, together.
The Programme for Government commits to the development of a coherent national waste policy, adhering to the waste hierarchy, which will aim to minimise waste disposal in landfill and maximise recovery. I am prioritising this commitment, as I am anxious to provide early regulatory certainty, in the form of both policy and legislation, to ensure that the necessary actions and investments are progressed to achieve those aims. The new national waste policy will address all tiers of the waste hierarchy, including recycling, recovery and disposal, and will also address other matters, such as the roles of the public and private sectors. I expect to be in a position to submit final proposals in relation to national waste policy to Government by Easter this year.
Responsibility for hazardous waste management planning is assigned to the Environmental Protection Agency under the Waste Management Act 1996. The National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2008-2012 sets out priority actions for prevention, collection, self sufficiency and management of hazardous wastes. The Plan is scheduled to be reviewed in 2012.
As regards the Poolbeg project, in accordance with the provisions of the Waste Management Acts, the preparation and adoption of a waste management plan, including in respect of infrastructure provision, is the statutory responsibility of the local authority or authorities concerned, and under section 60(3) of the Act the Minister is precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by a local authority, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function vested in it. The Poolbeg project is being advanced by Dublin City Council, acting on behalf of the four Dublin local authorities. Questions concerning the status of the project should be directed to the City Council.
494 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on the introduction of water charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11065/12]
The Programme for Government provides for the introduction of a fair funding model to deliver clean and reliable water. The Memorandum of Understanding with the EU, the IMF and the ECB also contains commitments for the reform of water services delivery and operation and the introduction of domestic water charges.
To meet these commitments, the Government intends initiating a universal water metering programme in advance of the introduction of water charges. This will facilitate moving to a charging system for domestic water users that is based on use above a free allowance as provided for in the Programme for Government. A procurement strategy for the metering programme is currently being finalised. A public consultation on the Government's proposals for reform of water services delivery in Ireland, including metering and water charges, recently concluded and my Department is currently examining the submissions that were received.
495 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on the introduction of directly elected mayors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11066/12]
496 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on town councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11067/12]
497 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on regional authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11068/12]
498 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on local government reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11069/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 495 to 498, inclusive, together.
I refer to the replies to Questions Nos. 150 of 26 January and 144 of 9 February 2012, which set out the position in relation to local government reform and the aspects of reform raised in the questions.
499 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on funding local government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11070/12]
The Programme for Government acknowledges that having regard to the pressures on the national finances, the funding of local government and the associated locally delivered services should be put on a sound financial footing, with better alignment between the cost of providing services and the demand for those services.
It is clear that local authorities require sufficient funding to ensure that they can operate effectively and efficiently across their wide range of functions and responsibilities. Funding decisions must be balanced against the constraints imposed by the economic climate and the need at local level to balance required service provision with the impact of local rates and charges on business and enterprise.
The existing revenue base of local authorities is narrow by international standards. This was a consideration in the introduction of the €200 charge on non-principal private residences in 2009. A further broadening of the revenue base for local government is being achieved as a result of the introduction of the household charge from 2012 as required under the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland.
The Government has established an Inter-Departmental expert Group to consider the structure and modalities for an equitable valuation based property tax. This Group will complete its work and make recommendations to me by end April 2012. I will bring proposals to Government later this year for a more comprehensive and equitable valuation-based property tax to replace the household charge. The introduction of a full property tax provides the opportunity to deal conclusively with this essential element of local government reform and create a system of local government that is more efficient, responsible, accountable and self-reliant.
500 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on the local government efficiency review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11071/12]
The recommendations contained in the Report of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group provide important input to consideration of options for expenditure reduction, revenue raising, efficiency and other policy developments. I established an independently chaired Implementation Group, in April 2011, to drive forward relevant recommendations of the Report, with a focus on key recommendations that will remove costs and yield early savings. The Group has met on ten occasions since June 2011, and its overall work programme is progressing. The board policy approach to efficiency includes—
The prioritisation of those recommendations of the Local Government Efficiency Review Report that will yield the earliest and greatest financial gains;
Action planning in the local government sector in relation to prioritised recommendations;
Further measures, where necessary, to achieve implementation and/or enhance efficiency; and,
The delivery of services in the most efficient and cost effective manner.
The Group has recently completed an interim report, which I have asked it to develop further. I intend that the work of the Group will be a significant contributory element to the Local Government Reform Programme.
501 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on the introduction of a 30% gender quota for the 2014 local elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11073/12]
Part 5 of the Electoral (Amendment) Political Funding Bill 2011, published on 15 December 2011, provides that political parties will face a cut of half their State funding received under the Electoral Act 1997 if they do not have at least 30% women and 30% men candidates at the next general election. Seven years from the general election where this provision first applies, the Bill makes provision for this figure to rise to 40% in respect of each gender, commencing at the general election held next after that. The Bill is currently before the Seanad.
Payments made to qualified political parties under Part 3 of the Electoral Act 1997 are linked to performance at a General Election and these new requirements will therefore apply in respect of candidates of political parties at a General Election. There is no linkage between these payments and local elections. The measures in Part 5 of the Bill will therefore not apply in respect of the 2014 local elections. It is, however, my intention that the measures should have a knock-on effect by providing an incentive to political parties voluntarily to apply similar arrangements at local elections.
502 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on commercial rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11074/12]
503 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on setting commercial rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11075/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 502 and 503 together.
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 providing a more equitable distribution of valuations across those liable to pay rates. The Commissioner, in consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, has been reviewing various options for streamlining the valuation process and speeding up the national revaluation programme. In this regard, the Government recently approved the drafting of a Valuation Bill to amend the Valuation Act.
Commercial rates income makes a significant contribution to the current funding requirements of local authorities. Rates provide the means by which local authorities can fund the services essential to communities, and therefore business, across the full range of local activities including roads, water and waste services, fire and emergency, libraries and a range of community, amenity and social activities.
I have asked local authorities to exercise restraint in setting their Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) in the context of the adoption of their 2012 budgets. As of 23 February 2012, 64 of the 88 rating authorities have submitted their adopted Budgets to my Department. Of those, 50 maintained their ARV at 2011 levels, and 14 have reduced their ARV. I will continue to keep all matters relating to rates under consideration in my Department.
504 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on unfinished housing estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11077/12]
I am chairing the National Co-ordination Committee on Unfinished Housing Developments to oversee implementation of the Report of the Advisory Group on Unfinished Housing Developments, together with the Government's response to the recommendations. The Committee includes representatives from the Irish Banking Federation, local authorities, the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency, NAMA and the construction sector. The Committee is meeting on a regular basis with the aim of publishing a report on progress achieved within the next 12 months. In the meantime, work is ongoing on implementation of the Report of the Advisory Group and real progress is already being made with regard to the public safety works required to improve the living conditions of existing residents on some unfinished estates.
To date, my Department has made allocations totalling €2,548,305 to fifteen local authorities from the funding allocation made available to address immediate safety issues. The types of works that have been approved to date include: fencing off of unsecured and hazardous areas; capping of pipes; installation of street lighting; and other works to secure sites. Planning authorities are also making progress in securing the co-operation of developers, financial institutions, both domestic and foreign owned, and/or bond holders, thereby obviating the need to use Exchequer resources to fund such work.
505 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11078/12]
At a broad level national planning policy is underpinned by:
the strategic planning framework of the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) 2002-2020, supplemented at regional and local level by Regional Planning Guidelines and Development Plans respectively,
an extensive suite of statutory planning guidelines,
and the legislative framework of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2011 and associated regulations.
I will provide a more detailed response on any particular aspect of planning of specific interest to the Deputy.
506 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11079/12]
The Government's policy on housing, including social housing, is clearly set out in our housing policy statement published on 16 June 2011.
507 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on tackling social housing waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11080/12]
In terms of the delivery of social housing, the Government's housing policy statement, published in June 2011, clearly identifies that the priority for Government will be to meet the most acute needs of households applying for social housing support. The financial parameters within which we will have to operate in the coming years rule out a return to very large capital funded construction programmes by local authorities. Nevertheless, the Government is committed to responding more quickly and on a larger scale to social housing support needs through a variety of mechanisms, including through increased provision of social housing.
Delivery of social housing will be significantly facilitated through more flexible funding models such as the Rental Accommodation Scheme and leasing, but the Government is also committed to developing other funding mechanisms that will increase the supply of permanent new social housing. Such mechanisms will include options to purchase, build to lease and the sourcing of loan finance by approved housing bodies for construction and acquisition. There is also obvious potential, across a range of housing programmes, for the Government's objective of sourcing and providing suitable residential units for use as social housing to be aligned with the commercial objectives of the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA).
508 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on using housing developments taken over by the National Assets Management Agency for social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11081/12]
The Government's new housing policy statement, published in June 2011, serves as a framework for a sequence of legislative and policy initiatives in the short to medium term. Within this framework is recognition of the obvious potential, across a range of housing programmes, for the Government's objective of sourcing and providing suitable residential units for use as social housing to be aligned with the commercial objectives of the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA).
In that context, in December 2011 NAMA identified over 2,000 properties as being potentially available for social housing. Local Authorities and the Housing Agency are working systematically with NAMA to determine if there is a demand for properties identified as potentially suitable for social housing. Where a demand is identified, this information is provided to NAMA and efforts made to secure as many of the suitable properties as possible for social housing. The units being advanced by NAMA will be provided through the Social Housing Leasing Initiative under the standard terms and conditions that apply.
509 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on tackling homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11082/12]
The current homeless strategy, The Way Home — A Strategy to Address Adult Homelessness 2008-2013, sets out Government policy on tackling homelessness and has a number of key aims including:
preventing homelessness,
eliminating the need to sleep rough,
eliminating long-term occupation of emergency accommodation,
providing long-term accommodation solutions,
ensuring effective services,
better co-ordinated funding arrangements.
While the current Strategy is fundamentally sound, some key targets have not been achieved and the Programme for Government is committed to reviewing the current strategy and to adopting a ‘housing led' approach to homelessness. Work now underway on updating the strategy is almost complete and the review will take account of demands on existing housing, will assess how to best continue providing services, and will ensure more effective prevention strategies.
There is no single solution to increasing the level of social housing supply for the homeless, and maximising delivery will require flexible and diverse approaches. The initial emphasis will necessarily be on the Dublin region, where homeless numbers are most acute, by moving away from the current over reliance on emergency accommodation provision to a more permanent accommodation solution, to be achieved through a number of measures including:
Directly linking the provision of funding with specific targets and outcomes;
Making better use of the existing available accommodation units in the local authorities and in the voluntary sector;
Additional social housing provision through acquisitions and remedial works/upgrading of vacant local authority housing stock and a leasing programme;
Ongoing engagement with NAMA to secure properties;
Targeted use of the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS);
An enhanced role for the private rental sector;
Better co-ordination with the voluntary and cooperative housing sector; and
The establishment of Homeless Action Teams across all regions.
My Department's funding provision for the running costs of homeless accommodation and related services for 2012 is €50 million, which together with 10% provided from housing authorities' own resources, brings the total available funding to €55.55 million in 2012. This level of funding means that there will be no reduction in the provision of essential front line support services.
The National Implementation Plan for the Homeless Strategy also provides for the development of a more devolved allocation-based system for the provision of accommodation-related funding to housing authorities with emphasis on increased decision making at local level, in lieu of the existing individual project based arrangements, to improve overall efficiency, value for money and greater local decision making in homeless services.
A Protocol which sets outs arrangements and responsibilities for delegation of Section 10, Housing Act, 1988 funding between my Department and Dublin City Council in relation to the provision of ongoing revenue funding for homeless accommodation and related service costs has already being put in place in the Dublin region beginning 1 January 2012. This will be extended nationally to the other regions beginning quarters April 2012 and July 2012.
510 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on regeneration schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11083/12]
This Government remains fully committed to the regeneration of the estates and communities in our most disadvantaged areas. Despite the current adverse economic conditions and consequent Exchequer constraints, we continue to prioritise funding for regeneration within the overall social housing programme. Last year alone my Department provided €118 million for regeneration, representing 25% of the overall housing capital investment programme.
My Department currently supports an ambitious programme of regeneration projects which seek to address the causes of disadvantage through a holistic programme of physical, social and economic regeneration. The national regeneration programme includes a wide variety of projects ranging from large-scale urban regeneration projects such as those in Ballymun and Limerick City, to smaller estate-wide regeneration projects in Dublin city and in a number of regional towns around the country. There is a requirement for regeneration projects to deliver more than just an improvement in the housing standards of an area, by taking a broader approach to addressing the socioeconomic and infrastructural deficits that contribute to the social exclusion of the community. On that basis, the regeneration projects supported by my Department take a broad focus beyond the regeneration of the physical environment, to also deliver social and economic regeneration in these areas.
This year, the total funding available for the housing capital investment programme will be over €390 million. I envisage making announcements in relation to budgets or allocations for the various housing programmes, including the regeneration programme, in early March.
513 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on appointments to State boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11086/12]
All appointments to boards of State bodies under the aegis of my Department are made in accordance with the appropriate legislation governing appointments to each body. In considering applications due regard is had to Government policy regarding gender balance on State Boards.
A number of different statutory processes are involved in appointments to State boards. In some cases statutory selection procedures must be followed or nominations must be sought from independent nominating panels before appointments are made by the Government or by me as Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. In a number of situations, only some appointments to the body concerned are made by me, or appointments are made with the consent of my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The Boards of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and An Bord Pleanála are executive in nature and members are employed on a full time salaried basis. The appointments as Chairperson of An Bord Pleanála and Director General of the EPA were made after competitions held by the Public Appointments Service.
The Board Members of the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency (HSCA) have been re-appointed on an interim basis pending enactment of legislation in respect of the HSCA.
A notice was placed on my Department's website on 19 July, 2011 seeking expressions of interest, from suitably qualified and experienced persons, for consideration as members or chairpersons of the boards of State bodies under the aegis of my Department. The notice is updated as specific vacancies arise.
Vacancies on the boards of other bodies under the Department's aegis will be notified on the website as they arise. However, expressions of interest can be made at any time and will be kept on file in my Department for consideration as vacancies occur.
514 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons that were notified about payment of the NPPR charge in 2011; of those persons notified, the number that paid; the number that did not pay; the number that have paid including a penalty for late payment; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some persons are concerned about not having received any notification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11115/12]
The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, broadened the revenue base of local authorities through the introduction of the charge on non-principal private residences (NPPR). The charge is set at €200 and is being levied and collected by local authorities. The Act places the onus on an owner of a residential property which is situated in the State to assess his or her liability for the charge in the first instance.
There is no obligation on local authorities to issue notifications or invoices regarding the charge. Nationwide advertising took place in both 2009 and 2010, and again in 2011, to ensure general awareness of the charge and the liability dates. In tandem, local authorities have undertaken their own advertising campaigns locally. Communications have also been issued by local authorities and the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) to persons who paid the charge in respect of previous years reminding them of their possible liability for the charge.
The LGMA which is operating the NPPR on-line payment service issued 169,036 communications to NPPR owners from 19-26 April 2011 relating to 323,031 NPPR properties potentially liable for the 2011 charge.
From 26 April, 2011 to date, the NPPR payment was made in respect of 296,255 properties of which 29,374 also paid a late payment fee.
26,776 of those who paid in 2010 did not pay again in 2011. There are a number of valid reasons as to why a person who paid an NPPR charge in 2010 did not pay again in 2011, including where, by reason of transfer or sale, the property concerned is no longer a property that is liable to the charge under the legislation.
Significant efforts are being made to ensure that property owners are aware of the charge and the liability dates. However, the charge is based on self-assessment principles and it is a matter for persons with a liability to pay the charge by the due date to avoid late payment fees.
515 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it has been confirmed to him by Dublin City Council that DCC has no money to develop lands it owns at a location (details supplied) and other locations in the North Fringe, Dublin 13; if there is therefore any scope for DCC to act as lead public developer itself or perhaps with a PPP to deliver Clare Hall Town Square and other much needed infrastructure in North Fringe; the way he believes he might assist DCC to act as lead public developer of civic and commercial centres in the North Fringe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11119/12]
518 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will now urgently bring forward an SDZ for the North and South Fringe of DCC and Fingal County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11122/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 515 and 518 together.
My Department has not received communication of the nature referred to in the Question from Dublin City Council. It is a matter for individual local authorities to advance relevant development proposals for their areas as appropriate.
Specific responsibility for the planning and delivery of the North and South Fringe development rests, respectively, with Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council. Dublin City Council adopted its Dublin City Development Plan 2011-2017 and Fingal County Council adopted its Fingal Development Plan 2011-2017 both of which set out statutory objectives for the development of the North and South Fringe, respectively.
Furthermore, the North Fringe Framework Development Plan, which was prepared by Dublin City Council in 2000, sets out the objectives for the area, the site context and the urban design framework. I understand that it also continues to inform development management and planning guidance in the North Fringe area. A North Fringe Cross-Authority Forum established in 2004 continues to monitor progress in the implementation of the North Fringe Framework Development. Meetings continue to be held on a cross-authority basis at which a wide range of issues relating to the planning and delivery of the North Fringe development are discussed and actions taken.
One of the main benefits of designation of an area as a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) is the co-ordinated planning and development of undeveloped sites on the basis of a planning scheme made by the local authority, with a good degree of certainty on the exact type and nature of development that will take place.
On the basis of the good ongoing cooperation within the statutory framework of the existing development plans I do not believe that an SDZ would be the appropriate vehicle to deliver on areas such as the North and South Fringe. The adopted development plans are in place to guide considerable development and continue to be the basis against which planning permissions and ancillary development are considered.
516 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will ensure that a site resolution plan is urgently prepared by Fingal County Council for the site east of an estate (details supplied) in the North Fringe, Dublin 13 in view of its unsightly abandoned and unfinished nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11120/12]
517 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is considering if a site resolution plan should be prepared by Dublin City Council for Priory Hall, Dublin 13 in view of the current state of this estate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11121/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 516 and 517 together.
The formulation of Site Resolution Plans (SRP) is a key tool in resolving issues in unfinished developments. Such plans enable developers to work with local authorities, financial institutions, NAMA and residents in determining how best to pursue resolution of problematic sites. The process also entails working with stakeholders in identifying the best long-term solution for developments in terms of their configuration, use of vacant buildings and ownership in a way that is in the best interests of residents.
As part of the work of the National Coordination Committee on Unfinished Housing Developments my Department has initiated a pilot project for the resolution of sites using the site resolution plan process. As part of the process my Department has issued a working template in order to establish best practice in this area. I intend that the process which is pivotal to the resolution of problem sites, will be used more extensively in the coming year. Ultimately however, the initiation of the SRP process in respect of a particular development is a matter for the local authority concerned.
519 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a charge for water usage will be applied to listed buildings; if discussions will take place within the property tax review group to exclude the property tax from listed buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11134/12]
There are no plans to exempt listed buildings from water charges.
I have recently established an inter-Departmental expert Group to design an equitable property tax having regard to its terms of reference. This Group has been asked to report to me by end April, 2012. I will then bring proposals to Government for decisions on the structure and modalities of the property tax.
520 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the issue of the alignment of local development companies and local authorities; his plans for this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11141/12]
I established a high level Steering Group in September 2011 to deliver on the Programme for Government commitment to review local governance structures with a view to improving the delivery of services to the citizen. The Group was tasked with examining the scope for enhancing the alignment of local government and local development functions and programmes and advising me on options for a more integrated delivery of local and community development services.
I believe there are significant opportunities for a more joined-up approach by local government and local development; an approach that harnesses the strengths and experiences of both sectors and facilitates the best possible outcomes for communities, especially at a time when resources are scarce and there is an increasing demand for services.
The Steering Group presented its Interim Report to me in December 2011. It outlined some preliminary conclusions vis-à-vis the existing arrangements and the respective roles of local authorities and local and community development. The Report can be viewed on my Department's website (www.environ.ie).
I expect to receive the Steering Group's Final Report shortly, and I will consider the Group's recommendations carefully in determining how best to ensure that we pursue the most effective and efficient service design and delivery model for communities.
521 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the case of people (details supplied) in County Donegal whose application for a council mortgage was rejected on the grounds that neither applicant had been in employment for the required two years; and if he will address this refusal in view of the fact that the family have a proven track record of timely payment of their current rent which is higher than the proposed mortgage repayment. [11150/12]
Provisions governing mortgage lending by local authorities are set out under the Housing (Local Authority Loans) Regulations 2009 and associated credit policy. In assessing loan applications, local authorities take account of the household's ability to finance the loan based on their net household income. While, as a general rule, the credit policy provides that loans are not available to those in receipt of unemployment or social welfare benefits, an exception may be made where there is a primary income of a permanent waged/salaried nature, and where the secondary income is from the Department of Social Protection. In such cases, long-term social welfare payments can be considered, provided the long-term nature of the payment is confirmed. The final decision on whether to grant or refuse an applicant lies solely with the relevant local authority. All local authorities must satisfy themselves on the financial risk they are undertaking.
The relevance of the difference between projected mortgage repayments and current rental payments for a prospective purchaser is limited. It takes no account, for example, of the fact that while rent levels can be adjusted to reflect changing household income, mortgage repayments cannot. It does not take account of the additional costs taken on when a household becomes a homeowner thereby assuming responsibility for the ongoing maintenance of their home. While it is the case that the rate of refusal of applications for loan finance has increased, it is also clear that the loans issued since the introduction of the revised credit policy are more likely to be fully performing. I am happy that the current mortgage loan model is fair and adequately meets the needs of prospective borrowers and facilitates participation in housing acquisition initiatives such as the tenant purchase schemes.
522 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of Dublin Fire Brigade personnel that will be retiring at the end of February 2012; and the remaining number of staff members. [11253/12]
523 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the minimum staffing levels for the Dublin Fire Brigade. [11254/12]
524 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of money spent on the most recent recruitment drive process for the Dublin Fire Brigade panel. [11255/12]
525 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of money currently being spent on overtime within the Dublin Fire Brigade. [11256/12]
526 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to ensure that the Dublin Fire Brigade panel is reinstated; and when vacancies arise the replacement staff are found from this panel. [11257/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 522 to 526, inclusive, together.
The recruitment moratorium in the Public Service, which was introduced by the Government in March 2009 as an emergency measure in response to the financial crisis facing the State, remains in place. Under the terms of the moratorium, no public service post, however arising, may be filled. When vacancies arise, public bodies must reallocate or reorganise work or staff accordingly. My Department has delegated sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for implementation of the moratorium across all local authorities. This is on the condition that the overall staffing levels in the local government sector are reduced in line with the employment control framework. Under the terms of the moratorium, all staffing requests must be agreed with my Department, which works closely with local authorities to ensure critical posts are filled while overall numbers are reduced. All staffing sanction requests are examined on a case by case basis having due regard to the continued delivery of key services and the need for further reduction in overall staffing levels and expenditure in the local authority.
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each County and City Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements, including recruitment and day to day operational measures, necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. In this regard, it is a matter for County and City managers, in the first instance, to ensure the reduction in staff numbers is managed so the appropriate service level is maintained. The cost of operational overtime for Dublin Fire Brigade in 2011 was €3.09 million, which equates to 4.93% of payroll. This is expected to reduce to €1.5 million per annum following the implementation of Croke Park proposals. I understand that 15 Dublin Fire Brigade operational employees are expected to retire between January and February 2012. The number employed at the end of February will be 861. The number of fire fighters employed by Dublin City Council at the end of December 2011 was 876 whole-time equivalent full-time fire fighters and 26 retained fire fighters. This compares to the June 2008 figure of 825 whole-time equivalent full-time fire fighters and 54 retained fire fighters. I also understand that the position in relation to staffing in Dublin Fire Brigade is kept under constant review by Dublin City Council management. The panel which was in place since 2007 expired in December 2011 and no further appointments will be made from this panel.
527 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding he allocated for the regeneration of an estate (details supplied) in County Sligo, in 2011; the amount spent by Sligo Borough Council on the regeneration programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11263/12]
The initial capital allocation to Sligo Borough Council in respect of the regeneration project for 2011 was €2 million. The allocation was increased to reflect the level of activity on the project and a total of €2,234,530 was recouped to the Council.
528 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government out of the €30 million allocated to local authorities for retrofitting local authority homes to improve insulation, the amount of this that has been allocated to Fingal County Council; the amount of this allocation that has been spent by the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11264/12]
529 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government out of the €30 million allocated to local authorities for retrofitting local authority homes to improve insulation, the amount of same that has been allocated to the county council of south Tipperary; the amount of this allocation that has been spent by the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11265/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 528 and 529 together.
Under my Department's Social Housing Investment Programme, local authorities are allocated capital funding each year in respect of a range of measures to improve the standard and overall quality of their social housing stock. The programme includes a retrofitting measure aimed at improving the energy efficiency of older apartments and houses by reducing heat loss through the fabric of the building and the installation of high-efficiency condensing boilers. I envisage making announcements in relation to budgets or allocations for the various housing programmes, including the retrofitting programme, in early March. Under the 2011 programme, an allocation of €925,000 was made available to Fingal County Council in respect of the energy efficiency and retrofitting measure. Over the course of 2011, a total of €926,716 was recouped to the council by my Department. Under the same programme, an allocation of €1,420,000 was made available to Tipperary South Riding County Council in respect of the energy efficiency and retrofitting measure. Over the course of 2011, a total of €1,089,481 was recouped by my Department on foot of payment claims received from the Council.
531 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Question No. 482 of 21 February 2012, and the response given, clearly the estate in question was omitted in error as when the council made amendments in April 2011 the estate was still under the control of a company (details supplied) and the estate would have fallen under both categories three and four. [11287/12]
The primary responsibility for the categorisation of unfinished housing developments rests with the relevant local authority. The National Housing Development Survey 2011 was compiled and published by my Department in October 2011 based on data, including categorisation of unfinished housing developments in their areas, submitted by local authorities in respect of their functional areas.
532 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it is legally permissible for management companies to clamp residents’ cars for non-payment of management fees; if so, the detail of the legal framework within which such action can take place; the safeguards in place to ensure management companies and or residents committees are not abusing powers granted to them under law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11346/12]
My Department has no function in relation to the operation of property management companies. The Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011, which falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, regulates the management and operation of such companies.
533 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline the motor tax concession available to disabled drivers and the medical evidence required to secure this concession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11373/12]
There is a facility in place for exemption of motor tax in respect of disabled persons. This exemption applies to a disabled driver/passenger where the applicant concerned has been admitted to the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Tax Relief Scheme. The scheme is operated by the Revenue Commissioners and, as such, the terms of the scheme are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance. However, I understand that details are available on the website of the Revenue Commissioners —www.revenue.ie.
534 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the planning regulations that govern the rights of retention of buildings that have been illegally erected; if a seven-year rule applies in regard to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11389/12]
Under the Planning and Development Acts 2000 — 2010, all development, unless specifically exempted under the Acts or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. Any development that is carried out without planning permission, or that does not comply with the terms of a planning permission, is unauthorised development, and may be subject to enforcement action by a planning authority.
Planning authorities have substantial enforcement powers and duties under the Planning Acts. A planning authority must issue a warning letter in relation to written complaints regarding unauthorised development, or other unauthorised development it becomes aware of (except in the case of trivial or minor development). There is also a statutory obligation to carry out an investigation and expeditiously decide whether an enforcement notice should be issued or a court order should be sought, under section 160 of the 2000 Act. Where a planning authority establishes, following an investigation, that unauthorised development (other than development that is of a trivial or minor nature) has been or is being carried out, and the person who has carried out the development has not proceeded to remedy the position, then the planning authority must issue an enforcement notice or seek a court order, unless there are compelling reasons for not doing so. There is however generally a 7 year limitation period on the taking of enforcement action: such action may not be taken, in the case of a development with no permission, after 7 years from the commencement of the development, and in the case of a development which was granted permission after seven years beginning on the expiration of the duration of the permission.
An application for retention permission is required to be assessed by a planning authority in the same way as any other application, that is, the planning authority is required to consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the development plan, any submissions or observations received, and relevant Ministerial or Government policies, including any guidelines issued by my Department.
The facility to apply for retention permission was curtailed in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 which provided that a planning authority may not accept an application for retention permission in respect of a development which would have required that one or more of the following was carried out:
an environmental impact assessment;
a determination as to whether an environmental impact assessment was required; or
an appropriate assessment.
The above provision was commenced on 23 March 2011. Section 57 of the 2010 Act makes provision to allow developments which would have required an environmental impact assessment or an appropriate assessment to be the subject of applications for substitute consent, but only in very limited circumstances e.g. the development had a permission which was found defective by a court or An Bord Pleanála consider that there are exceptional circumstances which warrant the granting of leave to apply for substitute consent.
535 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide funding to Kerry County Council to allow Killarney library, which requires significant investment to be upgraded and to allow for the toilets to be made accessible for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11437/12]
Day to day operations, including staffing levels and opening hours, in the public library service are a matter for each local authority in its capacity as a library authority under Section 78 of the Local Government Act 2001. My Department provides funding towards the capital costs of approved new libraries, the refurbishment of existing libraries, and mobile libraries and delivery vans. In this regard, in 2008 my Department requested Library Authorities to provide details of priorities for library development within their area.
In its response, Kerry County Council placed Killarney branch library as its third ranked priority.
My Department has not received an application for funding in relation to the refurbishment of Killarney library and the 2012 allocation is fully committed.
536 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the role of the environmental awareness teams in county and city councils; if the national and regional network of local agenda 21 officers is still in existence; if so, the role it now plays; the amount that was allocated to each local authority by year since the introduction of the local agenda fund in 1997; the income source of this fund; if there has been any evaluation of the fund and the outcomes of the projects funded under its auspices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11490/12]
The Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund, which has been in operation since 1997, promotes sustainable development by assisting small scale, non-profit environmental projects at local level. The scheme attracts significant interest throughout the country; a total of 515 projects were funded by the scheme in 2011. Funds provided by my Department are matched by the relevant local authority and it is also recommended that this combined funding be supplemented, where possible, by other funding sources, such as private sector funding, to maximise the potential of partnership arrangements.
Each local authority is responsible for its own staffing arrangements and my Department does not maintain a list of local authority staff that have been nominated as Local Agenda 21 (LA21) Officers or Environmental Awareness Officers (EAOs). In some local authorities the role of LA21 Officer may be assigned to a staff member who is also assigned the role of EAO.
The EAOs in local authorities actively promote positive action to protect our environment and work closely with schools, community groups and members of the public. My Department facilitates periodic meetings of a network of EAOs, including some LA21 officers, for the purpose of sharing of information and best practice in environmental matters. Guest speakers are invited to address the meetings on a variety of topical environmental issues. The network also communicates regularly via email.
The amounts allocated to each local authority for the years 2002 to 2011 are set out in the table below. The information sought prior to 2002 is not readily available and compilation of this information would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work. The LA21 scheme has been funded from the Environment Fund since 2003; prior to that it was funded through the Department's Vote allocation.
The operation of the scheme is kept under constant review; each year the outcome of individual projects is monitored through completion reports which must be submitted for all projects funded under the scheme. A wide variety of projects are funded under the scheme and it provides support for local, environmentally beneficial projects, which might otherwise be difficult for the community to undertake. A breakdown of the project types funded in 2011 is as follows:
|
No. of Projects |
|
|
Training, Education and Awareness Raising: |
221 |
|
Gardens and Allotments for Schools and Communities |
135 |
|
Development of Community Areas/Wildlife and Bio-Diversity |
98 |
|
Reduce Repair Reuse Recycle |
20 |
|
Composting/Rainwater Harvesting |
27 |
|
Audits, Surveys and Action Plans |
9 |
|
Others |
5 |
|
Total |
515 |
|
Local Authority |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Carlow Co.Co |
9,300 |
7,650 |
8,221 |
5,033 |
5,033 |
5,961 |
6,964 |
7,240 |
6,937 |
8,500 |
|
Cavan Co.Co. |
1,500 |
1,350 |
2,200 |
3,957 |
5,210 |
4,500 |
5,777 |
6,905 |
6,050 |
1,500 |
|
Clare Co.Co. |
7,460 |
7,400 |
7,971 |
6,942 |
6,942 |
7,292 |
6,842 |
9,168 |
8,718 |
8,500 |
|
Cork City Council |
5,940 |
9,133 |
12,515 |
7,601 |
7,602 |
8,640 |
10,651 |
10,096 |
10,096 |
11,000 |
|
Cork Co.Co. |
17,800 |
17,800 |
18,371 |
15,373 |
14,323 |
18,095 |
20,750 |
20,005 |
16,075 |
30,000 |
|
Donegal Co.Co. |
8,500 |
10,000 |
nil |
8,085 |
5,008 |
8,236 |
9,956 |
10,048 |
10,159 |
12,500 |
|
Dublin City Council |
19,300 |
18,160 |
21,320 |
15,442 |
16,976 |
18,571 |
18,346 |
20,571 |
18,514 |
30,000 |
|
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Co.Co. |
14,136 |
11,000 |
15,070 |
8,714 |
8,714 |
8,481 |
13,518 |
13,227 |
11,956 |
16,148 |
|
Fingal Co.Co. |
10,200 |
11,492 |
11,932 |
11,096 |
10,046 |
13,818 |
13,568 |
13,985 |
13,723 |
16,000 |
|
Galway City Council |
7,650 |
7,650 |
11,749 |
5,900 |
5,694 |
7,291 |
8,709 |
3,800 |
7,283 |
nil |
|
Galway Co.Co. |
10,200 |
9,500 |
8,078 |
8,274 |
8,274 |
9,053 |
12,203 |
11,800 |
9,410 |
13,600 |
|
Kerry Co.Co. |
11,450 |
11,450 |
12,021 |
7,917 |
7,917 |
9,847 |
8,827 |
10,971 |
10,874 |
12,000 |
|
Kildare Co.Co, |
7,650 |
7,646 |
8,754 |
9,015 |
8,579 |
10,828 |
12,356 |
10,000 |
11,651 |
14,997 |
|
Kilkenny Co. Co. |
6,350 |
6,350 |
3,775 |
6,177 |
6,177 |
6,380 |
8,915 |
6,996 |
8,528 |
11,055 |
|
Laois Co.Co. |
6,350 |
4,905 |
5,333 |
5,459 |
5,459 |
6,852 |
5,805 |
5,708 |
4,250 |
nil |
|
Leitrim Co.Co. |
6,350 |
6,350 |
7,682 |
4,360 |
4,360 |
5,598 |
6,828 |
6,236 |
5,613 |
6,022 |
|
Limerick City Council |
6,363 |
6,000 |
6,921 |
5,300 |
5,250 |
6,046 |
6,415 |
6,500 |
5,500 |
5,300 |
|
Limerick Co.Co. |
4,425 |
5,482 |
6,117 |
7,452 |
7,542 |
9,123 |
10,820 |
12,616 |
11,054 |
11,500 |
|
Longford Co.Co. |
6,350 |
6,350 |
6,921 |
4,535 |
4,535 |
4,340 |
6,340 |
6,344 |
5,822 |
7,200 |
|
Louth Co.Co. |
6,350 |
6,350 |
4,965 |
5,000 |
4,974 |
7,500 |
6,142 |
7,711 |
8,752 |
11,000 |
|
Mayo Co.Co. |
8,900 |
8,900 |
9,471 |
7,414 |
8,914 |
7,794 |
9,342 |
10,288 |
12,657 |
16,000 |
|
Meath Co.Co. |
6,360 |
6,360 |
8,200 |
7,966 |
7,966 |
10,812 |
12,335 |
19,000 |
14,545 |
19,891 |
|
Monaghan Co.Co. |
6,350 |
6,350 |
6,975 |
5,250 |
5,250 |
6,651 |
7,181 |
7,391 |
7,150 |
11,355 |
|
North Tipp Co.Co. |
6,350 |
6,350 |
6,921 |
5,533 |
7,033 |
7,042 |
7,572 |
7,600 |
7,124 |
8,500 |
|
Offaly Co.Co. |
6,350 |
6,346 |
6,921 |
5,622 |
7,122 |
6,544 |
7,562 |
6,796 |
7,318 |
11,033 |
|
Roscommon Co.Co. |
6,350 |
6,350 |
6,921 |
4,804 |
5,292 |
6,759 |
7,289 |
7,500 |
8,258 |
8,500 |
|
Sligo Co.Co. |
6,186 |
9,050 |
9,139 |
6,529 |
6,945 |
6,175 |
8,122 |
9,604 |
6,840 |
6,249 |
|
Sligo Borough |
5,725 |
7,020 |
7,500 |
6,725 |
4,995 |
4,387 |
5,000 |
2,986 |
3,110 |
3,245 |
|
South Dublin Co.Co. |
11,915 |
11,000 |
9,305 |
10,907 |
11,459 |
13,090 |
15,618 |
12,024 |
13,990 |
16,000 |
|
South Tipperary Co.Co. |
6,350 |
5,000 |
4,275 |
6,137 |
6,137 |
7,710 |
8,242 |
8,554 |
3,275 |
9,555 |
|
Waterford City Council |
6,350 |
6,350 |
6,921 |
4,688 |
4,986 |
5,782 |
5,002 |
4,255 |
9,656 |
3,375 |
|
Waterford Co.Co. |
6,340 |
6,350 |
6,921 |
5,398 |
nil |
6,418 |
4,990 |
1,250 |
2,500 |
8,500 |
|
Westmeath Co.Co. |
7,650 |
9,375 |
7,816 |
5,895 |
5,895 |
7,561 |
7,201 |
7,958 |
7,549 |
10,100 |
|
Wexford Co.Co. |
6,350 |
6,350 |
6,000 |
7,000 |
7,386 |
9,597 |
11,860 |
nil |
nil |
11,000 |
|
Wicklow Co.Co. |
8,850 |
6,831 |
8,071 |
8,500 |
8,500 |
8,916 |
10,915 |
6,273 |
9,350 |
11,000 |
|
Totals |
280,000 |
280,000 |
291,272 |
250,000 |
246,495 |
291,689 |
327,962 |
311,404 |
304,286 |
380,125 |
The amounts set out in the table above are the actual payments made to the local authorities in each year. Under the scheme each local authority is allocated a specified amount, however, in some cases they may not all use their full allocation and in other cases may use none of their allocation (i.e. the nil amounts above). Amounts not used by individual local authorities are subsequently offered to the other local authorities and redistributed to where there is demand.
537 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number and costs of advertisements placed in national newspapers for job vacancies in the civil and public service in the past 12 months; the number of new entrants recruited from the process; the number of vacancies filled from inside the civil and public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11506/12]
Recruitment to my Department, as with other Civil Service Departments, is conducted centrally by the Public Appointments Service (PAS), who advertise details of recruitment opportunities, in the national newspapers and via their website www.publicjobs.ie as required from time to time.
My Department did not, either directly or via PAS, advertise any vacancies in national newspapers in the period concerned. However, two new entrants, recruited via PAS but from existing recruitment panels, joined my Department during this time.
My Department uses internal redeployment and streamlining of business areas to ensure optimum staffing in priority business areas.
Local authorities have been early movers in terms of staff reductions, reducing from 37,243 whole-time equivalents (WTE) in 2008 to 29,744 WTE in December, 2011 — a reduction of 7,499 WTE (20%). Staff numbers in state agencies under the aegis of my Department have fallen from 951 at end 2008 to 803 at the end of 2011 — a reduction of 148 WTE (16%).
The moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service was introduced in March 2009. When vacancies arise, public bodies must reallocate staff and/or re-organise work or staff accordingly. My Department operates a delegated sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for implementation of the moratorium in relation to local authorities. Any local authority exceptions to the moratorium require sanction from my Department.
In relation to state agencies under the aegis of my Department all requests for recruitment must be agreed with my Department and also require sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each County and City Manager is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. In this regard, it is a matter for County and City Managers, in the first instance, to ensure that the moratorium is implemented while the appropriate service levels are maintained.
In considering local authority sanction requests public safety, maintaining key front line services and economic issues are given precedence as is the requirement to avoid increases in overall staffing levels.
538 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the proposals he intends to introduce, by way of legislation or directive, relating to the standards, compliance and enforcement of building control regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11529/12]
In July 2011 I announced a number of measures to be advanced by my Department and local authorities with a view to improving compliance with, and oversight of, the requirements of the Building Regulations. In broad terms the measures will involve:
(a) the introduction of mandatory certificates of compliance by builders and designers of buildings confirming that the statutory requirements of the Building Regulations have been met;
(b) the lodgement of drawings at both commencement and completion of construction, demonstrating how the building has been designed and built to comply with all parts of the Building Regulations;
(c) more efficient pooling of building control staff and resources across the local authority sector to ensure more effective and meaningful oversight of building activity;
(d) standardised approaches and common protocols to ensure nationwide consistency in the administration of building control functions;
(e) better support and further development of the building control function nationwide.
Mandatory certification, lodgement of drawings and improved inspection arrangements as outlined above are key reforms which, I believe, will have the capacity to improve the quality of buildings and will lead to further strengthening of the regulatory regime as early as possible in 2012.
The Local Government Efficiency Review Group recommended in its Report in July 2010 that a single building inspectorate service could be established on a regional basis to streamline the approach to the inspection of property. The matter is being kept under review in the context of the above-mentioned actions being taken at Department and at Local Authority levels to further the development of the Building Control function.
Building Regulations set out the legal minimum performance standards which a completed building (including a dwelling) must achieve. Building Control Regulations deal with procedural matters relating to the administration of the Building Control function. Both sets of regulations are subject to ongoing review by my Department in conjunction with the Building Regulations Advisory Body (BRAB).
539 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason applicants from an EEA and-or a non-EEA country applying for social housing cannot just sign a sworn affidavit stating that they do not own property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11605/12]
The primary purpose of social housing support is to ensure that persons and families who do not have sufficient resources to provide accommodation themselves to meet their needs are provided with adequate housing for their needs.
Regulation 22 of Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 provides that an applicant household for long-term social housing support is ineligible for social housing support if a household member owns alternative accommodation that could meet their needs, either through occupation or through the proceeds of selling that accommodation. Part 11 of the prescribed social housing application form therefore asks for information on applicants' current and past property ownership either in the State or abroad.
In seeking to determine the eligibility for social housing support the housing authority may seek additional documentation from applicants. It is a matter for the local authority to determine what is required in individual cases.
540 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if any State board appointees have volunteered to waive their fee or expenses; the names of such persons; the corresponding savings to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11894/12]
Earlier this year my Department contacted State Agencies under its aegis requesting that Board members be offered the option to waive fees on a discretionary basis. So far my Department is not aware of any board member that has exercised this option.
541 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of ministerial transport for the senior Minister in his Department for the period 1 June 2010 to 31 December 2010; and if he will include any payment made in 2011 related to a 2010 claim. [10625/12]
542 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of ministerial transport for the senior Minister in his Department and that of the Government Chief Whip for the period relating to 1 June 2010 to December 2010; and if he will include any payment made in 2011 related to a 2010 claim. [10634/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 541 and 542 together.
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.
543 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the Government has ratified the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence; if it intends to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10779/12]
I refer the Deputy to my response to PQ numbers 485 and 521 of Tuesday, 14th February, 2012, where I stated that the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence is a very detailed Convention with a very broad scope across a number of policy areas. Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, an executive office within my Department, has examined the Convention and has requested observations on potential policy and legislative implications from relevant government departments and state agencies. Following receipt of the observations, consideration will be given to any issues which need to be addressed. It is hoped that this will be quickly followed by a submission to the Government on the question of signature of the Convention by Ireland.
544 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the guidelines in place to compensate householders for damage caused to their homes during Garda raids when no drugs or illegal substances are found in the dwelling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11130/12]
Claims from property owners for damage caused to their properties arising from searches undertaken by the Garda Síochána are delegated to and managed by the State Claims Agency. Each claim is considered separately depending on the particular facts of the case.
The general policy of the State Claims Agency, however, in relation to such claims is that where the Gardaí cause damage to property in conducting a search, any claim from the property owner in respect of that damage is contested provided the Gardaí were acting on foot of a valid search warrant. Search warrants authorise the Gardaí to use force to gain entry to a property if necessary and the Gardaí have no legal liability to the property owner for the damage caused in forcing entry to the property. The approach taken by the State Claims Agency in denying liability and contesting these claims has been upheld by the Courts in a number of claims brought to Court by property owners.
545 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the progress of CCTV systems for the Cardiffbridge and Wellmount Road junction in Finglas, Dublin, which were approved but have not yet been put in place. [11482/12]
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.
546 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of the ministerial transport fleet from 1 June 2010 to 31 December 2010; and if he will provide a breakdown of costs between salaries paid to Garda drivers, allowances paid to them, car costs and all other relevant costs. [10603/12]
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.
547 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of the office holders' Garda car pool as it related to former office holders and An Taoiseach from 1 June 2010 to 31 December 2010; and if he will provide a breakdown of costs between salaries paid to Garda drivers, all allowances paid to them, car costs and all other relevant costs. [10604/12]
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.
548 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of the office holders' Garda car pool in the period relating to 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011, salaries paid to Garda drivers, subsistence and travel expenses paid to Garda drivers, car costs and other related costs and to provide this information in a tabular form with a breakdown between those office holders entitled to a car, and to include any payment made in 2012 related to a 2011 claim. [10605/12]
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.
549 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of the office holders' Garda car pool as it related to former office holders from 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011; if he will provide a breakdown of costs between salaries paid to Garda drivers, all allowances paid to them, car costs and all other relevant costs. [10606/12]
Under the new arrangements for Office Holder transport, Garda cars and drivers were withdrawn from former Presidents and Taoisigh with effect from 16 June 2011 but official transport may be provided to them on important State occasions.
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.
550 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10620/12]
I can inform the Deputy that under the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority (PRA) was established as and from 4 November 2006. The PRA replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions.
The Deputy will be aware of the service to T.D.s and Senators which provides information on the current status of applications, such as the subject of this question, which was introduced in May 2006. The service provides a speedier, more efficient and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions. It is operated by the PRA and is available all year round.
I can further inform the Deputy that his query has been forwarded to the PRA for attention and direct reply via the above mentioned service.
551 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the meetings that he, his special advisers or senior departmental officials have had with representatives of a company (details supplied). [10658/12]
I understand the Deputy is referring to meetings that may have taken place with this company in relation to ‘upward only rent reviews'. I can confirm that neither my Special Advisors nor I have met with representatives from the company in question. I am also informed that no Senior Officials from my Department have held meetings with this company in relation to the matter.
552 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has made requests to governors of prisons to make provision for prisoners to practise their religious faiths as set out in section 35 of the Prisons Act 2007 including providing access to imams or rabbis or other clerics according to their religious faith, adhering to specific dietary rules, and provision of religious texts in prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10681/12]
I can inform the Deputy that the then Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 35 of the Prisons Act, 2007 made the Prison Rules, 2007 (S.I. No. 252 of 2007). These Rules came into operation on 1st October 2007.
Section 34 of the Rules covers the practice of religious, spiritual and moral life by prisoners, including access to spiritual and pastoral visits and access to religious books, and material. Section 23 of the Rules covers the provision of special dietary menus for religious, cultural and medical reasons.
The Rules apply in all prisons and places of detention under the auspices of the Irish Prison Service. I can assure the Deputy that Governors are very aware of the importance of religious practice in the life of prisoners and every effort is made to facilitate this to the fullest extent possible within the prison environment.
553 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he expects the general scheme of the mediation Bill to be submitted to Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10695/12]
I am pleased to say that earlier today the Government approved my proposals for the Mediation Bill which will give effect to the undertaking in the Government's Programme for National Recovery (2011-2016) to encourage and facilitate the use of mediation to resolve civil, commercial and family disputes.
As indicated in Section G of the Government Legislation Programme published on 11 January, I intend to forward the General Scheme of the Bill to the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality for any observations or suggestions they may have prior to finalising its contents. I also intend to publish the draft legislation on my Department's web site in the near future.
554 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if any legislation regarding the regularisation scheme for undocumented migrants in Ireland will be introduced in Dáil Éireann this year or during the lifetime of the Thirty-first Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10722/12]
I refer the Deputy to my reply below to Parliamentary Question No. 168 of 17 November 2011. The position is unchanged since then.
I am aware that there have been proposals of this nature and of course my Department will give due consideration to the issue. However great caution should be exercised before embarking on such a project. A proposal of this nature could give rise to very large, unpredictable and potentially very costly impacts across the full range of public and social services.
At EU level, the Member States, in agreeing the European Pact on Immigration and Asylum at the European Council in October 2008, made specific commitments "to use only case-by-case regularisation, rather than generalised regularisation, under national law, for humanitarian or economic reasons". While the Pact is not legally binding, the political commitment among the Member States, then and now, is clearly against any form of process that would in any way legitimise the status of those unlawfully present without first examining the merits of their individual case.
Any possible implication for the operation of the Common Travel Area would also have to be very carefully considered.
555 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has considered conducting a review of the operation of the Private Security Services Act 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10734/12]
The Private Security Services Act 2004 (as amended) provides that the Private Security Authority (PSA) is the regulatory body responsible for the regulation and licensing of the security industry in Ireland. The Authority is an independent body under the aegis of my Department.
The PSA undertook a phased roll out of licensing of the private security industry. It commenced licensing of contractors in 2006 and this was followed by the licensing of certain individuals in 2007. I understand that there are, at present, almost 750 licensed contractors and over 27,000 licensed individuals operating in the security industry. Licensing of the remaining sub-sectors of the industry is expected to be completed in the coming years. The transformation which regulation has brought about to date, in just over 7 years, has been significant with many positive benefits for both the industry, the wider business community and the public alike.
As regards the legislation itself, the 2004 Act was amended, last August, by the enactment of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous) Provisions Act 2011. These amendments strengthen certain financial, licensing and enforcement functions of the Authority and came about following lessons learned by the Authority from its operations to date.
As the Authority continues its work and further expands its operations, no doubt further lessons will be learned. However, given the relatively short timeframe in which the Authority has been operating, the phased roll out of its licensing to date and the enactment of the legislative amendments last year, I have no current plans to review the operation of the 2004 Act. I am of course open to considering such a review in the future, should the need arise.
556 Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the delays faced by persons who are looking for a sitting of the Circuit Court in relation to family law proceedings in Bray, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10736/12]
The allocation of the business of the courts, scheduling of court cases and the management of court lists are matters for the judiciary and in particular the Presidents of the courts and it would not be appropriate for me to make any comment in relation to this matter. The Deputy will be aware that judges are, subject to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the waiting times for family law cases in the Circuit Court in Bray Co Wicklow are between eight and nine months. The Deputy will appreciate that all court cases are listed in such a way as to make optimum use of court time. I am informed, for example, that a presiding Judge may give priority to criminal matters where defendants may be in custody particularly in circumstances where there may be longer waiting times for criminal trials.
It should be noted there are currently five vacancies on the Circuit Court while two additional vacancies will occur on 29 February, and three Circuit Court judges are assigned to the Mahon Tribunal. I am currently awaiting recommendations from the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board in respect of the current vacancies. Following receipt of those recommendations, the Government will make nominations to fill the vacancies as soon as possible which will have a substantial impact on court waiting times.
557 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on marriage equality legislation which grants full marriage to gay and lesbian couples. [10792/12]
The position is that legislation providing for same-sex marriage cannot be enacted without an amendment to the Constitution following a Yes vote in a referendum on the matter. In this regard the Programme for Government includes a commitment to establish a Constitutional Convention to consider constitutional reform on a number of issues including provision for same-sex marriage.
558 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of mileage clocked up on a monthly basis for which expenses were claimed for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011; the amount claimed in mileage expenses on a monthly basis for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011, and the full list of trips for which mileage expenses were claimed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10805/12]
I wish to inform the Deputy that there have not been any amounts claimed or paid from my Department in respect of Ministerial mileage expenses since March 2011.
559 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there is a protocol in place which allows applications from participants in the Department of Social Protection’s TÚS programme to receive Garda vetting in a short period, say three weeks, while other applications for Garda vetting are currently taking 16 weeks, much to the frustration of community child care facilities which are awaiting such clearance for replacement staff. [10817/12]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the current average processing time at the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) is 2 weeks approximately. Seasonal fluctuations and the necessity to seek additional information on particular applications can, however, result in this processing time being exceeded on occasion. There is no protocol in place for fast tracking applications of TÚS participants and there is no necessity for such special arrangements given the short processing times.
I would remind the Deputy that since I became Minister I have taken a number of measures to ensure that the time it takes for the processing of vetting applications improves significantly. I remain very conscious of the need to keep the time required to obtain a vetting to the minimum possible.
Nonetheless registered organisations have been advised to take account of the possible need for additional information to be provided in some cases in their recruitment and selection process.
560 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide the total amount each Minister, Minister of State and senior civil servant has spent on entertainment expenses since being appointed in the case of Ministers and Ministers of State and in the calendar year of 2011 with regards to senior civil servants. [10859/12]
The total amount spent on entertainment expenses in my Department since being appointed is €1,254. Ministerial entertainment expenses are €858. Entertainment expenses for The Junior Minister are nil. Entertainment expenses in 2011 for The Secretary General are €396 Entertainment expenses in 2011 for Senior Civil Servants are nil.
|
March 2011 to January 2012 |
2011 |
|
|
Minister |
€858 |
|
|
Junior Minister |
Nil |
|
|
Secretary General |
€396 |
|
|
Senior Civil Servants |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Total |
€1,254 |
Nil |
561 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10868/12]
I am advised by the Citizenship Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that an application for a certificate of naturalisation was received from the person referred to by the Deputy in December, 2011.
The application is currently being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
562 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he is taking to prevent human trafficking into the State; the actions taken to identify and assist those trafficked for prostitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11383/12]
Over the past few years strong legislative, administrative and operational measures have been put in place to combat and prevent trafficking in persons for both sexual and labour exploitation purposes. The Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 with penalties of up to life imprisonment for human trafficking has greatly strengthened the law in this area. Section 5 of the Act makes it an offence to solicit or importune a trafficked person, in any place, public or private for the purposes of prostitution. A dedicated Anti-Human Trafficking Unit was established in my Department in 2008 with the purpose of ensuring that the State's response to human trafficking is coordinated and comprehensive. This led to the production of a National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Trafficking of Persons for the period from June 2009 to December 2012 setting out 144 Actions of which 97 were completed or significantly progressed at the end of 2011 with a further 47 on-going.
In addition to the dedicated Unit in my Department there are 3 other dedicated Units in State Agencies dealing with the issue — the Human Trafficking Investigation and Co-ordination Unit in the Garda National Immigration Bureau; the Anti-Human Trafficking Team in the Health Service Executive and a specialised Human Trafficking legal team in the Legal Aid Board. Dedicated personnel are also assigned to deal with the prosecution of cases in the Director of Public Prosecutions Office. All persons encountered or referred to An Garda Síochána as victims are immediately offered access to a range of services provided by the State including accommodation, medical care, psychological assistance, legal aid and advice, and crime prevention advice.There are a wide range of training and awareness raising activities on-going and extensive consultation structures exist with Non-Governmental Organisations, International Organisations and State Agencies.
The Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill contains statutory protections for victims of trafficking and also provides for recovery and reflection periods and temporary residence permission for persons whom a member of the Garda Síochána, not below the rank of Superintendent, considers that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the person is a victim of human trafficking. These provisions are reflected in Administrative Immigration Arrangements for the Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking which have been in place since the enactment of the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act, 2008. The law in relation to human trafficking and prostitution is kept under continuing review in my Department.
The Garda authorities have conducted a number of operations to combat human trafficking and prostitution and will continue to do so in line with intelligence available to them. Trafficking in human beings is again a policing priority this year, as it has been in recent years. A number of prosecutions have been secured for trafficking and related offences. The details for 2009 and 2010 are set out in data reports published by my Department. The 2011 report is currently being compiled. A number of cases are also before the Courts. An Garda Síochána works closely with other police forces which has resulted in offenders being convicted in other jurisdictions.
563 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the exact position in relation to squatters rights; if it is envisaged that a review of this matter will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11388/12]
Adverse possession of land arises where the limitation periods set out in the Statute of Limitation 1957 expire, thereby rendering it impossible to commence proceedings for recovery of the land. The Law Reform Commission has included reform of the law relating to adverse possession in its current law reform programme and expects to publish a Report containing reform recommendations in due course. Reform of this important area of land law will be addressed on receipt of the Commission's Report.
564 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of full-time staff, if any, who will be employed by the missing persons bureau in the near future; if he has considered allocating additional funding to the missing persons bureau; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11412/12]
The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team, is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no function in that process.
All incidents where persons have been reported missing remain under investigation until such times as the person is located. District Officers in the area where persons have gone missing take direct responsibility for all investigations / searches carried out. Local investigation teams are appointed by the District Officer and all means necessary, including the services of specialist units, are deployed to assist in these investigation, when considered appropriate.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the Missing Persons Bureau is responsible for all data relating to missing persons and provides expert assistance and advice to District Officers in all high risk missing person cases. Incidents relating to persons reported missing are subject of review, on a regular basis, by the Missing Persons Bureau. Two Garda Sergeants and two civilian support staff are currently assigned to the Missing Persons Bureau.
565 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for the future of the Mosney asylum facility in Bettystown, County Meath; if he intends to close the facility down; the plans that exist for the rehousing of asylum seekers; if any current resident will be re-located; if so, the location of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11421/12]
I would refer the Deputy to my response on 23/02/2012 to a similar question raised by Deputy Regina Doherty (10392/12), which is essentially repeated here.
The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is charged with responsibility for the accommodation of asylum seekers while their applications for protection are being processed. As of 12/02/2012, there were 5,313 accommodated in RIA centres located throughout the State, with a total of 573 persons living at the Mosney centre.
The number of asylum seekers requiring accommodation now and the likely number in the future are under constant review and it is not possible at this stage to predict what particular accommodation facilities will be required in the short or medium term future. There are no immediate plans to change existing arrangements at the Mosney Centre. In accordance with standard procedures RIA will shortly be entering into discussions with the contractor at Mosney in the context of the expiry of the current contract in June this year. Plainly, it is not possible at this stage to say what the outcome of those discussions will be.
RIA will continue to have regard for the recommendations contained in the ‘Value for Money Report and Policy Review — Asylum Seeker Accommodation Programme' (May 2010), which is available on RIA's website (www.ria.gov.ie) and the general economic constraints, which apply to all public spending and which will continue to apply in management of the direct provision budget.
566 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he intends to publish the report on improving conditions in Cork Prison that was submitted to him by the Prison Service; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11488/12]
I can advise the Deputy that the Plan submitted by the Irish Prison Service to address issues in Cork Prison is being considered. I will be making an announcement relevant to this matter shortly.
567 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number and costs of advertisements placed in national newspapers for job vacancies in the civil and public service in the past 12 months; the number of new entrants recruited from the process; the number of vacancies filled from inside the civil and public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11511/12]
Four advertisements were placed in national newspapers in respect of competitions to fill civil service positions specific to my Department. The costs of advertisements in all cases were borne by the Public Appointment Service. Two of these competitions have not yet reached their conclusion. The successful candidates in the other two competitions were already serving civil servants.
568 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if gardaí will remove those occupying Dame Street, Dublin, in view of the fact that the occupation is damaging local businesses and will not present Ireland favourably abroad on St. Patrick’s Day when the Central Bank of Ireland plaza is prominent on worldwide TV screens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11593/12]
The Deputy will appreciate that the policing of protests is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána. I am informed that the group referred to is currently encamped on private property which is within Pearse Street Garda District where Garda management has been addressing the situation. They are aware, in particular, of issues surrounding the St. Patrick's Festival.
569 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide a breakdown of costs incurred in the provision of transport to Cabinet Ministers in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11905/12]
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.
570 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence the cost to his Department of the senior Minister’s car and that of the Government Chief Whip in the period relating to 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011 to include mileage and car related expenses paid to the senior Minister and the Government Chief Whip; the salaries paid to civilian drivers; overtime, subsistence and travel expenses paid to civilian drivers and all other related information; and the information should include any payment made in 2012 related to a 2011 claim. [10648/12]
571 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Defence the amount of mileage clocked up on a monthly basis for which expenses were claimed for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011; the amount claimed in mileage expenses on a monthly basis for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011, and the full list of trips for which mileage expenses were claimed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10798/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 570 and 571 together.
In accordance with Government Decision of 15 March 2011, I retain a State car and Garda drivers in my capacity as the Minister for Justice and Equality.
The Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Defence, Paul Kehoe T.D., is assigned two civilian drivers. The costs associated with the drivers for the period 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011 is set out below. Any mileage and car related expenses paid to Minister of State Kehoe are a matter for the Department of the Taoiseach.
|
Paid 1/6/2011 to 31/12/2011 |
Paid in 2012 but relating to 2011 |
|
|
Basic Pay |
€43,211.70 |
Nil |
|
Pay for extra attendance |
€1,263.50 |
€2,256.25 |
|
Travel and Subsistence |
€9,479.36 |
€862.18 |
572 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide the total amount each Government Minister, junior Minister and senior civil servant has spent on entertainment expenses since being appointed in the case of the Ministers and junior Ministers and in the calendar year of 2011 with regards to senior civil servants. [10852/12]
Since being appointed as Minister for Defence, and Minister of State at the Department of Defence, respectively, neither myself nor Mr Paul Kehoe T.D., have incurred expenditure on entertainment. The entertainment expenses of the Secretary General in 2011 amounted to €1,132.80 including expenses which arose in hosting a seminar in Ireland jointly with Finland.
573 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Defence if he is going to honour the outcome of independent third party adjudications made in relation to agreements between his Department and PDFORRA in relation to the payment of allowances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11135/12]
Subject to the provisions of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009 and the terms of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 the findings of the third party adjudicator in relation to claims by PDFORRA are currently being honoured. In September 2010 the Independent Adjudicator under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for the Defence Forces issued a number of adjudication reports without taking into account the provisions of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009 and the terms of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014. By way of correspondence dated 15 December 2010 the Adjudicator clarified to both my Department and PDFORRA that three of his adjudication reports which found in favour of PDFORRA could not be implemented while the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009 was in place.
In addition it should be noted that all parties to the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 including PDFORRA have agreed that no cost-increasing claims for improvement in pay or conditions of employment will be made or processed during the currency of the Agreement.
574 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Defence the number and costs of advertisements placed in national newspapers for job vacancies in the civil and public service in the past 12 months; the number of new entrants recruited from the process; the number of vacancies filled from inside the civil and public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11504/12]
In the past 12 months, 3 recruitment advertisements have been placed in the national newspapers in respect of officer cadetship competitions and medical officer competitions for the Defence Forces, at a cost of €60,314. A total of 32 cadets were inducted from the 2011 officer cadetship competition. Applications are still being received for the medical officers competition, with two offers having been made and accepted to date.
An advertisement was placed in the national newspapers at a cost of €4,411 in respect of a vacancy for a civilian archivist. It is anticipated that one new entrant will commence employment shortly arising from the recruitment process that took place following on from the advertisement.
575 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Defence if any State board appointees have volunteered to waive their fee or expenses; the names of such persons; the corresponding savings to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11892/12]
In accordance with the protocol notified to all Government Departments by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform that board members be given the option to waive the related board fee, no members of boards under the aegis of my Department have volunteered to waive their fees.
576 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has considered the shutting down of feral mink farms and other fur farms in the country to help eradicate the problems associated with feral mink; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10651/12]
A report published by my Department in 2009 estimated the population of wild mink in the State could reach a total of between 20,500 and 33,500 individuals, and identified ground-nesting birds as the species most vulnerable to mink predation. Accordingly, my Department is concentrating its resources on protecting the nesting sites of rare and threatened bird species, including red-throated diver, corncrake, grey partridge, waders and terns, from a range of predators, including mink. Experience has shown that targeted control of predators at specific times can have a significant benefit to the breeding success of these bird species.
With regard to the particular funding referred to by the Deputy, I requested, in granting the funding in question to the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC), that, as far as it is possible, special attention should be given to the counties of Donegal, Galway, Mayo and Kerry to enhance work in those areas where my Department has been concentrating its own efforts.
My Department is particularly aware of the potential impacts of mink control on non-target species, especially otter, pine marten and stoat. The funding, therefore, is being provided to the NARGC with a strong reminder that these other species are protected. Accordingly, even accidental capture of such species while targeting mink would be an offence and only acceptable legal forms of live traps can be used, with snares and fentraps expressly forbidden.
577 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for the vacant Teagasc site in Navan, County Meath. [10665/12]
Operational matters such as this are properly the responsibility of the Teagasc Authority and not the Minister. I am advised by Teagasc that it continues to provide services from its local office on the Kells Road, Navan and that the vacant site in question belongs to the Office of Public Works. The future use of this site is a matter for the Office of Public Works.
578 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the arrangements and procedures in place for verifying the accuracy of the weighing equipment used in meat plants for weighing carcasses of cattle, sheep and pigs for the purpose of purchasing these animals from farmers; if he will provide the details on the number of checks undertaken across all of the factories for each species of animal over the period 2007 to 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10706/12]
The Legal Metrology Service of the National Standards Authority of Ireland, established under the Metrology Act of 1996, has statutory responsibility for the verification of weighing equipment in abattoirs. However, officials of my Department carry out checks of weighing equipment in beef abattoirs during routine control inspections concerning beef carcase classification. These checks include the use of check weights on the kill floor scales and the re-weighing of cold carcases. From 2007 to 2011, these checks were carried out approximately 2,655 times in abattoirs.
579 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his policy on fur farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11056/12]
The Review Group set up in my Department to review the issue of fur farming along specific terms of reference will conclude its report shortly.
The Terms of Reference of the Group are as follows:
1. To review fur farming in Ireland taking into account existing legislative provisions for the licensing of mink farming,
2. To comment on the economic benefits of the sector,
3. To consider the effectiveness of existing welfare controls, and
4. To make appropriate recommendations.
Submissions were invited on the review and a large number were received from interested parties and these were examined by the Group. I will consider what action, if any, to take following the submission and conclusions of the Review Group's findings.
580 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will detail, in view of Mr. Xi Jinping’s recent identification of agriculture as one of three priority areas in scaling two-way trade and investment, the specific elements of the sector which have been pin-pointed for investment; the planned level of investment for the areas over the next two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11103/12]
China is a key strategic market for Irish exports of food seafood and beverages and presents significant opportunities for other exports. Exports of Irish food and beverages to China are estimated in 2011 at €215m, including exports of hides and skins.
Since taking office as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, I have sought to foster close relationships with my Ministerial counterparts in China and between officials from our respective administrations to further areas of mutual cooperation and to advance and facilitate market access opportunities in China. In May last year, the Agriculture Vice Minister, Niu Dun visited Ireland and was shown at first hand our agricultural production systems, our high food safety standards and veterinary controls and our state of the art laboratories. This visit culminated in the signing of an Action Plan in relation to mutual cooperation in the agri-food and fisheries areas which is being implemented at present.
When Vice President Xi Jinping visited Ireland between 18 and 20 February, he specifically asked to visit a farm in Ireland and I had wide ranging discussions with him on China's concerns regarding food security. In his discussions with the Taoiseach, he outlined proposals for further development of the relationship between China and Ireland, including practical cooperation and exchanges in various fields such as agriculture. He also specifically highlighted the area of Animal Husbandry as an area in which China had a particular interest in learning from Ireland. Ireland is viewed as a country with very high food safety standards and veterinary controls, as a leading expert in areas of traceability, public health controls, genetic improvements, grass land management, feeding systems and in sustainable production systems, particularly in relation to meat and dairy production. China has a particular interest in these areas.
I would hope that in my proposed trade Mission to China, which will take place from 15-22 April, we can further explore and deepen these levels of cooperation and trust that have developed between our two countries in the agriculture and fisheries areas.
In relation to two way investments, a number of Irish agri-food companies are already present in China and have made investments in setting up companies in China. Further investment decisions will be a matter for Irish food companies and their Chinese partners.
In relation to international investment in Ireland, I have identified, in relation to the Fisheries sector, the development of deep sea aquaculture as a means of expanding the production of organic farmed salmon. This will contribute to increased exports of fish and provide significant direct and indirect employment in vulnerable coastal communities. Ireland would welcome international interest in investing in Ireland's proposed large scale deep sea salmon farming, including that from China.
581 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans in place for the Teagasc office in Manorhamilton County Leitrim; if it is to be closed and services moved to Ballymote in County Sligo; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties that this will cause farmers in north Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10609/12]
584 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the Teagasc office in Manorhamilton, County Leitrim; if a decision has been made by Teagasc to close this office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10666/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 581 and 584 together.
This is an operational matter for the Teagasc Authority. Teagasc is currently implementing a major ‘Change Programme' to rationalise resources and has decided to concentrate the delivery of its services at fewer centres. The existing network of advisory offices is being streamlined from 91 to 51 by end 2012. The decision to close offices is entirely a matter for the Teagasc Authority.
I understand from Teagasc that no decision has been made to close the Manorhamilton office. A review will be carried out of their remaining advisory office structure on completion of the current rationalization programme. Teagasc is committed to providing high quality advisory services to farmers in the Sligo/Leitrim region. In addition to the Manorhamilton office, enhanced advisory offices are located in Ballymote and Mohill where a new purpose built office was opened in 2009.
582 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will issue on an application for a hardship grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10618/12]
Under the Hardship Grant Scheme, assistance is available from my Department to eligible herdowners who are restricted under the TB/BR Eradication Scheme during the period from the 1 November to 30 April.
An essential condition of eligibility for the scheme is that the herdowner must not be in receipt of off farm income and must not have any income from milk sales during the period to which payment refers. In this instance, since the herdowner continued to supply milk during the restriction period, he is ineligible under the scheme. The herd in question was derestricted on the 2 February 2012.
583 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost to his Department of the senior Minister's car in the period relating to 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011 to include mileage and car related expenses paid to the senior Minister; if he will detail the salaries paid to civilian drivers, overtime, subsistence and travel expenses paid to them and all other related information, and the information should include any payment made in 2012 related to a 2011 claim. [10635/12]
The cost to my Department of the senior Minister's car in the period 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011 was €65,484.22.
585 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an outstanding single farm 2011 payment and the 2011 forestry payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10667/12]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 26 April 2011. Payments have already been made to the person named on 17 October 2011 and 1 December 2011 in respect of 17.39 entitlements. As regards the forestry payment, a technical difficulty has now been resolved and arrangements are being made for early payment of the grant and premium due. The balancing payment under the Single Payment Scheme will issue shortly in respect of the remaining 5.74 entitlements following the resolution of the forestry issues.
586 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 544 of 24 January 2012, when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10682/12]
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2010 and full payment totalling €878.08 issued in respect of 2010. Payment in respect of the 2011 Scheme year is subject to a similar administrative checking process which includes verification of capital investment through checks on receipts. During these checks a query arose in relation to an overclaim on the capital expenditure claim of the person named. My Department issued a letter dated 13 February to the person named regarding this matter. The application will now be processed and a reduced payment will issue to the person named at the earliest opportunity in respect of 2011.
587 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the agri-environment option scheme payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10748/12]
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st September 2010 and full payment totalling €1,111.55 has issued in respect of 2010.
Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, had to be completed before any payment could issue in respect of 2011. These checks have now been successfully completed and I expect payment to issue to the person named shortly.
588 Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that re-inspection of commonage areas in County Galway to determine their forage area is currently being carried out on land prone to seasonal flooding and on land that is currently flooded; his views that this exercise can be perceived as poor value for money at a time of austerity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10751/12]
The Deputy will be aware that the Single Payment Scheme, Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and other area-based schemes, are fully and partially funded by the European Union. The relevant Competent Authorities in each Member State are obliged to ensure that the requirements of the governing EU Regulations are observed and that only valid applications that fully comply with the requirements are paid. The administration of these Schemes in each Member State is subjected to close scrutiny by officials of the EU Commission and the EU Court of Auditors to ensure that the regulatory requirements are met and that the Schemes are applied in a uniform manner across the European Union.
The requirements provide that payments under the Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme may be made only in respect of eligible land. Applicants under these Schemes are obliged annually to declare the land parcels available to them. The details of the eligible area of the land parcels are recorded on the Department's Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS) and the Department continually monitors details of the use and area claimed for each of some one million parcels on the LPIS system.
My Department, in the context of delivering the Direct Payments Schemes, is required to carry out annual inspections covering land eligibility and cross compliance to ensure compliance with EU regulatory requirements. The value of these schemes to Irish farmers is €1.8bn annually. It is therefore incumbent on my Department to ensure that the regulatory control environment is comprehensively implemented to avoid EU disallowances.
589 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a 2011 REP scheme payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10773/12]
The person named commenced REPS in February 2009 and received payments for the first two years of their contract. REPS 4 is a measure under the current 2007-13 Rural Development Programme and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before any payments can issue. Administrative checks in respect of the 2011 payment have been finalised and the 75% payment amounting to €8517.50 issued to the person named on 24 February 2012. The remaining 25% balancing payment will issue shortly.
590 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline the changes to the land classification process used by him for the agri-environment options scheme and REP scheme; if other State agencies have changed their land classification criteria; if land previously covered in REPS-AEOS has changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10777/12]
There have been no recent changes to the land classification system and the position is that only land that forms part of the utilisable agricultural area of a holding can qualify for payment under the Rural Protection scheme (REPS) or the Agri-environment Options Scheme (AEOS). For the purposes of both schemes, the utilisable agricultural area is determined by the corresponding area declared under the Single Payment Scheme.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service is responsible for the designation of Natura and other sites which are eligible for payment under REPS and AEOS. I am not aware of any recent changes in the classification systems for these purposes.
591 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of mileage clocked up on a monthly basis for which expenses were claimed for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011; the amount claimed in mileage expenses on a monthly basis for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011, and the full list of trips for which mileage expenses were claimed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10794/12]
A total of €27,508.77 in mileage expenses was incurred for the period in question. This is an aggregate total in respect of expenses attributable to myself and Minister of State Shane McEntee. The overall distance to which this total is attributable is 82,448 kms. The basis on which Ministers record their mileage does not require them to list individual trips.
592 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a society. [10810/12]
It is widely recognised that the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is a very important one for this country, as the total area designated as disadvantaged is almost 75% of Ireland's total land area. From an economic perspective, the Scheme is particularly significant, contributing to the support of in excess of 100,000 Irish farm families, whose ability to farm is restricted by the physical environment and, in particular, the impact of the prevailing wet cold climatic conditions. The Scheme, which is co-funded by the EU, is an integral part of Ireland's Rural Development Plan, 2007/2013, and as such, any proposed change to Scheme criteria requires the agreement of the EU Commission.
The budgeted expenditure under the 2012 Scheme will be reduced from €220 million to €190 million and, in order to achieve the €30 million saving in expenditure, it is proposed to introduce specified changes to the Scheme eligibility criteria for 2012. This reduction will arise from technical adjustments to the Scheme criteria to ensure that the aid payment is focused on farmers, whose farming enterprises are situated exclusively in Less Favoured Areas and who are making a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the Scheme.
The savings will be achieved without the need to reduce the existing rates of aid and, in addition, there will also be no reduction in the maximum area payable — 34 hectares. The proposed changes are designed to ensure that the payments under the Scheme are focused on those farmers, who (i) are farming exclusively in Disadvantaged Areas, (ii) make a significant contribution to the maintenance of a viable rural community and (iii) contribute to the enhancement of the environment.
There are an increasing number of applicants under the Scheme, who have discontinued livestock (cattle or sheep) farming, but who continue to benefit from aid under the Scheme by grazing some horses on their land. It is proposed that horses will no longer be eligible for the stocking density calculation on the basis that these applicants' contribution to the rural economy is minimal. However, equine breeding enterprises will continue to be eligible on the basis of the contribution they make to the local economy. My officials have engaged with the horse industry representatives in order to agree on criteria that would mean that those equine breeding enterprises (irrespective of their size), who are making a valuable contribution to the local economy will continue to receive support.
593 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide the total amount each Minister, Minister of State and senior civil servant has spent on entertainment expenses since being appointed in the case of the Ministers and Ministers of State and in the calendar year of 2011 with regard to senior civil servants. [10848/12]
The material for reply is being co-ordinated and will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly.
594 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has made a decision on opening the agri-environment options scheme in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10866/12]
I am considering the possibility of re-opening the Agri-environment Options Scheme on an amended basis or limited scale in 2012. This decision will be taken in the context of an assessment of how a new scheme might be funded within the reduced funding and resulting pressures on the Department's Vote in the current year and, in particular, having regard to the expenditure ceiling for 2013 as agreed by the Government. I will make a decision on this matter shortly.
595 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a single farm payment for 2009, 2010 and 2011 in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [10881/12]
The person named received an advance payment of €5,158.37 on 19 October 2009 and a balancing payment of €2,060.73 issued on 1 December 2009 under the 2009 Single Payment Scheme. Following the processing of an application under the 2011 SPS Scheme, an advance payment of €2,625.72 was made to the applicant on 15 November 2011 and a balancing payment of €2,603.09 was issued on 1 December 2011.
In relation to 2010 Scheme, no payment was made as the land declared by the applicant in his Single Farm Payment application was in over-claim by over of 20%. Under the provisions of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1122/2009, no payment can be made where such an over-claim in excess of 20% is established. The extent of the over-claim was confirmed by a ground inspection in 2010. This decision was subsequently upheld by Agricultural Appeals Office following consideration of an appeal made by the applicant.
596 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue to Galway County Council for works done on piers (details supplied) in Connemara; the reason for the delay in payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10902/12]
Funding for works at the piers at both Doonloughan and Inis Ní was approved as part of my Departments Fishery Harbour and Coastal Development Programme for 2011.
Application for payment in respect of these locations was made by Galway County Council in December 2011 but regrettably my Department was unable to process the applications in the absence of an up to date Tax Clearance Certificate from Galway County Council. Galway County Council has now remedied the position and arrangements have been put in place to issue the appropriate payments.
Funding for works at Wallace Quay was approved as part of the 2008 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Development Programme and I can confirm that the full amount of qualifying expenditure has been reimbursed to Galway County Council.
597 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when money will be sanctioned to Galway County Council for small works on the upgrade of piers in County Galway this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10903/12]
My Departments Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme for 2012 is not yet finalised. I can confirm however, that all applications for funding made by Local Authorities in respect of qualifying projects are currently being assessed in the context of the available exchequer funding and other competing priorities.
All Local Authorities will be advised of the funding available to them in respect of qualifying projects in due course.
598 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an alleged overpayment in the 2010 disadvantaged area scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if in view of the small level of payment involved and the fact that the over claim is only marginally above the 3% threshold, he will review the level of penalty involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10913/12]
An application under the Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2011, following processing of this application an overpayment was identified and notified to the person named. However, following an appeal by the person named, the matter was fully reviewed and it has been concluded that a penalty is not now warranted. The person named is being notified, in writing, of this decision. The refund due will issue shortly, directly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
599 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of his statement that the rate of thoroughbred foal levy is calculated by reference to the advertised value of nomination fee to the stallion and Horse Racing Ireland stated rates are per covering fee with no change in legislation if there is no change in legislation is a refund due to breeders charged under the old rates method. [11004/12]
The Foal Levy Scheme was introduced in 2000 on a statutory basis, the Horse and Greyhound Racing (Betting Charges and Levies) Act, 1999, refers. The Levy is payable by all breeders whose thoroughbred foals are born and registered in Ireland. The scheme is administered by Horse Racing Ireland, the State body with responsibility for the thoroughbred sector.
The proceeds of the levy are used by Horse Racing Ireland to help fund the Irish Equine Centre, the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association and Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. These organisations provide key support structures to the Irish thoroughbred breeding industry.
The rate of the levy is calculated by reference to the advertised value of the nomination fee of the stallion in accordance with the provisions of the Thoroughbred Foal Levy Regulations, 2011, S.I. No. 735 of 2011. The amount of the nomination fee actually paid does not enter into the calculation, for example if a situation were to arise that a mare was covered free of charge the owner would still be liable to pay a levy based on the advertised value of the nomination fee of the stallion before the thoroughbred foal could be registered in the studbook.
There are 11 levy rate bands. The setting of the rates of the Levy and the distribution of the funds is decided by the Board of Horse Racing Ireland based on the advice of its Foal Levy Committee which includes representatives of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA) and the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA).
The "advertised value" of the nomination fee of the stallion is the same as the covering fee generally applicable as notified by the stallion owner to HRI for the purposes of calculating the Levy. Horse Racing Ireland, in consultation with the Foal Levy Committee and breeders representatives, made, with my approval, a number of changes to the Foal Levy rates and bands for all registrations with effect from 1 January 2012. However, all registrations in 2011 or earlier would have attracted levy at the then existing rates. There is no question of any refunds of levies already paid in previous years because of the new rates and bands that came into effect from 1st January 2012.
600 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Bord Iascaigh Mhara is providing subsidised marine safety training to the commercial sector, thus putting the private training companies which are Government approved, at a disadvantage in view of the fact that they are unable to compete with Government subsidised training and jobs in the sector are being put at risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11116/12]
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) is an independent statutory body and the main provider of vocational training to the seafood industry. I have requested a report on the issues raised by the Deputy from the BIM Chairperson.
601 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views in relation to the proposed abolition of milk quota in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11267/12]
Over the past year, I and my Department have been extremely active in raising the question of an adjustment to the milk quota regime at every appropriate opportunity. We have made determined efforts to secure a soft landing for all Member States in the lead-up to milk quota abolition in 2015, as envisaged in the 2008 CAP Health Check agreement. I have discussed the matter extensively with other EU Agriculture Ministers, including in bilateral meetings with my Danish, French, German and Estonian counterparts. Furthermore, officials from my Department have raised this issue at EU level meetings, and at bi-lateral meetings with other Member States. We will continue to pursue this matter over the coming months.
Among the options discussed in relation to a soft landing are the front-loading of the remaining quota increases, a reduction in the super levy, a further reduction in butterfat correction levels, or a kind of EU flexi-milk arrangement which would operate provided EU production overall was within quota. Most attention has been focussed on the butterfat correction, and in December a coalition of Member States involving Ireland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium and Cyprus formally put a specific proposal to the Special Committee for Agriculture for an adjustment to the butterfat correction mechanism.
Unfortunately, the Commission has consistently resisted attempts to reconsider this issue, as it has resisted attempts to revisit the outcome of the 2008 CAP Health Check in an overall sense. This is a view which is supported by a number of Member States, some of whom are firmly against any further adjustment to the Health Check agreement. It is also the case that only a minority of Member states is likely to be adversely affected by the current quota restrictions, and therefore persuading a qualified majority to agree to an adjustment of the current regime represents a significant challenge. There are currently no signs of a breakthrough in this regard.
Irish dairy farmers must therefore continue to operate on the assumption that no further changes will be made to the milk quota arrangements agreed in the context of the CAP Health Check. This is extremely important, and I cannot emphasise the point strongly enough. Milk deliveries in the 2010/2011 milk quota year were only just below quota, and deliveries in 2011/2012 to date continue to run almost on quota. With a super levy an increasing likelihood in the final years before quota abolition, all dairy farmers must carefully plan their production activities and pay close attention to the limitations imposed by the quota regime if they are to avoid potentially ruinous super levy fines.
602 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views in relation to the Common Agricultural Policy reforms that aim to link payments to land size rather than productivity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11268/12]
The European Commission's proposals for the reform of the CAP post-2013 include a proposal to gradually move away from payments based on historical production towards a system of uniform national or regional payment rates by 2019. The mechanism proposed raises serious concerns for Ireland, in that it would result in very significant transfers from more productive farms to more marginal and less productive land.
Analysis carried out by my Department indicates that, under a national flat-rate model, the most productive farmers would lose, on average, about one-third of their current payments, while the least productive farmers would see their payments rise by an average of 86%. Alternative redistributions based on a two-region model, or even an eight-region model, would have similar outcomes. I do not believe that these are compatible with my commitment to sustainable intensification of production, the maintenance of a vibrant rural economy and the achievement of the objectives of the Food Harvest 2020 strategy.
I have been relaying these concerns very strongly at every opportunity in recent months, most recently in the course of discussions with the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Ciolos, during his visit to Dublin last month. I pressed for the maximum possible flexibility to be given to Member States to design payment models that suit their own farming conditions, and to include the possibility of lengthy transition periods. The ‘approximation' approach, by which all payments could gradually move towards the average, and which the Commission itself has adopted in the distribution of funds between Member States, is one alternative that is currently being examined.
I will continue to work intensively with the Commissioner, and with my counterparts at the Council of Ministers, to achieve the required flexibility and to come up with an acceptable solution that does not have the dramatic redistributive effects inherent in the current proposals.
603 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that the current funding to the REP scheme is sufficient to provide adequate protection to the environment as per the intention of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11269/12]
I am committed to agri-environment schemes, which put environmentally-friendly farming to the forefront and which recognise the vital role farmers play in delivering public goods for the benefit of all society. This is highlighted by the fact that despite the financial pressures facing my Department, I have made provision in 2012 for €243 million under agri-environment schemes, including the Rural Environment Protection Scheme and the Agri-environment Options Scheme.
I am satisfied that the schemes make a very worthwhile contributions to the protection of the environment as intended and that the funding available this year is sufficient to meet the liabilities arising in accordance with level of scheme participation.
604 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied with the level of funding afforded to the agriculture sector to maximise the export potential from the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11270/12]
Despite the on-going serious difficulties in the public finances, a total funding of €1,312m is being provided in the Department's Vote in 2012, €1,144m in current and €168m for capital expenditure. On the capital side, the 2012 capital allocation will be boosted by a further €27m by way of carry-over of savings from 2011 to provide total capital funding next year of €195m. The funding announced in the 2012 Estimates does not include the €1.3b in payments under EU funded schemes which are administered by the Department.
This funding commitment is a strong statement of the Government's support for the agri-food sector and recognition of the contribution which the sector can make to economic recovery and future growth in the Irish economy. The schemes and programmes which underpin this funding aim to protect farm incomes by targeting existing resources at active farmers, support productivity and the up skilling of farmers and the food sector with a view to developing and ensuring maximum return for the Irish agri-food sector in line with Food Harvest 2020. I believe that the agri-food sector will continue to be one of the strongest performing sectors of the economy this year creating new jobs and building further on the outstanding export performance in 2011.
Question No. 605 withdrawn.
606 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if carbon credits will accrue to private leasees of Coillte forestry. [11277/12]
Currently carbon credits accrue only to new forests planted after 1990. It is the Government's view that carbon credits are owned by the State, irrespective of the owner of the land. As announced by the Government last week, consideration will be given to the sale of some assets of Coillte, excluding the sale of land, when market conditions are favourable and at an acceptable price to Government. A valuation of Coillte assets is currently being undertaken by the NTMA (NewERA unit) in conjunction with my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. No decision on the possible sale of Coillte assets will be taken until the valuation process is completed.
607 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the public will have access to Coillte forestry land leased to private companies. [11278/12]
As announced by the Government last week, consideration will be given to the sale of some assets of Coillte, excluding the sale of land, when market conditions are favourable and at an acceptable price to Government. A valuation of Coillte assets is currently being undertaken by the NTMA (NewERA unit) in conjunction with my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. No decision on the possible sale of Coillte assets will be taken until the valuation process is completed. I am conscious that Coillte's forests provide a range of recreational opportunities for the general public continuing a long tradition of open access to state owned forests. I am aware that this is a very significant issue of concern for the general public, therefore public access to recreational land will be an important consideration in the decision-making process regarding the potential sale of such assets.
608 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision on an agri-environment option scheme will issue to a person (details supplied). [11298/12]
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1 September 2010. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, have to be completed before any payment can issue. During these checks a query arose in respect of land parcels declared which require digitisation of the areas concerned. This is being dealt with by my Department at present and once the digitisation process is completed, the application will be processed with a view to making payment at the earliest opportunity.
609 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on an issue (details supplied) regarding Trocaire Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11299/12]
The first discussions on the Global Strategic Framework will be held at the FAO Regional Conferences. The European Regional Conference, which my Department will be attending, will take place in April in Baku, Azerbaijan and will be an opportunity for Ireland to feed into the process and to influence the consensus ERG position to be formulated.
Ireland's submission will be prepared by my Department in consultation with our colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. While our submission has yet to be completed, I can assure you that it will be very supportive of smallholder farmers, particularly women, in developing countries. Our submission will be informed by the 2008 Hunger Task Force Report, which recommended three priority areas for Ireland in its efforts to address global hunger: 1) support to smallholder farmers, particularly women, in Africa; 2) addressing maternal and infant undernutrition, and 3) strengthening international political commitment to addressing Hunger.
Ireland has made steady progress in implementing the Hunger Task Force recommendations. Through our overseas development programme, Irish Aid, we support a comprehensive range of programmes to sustainably improve food and nutrition security of the poorest and most vulnerable. For example, in Malawi, we support smallholder farmers' organisations to improve soil fertility and diversify to more nutritious crops; in Tanzania, we support smallholder farmers' access to better farm inputs such as seeds and fertiliser; and in Lesotho, we support smallholder farmers to develop vegetable gardens to improve household nutrition. At the international level, we work to ensure that global agricultural research is focused on the needs of women smallholder farmers, and that research outputs are readily available to the poorest farmers.
The UN Global Strategic Framework for Food Security and Nutrition is another opportunity to further Ireland’s work in this area, and I look forward to engaging with it. Regarding the UN Committee on World Food Security in October of this year, a decision on Ministerial attendance will be taken closer to the event.
610 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he or his Department has had any contact with the Iranian Government in relation to the possible reopening of a beef trade with Iran; if the current situation surrounding the question of the enrichment of uranium has any implications for trade negotiations; if the closure of the embassy in Tehran has further complicated matters for trade negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11339/12]
My Department has been in touch with the Iranian authorities, though the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in furtherance of our continuing efforts to gain access to the Iranian market for Irish beef and sheepmeat. In particular we have been engaged with official veterinarians from Iran to demonstrate the quality and safety of our control systems. We would hope to reach an agreement with the Iranian authorities on a bilateral basis in due course.
In relation to your question about uranium enrichment, this is being dealt with in the context of broader discussions between the EU and the Iranian government. For the present these discussions have not had any impact on our efforts to gain market access for Irish sheepmeat and beef, though of course we will continue to consult closely with and take advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in this regard.
611 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding a single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [11392/12]
The application received from the person named was the subject of a Remote Sensing (i.e. Satellite Inspection). The results of this inspection indicated that over-claims existed on land parcels declared in the application. With a view to verifying the results of the Remote Sensing Inspection a ground inspection of these parcels was arranged. The findings of the inspection confirmed that the total over-claim in the land declared by the applicant was greater than 50%.
In such circumstances, the penalty provided for in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1122/2009 is that no payment can issue in the year in question. In addition, an administrative fine equalling the money equivalent of the over claim must be deducted from payments due to the applicant over the following three years. The person named was informed of the over claim by letter dated 23 December 2011. That letter also informed the applicant that he had a right to appeal. No appeal has thus far been received. On receipt of any appeal the matter will be re-examined by my Department.
612 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the REP scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if he will expedite same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11440/12]
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1 November 2010. Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, have to be completed before any payment can issue. During these checks a query arose in respect of land parcels declared which require digitisation of the areas concerned. This is being dealt with by my Department at present and once the digitisation process is completed, the application will be processed with a view to making payment at the earliest opportunity.
613 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11491/12]
The first discussions on the Global Strategic Framework will be held at the FAO Regional Conferences. The European Regional Conference, which my Department will be attending, will take place in April in Baku, Azerbaijan and will be an opportunity for Ireland to feed into the process and to influence the consensus ERG position to be formulated.
Ireland's submission will be prepared by my Department in consultation with our colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. While our submission has yet to be completed, I can assure you that it will be very supportive of smallholder farmers, particularly women, in developing countries. Our submission will be informed by the 2008 Hunger Task Force Report, which recommended three priority areas for Ireland in its efforts to address global hunger: 1) support to smallholder farmers, particularly women, in Africa; 2) addressing maternal and infant undernutrition, and 3) strengthening international political commitment to addressing Hunger.
Ireland has made steady progress in implementing the Hunger Task Force recommendations. Through our overseas development programme, Irish Aid, we support a comprehensive range of programmes to sustainably improve food and nutrition security of the poorest and most vulnerable. For example, in Malawi, we support smallholder farmers' organisations to improve soil fertility and diversify to more nutritious crops; in Tanzania, we support smallholder farmers' access to better farm inputs such as seeds and fertiliser; and in Lesotho, we support smallholder farmers to develop vegetable gardens to improve household nutrition. At the international level, we work to ensure that global agricultural research is focused on the needs of women smallholder farmers, and that research outputs are readily available to the poorest farmers.
The UN Global Strategic Framework for Food Security and Nutrition is another opportunity to further Ireland’s work in this area, and I look forward to engaging with it. Regarding the UN Committee on World Food Security in October of this year, a decision on Ministerial attendance will be taken closer to the event.
614 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number and costs of advertisements placed in national newspapers for job vacancies in the civil and public service in the past 12 months; the number of new entrants recruited from the process; the number of vacancies filled from inside the civil and public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11500/12]
My Department has not placed any advertisements for job vacancies in national newspapers in the past 12 months.
615 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the outstanding 2011 agri-environment option scheme payment due to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11531/12]
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from 1 September 2010 and full payment totalling €578.69 has issued in respect of 2010. Payment in respect of the 2011 Scheme year is subject to a similar administrative checking process. During these checks a query arose in relation to one of the land parcels. This is being dealt with by my Department at present and once this query is resolved, the application will be further processed with a view to making payment at the earliest opportunity.
616 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11576/12]
The person named submitted erroneous dates for three animals under the 2010 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Following an appeal by the applicant, the case was reviewed and the circumstances as outlined were accepted by my Department. A letter advising the applicant of the successful outcome of his appeal was issued by my Department on 5 January 2012. Payment issued in respect of the three animals on 22 February 2012.
617 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any State board appointees have volunteered to waive their fee or expenses; the names of such persons; the corresponding savings to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11889/12]
There are currently 12 State Bodies (listed below) that fall under the aegis of my Department. Queries regarding the waiver of fees or expenses issued to Board members should be addressed to the State agencies themselves.
1. Bord Bia
2. Bord na gCon
3. BIM
4. Coillte
5. Horse Racing Ireland
6. Irish National Stud
7. Marine Institute
8. National Milk Agency
9. Sea Fisheries Protection Authority
10. Teagasc
11. Veterinary Council of Ireland
12. Aquaculture Licence Appeals Board (ALAB)
618 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a breakdown of costs incurred in the provision of transport to Cabinet Ministers in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11899/12]
The payments made by the Department in 2011 in respect of my transport costs and those of my predecessor, Mr Brendan Smith TD, are set out in the following table:
|
Minister |
Travel expenses for use of private car (Note 1) |
Air Flights |
Taxi/Car-Hire expenses abroad |
Drivers’ Salary and Subsistence costs |
|
Simon Coveney |
€13,299.19 |
€9,577.37 Note 2 |
€503.79 |
€71,646.92 |
|
Brendan Smith |
Nil |
€278.01 |
€129.00 |
Nil |
Notes:
Note 1
The system for the provision and transport of transport for Ministers changed from the use of official to private cars on the appointment of the Government in March 2011. The average annual cost of providing a State car under the previous administration was €280,000. Under current arrangements the average annual cost is less than €100,000.
Note 2
€4,351.55 of this total was in respect of attendance at Council of Ministers meetings and recoupable from the EU. The remainder covered the cost of foreign travel engagements including trade missions.
619 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if funding is available for community crèches; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10668/12]
The Government currently supports the provision of early childhood care and education through three support programmes — the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme and the Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme. These programmes are implemented by my Department.
The Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme supports only community-based childcare services by enabling them to provide childcare at reduced rates to disadvantaged and low income families. These not-for-profit facilities provide childcare at cost price with reductions to qualifying parents based on the level of subvention they are entitled to under the programme.
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme was introduced in January 2010 and provides a free pre-school year to all eligible children in the year before commencing primary school. Almost every pre-school service in the State is participating in the programme, ensuring it is available to children in all areas.
The Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme was introduced in September 2010. Under the CETS programme, funding is provided by my Department to participating childcare services in return for the provision of free childcare places to qualifying students and trainees. The eligibility criteria under which students and trainees qualify under the programme is determined by FÁS and the VECs.
The ECCE and CETS programmes are available in both community and commercial childcare services. In December 2011, the Government announced a new National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) Capital Funding 2012 grant. This grant will provide capital funding of €6m this year to both community and private childcare providers currently participating in one or more of the above funding programmes: CCS programme; CETS programme and ECCE programme. The funding is available for small maintenance/renovation work or equipment and the maximum grant available to qualifying applicants is €50,000.
620 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 211 of 12 January 2012, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive [10830/12]
I have forwarded the information in question to the Deputy today.
621 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide the full details of protocols between the Health Service Executive and the housing authority pursuant to section 45(2)(e) of the Child Care Act 1991 in relation to the provision of aftercare and in planning accommodation of children leaving care on reaching the age of 18 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11113/12]
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
622 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will advise the way the Health Service Executive currently works with the housing authorities in planning accommodation for children leaving care; if he will provide full details of current status of work being done in this area; if he will outline the way the specific needs of care leavers are being addressed by the HSE and the housing authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11114/12]
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
623 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a section 39 grant for 2011 will be paid to a community playschool (details supplied), in view of the fact that the grant had been paid in the past four years; and if she will expedite payment. [11458/12]
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
624 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her budget allocation for the staffing and administrative costs of the processing of domestic adoptions in 2011 and 2012. [10595/12]
The domestic adoption process in Ireland is managed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI). Persons may apply in the first instance to the HSE for an assessment of eligibility and suitability to adopt. The HSE will undertake such an assessment and prepare a report for consideration by an Adoption Committee. The Adoption Committee is established by the HSE under Section 36 of the Adoption Act, 2010. The Committee makes a recommendation to the AAI on the suitability of the applicant. The Authority, following consideration of the recommendation of the Adoption Committee will make a determination on whether to issue a declaration of eligibility and suitability to adopt. Much of the preparatory process work is undertaken by the HSE with appropriate guidance from the AAI, which is the ultimate decision maker in determining eligibility and suitability. The cost of providing this service is met from within the respective financial allocations to the AAI and the HSE. In the case of the AAI the cost is met from within the Authority's overall allocation of €3.3 million in 2012. I have asked the HSE to provide an estimate of the cost of this service and I will revert to the Deputy on the matter.
625 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of domestic adoption applications currently being processed by the Health Service Executive; and on average the length of time since the applicant families first submitted their applications. [10596/12]
The umbrella term of domestic adoption encompasses a number of different types of adoption, including a very small number of infant placements with non-familial applicants, step-parent/family adoptions and the adoption of children in long term foster care by their foster parents. The domestic adoption process in all of its forms is inherently complex due to a variety of factors including constitutional and legal requirements in relation to the placement of children, the requirement to consult birth fathers and consent requirements. Each individual case presents a unique set of circumstances and issues to be addressed. For this reason it is not possible to provide any reliable average length of time for the process. However, the HSE estimates that the process may take up to 8 months, depending on the individual circumstances of the case. I have been advised by the Adoption Authority of Ireland that in 2010 there were 153 applications received and 189 Orders made for domestic adoptions. In 2011 there were 47 applications and 39 Orders made for domestic adoptions.
626 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason the Health Service Executive is delaying the domestic adoption of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1. [10598/12]
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
627 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the funding options open to a facility (details supplied); her position on the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10614/12]
Ireland now has a nationwide network of successful youth cafés which are mainly volunteer led although support and expertise from the youth sector can often be a key component in the initial stages of development. The volunteer aspect is however an essential component if facilities are to be viable and sustainable in the medium to long term. In addition, involving young people in the management and running of Youth Cafés in partnership with adults is core to the on-going long term sustainability success of a youth café. My Department is encouraging and supporting this approach through its interaction with youth organisations at national level, with Vocational Education Committees at regional level and with youth services at local level.
The capital funding options provided by my Department to date for youth cafés have been utilised for the refurbishment, redecoration, fitting out or adaptation of buildings as well as providing for the purchase of necessary equipment. I anticipate that any future youth café funding initiatives will also primarily be for capital based expenditure and will not extend to supporting staff costs to operate these cafés.
628 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the cost to her Department of the senior Minister’s car in the period relating to 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011 to include mileage and car related expenses paid to the senior Minister; if she will detail the salaries paid to civilian drivers, overtime, subsistence and travel expenses paid to them and all other related information, and the information should include any payment made in 2012 related to a 2011 claim. [10637/12]
632 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount of mileage clocked up on a monthly basis for which expenses were claimed for all Ministers attached to her Department since March 2011; the amount claimed in mileage expenses on a monthly basis for all Ministers attached to her Department since March 2011, and the full list of trips for which mileage expenses were claimed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10796/12]
648 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide a breakdown of costs incurred in the provision of transport to Cabinet Ministers in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11900/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 628, 632 and 648 together.
In line with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines on ministerial appointments, since 1 May 2011, I employ two civilian drivers on a week on/week off basis to drive my private car on official business. They receive a salary of €631.75 per week and are not entitled to claim overtime. However, they are entitled to claim subsistence payments in respect of certified official travel at the appropriate Civil Service rates and under the regulations applying to travel and subsistence. A total of €2,476.41 has been paid since 2011 in this regard. The information requested relating to mileage claims for the use of my personal car on official business is set out below:
|
Month |
Number of miles |
Amount |
|
May 2011 |
1,803 |
€1,713.75 |
|
June 2011 |
3,170 |
€2,533.79 |
|
July 2011 |
2,563 |
€1,173.60 |
|
August 2011 |
2,471 |
€1,131.47 |
|
September 2011 |
2,921 |
€1,337.53 |
|
October 2011 |
3,456 |
€1,582.50 |
|
November 2011 |
2,387 |
€1,093.01 |
|
December 2011 |
1,246 |
€570.44 |
|
January 2012 |
920 |
€874.46 |
|
Total |
20,937 |
€12,010.65 |
629 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a child (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be approved for the early childhood care and education scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10669/12]
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme was introduced in January 2010 and provides a free pre-school year to all eligible children in the year before commencing primary school. About 66,000 children, that is approximately 95% of children in the year before school, are availing of the free pre-school provision at this time.
Children qualify for the free pre-school year where they are aged more than 3 years 2 months and less than 4 years 7 months at 1 September in the relevant year. This means, for example, that children born between 2 February 2007 and 30 June 2008 qualified for the free pre-school year in September 2011 and children born in July and August of 2008 will qualify for the programme in September 2012. This child will therefore be eligible to avail of the ECCE programme in September 2012. There are no exceptions for children who are below the qualifying age.
The objective of the ECCE programme is to make early learning in a formal setting available to eligible children in the year before they commence primary school. To achieve this, services participating in the pre-school year are expected to provide age-appropriate activities and programmes to children within a particular age cohort. For this reason, it is appropriate to set minimum and maximum limits to the age range within which children will qualify.
My Department also implements the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme which provides funding to community childcare services to enable them to charge reduced childcare rates to low income and disadvantaged families. Parents who consider that they qualify for support under the this programme should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee to establish exactly what participating community facilities are available in their area. Westmeath County Childcare Committee may be contacted by telephone at 044 9335454 or by e-mail at info@westmeathchildcare.ie.
630 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the involvement Irish children and young persons have had with the EU’s Youth in Action 2007 to 2013 programme. [10670/12]
Ireland has been a participant country in the EU Youth in Action Programme 2007-2013 and the Programmes for young people that preceded it; the Youth Programme (2000 -2007), Youth for Europe and European Voluntary Service. My Department is the National Authority for the Youth in Action Programme in Ireland. The National Agency appointed to administer this Programme in Ireland is Léargas — the Exchange Bureau.
There are five general objectives associated with the Youth in Action Programme, namely that it:
Promotes young people's active citizenship in general and their European citizenship in particular;
Develops solidarity and promotes tolerance among young people, in particular in order to reinforce social cohesion in the EU;
Fosters mutual understanding between young people in different countries;
Contributes to developing the quality of support systems for youth activities and the capabilities of civil society organisations in the youth field;
Promotes European cooperation in the youth field.
Since 2007 there have been 692 projects and 10,071 young people and youth leaders have participated in the various actions of the Programme. The overall funding to Ireland was €9,742,241.
In 2012 the funding allocated to Ireland for projects has increased from €2.04 million in 2011 to €2.53 million.
An independent Interim Evaluation of the Programme carried out in 2010 found that the Programme is operating successfully in Ireland and is delivering the intending impacts for young participants, youth workers and organisations for young people.
631 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her priorities in the negotiations around any continuation of the EU’s Youth in Action programme or similar programmes post 2013. [10671/12]
The EU Youth in Action Programme 2007-2013, in which Ireland is a participant, is due to finish in December 2013. In a communication on the 23rd November 2011 the EU Commission published its proposal for Erasmus for All: the EU Programme for Education, Youth, Training and Sport. The proposed programme will be a single Programme for Education, Training, Youth and Sport for the 2014-2020 period. The Programme reflects the priorities of the Europe 2020 Strategy and its flagship initiatives.
Ongoing consultation and discussion on the proposed new programme are currently taking place at EU level in the Education Committee. My Department has been contributing to the debate through the Education Permanent Representation on this Committee. My Department's priority is to maintain the continuing relevance of the youth element of the proposed new programme for young people in Ireland.
633 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 471 of 27 September 2011, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [10826/12]
My Office is advised by the HSE that the information requested in Parliamentary Question No. 471 of 27 September 2011 will issue to the Deputy this week.
634 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 472 of 27 September 2011, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [10827/12]
My Office is advised by the HSE that the information requested in Parliamentary Question No. 472 of 27 September 2011 will issue to the Deputy this week.
635 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 478 to 480 of 8 November 2011, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [10834/12]
I have asked the Health Service Executive to update the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
636 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide the total amount each Minister, Minister of State and senior civil servant has spent on entertainment expenses, since being appointed in the case of the Ministers and Ministers of State and in the calendar year of 2011 with regard to senior civil servants. [10850/12]
The Deputy might wish to note that the entertainment expenses claimed by me since my appointment as Minister amount to €142.25. This relates to catering services provided by the Oireachtas for working lunches that I had on 30th June and 7th July, 2011 with the Secretary General of my Department and representatives of the HSE. In addition, officials of my Department incurred expenditure of €104.95 in October 2011 on a lunch hosted for the Management Committee of the Causeway Programme which included representatives from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, UK and the Department of Education, Northern Ireland.
There are no Ministers of State assigned to my Department.
637 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views regarding a submission regarding adoption (details supplied); if there is proposed legislation to address this issue; if so, when same will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11251/12]
The General Register Office (Oifig An Ard-Chláraitheora) is the central repository for records relating to Births, Deaths and Marriages in the Republic of Ireland. Under the Adoption Act 2010, the Adoption Authority of Ireland is responsible for sending particulars to an tArd-Chláraitheoir for entries in the Adopted Children Register. An abridged certificate (a short birth certificate) currently available from the GRO, does not disclose that the person to whom the certificate relates is an adopted person. However, it is acknowledged that this short birth certificate contains, in essence, only the name and date of birth of the person. In the Adoption Act, 2010, Section 89 provides that the Minister for Social Protection may, following consultation with myself, make regulations to provide that An tArd-Chláraitheoir in relation to any entry in the Adopted Children's Register may issue a certificate of such particulars contained in the entry as may be specified in the regulations. Section 89(2) provides that in making any such regulations, the certificate may not disclose that the person to whom the certificate relates is an adopted person. In relation to the making of these regulations I will raise it with my colleague the Minister for Social Protection and bring the ongoing difficulties being experienced by adopted people to her attention.
Heads of Bill in respect of the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill are at an advanced stage and there is ongoing consultation with the Attorney General's Office in relation to the Heads. The new legislation will provide a structured legal framework to support adopted people and birth parents who are seeking information and who wish to trace one another.
638 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in view of the fundamental importance placed on the development of literacy and numeracy in children’s earliest years in the national literacy and numeracy strategy 2011-2020, the portion of the €10 million allocated to commence the implementation of actions in the NLNS will be assigned specifically to the early childhood sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11359/12]
639 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in view of the central role of Aistear, the early childhood curriculum framework in supporting early literacy and numeracy highlighted in the national literacy and numeracy strategy 2011-2020, the plans in place for providing a national training and implementation strategy for the roll-out of Aistear to the early childhood sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11360/12]
643 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in view of the significant time and resources afforded to developing Aistear, Ireland’s first national curriculum framework for children zero to six years in 2009, the plans in place for a national training roll-out to the early childhood sector similar to that of the primary school sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11364/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 638, 639 and 643 together.
The primary school sector is a homogenous sector with a workforce holding the same qualifications and teaching the same primary school curriculum. The model of implementation for Aistear in the primary school system is to establish a network of Aistear tutors who are themselves teachers and would deliver training in Aistear to other teachers. My Department is in discussion with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) on what model should be used for the Early Years sector. The Early Years sector is a diverse sector that operates across a wide range of curricular philosophical bases, e.g., Montessori, Steiner, High/Scope.
As a preparatory step, the NCCA has been developing resources on Aistear for use in the Early Years sector and are working with Early Childhood Ireland on developing exemplars of good practice.e National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy was formally launched by my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, on 8th July 2011. Officials from my Department worked closely with the Department of Education and Skills in the development of the Strategy, and I welcome the recognition in the Strategy of the role of early childhood care and education. The free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme which is implemented by my Department is the key connection point between the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Education and Skills. The introduction of universal pre-school provision brought with it a requirement that early years practitioners would achieve a qualification at a minimum of Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) by June 2012. My Department is committed to incentivising the early years sector to acquire additional skills in oral language competency development for young children once this minimum requirement is met. The ECCE programme will continue to be the catalyst for implementing the Workforce Development Plan through the Department of Education and Skills officials who are co-located within my Department.
640 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in view of the importance placed on the professional upskilling of the early childhood workforce in order to meet the targets and objectives associated with the national literacy and numeracy strategy 2011-2020, the changes that will be made to existing early childhood training programmes; the way this will be resourced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11361/12]
Early childhood training programmes are designed to ensure that practitioners have the skills and competencies to provide for the holistic and developmental needs of babies and young children. The continuing validity of all training programmes is kept under review by the relevant Awarding bodies. The process of programme development and validation in further and higher education is as follows:
1. An application for programme development is made by a training provider to an awarding body, i.e., FETAC, HETAC or a University or IoT with delegated authority. The application will include rationale/identified need for the programme, proposed content, level of award, duration, delivery methods, assessment methods and quality assurance details.
2. Programme Development. Upon approval by the relevant awarding body, the education and training provider will develop the programme according to their proposal and will submit the detailed content for validation by the awarding body.
3. Programme validation. Programme validation is usually for a specified period of time after which programme review processes will have to be undertaken towards renewal of validation.
In line with this process and as set out in the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy, my Department will work with the Awarding Bodies and other Government Departments to ensure that training courses in early childhood care and education continue to have validity.
641 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason the focus of the workforce development plan for the early childhood care and education sector here in 2010 has shifted from developing and upskilling the early childhood workforce to standardising qualifications and training levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11362/12]
The Workforce Development Plan for the Early Childhood Care and Education sector set out the key areas that emerged from an extensive programme of research and consultation: These key areas are:
The necessity for clearly articulated professional pathways into and across professional domains of practice related to the care and education of children. These include occupational role descriptors with associated qualification levels.
The establishment of an agreed set of national standards for all awards in early childhood care and education (incorporating core knowledge, skills, competencies and work experience) across all relevant levels of the National Framework of Qualifications in Ireland.
Access to flexible, affordable and nationally accredited learning opportunities at all levels of qualification for pre-service and in-service professional development.
The necessity to ensure consistent quality of ECCE courses nationally across a range of variables including content, delivery and work placement.
The publication by FETAC of Common Award Standards at Levels 4, 5 and 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications will ensure that there is consistent quality of ECCE courses across the country and will deliver on one of the key areas set out in the Workforce Development Plan. I view this as an essential building block for developing and upskilling the workforce.
642 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in view of the fact that the workforce development plan cites access to flexible, affordable and nationally accredited learning opportunities at all levels of qualification for pre-service and in-service professional development as a key area of the plan, the progress being made with regard to making higher level qualifications more affordable and accessible to the early childhood workforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11363/12]
Access to flexible, affordable and nationally accredited learning opportunities at all levels of qualification for pre-service and in-service professional development is, as the Deputy points out, a key area of the Workforce Development Plan for the Early Childhood Care and Education sector. The initiatives under way to provide flexible learning opportunities include an on-line course which is being delivered by Early Childhood Ireland and which is subsidised for learners and a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme which is being delivered by Whitehall College in Dublin. This RPL programme is also subsidised for learners.
Both programmes are accredited on the National Framework of Qualifications.
644 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the exact funding that will be allocated to the 116000 missing children hotline which is to be opened in the near future; the persons that will be included in the project team which has been established; if the missing children hotline will be established before the 2012 Olympics in London which may see an increase in the need for the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11413/12]
Under EU telecoms rules agreed in 2009, the 116000 number is reserved in all EU member states for a missing children hotline. My Department established and led a cross-sectoral Project Team, including representatives of my own Department, the Department of Justice and Equality, ComReg and An Garda Síochána to advance this matter.
The position is that Comreg, who have responsibility for allocation of this number in Ireland, received an application to operate the Hotline from the ISPCC. Following cross departmental consultation and an examination of the issues involved by the Project team, Comreg has now allocated the number to the ISPCC.
The Project Team has meet with the ISPCC and in the coming months the Project Team will work to ensure that the Hotline becomes operational as soon as possible and operates in a way that supports and augments existing arrangements to secure child protection. The issue of funding is being examined by the Project Team and I am aware that the ISPCC have made an application for funding to the EU Commission under the Daphne Funding Programme.
645 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the detailed plans of the facilities that she intends to provide for the detention of 16 and 17 year olds at Oberstown, Lusk, County Dublin; if she will confirm if dedicated new facilities will be provided; if 16 and 17 year old detainees will be detained separately from the younger teenagers currently detained in Oberstown; the level if any of shared facilities that will be used; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11489/12]
I refer the Deputy to the responses provided recently on 14 February 2012 to Parliamentary Questions 8059/12 and 8061/12. The position remains unchanged.
646 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number and costs of advertisements placed in national newspapers for job vacancies in the civil and public service in the past 12 months; the number of new entrants recruited from the process; the number of vacancies filled from inside the civil and public service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11502/12]
The information requested is not immediately to hand within my Department and is being collated at present. I will arrange for the information to be forwarded directly to the Deputy when this process is complete.
647 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if any State board appointees have volunteered to waive their fee or expenses; the names of such persons; the corresponding savings to the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11890/12]
I would like to inform the Deputy that there are four agencies which are funded by the Exchequer through my Department's Vote. These are the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI); the Family Support Agency (FSA); the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) and the Ombudsman for Children. With effect from 1 January 2012, I have taken responsibility for the children detention schools as provided in Part 10 of the Children Act 2001. They are funded through my Department's Vote and I am responsible for the appointment of their board of management.
One member of the Board of Management of the Oberstown Children Detention Schools, Mr. John Harraghy, waived his fee amounting to a saving of €2992.50 for 2011.
In relation to the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) only the Chairman is in receipt of a fee on a personal to holder basis. This fee has not thus far been waived. On the matter of expenses, of those entitled to claim expenses from the NEWB, no-one has given notification of an intention to waive expenses.
I can also confirm that fees or expenses have not been waived in respect of board appointees of the Adoption Authority of Ireland and the Family Support Agency.
It is possible that Board members may simply choose not to submit an expenses claim without notifying their Board of their intention, in which case I would be unaware of any such waiving of expenses and any consequential savings.
The Ombudsman for Children does not have a Board of Management.
649 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health if he will initiate a commission of inquiry into the circumstances around allegations of sexual abuse at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth, between the 1960s and 1990s; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10844/12]
The Government's original intention was to facilitate an inquiry by an Oireachtas Committee into the issues referred to by the Deputy. As this approach has not proved possible, I am examining how best to deal with the issues involved in the case. My Department is currently exploring the options in this regard, including the possibility of a Commission of Investigation under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004. I also intend to consult with the Attorney General in view of the complex legal issues involved.
650 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he is sure that the fluoridation of public water supplies does not have a negative impact on human health; if he can point to any research to support the case for the continuation of this practice; if his attention has been drawn to the research that highlights adverse effects of fluoridation on public health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11342/12]
The Forum on Fluoridation, which reported in 2002, advised that the fluoridation of piped public water supplies should continue as a public health measure. One of the recommendations of the Forum was to amend the Fluoridation of Water Supplies Regulations, 1965 to redefine the optimal level of fluoride in drinking water from 0.8 to 1.0 parts per million (ppm) to between 0.6 and 0.8 ppm. Regulations were introduced in 2007 to give legal effect to this change.
The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health, established in 2004, has among its functions to evaluate all new and emerging issues on fluorides and health. The Expert Body advises that the balance of scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, at the optimal level, does not cause any ill effects and continues to be safe and effective in protecting the oral health of all age groups. The report of the EU Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER), published in June 2011, has not made any findings of negative health or environmental effects concerning fluoridation of water. There are no plans to discontinue the policy of fluoridation of public water supplies, which continues to make an effective contribution to oral health in Ireland.
651 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be issued as a matter of urgency to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11472/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
652 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health the arrangements for the care of high dependency patients following the planned closure later this year of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Limerick. [10600/12]
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
653 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the cost to his Department of the senior Minister’s car in the period relating to 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011 to include mileage and car related expenses paid to the senior Minister; if he will detail the salaries paid to civilian drivers, overtime, subsistence and travel expenses paid to them and all other related information, and the information should include any payment made in 2012 related to a 2011 claim. [10642/12]
The following is a breakdown of the information requested:
|
Pay — Civilian Drivers |
|
|
Salaries |
€44,259 |
|
Employer PRSI |
€4,600 |
|
€48,859 |
|
|
Subsistence — Civilian Drivers |
€7,301 |
|
Mileage (22,185 miles) |
€12,129 |
|
Toll Charges |
€1,376 |
654 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in the processing of an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10664/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
655 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the numbers and lengths of time in the accident and emergency departments of hospitals (details supplied) for the week beginning 13 February and the way they compare with the same period 2011, if he considers progress is being made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10679/12]
The information sought by the Deputy is being collated by my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
656 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health the reason the Oireachtas primary care reimbursement service has stopped responding to inquiries and representations from TDs via the dedicated email system; the reason the phone number provided to Members is no longer answered by any member of Health Service Executive staff; his views that this situation is acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10686/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
657 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will issue a comprehensive report on plans to move the Central Mental Hospital from Dundrum to St. Ita’s in Portrane, including costs and timescale for same; and the impact this will have on St. Joseph’s service already operating in the area. [10704/12]
Funding is included in the HSE Capital Plan to provide for planned infrastructural developments for the National Forensic Mental Health Service. These include the development of a new 120 bed hospital to replace the Central Mental Hospital (CMH), the development of a 10 bed Intellectual Disability Forensic Mental Health Unit, a 10 bed Child and Adolescent Forensic Mental Health Unit, as well as four regional Intensive Care Rehabilitation Units (ICRUs).
It is planned to build the new CMH, the Intellectual Disability and Child and Adolescent Forensic Mental Health Units at Portrane, Co Dublin. The HSE has sought expressions of interest for the design team for this project and it is hoped that work on the design will commence in the coming months. It is envisaged that construction will start in 2014 and the facility will be completed and operational by 2016.
The regional ICRUs will be located at appropriate locations around the country and will serve as a gateway between the community mental health service and the forensic service. One of the ICRUs will be located at Portrane and a decision on the regional locations for the remaining three units will be finalised shortly.
I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy regarding the impact, if any, this development will have on St. Joseph's.
658 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will explain his statements that no decision has been made in relation to the future of public nursing homes, yet at the same time a long-term bed has remained empty in St. Joseph’s in Ardee, County Louth, since October on the orders of the Health Service Executive and they have stated that it will be reduced to a 19 bed unit from the end of March. [10705/12]
As the Deputy is aware the HSE is facing challenges in respect of all services in 2012, and in the case of Community Nursing Units these include challenges regarding staffing, funding and the age and structure of its units. It is clear that on a business as usual basis, the HSE would have to close further beds across a range of public community nursing units in 2012. In the absence of reform, this would increase the cost of caring for older persons within the public system, undermine the viability of public community nursing units and reduce the overall number of older persons that can be supported within the budget available for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. This is not a sustainable way forward and would not meet the needs of older persons, local communities, the taxpayer or those working in the public service.
The Minister has requested that the HSE provide him with a plan which seeks to protect the viability of as many units as possible within the funding and staffing resources available, including smaller units where challenges of scale may require more innovative approaches to service delivery. It is accepted that this will require a combination of actions such as consolidation of services; changes in staffing, skill mix and work practices; age and structure of public units etc. It will also have to take into account different types of services required and the capacity available within an area. The HSE is already examining issues in this regard and will be working closely with the Department to develop an overall set of proposals for the Minister.
It is a matter for the Health Service Executive to deliver services both nationally and locally within its budget; and overall health policy priorities in line with the overall resources available to it. The Executive is currently examining the future use and development of public nursing homes in Co. Louth, taking into account the potential of these units to comply with HIQA standards. In this regard a project group held its first meeting Tuesday, 24th January. The group is working on an optimal appraisal for the most appropriate service delivery model for residential care for Older People in Co Louth. It has agreed a framework, with mid-March as the expected time for completion.
Finally I would like to reassure the Deputy that should there be concern for the future of any unit, the HSE will engage fully in a local consultation process with all stakeholders before any decision is taken.
659 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 has been unable to obtain an appointment for necessary eye surgery. [10725/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
660 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if a property (details supplied) has yet been transferred by a voluntary housing body to the Health Service Executive; the HSE’s plans for the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10735/12]
Management of the Health Service Executive property portfolio is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.
661 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the amount paid to general practitioners for phlebotomy services provided in each of the years, 2009, 2010 and 2011; if he will provide a breakdown by the Health Service Executive region of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10765/12]
The HSE's Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) is responsible for the payment of fees and allowances to general practitioners (GPs) who are contracted by the HSE to provide services under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme.
The PCRS does not pay GPs for the provision of phlebotomy services. Blood tests carried out as part of the general treatment of a patient are covered by the GMS contract with GPs.
At my request, the HSE wrote to all GMS GPs reminding them of their obligations under their contract in this regard. The letter to GPs pointed out that, where the practice based phlebotomy service forms part of the investigation and necessary treatment of a patient's symptoms or conditions by the patient's GP, the service should be provided free of charge where the patient is a medical card or GP visit card holder. I would encourage patients to follow up with the HSE if they believe they are being wrongly charged for services by their GP and the matter will be fully investigated by the Executive. Formal complaints will be dealt with through the HSE's Consumer Affairs Service. In a number of cases to-date, the GP has reimbursed patients following receipt of correspondence from the HSE.
I appreciate that because of the nature of the GP/patient relationship, it may be difficult for patients to make such complaints. Where public representatives are made aware of GPs charging GMS patients in error, they may wish to notify the HSE directly.
662 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners required to deliver free universal access; his plans to have that number of GPs in place in advance of the introduction of free for all GP service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10766/12]
663 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the date on which he will publish the findings of the study commissioned to identify the number of general practitioners needed to deliver a free for all GP service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10767/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 662 and 663 together.
The Government is embarking on a major reform programme for the health system. The aim of this reform is to deliver a single-tier health service that will deliver equal access to care based on need, not income.
A fundamental element in the reform process involves significant strengthening of primary care services to deliver universal primary care with the removal of cost as a barrier to access to General Practitioner (GP) services. I have established the Universal Primary Care Project Team, which has been tasked with working through the issues relating to the introduction of this commitment. The Project Team is meeting on a regular basis.
Universal primary care will be achieved on a phased basis to allow for the recruitment of additional doctors, nurses and other primary care professionals. Initially, free GP cover will be extended to persons in receipt of drugs and medicines under the Long Term Illness Scheme. Primary legislation is required to give effect to this commitment. There will be an announcement in due course about the start date for this arrangement.
The Department commissioned research to develop a model of demand for and supply of GP and practice nurse services. The outcome is a functional and adaptable excel model rather than any specific set of findings. The Project Team will make use of the model in the course of its work.
664 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a list of chronic disease management programmes. [10768/12]
The Chronic Disease Management Programmes are:
Diabetes,
Asthma,
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
Heart failure,
Acute coronary syndrome,
Stroke.
665 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will outline planned changes to general practitioners training programmes in order to fast-track training; the institutions that will be responsible for this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10769/12]
669 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of training places available for general practitioners in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; the funding available for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10782/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 665 and 669 together.
At present, doctors who wish to pursue a career in General Practice must obtain a place on a 4 year vocational training course. Time spent on hospital rotation is not recognised for this purpose. "Fast track" training refers to a potential programme for doctors who have already gained some of the required hospital rotation experience through General Professional Training and who now wish to become GPs, but do not have access to GP Specialist training. No such programme currently exists in Ireland but the HSE is working with the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) to develop such a training programme. It is envisaged that fast track training will be managed and delivered through the existing bodies that provide GP training.
In addition, the HSE and ICGP have reached agreement on an alternative route to specialist registration for doctors who have extensive experience in General Practice, but who lack some component of training to become eligible for specialist registration as a General Practitioner. Details of this "practice based assessment model" were published on the ICGP website in September 2011. The ICGP has advertised for personnel to implement the alternative model and this recruitment process is ongoing.
In 2009, there were 120 general practice postgraduate training places available. In 2010, that number was increased to 157. Funding for GP training nationally is €19.5m.
The details of the GP trainee places from 2009 to the present, broken down by HSE Region, are set out in the tables below:
|
Programme |
Places 2009 |
Extra places July 2010 |
Current-2012 Program total |
|
Cork |
10 |
2 |
12 |
|
Kerry |
6 |
2 |
8 |
|
S/E (Waterford) |
10 |
2 |
12 |
|
Totals |
26 |
6 |
32 |
|
Programme |
Places 2009 |
Extra places July 2010 |
Current-2012 Program total |
|
North Inner City |
0 |
12 |
12 |
|
N/E. (Navan/Cavan) |
10 |
4 |
14 |
|
Dublin N/E RCSI |
8 |
1 |
9 |
|
Totals |
18 |
17 |
35 |
|
Programme |
Places 2009 |
Extra places July 2010 |
Current-2012 Program total |
|
Mid Leinster/UCD |
9 |
3 |
12 |
|
Mid Lnstr (Tmore, Naas Ptlse) |
16 |
4 |
20 |
|
TCD |
12 |
3 |
15 |
|
Totals |
37 |
10 |
47 |
|
Programme |
Places 2009 |
Extra places July 2010 |
Current-2012 Program total |
|
Donegal |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
Sligo |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
Galway |
15 |
0 |
15 |
|
Ballinasloe |
4 |
0 |
4 |
|
Limerick |
8 |
4 |
12 |
|
Total |
39 |
4 |
43 |
|
Grand Total |
120 |
37 |
157 |
666 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on their medical card application; the reason for the delay in making a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10771/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
667 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of babies born here in 2009, 2010 and 2011; the number of these babies who received a check-up within 48 hours of discharge from hospital; the number who received a developmental examination at two weeks following birth; the number who received a developmental examination at six weeks following birth; if he will provide a breakdown by Health Service Executive region of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10772/12]
The number of PHN visits within 48 hours of birth for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 is:
|
Year |
No of births* |
No and % receiving PHN visit within 48 hours of birth |
HSEDML |
HSEDNE |
HSE South |
HSE West |
|
2009 |
74,617 |
59,918 (80.3%) |
83.7% |
61.6% |
82.1% |
96% |
|
2010 |
74,437 |
62,378 (83.8%) |
84.2% |
73.4% |
86.7% |
91.3% |
|
2011 |
73,092 |
61,105 (83.6%) |
83.6% |
71.4% |
86.9% |
92.8% |
*No. of births includes stillbirths
Best Health for Children outlines the schedule of visits for the child health and surveillance programme. There is no requirement for children to receive a developmental examination at two weeks following birth. The Mother and Infant scheme provided by GPs covers both ante-natal care and post-natal care up to six weeks for mother and baby. Data are held by the contracted GPs who participate in this scheme.
668 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Health the term and cost of the lease for the new unit headquarters of the primary health care team centre in Macroom, County Cork; the cost to the Health Service Executive for refurbishing this building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10776/12]
Management of the Health Service Executive property portfolio is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.
670 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on proposals regarding methadone patients (details supplied). [10788/12]
I understand from the Health Services Executive (HSE) that a general information sheet, which includes dental care information, is provided to patients who are initiating methadone treatment. It is open to the person who has put forward the proposal to you to contact the HSE Social Inclusion Unit who have indicated that they would be willing to discuss the proposal for a specific leaflet in dental care and to possibly work in partnership with your correspondent.
In relation to the second point raised, in order for a product to be reimbursed under the General Medical Scheme and Community Drugs Schemes the supplier must make an application to the HSE. The HSE has advised that it has not received any application in relation to the product referred to in the correspondence.
671 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; the reason for the delay in processing the further information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10790/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
672 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Health when an insulin pump will be supplied to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10793/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
673 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health the amount of mileage clocked up on a monthly basis for which expenses were claimed for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011; the amount claimed in mileage expenses on a monthly basis for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011, and the full list of trips for which mileage expenses were claimed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10803/12]
The information requested by the Deputy is detailed in the following tabular statement. I make claims for mileage periodically, rather than by trip, as does my colleague Minister of State Lynch. Individual trip data are not readily available. Minister of State Shortall does not avail of a civilian driver. The basis on which Ministers record mileage does not require individual trips to be listed.
|
Minister |
Period Covered |
No. Miles |
Amount |
|
James Reilly T.D. |
1/5/2011-4/7/2011 |
7,138 |
€5,238.89 |
|
5/7/2011-6/12/2011 |
15,047 |
€6,890.02 |
|
|
Total |
22,185 |
€12,128.91 |
|
|
Roisin Shortall T.D. |
0 |
€0 |
|
|
Kathleen Lynch T.D. |
11/3/2011-31/5/2011 |
3,991 |
€3,793.45 |
|
1/6/2011-31/7/2011 |
6,072 |
€2,784.80 |
|
|
1/8/2011-30/9/2011 |
3,666 |
€1,678.66 |
|
|
1/10/2011-30/11/2011 |
6,930 |
€3,173.25 |
|
|
Total |
20,659 |
€11,430.16 |
674 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a medical card will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10811/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
675 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a medical card will be provided to persons (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10815/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
676 Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health the reason a drug generally available to medical card holders has not been made available to a person (detail supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10820/12]
Pradaxa is available under the GMS Scheme, the Drug Payment Scheme and other community drugs schemes for the prevention of blood clots in adult patients who have undergone elective hip replacement surgery or elective knee replacement surgery.
The HSE is assessing the availability of resources to provide for the long term treatment with Pradaxa for the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. This is a complicated process with long term implications.
The HSE wrote to all GMS doctors and community pharmacy contractors in November 2011 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 clarification.
677 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 419 of 6 December 2011, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [10828/12]
I understand the Health Service Executive wrote to you on 25 January 2012 enclosing the requested information. The Executive has been advised to forward its response again.
678 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a list of all publicly run nursing homes and units; the number of beds in each; the number and grade of staff in each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10829/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
679 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details on the number of Health Service Executive and Department of Health employees receiving gross salaries in excess of €100,000; if he will provide details as to the regional breakdown of such employees; if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the respective specialisms involved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10839/12]
There are 22 Department of Health employees receiving gross salaries in excess of €100,000. These include the Secretary General, the Chief Medical Officer, five Assistant Secretaries General and fifteen members of staff at Principal Officer or professional equivalent level. All Department of Health staff are based in Dublin.
With regard to the Health Service Executive, I have asked the Executive to collate the data sought as soon as possible and to provide it directly to the Deputy when available.
680 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the total amount each Minister, Minister of State and senior civil servant has spent on entertainment expenses since being appointed in the case of the Ministers and Ministers of State and in the calendar year of 2011 with regards to senior civil servants. [10857/12]
For accounting purposes the term "entertainment" refers to expenditure incurred in circumstances from hosting lunches for delegations to the hosting of receptions for conference attendees.
Up to the middle of February the cost to the Department in relation to entertainment expenses incurred by me was €1,437. There were no expenses incurred on behalf of either Minister of State.
Details in respect of senior civil servants, by which I take to be MAC members, is being compiled and the details will be forwarded to the Deputy shortly.
681 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Health the future of the Aisling Clinic, which is located on the grounds of Cherry Orchard Hospital, Dublin; if it is envisaged that funding will be sustained to ensure its future viability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10872/12]
As the Deputy will be aware, this matter was the subject of a Topical Debate on 15 February 2012. I have asked the HSE to provide me with a full report on the issue and will revert to the Deputy as soon as I have received that information.
682 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be made on an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the reason, six months after the appeal was lodged the appeals office was still awaiting the transfer of the file from Finglas, Dublin; if this is a regular occurrence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10884/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
683 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a wheelchair and bus pass in respect of a person (details supplied). [10885/12]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
684 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was refused a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10886/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
685 Deputy John O’Mahony 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 Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10887/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
686 D’fhiafraigh Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Sláinte cén fáth ar stopadh an tseirbhís fiaclóireachta san Ionad Sláinte i gCarna; cén fáth ar baineadh an trealamh as gan aon réamhphlé leis an bpobal; an bhfuil sé i gceist aige treoir a thabhairt do FSS an tseirbhís a atosú; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [10901/12]
Ó tharla gur ábhar seirbhíseach é seo chuireadh é faoi bhráid Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte le haghaidh freagra díreach.
687 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow will be admitted to undergo surgery at Tallaght Hospital, Dublin. [10906/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or day-case surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
688 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Health if it his intention to seek the consent of the Department of Finance as laid out in section 9 of the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal Act 1997 to introduce a statutory instrument that would extend the class or classes of persons eligible for compensation thereby allowing those women currently testing negative despite their ill health to qualify; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10912/12]
A great deal of consideration has been given to the issue of women who received potentially infectious batches of Anti D but who have neither tested positive for Hepatitis C, nor had a positive Tribunal decision in their favour. While a number of these women who have tested negative for Hepatitis C have had, and may continue to have, a variety of symptoms, there is no scientific proof that the symptoms are specific evidence of Hepatitis C infection. Some symptoms of Hepatitis C, such as fatigue, fibromyalgia and depression, are common conditions that occur in the general population. It is estimated that up to 16,000 women were exposed to potentially infectious batches of Anti-D and approximately 1,000 of these women were infected with Hepatitis C.
Having taken account of international practice and the rationale which led to the clarification of the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal eligibility requirements in 2006, I do not intend introducing a Statutory Instrument to extend the class or classes of persons eligible for compensation under the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal Act 1997. While I am sympathetic to the women in question, I am satisfied that the present arrangements are fair and reasonable.
689 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health if there are any plans for reducing the alcohol content in alcoholic drinks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10916/12]
The report of the National Substance Misuse Strategy Steering Group was published on 7 February last; and this recognises that while individuals are primarily responsible for their own behaviour, the State has a responsibility to foster the well being of its citizens — in addition to declaring that alcohol related harm increases with the amount of alcohol consumed.
The alcohol content in alcoholic drinks produced by manufacturers is largely a function of market forces such as supply and demand; but of relevance to the Deputy's question is that at the outset, the Steering Group recommended that the low-risk weekly consumption guidelines of pure alcohol should be 168 grams and 112 grams for men and women respectively (the Irish standard drink is calculated at 10 grams); and that alcohol products should be labelled with calorific content, weight of alcohol content, and health warnings on drinking during pregnancy.
Furthermore the Steering Group also recommended that excise duty rates on higher alcohol content products should be maintained at a higher rate than those on lower alcohol products to discourage consumption of higher alcohol content beverages.
These recommendations of the Steering Group — including those above that are related to the alcohol content in alcoholic drinks — are encouraging public debate and I envisage an Action Plan being developed in advance of proposals being drafted for Government later this year.
690 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. [10924/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
691 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); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10925/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
692 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10975/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
693 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10976/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
694 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10977/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
695 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10978/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
696 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10979/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
697 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [10980/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
698 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10981/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
699 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange an appointment for an operation to be brought forward in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10982/12]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for a direct reply to the Deputy.
700 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange an appointment for an operation to be brought forward in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10983/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or day-case surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
701 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application; and when a decision will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10984/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
702 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10985/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
703 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10986/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
704 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10987/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
705 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10988/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
706 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10989/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
707 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange an appointment for an assessment under the Health Service Executive to be brought forward in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10990/12]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
708 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10991/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
709 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10992/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
710 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10994/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
711 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10995/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
712 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10996/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
713 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10997/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
714 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [10998/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
715 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application; and when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [11000/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
716 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) [11039/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
717 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that there will be no disruption to day care centre services (details supplied) due to staff retirements under the public service agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11042/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
718 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application under the nursing home support scheme, fair deal, in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11087/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
719 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an operation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11090/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for in-patient or day-case surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
720 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health the timetable for the appointment of a new doctor to the spinal unit in Cappagh Hospital, Dublin 11 [11091/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
721 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health his plans to accommodate persons who were scheduled for appointments in the spinal unit of Cappagh Hospital, Dublin 11, who have had their appointments cancelled due to the resignation of a doctor in that unit. [11095/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
722 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on their application for a medical card; the reason for the delay in a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11104/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
723 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health if he will include sufferers of fibromyalgia in the full medical card scheme. [11105/12]
Under the provisions of the Health Act 1970, medical cards are provided to persons who, in the opinion of the Health Service Executive, are unable without undue hardship to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants. The assessment for a medical card is determined primarily by reference to the means of the applicant and his/her dependants.
At the request of my colleague, Dr James Reilly, Minister for Health, the HSE recently set up a clinical panel to assist in the processing of applications for discretionary medical cards where there are difficult personal circumstances. This should be of particular benefit to persons diagnosed with fibromyalgia whose income is in excess of the standard income guidelines.
It is the Government's intention to extend free GP services to the entire population during the course of this Government.
724 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health if patients with fibromyalgia are not covered by the long-term illness scheme, the welfare schemes available to them. [11106/12]
Fibromyalgia is not one of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme and there are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the scheme
Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €132 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines. In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultation.
725 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form a comparison by hospital of the numbers waiting 3-6 months, 6-9 months, 9-12 months, and more than 12 months for in patient and day cases at the end of December 2011 according to the Health Service Executive against the end of December 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11126/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
726 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of hospital operations cancelled, postponed or rescheduled last year by hospital; the increase since 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11129/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
727 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence regarding neurological conditions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11147/12]
The report entitled “National Policy and Strategy for the Provision of the Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011-2015” was jointly commissioned by the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE) and published in December 2011. The report sets out a clear policy with a recommended service framework that, when implemented, will ensure that the services are delivered in the most appropriate, most effective and most efficient way.
The report recognises that given the current economic climate, the focus in the short to medium term has to be on reconfiguration of services, structures and resources and the enhancement of the skills and competencies required to meet the changing context.
The HSE is committed to developing an implementation plan and an implementation structure for the provision of neuro-rehabilitation services, in close collaboration with the HSE Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Programme.
In the current economic climate it is not possible to provide additional funding to charities.
728 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 232 of 26 January 2012, when a response will issue. [11229/12]
It is regrettable that the HSE has not provided a response on this issue to date.
I have again asked the Health Service Executive for a report on the issue raised by the Deputy. I will revert to the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.
729 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health the reason the Health Service Executive requests evidence of fire and contents insurance for the dwellings of applicants for a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11260/12]
The purpose of requesting proof of house insurance from persons making applications for medical cards is to assist in determining a person's net income, as per the medical card guidelines. Some housing costs such as house insurance costs, can be offset against an applicant's income and improve their chances of qualifying for a medical card.
730 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health the reason a medical card application has not yet been completed when all the information has been sent in since December 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11293/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
731 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive orthopaedic shoes. [11294/12]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for a direct reply to the Deputy.
732 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will consider undertaking an audit or requesting an audit from the national ambulance service to ensure that the appropriate use is being made of ambulance cars by ambulance staff of grade 6 and above; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11302/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
733 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if the time that a doctor is available at the health clinic in Muff, County Donegal can be extended due to the large population and catchment area of the village and the distance to the nearest clinic; and if he will also ensure that a doctor is available at the same time every week [11303/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
734 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1, who is currently in a wheelchair and receives 105 hours per week from the Irish Wheelchair Association, will experience a cut in that service in view of the recent budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11305/12]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a range of assisted living services including Personal Assistant services to support individuals to maximise their capacity to live full and independent lives. In 2011, a total of 1.68 million personal assistant/home support hours were provided to 11,571 persons with a physical and/or sensory disability. Although the funding allocated to disability services has been cut by 3.7%, the HSE aims to maintain this level of service in 2012. Service efficiencies will be achieved through a process of negotiation with service providers around the unit cost of providing the service rather than reducing the number of hours or the pay of personal assistants.
I have referred Deputy's question relating to the service matters regarding both the individual case and the funding of the Irish Wheelchair Association to the HSE for a direct reply to the Deputy.
735 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Health when the drug naloxone will be made available in Ireland to assist in supporting persons suffering from the effects of drug use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11343/12]
Injectable naloxone products for the treatment of acute opioid overdose are authorised in Ireland. These products are primarily used in hospital settings to treat overdose. Any consideration of the wider distribution of naloxone will await the finalisation of the recommendations of a National Overdose Prevention Strategy which is expected in the coming months.
736 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11344/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
737 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health the average timeframe for processing medical card applications; the length of time it takes to process an application from the time further information is received; the action he is taking to address these long delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11350/12]
I am aware that there have been difficulties with the processing of medical card applications and renewals. These issues are a matter of serious concern and I have held several meetings with the HSE to raise my concerns. As a result of these discussions, a number of changes are being introduced to the medical card application system. These changes will assist in speeding up the turn around for applications by easing the level of pressure on the medical card system, particularly with respect to the review process which, due to the timing of the re-issuing, and hence review, of a large cohort of medical cards has placed a large demand on the resources of the centralised office.
In 2010, the PCRS central office introduced a self assessment review process for people aged 70 years and over, as that cohort was managed entirely by the central office. Following on from this development, the HSE has eased the review process for all pensioners. The change will mean that reviews for medical card holders who are aged 66 years or over will operate on a self-assessment basis, as currently happens with people aged 70 years and over. The self-assessment review model will also be extended to medical card holders under 66 years of age, who were granted their medical card on the basis of a means assessment, where the HSE is satisfied that the individual continues to be resident in this jurisdiction.
The HSE is also standardising eligibility periods from two years to three years for people aged under 66 years, with a new four year eligibility period for medical card holders aged 66 years or over. Notwithstanding, there continues to be an obligation on all card holders to notify the HSE of any change in their circumstances which would disentitle them from holding a medical card at any time. The HSE is in the process of arranging access to data in the possession of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social Protection to allow it conduct reviews without troubling medical card holders for further documentation. It is also intended to increase the fine applying to false claims in forthcoming legislation.
Discretionary cards, emergency cards and cards held by people in a small number of other categories will continue to be reviewed in the normal way, but the HSE are confident that the extension of the self assessment model to the great majority of medical card holders will simplify the process substantially, will improve the service to the client and will improve turnaround times for reviews. It is hoped that ultimately about 80% of renewals will be dealt with in this way. This new process also focuses attention on active users of the Medical Card to ensure that those most in need are involved in the streamlined process.
The HSE has, this month, agreed with the Irish Medical Organisation to implement a new system that gives GPs the additional ability to identify and assist the vulnerable medical card holders in our society. GPs will be able to maintain the eligibility of these patients where they are going through the renewal system. GPs will also be able to add new babies onto the medical card system.
The PCRS central office is working to deal with some of the processing issues that have been arising. This has included reviewing and refining their systems for the receipt and logging of applications and documents being sent in as a result of requests for additional information. In addition, an additional 20 staff were redeployed to the central office in January to bring its complement up to 150 and this should make an impact on processing times.
The HSE, for its part, has now accepted that it needs to review the overall operation of the central office with a view to ensuring that an acceptable level of service for the public is in place. This review is being assisted by a consultancy firm which will review current processes, develop proposals for improvements of the processes and for improvements in customer service and it is due to be completed within a few weeks. I am continuing to engage with the HSE with regard to other possible improvements.
I have asked the HSE for a report in the issue of length of time for processing applications and I will revert to the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.
738 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if 40 cystic fibrosis patients were waiting for beds on Tuesday, 21 February 2012; and what is available for these patients at this hospital (details supplied). [11377/12]
St. Vincent's University Hospital is the designated National Adult Referral Centre for patients with Cystic Fibrosis. Phase 2 of the development at St. Vincent's Hospital is designed to provide a state of the art clinical building which will include up to date isolation facilities with accommodation for people with cystic fibrosis and others requiring such facilities. The new unit is due to open in June 2012. The unit will also provide a dedicated CF Day Unit, containing offices, treatment rooms, together with 10 single day treatment rooms, each with en-suite sanitary facilities for treating patients with cystic fibrosis. The hospital management in conjunction with relevant stakeholders is currently preparing plans for the transfer of patients to the new accommodation to take place as soon as possible.
The specific information required by the Deputy has been requested from the hospital and I will revert to him as soon as possible.
739 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding medical card queries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11380/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
740 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an appeal of a medical card application in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11386/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
741 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health the running costs of Listowel Community Hospital, County Kerry, in 2011, and on a per patient basis, as compared with other community hospitals in the south west. [11390/12]
743 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health the rationale for closing so many beds at Listowel Community Hospital, County Kerry; and the way the excess demand will be met. [11394/12]
744 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health the running costs of Listowel Community Hospital for 2011 as a whole and per patient at average occupancy for that year in comparison with other community hospital beds in the south region. [11397/12]
745 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health in view of the geographic location of Listowel town at the centre of a network of rural towns and villages with a population of over 25,000 people, the rationale for closing so many beds in Listowel Community Hospital, County Kerry; and where his Department proposes that the obvious patient over-demand will be offered alternative beds. [11398/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 741 and 743 to 745, inclusive, together.
As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
742 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the provision of personal assistants for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11391/12]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a range of assisted living services including Personal Assistant services to support individuals to maximise their capacity to live full and independent lives.
In 2011, a total of 1.68 million personal assistant/home support hours were provided to 11,571 persons with physical and/or sensory disability. Although the funding allocated to disability services has been cut by 3.7%, the HSE aims to maintain this level of service in 2012. Service efficiencies will be achieved through a process of negotiation with service providers around the unit cost of providing the service rather than reducing the number of hours or the pay of personal assistants.
746 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied). [11399/12]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for a direct reply to the Deputy.
747 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the recent difficulties in obtaining information on medical card queries (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11414/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
748 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health when over 70 years medical cards will issue to persons (details supplied) who are awaiting a decision following submission of further information which was received by the medical card section on 17 January 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11446/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
749 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the reason the medical card was withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if their medical card will be reinstated and issued to them as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11447/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
750 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health the reason a medical card that was issued to the wrong doctor in error by the Health Service Executive has not been corrected despite being notified by the applicant last October; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11451/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
751 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will detail the inspection system in place within the Health Service Executive on the implementation of the smoking ban across the country; the number of staff involved in carrying out inspections; if such staff are engaged full time in this endeavour; the number of inspections carried out in each of the years 2009, 2010 and 2011; the percentage of premises inspected which have been found to be in breach of the relevant regulations; if anything can be deduced from these breaches of regulation; the annual cost incurred in carrying out inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11454/12]
The inspection regime referred to by the Deputy for the implementation of the smoking ban is operated by the HSE and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in this matter.
752 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a new classification for care homes, community, relative to the Health Information Quality Authority regulations; his views on the sector and the problems being experienced by the homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11462/12]
All nursing homes for older people are subject to the same core standards in relation to quality and safety. I am sure the Deputy will agree lessons have to be learned from the well publicised incidents in nursing homes.
The Minister has no plans, at present, to introduce a new classification for the care homes referred to by the Deputy.
753 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health when a medical card will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite the matter. [11464/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
754 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the status of an appeal for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite a response. [11465/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
755 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an application for a medical card will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [11466/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
756 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an early date will be arranged for an operation at Waterford Regional Hospital in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if he will explain the delay and the action he is taking to reduce the waiting time; if the special delivery unit can assist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11470/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
757 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and the reason for the delay in issuing same. [11473/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
758 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite the filling of a post of consultant rheumatologist at Kerry General Hospital, which received formal approval some time ago, in view of the fact that a large number of patients from County Kerry continue to suffer while awaiting treatment; if he will put a timeframe on the appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11481/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
759 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 687 of 14 January 2012, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this matter has still not been dealt with [11496/12]
As this is a service matter it has again been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy as a matter or urgency.
760 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the number and costs of advertisements placed in national newspapers for job vacancies in the civil and public service in the past 12 months; the number of new entrants recruited from the process; the number of vacancies filled from inside the civil and public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11509/12]
Recruitment to positions in my Department including all relevant advertising, is carried out on an independent basis by the Public Appointments Service. Accordingly my Department did not incur any advertising costs in this context in the relevant period.
I understand that 4 positions in my Department were advertised by the Public Appointments Service over the past 12 months. The posts of Director of Performance Improvement (Scheduled Care) and Director of Performance Improvement (Unscheduled Care) in the Special Delivery Unit were advertised on 26 August 2011. An Assistant Secretary post was advertised on 14 October 2011. The post of Secretary General of the Department of Health was advertised on 3 February 2012.
The post of Director of Performance Improvement (Scheduled Care) was filled from within the Health Service Executive and the post of Director of Performance Improvement (Unscheduled Care) was not filled. The Assistant Secretary post advertised was filled from within the Civil Service and the competition for the post of Secretary General of my Department is ongoing.
With regard to the Health Service Executive, it has been asked to collate the data sought as soon as possible and they will be provided directly to the Deputy by it when available.
761 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [11521/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
762 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a hip operation will be arranged as a matter of urgency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the reason for the delay; and if he will expedite the matter [11527/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
763 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when the new inter hospital ambulance transfer service will be rolled out to each hospital throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11530/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
764 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the full capacity of a nursing unit (details supplied) in County Cavan; the bed capacity that is designated for long-term patients; the number of beds designated for respite care; the number of beds in use at present; when it is proposed to use the full complement of beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11573/12]
765 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the full bed capacity of a nursing unit (details supplied) in County Cavan; the bed capacity that is designated for long-term patients; the number of beds designated for respire care; the number of beds in use at present; when it is proposed to use the full complement of beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11574/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 764 and 765 together.
As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
766 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the details of the €6 million overspend by the Health Service Executive in the midland region in 2011 broken down by location and service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11579/12]
The Health Service Executive has informed me that the deficit in DML Midlands Community Services for the year ended December 2011 was €5.040m. This deficit was primarily driven by expenditure on Childcare Special Placements of €5.950m with small offsetting efficiencies in other areas resulted in the deficit being reported at €5.040m.
767 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to have a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath immediately admitted to the eye and ear hospital in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11592/12]
I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
768 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 447 of 17 January 2012, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [11600/12]
As this is a service matter it has again been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
769 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding home help in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [11602/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
770 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will approve an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11606/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
771 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding road repairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10723/12]
I understand that this roadway is not a public roadway and therefore not the reponsibility of the local authority in this instance.
772 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if airlines (details supplied) need tour trade licences in view of the fact that they also sell holiday packages and auxiliary products such as accommodation, transfers and car rental; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11418/12]
The question as to whether airlines need to hold a travel trade licence, is the responsibility of the Commission for Aviation Regulation and I have referred the question to them for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten days.
773 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost to his Department of the senior Minister’s car in the period relating to 1 June 2011 to 31 December 2011 to include mileage and car related expenses paid to the senior Minister; if he will detail the salaries paid to civilian drivers, overtime, subsistence and travel expenses paid to them and all other related information, and the information should include any payment made in 2012 related to a 2011 claim. [10646/12]
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows: €53,024.
For the Deputy's information I am advised that the average cost of the provision of a State Car and Garda drivers during the last government was around €280,000 per annum. The new Government has reduced this by around two thirds to in the region of €100,000, on an annualised basis.
774 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of funding that will be available for essential overlay works to be carried out to the N71 at Clonakilty bypass, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10693/12]
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and maintenance of individual national primary and secondary roads are matters for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
775 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of mileage clocked up on a monthly basis for which expenses were claimed for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011; the amount claimed in mileage expenses on a monthly basis for all Ministers attached to his Department since March 2011, and the full list of trips for which mileage expenses were claimed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10809/12]
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:
|
Month |
Mileage (Kms) |
Amount € |
|
Minister Varadkar |
||
|
Jan 2012 |
4,680 |
2,764 |
|
Dec 2011 |
4,657 |
1,325 |
|
Nov 2011 |
5,750 |
1,636 |
|
Oct 2011 |
5,250 |
1,494 |
|
Sept 2011 |
6,155 |
1,751 |
|
Aug 2011 |
1,960 |
557 |
|
July 2011 |
4,580 |
1,303 |
|
June 2011 |
4,350 |
1,238 |
|
May 2011 |
5,250 |
1,494 |
|
Mar/April |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Minister of State Alan Kelly |
||
|
Jan 2012 |
3,442 |
2,440 |
|
Dec 2011 |
1,667 |
569 |
|
Nov 2011 |
3,922 |
1,339 |
|
Oct 2011 |
3,159 |
1,078 |
|
Sept 2011 |
3,259 |
1,112 |
|
Aug 2011 |
1,184 |
404 |
|
July 2011 |
3,458 |
1,180 |
|
June 2011 |
3,695 |
1,261 |
|
May 2011 |
2,950 |
1,925 |
|
Apr 2011 |
2,279 |
1,615 |
|
Mar 2011 |
1,660 |
669 |
|
Minister of State Michael Ring |
||
|
Jan 2012 |
6,958 |
4,618 |
|
Dec 2011 |
5,114 |
1,746 |
|
Nov 2011 |
6,279 |
2,144 |
|
Oct 2011 |
4,574 |
1,562 |
|
Sept 2011 |
6,773 |
2,312 |
|
Aug 2011 |
4,910 |
1,676 |
|
July 2011 |
5,352 |
1,828 |
|
June 2011 |
4,321 |
1,475 |
|
May 2011 |
3,887 |
1,327 |
|
Apr 2011 |
4,268 |
2,551 |
|
Mar 2011 |
2,833 |
1,477 |
Payments for mileage expenses are made on the basis of a monthly claim stating the number of kilometres travelled. A declaration in respect of each claim is signed by each Minister certifying that the mileage claimed for was undertaken in relation to his Office. The basis on which Ministers record their mileage does not require them to list individual trips and such information is not available.
776 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when advertisements will be placed inviting applications for the sports capital programme funded by the national lottery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10824/12]
I recently announced that I will be advertising two new rounds of the Sports Capital Programme between now and 2016. I am currently making the necessary arrangements with a view to launching the next round of the SCP shortly.
777 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has made any progress in relation to a company (details supplied) bringing an extra five million passengers to Ireland. [10845/12]
The Government's 2011 Jobs Initiative included a three-pronged plan to enhance overseas access and thereby promote inbound tourism through:
abolishing the travel tax conditional on clear commitments by airlines to increase inbound capacity from our source markets;
the introduction of a new growth incentive scheme by the Dublin Airport Authority; and
more targeted co-operative marketing of new routes from key source tourism markets by Tourism Ireland, DAA and the airlines to encourage more tourists to fly into Ireland.
Subsequently, the Government agreed, in the absence of a sufficient response from the airlines, to retain the air travel tax and to avail of part of the receipts from its retention to fund additional cooperative marketing activities. A €9 million overseas tourism marketing campaign over the 2011/12 Autumn/Winter period was led by Tourism Ireland, inclusive of matching funding provided by partner companies, including Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Aer Arann, overseas airlines, tour operators and online travel agents, and ferry companies.
This initiative is not about one airline; the Government would like to see efforts made by all airlines serving the Irish market to increase capacity on inbound routes from key tourism markets. While there has been some progress on additional access for summer season 2012, the Government is closely monitoring the capacity being made available and will decide whether to retain or abolish the travel tax.
It should be noted that an additional 5 million passenger journeys through State Airports is not the same as 5 million additional inbound tourists.
778 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide the total amount each Government Minister, junior Minister and senior civil servant has spent on entertainment expenses since being appointed in the case of the Ministers and junior Ministers and in the calendar year of 2011 with regards to senior civil servants. [10863/12]
No expenditure was incurred by my Department in respect of entertainment expenses for me as Minister or for my colleagues Minister of State Kelly and Minister of State Ring since our appointment in March 2011. No expenditure was incurred for entertainment expenses for senior civil servants in the calendar year of 2011.
779 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects Kishogue train station, Lucan, Dublin, to open to passengers in view of the fact that construction work appears to be complete, however, the station still remains closed to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10879/12]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) on December 2009, the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), such as Kishogue train station, comes under the remit of the NTA.
The legislative basis for this is Section 11(1)(e) of the DTA Act 2008 “Principal Functions of Authority — The principal functions of the Authority are to secure the provision of public transport infrastructure”.
Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
780 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the fact that the Limerick-Foynes rail line is now being proposed by Ireland for inclusion as a core network to the European Commission on the basis of its potential use for the transport of freight to Foynes Port, if he will now include the remainder of the western arc, or at least the part which connects Limerick Foynes to Ireland’s largest rail freight exports which emanate from Ballina and Westport. [10895/12]
As I have said in the two previous replies on this matter, the TEN-T Regulation and Connecting Europe Facility are European Commission proposals. Before the publication in October last of its proposals, the European Commission engaged in consultations with all the Member States including Ireland. Based on the European Commission's own analysis and criteria — as set out in the TEN-T proposal and Impact Assessment, they published these proposals which are now being negotiated through the ordinary legislative procedure with Council (i.e. the Member States) and the European Parliament.
The Foynes line is included in the Core Network, for the moment, on the basis of projected freight volumes. This line does not form part of the so-called ‘Western Arc'. Rather this is a short stretch of railway between the Shannon Foynes Port facility at Foynes, which already exists but was closed to traffic some years ago. The Foynes line will only be re-opened if it is clear that large volumes of freight will be transported on it. There are no proposals that the State would fund the re-opening of this line but rather it would be done on foot of private sector investment.
Ireland's objective is to ensure that the unique characteristics of our network are taken into account so as to ensure we optimise the benefits and minimise the cost of these Regulations. This means ensuring that the Core and Comprehensive Networks can be developed in a manner that will assist our transports links with Europe whilst also ensuring that we do not give commitments that are neither realistic nor financially tenable.
I would draw the Deputy's attention to the hearing of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Transport, Culture and Gaeltacht on 10 January 2012 where the Department's position was clearly set out and also the response of the Committee to the EU institutions on foot of that hearing, which re-affirmed that position. The Deputy should be aware that the existing sections of railway which serve Ballina and Westport are included on the Comprehensive Network as proposed by the Commission.
It is very important to understand that this Directive is not an opportunity for Ireland to secure EU funds for investment. Rather it imposes legally binding and financially expensive obligations on us. Therefore, it is our policy to limit the number of routes included to those that do not need upgrading or for which there is a significant possibility of securing private sector investment.
781 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the provision of all bus services will go out to public tender from now on; his policy on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10905/12]
792 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in the event of the National Transport Authority awarding new licences for public transport bus routes, a competitive and open public tender process will be followed in order to maximise value for public money. [11444/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 781 and 792 together.
Under EU law and the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, as amended, existing public service obligation (PSO) bus services can be procured by the National Transport Authority (NTA) through direct award contracts and any other new subvented services must be procured by way of open tendering.
At the expiry of the current 5 year direct award contracts for the provision of PSO services with Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann the NTA have discretion to renew, modify or terminate the direct award provision of bus services following a consultation process with interested parties under which the NTA is obliged to justify its approach.
In accordance with the commitment in the Programme for Government to explore the benefit to the public transport passenger of more diverse bus service provision, I will be consulting with my Ministerial colleagues soon on the future options for procurement of PSO bus services.
782 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding available for the National Roads Authority to do work on the following road (details supplied) for the reasons included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11107/12]
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national roads are matters for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
783 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will immediately commence Part 5 of the 2010 Road Traffic Act and its associated provisions in Part 3 of the same Act; if he will report on the reason there has been such a delay in commencing this important section of the 2010 Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11112/12]
Part 5 of the Road Traffic Act 2010 and the associated provisions of Part 3, which deal with changes to the fixed charge system, will be commenced when the necessary administrative and technical arrangements are in place to allow its effective implementation. My Department, the Courts Service and the Garda are progressing work in this regard in order to commence the relevant sections of the Road Traffic Act 2010 as soon as possible.
784 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the taxi review report recommendations are not going to be implemented until October 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11133/12]
All matters relating to the regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry are the responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003. The NTA is also the lead agency with responsibility for the implementation of the recommendations of the Taxi Regulation Review Report.
The actions contained in the Review Report are grouped into "short-term" actions which are intended to be completed and operational during 2012, and "medium-term actions", for further development with a view to implementation post-2012.
As regards the 1st October, the only "short-term" action that is relevant is a proposal to introduce a prohibition on the transferability of licences so that after 1st October 2012 all taxi vehicle licences will be unique to the person to whom the licence has been issued and cannot be transferred or sold to another individual. The list of actions proposed by the Taxi Regulation Review Group is contained in the Report which is available on the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport website www.dttas.ie.
785 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Shannon referred to in Section B Other Sections on the Core Network in the European Commission’s recent Proposal for a Regulation Of The European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Connecting Europe Facility, is Shannon Foynes Port or Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11159/12]
The proposal referred to by the Deputy is a proposal of the European Commission. However, my and my Department's understanding is that it refers to Shannon Foynes Port which would be consistent with the revised version of the maps of the Core and Comprehensive Networks published under the associated proposal for a TENT Regulation.
786 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on buses that are used to provide taxi services; if he will provide an overview of licensing in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11276/12]
The regulation of the taxi industry is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003. The NTA is also responsible for passenger bus route licensing, which was transferred from my Department to the NTA with effect from 1 December 2010, under Statutory Instrument No. 566 of 2010.
I have referred the Deputy's Question to the NTA for direct reply. If he does not receive a response within ten working days he should notify my private office.
787 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding driving instructors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11351/12]
Last year, I introduced Regulations to make it compulsory for learner drivers to undertake lessons before sitting the driving tests. This system, known as Essential Driver Training (EDT), is one of nine measures which together will add up to a Graduated Driver Licensing System (GDLS) for Ireland. While I am aware that a number of Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) have registered objections to aspects of this system, I understand that ADIs were consulted on the introduction of EDT.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) developed the measures for a GDLS, including EDT, during 2009 and 2010. This process included a public consultation process. The GDLS proposals were published in September of 2010.
The RSA sought the views of ADIs around the country in the preparation of EDT, and engaged extensively with ADIs in advance of its introduction in order to inform them of the forthcoming requirements and address any issues arising. In general, ADIs have strongly supported the principle of EDT. I believe that the system benefits ADIs by providing clear objectives and expectations for each lesson, as well as making it harder for rogue instructors to operate. The RSA also established a Stakeholders Forum, which comprises the RSA and elected representatives of the ADIs, to discuss matters of interest.
I am well aware that not all ADIs are happy with it. The RSA keeps the operation of EDT under constant review and has committed to carrying out a full evaluation of the system after two years. ADIs and other stakeholders will have an opportunity to give feedback on any difficulties which may have arisen. The scheme can then be revised, if necessary, to take account of any improvements which have been identified.
788 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on progress regarding the commitment given in the programme for Government to legislate to regulate the vehicle clamping industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11393/12]
While current legislation permits local authorities to clamp vehicles in public places, either directly or by contract with a clamping company, there is no legislation covering clamping on private property.
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to regulate the vehicle clamping industry, I have presented a discussion document to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht, outlining the issues to be addressed in regulating the industry, my proposals on the shape of appropriate legislation and inviting their views.
When the Committee's views have been received, I anticipate that appropriate legislation will be drafted and brought before the Oireachtas.
789 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current status of the N14 Letterkenny to Lifford-Strabane road which is to link to the proposed A5 western transport corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11395/12]
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national roads are matters for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting this, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. If he does not receive a response within ten working days he should notify my private office.
790 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline and plans to fund the upgrading of the N14 from Lifford to the gateway town of Letterkenny, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11396/12]
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual national roads are matters for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Noting this, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply.If he does not receive a response within ten working days he should notify my private office.
791 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the recent occurrence at a meeting of Galway City Council whereby the National Transport Authority represented Bus Éireann to outline the company’s plans for services on newly constructed bus lanes in the city as opposed to the private bus company which took charge of its own presentation; and his views whether it is appropriate for the NTA to perform such a function in view of the fact that it is the statutory body tasked with granting licences to operate public transport services. [11443/12]
I am advised that in December 2011, Galway City Councillors requested the officials of Galway City Council to arrange presentations on bus services in Galway City. As the National Transport Authority (NTA) had recently undertaken and completed a review of the bus services in the city, the NTA and the City Council officials decided that it would be appropriate that the NTA would present the outcome of that review to the City Council.
A presentation was given by the NTA to the Council on 9th January 2012. It dealt with the network review that had been completed; the proposed changes to the PSO (Public Service Obligation) network operated by Bus Eireann arising from that review and provided an update on various other initiatives being undertaken by the NTA.
Under the legislation which established the NTA, the NTA are responsible for those public transport services which comprise the PSO network. In the case of Galway City, Bus Eireann operates a network of PSO routes under a contract with the NTA. Accordingly it is entirely appropriate that the NTA, as the procurer of those services, would discuss the network changes emanating from its review of the network. It is not open to private operators to operate PSO routes at present.
793 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to extend real-time passenger information and integrated ticketing services to users of public transport in Galway; and, if so, if he will report on progress of same. [11450/12]
Responsibility to develop, procure, implement, operate and maintain the integrated ticketing scheme in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) became a function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) with effect from 30th September 2010 with the commencement of section 58 of the Dublin Transport Authority (DTA) Act 2008.
Furthermore in accordance with section 63(1) of the DTA Act 2008, the Authority has had extended to it the functions in relation to integrated ticketing schemes for all other areas of the State.
I understand from the NTA, however, that there are currently no plans to extend the Leap card integrated ticketing scheme to Galway or any other city or region outside the GDA. Having regard to the current financial difficulties the priority at present is the continued roll-out of the scheme in the GDA. During 2012 the NTA and participating transport operators will be actively involved in the introduction of a number of enhancements to the Leap card scheme in the GDA.
The NTA plans to extend the real-time passenger information system to Galway, and has been working with Galway City Council and Bus Éireann in this regard. Galway City Council is conducting preparatory work on locations and plans to start civil works as soon as possible. There will be approximately 20 signs in Galway as well as a website and app for all stops in the city. The signs should be in place by Autumn 2012. The Authority also plans to assist commercial bus operators access the system in the future.
794 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it is his intention to tackle the practice of drivers using their fog-lights when not warranted by the weather conditions as part of his efforts to increase road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11485/12]
The Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 (S.I. No. 189 of 1963) prescribe the lamps and reflectors which vehicles are required to have fitted and the circumstances and the manner in which lamps are to be used in a public place. The Regulations do not require fog lamps to be fitted on motor vehicles. However, where they are fitted, they may be used only in fog or while snow is falling. Enforcement of these Regulations is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
795 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number and costs of advertisements placed in national newspapers for job vacancies in the civil and public service in the past 12 months; the number of new entrants recruited from the process; the number of vacancies filled from inside the civil and public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11515/12]
There were no advertisements placed in national newspapers for job vacancies in my Department in the past twelve months, and therefore, no new entrants recruited from the process.
With regard to agencies under the aegis of my Department this is a matter for the agencies themselves. I have, however, forwarded the Deputy's question to the various State agencies under my Department's aegis. If the Deputy does not receive a reply from the agencies within ten working days, he should advise my private office.
796 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a breakdown of costs incurred in the provision of transport to Cabinet Ministers in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11908/12]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out as follows. From 1st January to 8th March 2011, my two predecessors as Minister for Transport did not incur any costs in relation to flights. During this period the two Ministers were provided with a Ministerial car and a Garda driver the cost and provision of which was not the responsibility of the Department of Transport. For the Deputy's information I am advised that the average cost of the provision of a State Car and Garda drivers during the last government was around €280,000 per annum.
Following the putting in place of new arrangements by the Government, my transport costs were as follows:
Costs of car transport (including mileage payments, drivers salaries, etc) — €70,126.
Costs for Ministerial flights, including taxes — € 7,975.
