Vol. 761 No. 1
13 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to unlock the potential to dramatically increase tourist numbers travelling from China to Ireland following the visit here by the Chinese Vice President last February; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17006/12]
15 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the activities in which he is engaged in order to promote tourism to this country from Asia and the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16908/12]
19 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to the Department of Justice’s extension and continuation of the visa waiver scheme, the value of this to the tourism industry in Ireland; if he will provide details of the way the tourist agencies intend to take advantage of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16545/12]
46 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, further to the Department of Justice and Equality's extension and continuation of the visa waiver scheme, if he will evaluate the importance of the scheme to the tourism industry in Ireland; if he will provide details of the way the tourist agencies intend to take advantage of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16544/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 15, 19 and 46 together.
The Deputies' questions relate to the potential offered to the tourism industry in Ireland by tourism from China and other BRIC markets, as well as from the visa waiver scheme. The recent visit of Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping was a wonderful opportunity to showcase Ireland to potential holidaymakers in China. A large media contingent travelled with Mr Xi, bringing the story and images of the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, Riverdance and Dublin to a huge audience of potential holidaymakers in China. The Deputies can be assured that Tourism Ireland is working to maximise the tourism potential of the visit.
The visit, along with initiatives such as the visa waiver, provide opportunities to expand beyond traditional markets and look to the long-term opportunities presented by developing markets such as the BRIC countries, particularly China, India and the Middle East. Earlier this year, Tourism Ireland announced a new strategy to attract more high-spending visitors from the emerging tourism markets of Brazil and Russia building on the existing focus on China, India and the Gulf States. The organisation targets potential holidaymakers in these markets by working closely with airlines and tour operators to increase exposure and demand for holidays to Ireland.
The benefits of the visa waiver scheme are already apparent and this was reflected in the decision by my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality to extend the scheme. Tourism Ireland has been working hard to maximise the benefits of the scheme, promoting it to travel trade contacts, industry partners and to consumers through an extensive programme of marketing activity and media relations in relevant markets. Since the visa waiver scheme was introduced here by the Government last year, there has been a noted increase in demand from tour operators for visits to Ireland.
Already 24 new tour operators and travel agents (9 from China, 10 from India, 5 from the Gulf States) who already programme the UK are programming the Republic of Ireland in 2012 for the first time on the back of the new visa arrangements. Further growth is anticipated for 2013.
However, we must be realistic. The majority of our overseas visitors come from the core source markets of Great Britain, North America and Mainland Europe and this will continue to be the case for some years. Our focus is on creating sustainable growth in revenues across all markets rather than dramatic growth in any one market.
14 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the implementation of the recommendations of the taxi report and a schedule for legislation which will be needed. [16851/12]
26 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has outlined a time frame for implementing the recommendations of the recent report of the Taxi Review Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16549/12]
33 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is preparing any new legislation to implement the recommendations of the recent Report of the Taxi Review Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16550/12]
37 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the implementation of the recommendations of the taxi report and a schedule for legislation which is going to be needed. [16853/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 26, 33 and 37 together.
The Taxi Regulation Review Report proposes 46 separate actions aimed at improving standards, administration and enforcement of the regulations for the taxi sector. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is the lead agency with responsibility for the implementation of the recommendations of the Taxi Regulation Review Report.
The timeframe set out in the Review Report indicates that many of these actions are to be implemented in the short-term throughout 2012 and in the medium-term after 2012. Work is progressing on the remaining short-term actions of the Review Report to ensure that they are completed this year. The work required to further develop the medium-term actions proposed in the Taxi Review Report is also being undertaken by the NTA this year, with a view to their implementation post-2012.
Some of the actions in the Review Report will require supporting legislation. Where possible, the NTA will make the necessary regulations under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003. My Department has responsibility for any primary legislation that is required. In this regard, officials of my Department are currently preparing a draft Scheme of a Taxi Regulation Bill to address key recommendations of the Taxi Review Report. In particular, this legislation will provide the necessary amendment to address the proportionality of Section 36 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 concerning mandatory disqualification from holding a licence upon conviction of a criminal offence. I expect to be in a position to bring the Taxi Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2012 to the Houses of the Oireachtas in the second quarter of this year.
16 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the relative cost benefit analysis ratios of each of the Luas BXD, the Metro North and the DART underground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16894/12]
The Deputy's question relates to the cost benefit analysis ratio of LUAS BXD, Metro North and DART Underground.
Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) on 1st December 2009, the provision of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), such as LUAS BXD, Metro North and Dart Underground, now comes under the remit of the NTA.
A comprehensive review of capital expenditure, overseen by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, was carried out in 2011 and arising from this LUAS BXD was prioritised under the Government's new capital investment programme for transport to 2016 (Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-2016 — Medium Term Exchequer Framework). Metro North and DART Underground (DU) were postponed for review in 2015, in advance of the next Capital Programme.
In accordance with the Capital Appraisal Guidelines the relevant sponsoring agencies have carried out business cases in respect of all these projects. This was the RPA in the case of BXD and Metro North, and Iarnród Éireann in the case of Dart Underground. The three projects have also been independently reviewed.
The Detailed Business Case for Metro North was updated in December 2010 to take account of the An Bord Pleanála decision not to approve certain elements and to reduce the length of the line. This update by the RPA using a moderate growth scenario gave a cost ratio of 1.46:1 using traditional economic benefits and 1.89:1 when taking account of wider economic benefits. Under sensitivity tests a no growth scenario would deliver a BCR of 1.04 and the Local Authority (high) growth scenario a BCR of 1.98.
For Dart Underground the business case prepared in April 2010 for Irish Rail shows a BCR of 2.39:1 on a traditional transport appraisal in a moderate growth scenario (and 4.0 when wider benefits are included). In a no growth scenario, the BCR is 1.71:1 and in the high growth case, BCR is 3.2:1.
As the business cases for both Metro North and Dart Underground were completed by different agencies using different transport models and appraisal techniques, a direct comparison of the BCRs for these projects was difficult. The NTA, in conjunction with Indecon, carried out a full comparative analysis of Metro North and DART Underground.
Based on the Indecon comparison of ‘standardised' individual business cases, Dart Underground comes out with a BCR of 2.21:1 versus 1.64:1 for Metro North. The relative performance of the two projects was further corroborated when both were appraised using the NTA transport model for both schemes.
An outline business case for Luas line BXD was completed in June 2009, using the RPA transport model. The BCR in that business case using a high growth scenario is 2.46:1 when the project is examined over a 30 year appraisal period. The no growth scenario in the business case is 1.26:1. (This business case will be updated following An Bord Pleanála's determination of the railway order application.)
During the audit of the Luas BXD business case, the RPA were requested to carry out an economic appraisal using the moderate growth scenario and this provided a BCR of 1.85:1 (based on conventional transport benefits).
17 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the issue of cabotage; in particular concerns raised by the haulage industry with regard to the impact that cabotage enforcement in the United Kingdom is having on Irish hauliers operating there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16906/12]
20 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on his ongoing efforts to address concerns raised by the Irish haulage industry regarding the impact on it of enforcement of cabotage regulations by the United Kingdom authorities; if he will make representations on the issue to the United Kingdom authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16543/12]
56 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the issue of cabotage; if he has engaged with his United Kingdom counterparts on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16909/12]
66 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views generally on the issue of cabotage, in particular concerns raised by the haulage industry with regard to the impact that cabotage enforcement in the United Kingdom is having on Irish hauliers operating there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17095/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 20, 56 and 66 together.
The Deputies' questions relate to cabotage regulations generally and in particular the concerns of the haulage industry in relation to the enforcement of such regulations by the United Kingdom authorities. Provisions in relation to road haulage cabotage are set out in EU Regulations 1072 of 2009, which came into effect on 14 May 2010. Cabotage relates to carriage for hire or reward within a host Member State carried out on a temporary basis by a non-resident operator. The EU Regulations define the specific limitations of cabotage. These are in effect that once goods carried on the course of an incoming international carriage have been delivered, the haulier may with the same vehicle carry out up to 3 cabotage operations within 7 days.
The enforcement of the cabotage provisions is a matter for the authorities in each Member State. Naturally, hauliers in each Member State and those operating across Community borders must comply with all relevant regulations, and such regulations set a common business framework for all EU hauliers. I am aware of the strong concerns within the haulage industry about the enforcement of cabotage regulations by the United Kingdom authorities. While this is entirely a domestic matter for them, I used the opportunity of my St Patrick's visit to London to discuss this matter with my counterpart there, Minister Penning. While he expressed his support for the current arrangements on cabotage, we did agree to work together to produce a document which would set out for Irish hauliers exactly what and what not, the United Kingdom authorities will allow with regard to cabotage.
In general I can appreciate that the EU Regulations, by introducing a change to previous cabotage provisions which were less prescriptive, have changed the opportunities for cabotage. I note however, in its White Paper on Road Transport 2011 to 2020, that the European Commission intends to review current provisions on cabotage — potentially in the latter half of 2013. I support the idea of an open market for haulage operations and would hope that cabotage can be further liberalised.
However, I should say that not all Member States are currently of the same view. Therefore, lacking full liberalisation, I intend to pursue the potential that may exist to co-operate with other Member States to create functional areas for cabotage as an interim step pending full liberalisation of the market. The islands of Ireland and Britain would seem to me to offer an ideal opportunity for the creation of such a functional area. In this regard, I intend to pursue this matter further with the Commission, the UK authorities and the Northern Irish Executive.
18 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide figures as to the total cost to the Exchequer, in 2010 and 2011 respectively, of cash transfers to PPP toll road operators when traffic volumes in respect of the roads they operate did not meet minimum agreed levels; if he will also provide details of total receipts to the state from revenues generated from toll road operations in the same years; if he will provide estimates of these figures in respect of 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16915/12]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The implementation of individual national road schemes, including Public Private Partnership projects, is a matter for the National Roads Authority in accordance with the Roads Acts 1993-2007. In particular, the statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll by-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in the NRA under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007).
The contracts for the privately-operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between the NRA and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concessionaires concerned. There are eight such contracts in total. Two PPP contracts, the M3 Clonee-Kells PPP and Limerick Tunnel PPP incorporate a traffic guarantee mechanism, the purpose of which within the overall financial package for the project was to enhance the fundability of these projects and obtain competitive funding terms to the benefit of the taxpayer.
The balance between future toll revenue share and the Traffic Guarantee payments will depend on future traffic volumes. Over the past 12 months the pattern of traffic volumes on toll roads has varied considerably with growth ahead of expectations on some routes such as the M50 while traffic volumes on other tolled routes have been lower than estimated. However in relation to the two PPPs where there is a traffic guarantee arrangement, it is now evident that the NRA will be making traffic guarantee payments on the Limerick Tunnel scheme and M3 schemes for the foreseeable future. There is a somewhat better prospect of traffic increases on the M3 than the Limerick tunnel. The NRA's expected commitment for the Traffic Guarantee payments in 2012 is €6,995,164.
With regard to the remaining PPP schemes, all traffic risk remains with the operator while the State stands to benefit from the revenue share arrangement where average daily traffic ("ADT") exceeds scheme specific pre-defined threshold traffic. It is envisaged that future PPP projects will be funded by way of unitary/availability payments, that is by way of regular payments by the NRA for the duration of the contract. Under this arrangement it is envisaged that availability payments would be made on a regular basis with penalties applying in the event that the road or particular road lanes were not available. Essentially the cost of the road would be paid back through the unitary/availability payments.
21 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his preferred options for the future shareholding in Aer Lingus in the event of disposal of Government shares or any reconfiguration of shareholding; if he has received any report arising from any recent development in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16901/12]
272 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the future of the States shareholding in Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17249/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 272 together.
The Deputy's questions relate to the future of the Government's shareholding in Aer Lingus. In terms of State asset disposals, two Working Groups were established by the Government in 2011, one to consider the best approach in progressing the proposed part-sale of ESB and the other to undertake a similar analysis of a number of other State assets identified by Government as potential candidates for disposal. The State's remaining 25% shareholding in Aer Lingus was considered as part of this group of assets. Both of these Working Groups completed their work in 2011 and reported to Ministers in December 2011. NewERA was centrally involved in this process together with all relevant Departments including my Department. It was on the basis of the analysis undertaken by these two Working Groups that the Government agreed to the list of asset disposals announced on 22nd February.
In relation to Aer Lingus, the Government considers that the State's remaining shareholding in the company is no longer a strategic asset as it does not enable the Government to determine Aer Lingus policy on issues such as the use of the airline's landing slots at Heathrow Airport, an issue which in any case is no longer as significant as it once was given current capacity constraints at Heathrow and the growing popularity of other European airports such as Schipol and Frankfurt for connections to and from Ireland. Accordingly, the Government has decided that the State's remaining shareholding in Aer Lingus will be sold at an appropriate time, when market conditions are favourable and at an acceptable price that is agreed by Government. In conjunction with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and informed by the analysis carried out by the Working Group, I will consider all potential options for the proposed sale of the State's shareholding and all expressions of interest received.
22 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if any evaluation or study has been undertaken or is planned to be undertaken by him into establishing the appropriate level of minimum annual spending in order to ensure that the maintenance of all public roads does not fall below a basic standard throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16914/12]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads network. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants.
In the next few months, I am due to receive the Pavement Condition Study (in respect of regional roads) which is currently being finalised by the National Roads Authority on behalf of my Department. This report will provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of our regional roads network. This report will assist in targeting funding at the areas most in need of it.
23 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he supports the inclusion of sport within the Erasmus for All programme. [16561/12]
47 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport through what other synergies in the EU 2014-2020 framework programmes as currently proposed, that is youth, research, public health, can Irish sport benefit. [16563/12]
49 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the specificity of Irish sports, for example the GAA being overwhelmingly only in existence in Ireland and its amateur nature, the guarantees he will give that Irish sport will not lose out to the EU-wide dimensions often insisted upon in EU programmes. [16562/12]
58 Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the role sport will play in the European Commission’s Erasmus for All programme. [16560/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 47, 49 and 58 together.
Erasmus for All is a new EU funding programme for education, training, youth and sport being proposed by the European Commission for the period 2014-2020. I support the inclusion of sport in this programme. The programme is one part of the wider EU budget currently being negotiated and the final allocation for Erasmus for All will be dependent on the outcome of these overall discussions. At present however, the budget proposed for Erasmus for All is €19.5 billion, of which €238 million is proposed to be allocated to a sub-programme for sport. The content of the sport programme is also currently being negotiated at EU level.
I do not believe that Irish sport will lose out under the programme. Funding support will be available for transnational joint projects involving two or more partners, non-commercial European sport events involving several European countries, and for initiatives strengthening the evidence base for policy making in sport or encouraging dialogue among European sports stakeholders. The Programme will benefit public bodies or civil society organisations active in the area of grassroots sport. Given this clear focus on grassroots sport and given the wide-ranging nature of the objectives of the programme and the activities to be funded, there should be good opportunity for Irish organisations to develop through increased co-operation at EU level. There are a number of other EU programmes yet to be finalised.
24 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way he intends to address the recent findings from a survey carried out by a company (details supplied) that only 1% of Europeans would choose Ireland as a tourist destination, the same number as plan to visit Poland or Portugal. [16554/12]
63 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects the tourism sector to expand in the current year on the basis of promotion or projections; the extent to which he expects the economy to benefit therefrom with consequent increased employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16902/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 63 together.
I assume the Deputy is referring to the "Flash Eurobarometer — Attitudes of Europeans Towards Tourism" Report which was published earlier this month. This survey is part of a regular telephone survey undertaken at the request of the European Commission and aims to get a general picture of sentiment among consumers rather than assess prospects for particular markets.
However, in relation to the statistic that the Deputy cites, it should be noted that 52% of those surveyed planned on holidaying in their home country in 2012. The European countries which scored above Ireland in relation to being a potential tourist destination for individuals from other EU member states in 2012, were Spain (10%), Italy (7%), France (6%), Greece (4%), Germany (3%), UK (3%) and Austria (3%). It should also be noted that the corresponding survey last year reported that 0.6% of Europeans planned a holiday in Ireland in 2011 — which bore little relationship to the final outcome.
The Central Statistics Office reported that there were almost 2.3 million overseas visits to Ireland from Mainland Europe in 2011, up 11.6% on 2010, and visits from Great Britain totalled 2.87 million, up over 5.1% on 2010. Our challenge is to maintain this growth in 2012 and beyond. In this regard, Tourism Ireland, the agency with responsibility for the overseas promotion of Ireland as a tourist destination is targeting growth of 4.5% in overseas visitor numbers this year. To help achieve these ambitious targets, Tourism Ireland's marketing campaign is well underway and included a number of high profile initiatives around St. Patrick's Day.
With regard to the domestic market, according to Fáilte Ireland, there are strong indications that Irish people will holiday at home in greater than ever numbers this year and many tourism enterprises are optimistic regarding their own prospects for 2012. The hotel sector in particular is confident of increased volumes from both the overseas and domestic markets. If our target for overseas visits is achieved and the domestic market performs as expected, employment in the industry can be expected to increase this year. Fáilte Ireland projects that the estimated total employment of 180,000 in tourism in 2011, based on their survey of tourism enterprises, could grow by 4,000 or more in 2012.
25 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has discussed with the Department of Justice and Equality a plan to ensure that penalty points are applied to driving licences in courts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16879/12]
Officials in my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality have discussed the administrative arrangements required to ensure the consistent application of requirements on the production of a driving licence and a copy of that licence to the court, under section 22 of the Road Traffic Act 2002. Consistency in the application of section 22 and in particular, the recording by the court of the details contained in the licences produced, will ensure that all the required information is available to my Department's National Vehicle and Driver File to facilitate the endorsement of penalty points on driver records. I understand that work in this regard is progressing and administrative issues are being addressed to support the consistent application of section 22.
Question No. 26 answered with Question No. 14.
27 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will rule out the loss of control of the slots at Heathrow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16871/12]
The State does not own nor has it control over landing or take-off slots at Heathrow Airport.
Access by airlines to landing and take-off slots at EU airports where there are capacity limitations, including Heathrow, is governed by EU Regulations. Aer Lingus has access to quite a large number of slots at London Heathrow on the basis of ‘grandfather rights', that is, it has acquired the rights to these slots because it has been operating services to Heathrow for a long number of years and before Heathrow became as congested as it is today. However, Aer Lingus and any other airline, cannot hold slots in perpetuity unless they comply with the 80/20 rule, i.e. they need to have used at least 80% of the allocated series of slots in a scheduling period (Summer/Winter) to be granted priority for the allocation of the same series of slots for the following scheduling period.
Aer Lingus can use the slots it currently has at Heathrow for whatever services it wishes; the Government's minority shareholding does not allow it to dictate what services the slots are to be used for. Neither is the minority shareholding sufficient on its own to prevent Aer Lingus from disposing of Heathrow slots should it choose to do so.
28 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has met with the Railway Procurement Agency, National Roads Authority and other bodies including taxi representatives in order to ensure that the development of the LUAS link-up is as integrated with other methods of transport in Dublin as possible [16856/12]
Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) on 1st December 2009, the provision of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), such as LUAS BXD, now comes under the remit of the NTA.
There has been extensive engagement between the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) and both Dublin City Council (DCC) and Dublin Bus aimed at minimising the construction impacts of Luas BXD on all road users, including pedestrians, and on businesses in the city centre area. The consultation between RPA/DCC/Dublin Bus, which now also includes the NTA, on these important issues continues and will be maintained throughout the construction of Luas BXD.
In addition, the RPA has discussed the plans for Luas BXD with taxi representatives on many occasions. Proposals to accommodate taxis and taxi ranks were contained in the RPA's application for a railway order for this project to An Bord Pleanála and all interested parties had an opportunity to make submissions to An Bord and attend the oral hearing in May of last year.
Subject to the grant of a railway order, these engagements will intensify both prior to and during construction of the project and I will personally take a keen interest in ensuring that all parties work together to ensure that disruption is minimised and Dublin remains open for business.
29 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, under the regulations for learner drivers, many service providers, driving instructors are restricted or hampered from gaining access to the log books which they are required to use because these books are only available on a download facility from the National Roads Authority and that a significant number of driving instructors do not have access to appropriate computers; and if he will consider, because of the legislation governing driving instructors, ensuring that an adequate supply of log books is available other than from a download facility. [16552/12]
53 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, under the regulations for learner drivers, many service providers, driving instructors are restricted or hampered from gaining access to the log books which they are required to use because these books are only available on a download facility from the National Roads Authority and that a significant number of driving instructors do not have access to appropriate computers; and if he will consider, because of the legislation governing driving instructors, ensuring that an adequate supply of log books is available other than from a download facility [16551/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 53 together.
I have received a number of representations regarding this issue, and I have consulted with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) about it. The issue arises from the fact that the RSA has introduced online registration for the Essential Driver Training (EDT) system. I understand that, when EDT was first introduced, Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) were required to submit their records on an Excel spreadsheet, while the RSA provided them with logbooks free of charge. It was made clear by the RSA at the time that this was a temporary measure, and that a new on-line system would be introduced for ADIs to order and manage logbooks. This would necessitate participating ADIs to have an email address. There was advance warning of this from May of last year, with the online system being introduced only in October. This amounts to a considerable lead-in period.
I gather that there has been and continues to be a high level of registration for the online system, with over 57% of ADIs registered to date. The numbers continue to increase. I will ask the RSA to keep me informed of the progress on the matter in the coming months.
30 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the fact that no destinations serviced by Bus Éireann in counties Derry, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Antrim, Armagh and Down are listed on the Bus Éireann website. [16854/12]
The issue raised by the Deputy is a matter for Bus Éireann. I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
31 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will advise on the progress that has been made by the Road Safety Authority on their study of the Irish collision database based on the methodology of a study carried out in UK (details supplied) to examine the effects of daylight saving time on road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16846/12]
57 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions he has had with the Road Safety Authority regarding their assessment of the effect of changes to daylight saving time here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16845/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 57 together.
At its meeting in October 2011, the Road Safety Authority's Policy Advisory Panel reviewed the publication "An investigation into the effects of British Summer Time on road traffic accident casualties in Cheshire” which was published in 1996 in the Journal of Accidents and Emergency Medicine. The Panel found that it would be a suitable methodology to carry out an assessment of the effect of changes to Daylight Saving Time in Ireland.
I understand that the Authority is currently replicating the Cheshire Study and expects to conclude a report on the matter by the end of May 2012. Public consultations on these findings, and perhaps their submission to the Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht for consideration, might be appropriate at that stage.
This research will help provide an evidence base from a road safety perspective for any future consideration of this issue.
32 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to develop better integration of public transport services in the border region. [16855/12]
52 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to develop better integration of public transport services in the border region [16857/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 52 together.
The issue raised by the Deputy is a matter for the relevant transport providers in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA) whose function it is to promote an integrated public transport network. I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
34 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the potential offered by the development of the cruise industry in Ireland; if he will identify the parts of the country in particular that could benefit from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16904/12]
45 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the potential offered by the development of the cruise industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16864/12]
61 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the potential offered by the development of the cruise industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16910/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 45 and 61 together.
I believe that cruise tourism has significant potential and the recent consultation document published by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine "Our Ocean Wealth — Towards an Integrated Marine Plan for Ireland" confirmed that cruise ship tourism continues to grow with a 12% increase in 2010 with over 200 cruise liners visiting the island and carrying over 305,000 passengers.
In relation to the actual development of cruise tourism, the matters raised are of an operational nature and are for consideration by Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputies' questions to the agency for further information and direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
35 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he envisages that the private public-partnership contract for the bypassing of the Newlands Cross N7 project will be signed, the length of time in which he expects the construction phase to be completed; his plans for a similar project for the N4 Palmerstown by-pass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16540/12]
59 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he envisages that the private-public partnership contract for the bypassing of the Newlands Cross N7 project will be signed; the length of time in which he expects the construction phase to be completed; his plans for a similar project for the N4 Palmerstown by-pass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16539/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 59 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The implementation of individual national road schemes is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2007 in conjunction with the relevant local authorities concerned. Noting this position, I have referred the Deputies' Questions to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
36 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions if any, being taken in conjunction with the Stormont Assembly, to promote Derry, as the city of culture 2013. [16553/12]
Obviously primary responsibility for the promotion of Derry-Londonderry as the UK City of Culture rests with the relevant authorities in Northern Ireland. As the North-South body responsible for the promotion of the island of Ireland as a tourist destination, Tourism Ireland will play a significant role in the overseas marketing of the event and I understand that the agency's activity in this regard has already commenced. As this is an operational matter for Tourism Ireland, I have forwarded the question to the agency for further direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days. Of course, the UK City of Culture is not primarily a tourism event, and the Government is generally supportive of this opportunity for Derry and the whole North-West and wants cultural and other relevant organisations to do whatever they can to assist or benefit from the year-long programme.
In terms of cooperation with the Northern Ireland Executive, as the Deputy will be aware, tourism was identified in the Good Friday agreement as a key area for North/South cooperation, and consequently it is one of the sectors on which the North/South Ministerial Council meets in sectoral format, to make decisions on common policies and approaches in the area of tourism. The last meeting in Tourism Sectoral format took place on 25 January at which I met the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland, Ms Arlene Foster MLA. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss significant tourism opportunities north and south such as the Titanic anniversary this year, The Gathering Ireland 2013 and the Derry-Londonderry City of Culture. A further meeting in Tourism Sectoral format will take place later this year.
38 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to develop a strategy to empower and encourage Irish persons working and living abroad to promote Ireland as a tourist destination. [16850/12]
44 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the Gathering 2013 project which was launched internationally during the St. Patrick’s festivities; when it will be launched domestically; if he will provide details of the Council of Champions who will be acting as ambassadors for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16903/12]
267 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans being prepared to mark the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s visit to Ireland in 2013; if he will seek to ensure that the 50th anniversary of JFK’s visit be included as part of the Gathering 2013 project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17146/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38, 44 and 267 together.
I presented proposals for "The Gathering 2013" at the Global Irish Economic Forum last October. Fáilte Ireland is the lead agency for the implementation of the initiative and have put in place a Project Board to oversee it, while Tourism Ireland Limited will have specific responsibility for promoting "The Gathering 2013" in overseas markets. The event will the biggest tourism initiative ever staged in Ireland and will consist of a year-long programme of festivals, events and other gatherings. The recent St. Patrick's day festivities were used for the overseas launch of "The Gathering Ireland 2013" while a domestic launch is planned for mid-April. A new website has recently gone live with information on how people can play their part in the event. In addition, social media channels are already on stream to promote the event and engage prospective visitors. While my Department is not primarily responsible for historical commemorations such as the 50th anniversary of President John F Kennedy's visit to Ireland, the Gathering will build on opportunities, such as existing events and anniversaries, to maximise engagement and interest at home and abroad.
The Council of Champions is to act as a forum to engage the wider community at home and abroad. Tim O'Connor, former Secretary-General to the President, is acting as Chair of the Council of Champions and is also a member of the Gathering Project Board. The Council will comprise individuals of significant standing who have networks, expertise and experience to activate support and enhance the capacity of the event. Obviously the Irish diaspora have always had a critical role in acting as tourism ambassadors for Ireland and the Gathering Ireland 2013 will provide an even greater opportunity to connect with millions who feel linked by family, friends or otherwise with Ireland and to work with Irish people working and living abroad to promote Ireland as a tourist destination.
I will ask Fáilte Ireland to provide more details on the Gathering to the Deputies directly, and in relation to events and other tourism matters concerning the 50th anniversary of President John F Kennedy's visit to Ireland to Deputy Timmins. If you do not receive a response with ten working days, please contact my private office.
39 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the tourism initiatives he will be taking in relation to the Olympic torch relay coming to Dublin. [16557/12]
The International Olympic Committee agreed last December that the Olympic Flame will visit Dublin on 6 June as part of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. Responsibility for all operational aspects of the visit of the Olympic Torch Relay to Ireland, including the relay route, rests with the Olympic Council of Ireland. From a tourism perspective, it will be the responsibility of the tourism agencies to maximise any opportunities that this year's Olympics provide. The Olympic Torch Relay visiting Dublin will certainly provide a welcome additional focus on Ireland in June and it will be an operational matter for Tourism Ireland to maximise the opportunities provided by the relay to promote Ireland to overseas tourists. Accordingly, I have forwarded a copy of your question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
40 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to fund the upgrade of the N63 Roscommon-Galway road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16547/12]
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads network. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, is a matter 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. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
41 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure that Iarnród Éireann will be maintained as a publicly owned transport company into the future. [16849/12]
The Review Group on State Assets and Liabilities in its report considered the possible disposal and part-disposal of the CIE companies. In their report they stated that "having regard to the unavoidable losses inherent in maintaining a nationwide railway and uneconomic urban and rural bus services, disposal or part-disposal of the main CIÉ companies is not a realistic short-term option." The Government has agreed the shape and scale of the asset disposal programme to be pursued as a commitment under the EU/IMF Programme and as provided for in the Programme for Government. Iarnród Éireann is not included in that programme and I have no plans to alter its status as a publicly owned transport company.
48 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will investigate the possibility of supplying fishermen with electronic devices which will assist in finding them alive should their vessels go down. [12919/12]
Currently all Irish registered fishing vessels are required to be fitted with Emergency Indicating Position Beacons (EPIRBS). All fishing vessels over 12 metres in length must carry an automatically activating float-free automatic EPIRB and vessels less than 12 metres LOA (length over all) only have to carry a manually operated EPIRB. Officials from my Department are examining, in conjunction with Bord Iascaigh Mhara, issues relating to the carriage of Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) by fishermen as an enhancement to existing measures. The effectiveness of such electronic devices when used in conjunction with existing safety measures such as life-jackets and Personal Floatation Devices needs to be assessed.
It should be noted that the current requirements in relation to the wearing of life-jackets on fishing vessels are set out in the Fishing Vessel (Personal Flotation Devices) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 586 of 2001). Under the regulations every fishing vessel must carry a suitable personal flotation device for every person on board. The personal flotation device must be worn at all times by the crew of the fishing vessel, when on the exposed deck of the vessel, or, in the case of open un-decked vessels, on board the vessel, whether at sea, in harbour or coming to and from moorings.
50 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will endeavour through his Department to respect all of the State’s obligations in regard to peace process agreements which discourage against blocking former political prisoners from employment and social integration. [16852/12]
Action 22 of the Taxi Regulation Review Report clearly sets out the intention of the Review Group with regard to the commencement of Section 36 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 concerning the mandatory disqualification from holding a licence with regard to convictions. As I indicated to the Oireachtas Joint Committee last month there can be no tolerance for criminality within the taxi sector and it is vitally important that members of the public can feel secure to travel by taxi and can be safe in doing so. An amendment to Section 36 is required to address concerns of proportionality in the application of mandatory disqualification. I expect to be in a position to bring the Taxi Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2012 to the Houses of the Oireachtas in the second quarter of this year.
51 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is putting in place to ensure that cuts to public transport companies funding and fare increases do not hit those who can least afford it. [16860/12]
As the Deputy will be aware, public transport services and fares are a matter for the CIÉ operating companies in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. I have referred the Deputy's question to the National Transport Authority for direct reply. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
I am aware that the NTA approved a range of fare increases in respect of the CIÉ companies which took effect in January this year. It is, however, important to point out that significant savings can be made by passengers who choose to avail of the integrated ticket, the Leap card. Notwithstanding the NTA's statutory responsibilities, the Government recognises the need for the CIÉ companies to respond to the challenge of reduced PSO subvention funding, reduced fares income arising from reductions in passenger numbers and increased costs, such as fuel costs, which are outside their control. As a general principle, efficiencies in operational costs should, in the first instance, be examined in preference to fare increases and service reductions. I have stated this in the Letters of Mandate I issued to each of the four CIE Company Chairpersons appointed in 2011.
However, in the current environment there has to be a recognition that, unfortunately, fare increases will be inevitable if costs cannot be reduced sufficiently in order to maintain a reasonable level of service provision. While a recovery in passenger numbers could increase company revenues, all concerned must focus on identifying key public transport priorities in our cities and across the country and PSO public transport service providers will have to achieve greater efficiency and cost effectiveness in the years ahead.
54 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the progress in establishing a greenway facility along Galway-Clifden route, County Galway; and his views on the benefits this feature will have for the Connemara region. [16911/12]
The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to the agency for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
60 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to deal with major traffic issues which continue in Slane, County Meath, in view of the decision by An Bord Pleanála not to grant planning permission to the by-pass as currently outlined. [16861/12]
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have overall responsibility for policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning and design of individual national primary and secondary roads is a statutory function of the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007. The NRA works closely with the local authorities in whose administrative area the road is to be constructed — in this case Meath County Council.
The Bord refused the scheme on a number of grounds, including that the Bord was not satisfied that the alternatives to the by-pass were properly considered given that the bypass would be near Bru na Boinne — a UNESCO world heritage site. In particular, the Bord did not consider that the issue of a HGV ban in Slane was adequately considered. I have asked the NRA, in conjunction with Meath County Council and the relevant stakeholders, to examine the detail of the Bord decision and how to respond to it. However, it is not a case of selecting a new route at this stage, instead the priority is to address the traffic safety concerns in Slane . Traffic management issues are primarily for Meath County Council to address.
Significant work has been carried out on safety upgrades and traffic calming on the approaches to the bridge and this has contributed to a reduction in traffic accidents.
64 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to re-establish a sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16548/12]
Earlier today I announced a new round of the Sports Capital Programme. This Programme will assist voluntary and community organisations, national governing bodies (NGBs) of sport, local authorities, VECs and schools to develop high quality, safe, well-designed, sustainable facilities in appropriate locations and to provide appropriate equipment to help maximise participation in sport and physical recreation.
Application forms and information can be found on my Department's website www.dttas.ie.
65 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the outsourcing of corporate functions by Aer Lingus.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16541/12]
Any decision regarding the outsourcing of functions is an administrative/commercial matter for Aer Lingus. I have no role in the day to day operations of the airline.
67 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade since the Government was formed, the number of vacancies in State boards that have been filled by his Department without advertising the availability of the positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17031/12]
There are no state boards operating under the aegis of my Department.
68 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has taken up with the Dutch Ambassador the case of missing Irish man (details supplied) who went missing in the Netherlands on 23 October 2008; if so, the result of the contact with the Dutch Embassy; if he expressed his concern regarding this matter to the Dutch Ambassador; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17033/12]
The person referred to by the Deputy first came to the attention of my Department in November 2008. The family were concerned that there had been no contact from the individual and requested assistance in locating him. My Department has been providing consular assistance to the family since that time. Our Embassy in the The Hague, which has consular responsibility for Irish citizens in the Netherlands, has liaised directly with the Dutch authorities in the Netherlands. In such circumstances, the Netherlands' Ambassador to Ireland, whose primary consular duty is to Dutch citizens in Ireland, would not be the appropriate channel of communication with the Netherlands' authorities. In the weeks after the initial disappearance, the Embassy arranged a meeting, which was also attended by an Embassy official, between the family and the Dutch Police. At that meeting the Dutch Police gave assurances to the family that everything possible was being done to locate their missing relative. The Police Officer also provided his direct contact details to the family to that they could contact him if any new information was received by them. Representatives of the family have been in regular contact with my Department and the Embassy has sought an update on the case from the Dutch police. A response has been received today indicating that the Public Prosecutor has decided that the investigation into the disappearance will be re-examined.
In addition to liaising with the police, the Embassy facilitated a report on the case being broadcast by a Dutch missing persons television programme. The programme generated a number of leads around the world and my Department assisted the family in following up on those reports.
While my Department cannot interfere in the legal process of another State, we will continue to provide all possible consular assistance to the family. I would like to take this opportunity to express my personal sympathy to the family and to assure them of my full appreciation of the distress the disappearance of their loved one has caused.
69 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he intends to appoint a new Honorary Consul in Nova Scotia in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17051/12]
There are currently six Honorary Consuls of Ireland in Canada. They are located in Calgary, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, St. John's Newfoundland and Winnipeg. My Department has no immediate plans at present to open an Honorary Consulate of Ireland in Nova Scotia. My Department regularly reviews the network of Honorary Consuls and, in the context of making new appointments, it takes into account the need to provide for the welfare of Irish citizens, resident or visiting, as well as the prospect of developing trade and economic relations with the country or region concerned. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to review the situation in relation to Nova Scotia.
70 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he intends to appoint an Honorary Consul in Las Vegas, USA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17052/12]
I can confirm that I have appointed an Honorary Consul of Ireland in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Consulate is due to open shortly and the contact details will be available on my Department's website www.dfa.ie, after it has opened.
71 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the procedure to be followed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17120/12]
The case in question relates to the entry of a non-national person from outside the EU into the jurisdiction of the State. As this matter relates to immigration policy, which is the responsibility of the Minister for Justice and Equality, details of this question have been brought to his attention.
72 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount paid to each external property consultant, surveyor and estate agent engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17265/12]
73 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost of external property consultants, surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17280/12]
74 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a list of external property consultants or surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17295/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 to 74, inclusive, together.
The following three external property consultants/surveyors/estate agents were engaged by my Department in connection with projects in the State during the past three years:
Joseph Curtis and Company was paid €3,025 in architectural fees in October 2010 in relation to the termination on 2 April 2010 of the lease on the premises occupied by the Department of Foreign Affairs at Hospitality House 16-20 South Cumberland Street.
O'Connell, Harley, O'Dwyer Consulting Engineers were paid €20,449 in December 2010 for a feasibility study on the installation of passport machines in the Passport Office Cork.
Delap and Waller were paid €5,650.70 in the period March-August 2011 for professional services rendered regarding installation of passport machines in the Passport Office, Molesworth Street, Dublin.
75 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures he will take to ensure that a cost efficient process is put in place in respect of Ireland’s EU Presidency and in addition measures to prevent a reoccurrence of problems highlighted by the Comptroller and Auditor General in relation to procurement by the Office of Public Works during Ireland’s last Presidency of the EU. [11182/12]
Preparations for Ireland's EU Presidency are underway in all Departments and significant progress has been made in setting out Presidency priorities for the first six months of 2013. The Presidency is an important opportunity for Ireland to rebuild its positive image as a credible, effective, and trustworthy international player. At a practical level, the Government has taken a number of decisions with a view to putting in place an efficient and cost-effective Presidency.
The need for financial discipline means that expenditure for the Irish Presidency will be tightly controlled.
As an important cost-containment measure, the Government has decided that Dublin Castle and other State-owned properties in the Dublin area will be the default venues for all Presidency-related events in Ireland and the OPW have been fully engaged with this Department and the Department of the Taoiseach and in identifying and pre-planning the facility requirements for events during the EU Presidency.
In addition, work is underway between my Department and other bodies, including the Department of the Taoiseach, the Office of Public Works, the National Procurement Service and the Chief's States Solicitors Office on a centralised procurement scheme for all goods and services that will be required for the running of the Presidency. By taking a more collective approach, I expect that we will be able to maximise the potential economies of scale as well as reducing some of the administrative overload incurred through individual tendering for similar goods and services.
A Prior Information Notice (PIN) for the possible procurement of a number of requirements for the EU Presidency was published by my Department on 9 March 2012 on the eTenders website. The services/supplies included on this PIN include accommodation, catering, hospitality and event management, chauffeur-drive and bus transport services, interpretation and translation services, and an accreditation and badging service for delegates and media. A PIN does not necessarily mean a commitment to procuring these items. However, it underlines the transparent approach being taken to procurement, gives suppliers more time to prepare for possible tenders and will result in more cost-effective procurement.
76 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the website EU matters which is attached to all Government websites is updated regularly; the way this is being done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10756/12]
The EU Matters website was developed by the EU Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs to provide information about Ireland's membership of the European Union. With the transfer of the co-ordination of the European Union affairs from the Department of Foreign Affairs to the Department of the Taoiseach, we are reviewing how best we communicate the Government's approach to EU policy, including through the use of new media. The EU Matters website is currently offline pending the outcome of this review.
77 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he intends to meet the new Apostolic Nuncio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10579/12]
I met with the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Charles J. Brown, when he presented his credentials to President Higgins on 16 February. I look forward to working closely with him, both in his role as Apostolic Nuncio and as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.
78 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the implementation of the recommendations of the first North-South Implementation Bodies and areas for co-operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10758/12]
83 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the implementation of the recent recommendations of the North-South Implementation Body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13818/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 83 together.
At the meeting of the North South Ministerial Council in plenary format on 18 November 2011, Ministers agreed that a number of proposals to advance the first element of the St Andrews Agreement Review would be discussed at the next round of NSMC meetings in sectoral format with a view to decisions being taken at the next NSMC Plenary meeting. These discussions are now well advanced, and it is expected that this element of the Review will be finalised at the Plenary meeting which is due to take place in June.
Also at the November 2011 Plenary meeting, Ministers agreed to advance work in relation to the second and third terms of reference of the Review, which include the case for additional areas of co-operation within the NSMC. This involves consultations within the Northern Ireland Executive and within the Government. There will be further discussions on this at the next NSMC Institutional meeting at which I will meet the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. Further consideration of these matters would then take place at the NSMC plenary meeting in June.
79 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update from any meetings or committees he has attended in relation to full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10757/12]
The full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and other supplementary agreements is a high priority for the Government and is set out specifically in my Department's current Statement of Strategy. Great progress has been made on the full implementation of the Agreements but some important outstanding elements remain. In working towards full implementation, I engage regularly with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, and with the leaders of the main parties in Northern Ireland.
80 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his position in relation to Syria; the contribution he made at the EU Council in relation to the situation there; his views on the referendum held there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12272/12]
I have on a number of occasions stated clearly my grave concerns at the deteriorating situation in Syria and condemned the unacceptable violence and repression which is now estimated to have claimed well over 8,000 lives since last March. I am particularly concerned about the urgent humanitarian needs of the civilian population in many areas of Syria. Ireland and its EU partners have reacted to the violence in Syria with a series of robust economic, political and diplomatic measures to compel the Syrian regime to cease its appalling and unacceptable attacks on the Syrian people. Most recently, the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 23 March, which I attended, agreed forthright conclusions which strongly condemn the violence by the Syrian regime, and urge immediate and full access for humanitarian organisations. I fully support these conclusions, as well as the further sanctions adopted against members of President Assad's family and other senior regime figures and prominent Syrian businessmen and entities. Strong EU sanctions are an important way of putting additional pressure on the regime and I support the ongoing work to identify possible further EU restrictive measures.
Ireland and the EU have also been actively engaged at the UN to address the Syrian crisis. It is very welcome that the UN Security Council, in large part through the efforts of its EU members, was able last week to issue a strongly worded Presidential Statement expressing its gravest concern at the deteriorating situation in Syria and lending full support to the efforts of the UN-Arab League Special Envoy Kofi Annan. The EU was also actively engaged in securing the adoption by a large majority of the UN Human Rights Council Resolution on 23 March on the human rights situation in Syria and which also extended the mandate of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry.
The humanitarian situation in Syria continues to worsen, with fighting and violence ongoing in several cities around the country and reportedly spreading to new and previously unaffected areas. Thousands of Syrians have also fled into neighbouring countries and there are already reports of over 36,000 registered refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Turkey and Iraq. Meanwhile, aid agencies remain unable to carry out more than limited food, health and hygiene support activities inside Syria due to a combination of insecurity and severe restrictions on humanitarian access. Ireland together with our EU partners, has been insisting on the need for full, immediate and unimpeded access to aid organisations to all areas of the country. While UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos visited Damascus on 8 March and staff from the United Nations and the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) were allowed to join a recent Syrian Government-led assessment mission, it remains essential that a robust and regular arrangement is put in place, which allows humanitarian agencies to evacuate the wounded and deliver desperately needed supplies.
Given the increasingly difficult situation on the ground, EU Member States have also been mobilising substantial funding to help aid agencies respond to the crisis. In this regard, I recently approved €500,000 in emergency funding for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the UN refugee agency, UNHCR and the World Food Programme (WFP). These funds will be used to provide both immediate relief within Syria and help to those forced to flee to neighbouring countries. Taken collectively, total EU funding and assistance currently stands at €26 million, including €10 million from the European Commission. Further assistance will be made available in light of the situation on the ground and the ability of aid agencies to access those in need.
Ireland, together with its EU partners, remains determined to continue to exert political and economic pressure on the Syrian regime to secure a ceasefire and humanitarian access. It is abundantly clear that the time for tokenistic efforts — such as the referendum on a draft new Constitution on 26 February which took place as the Syrian army carried out heavy weaponry bombardment of civilian areas — has long passed. In the immediate future, I hope that the second meeting of the Group of Friends of the Syrian People in Istanbul on 1 April will make progress in bringing together the Syrian opposition under a common platform of values and aiMs I spoke strongly in support of the need for this at the Foreign Affairs Council last week. In this regard, I regret that the main internal opposition grouping, the SNCC (Syrian National Coordinating Committee, which has committed itself to achieving democratic freedoms in Syrian through peaceful means), has decided not to attend the meeting of the Group of Friends of the Syrian People on 1 April. I hope that the NCC will reconsider. Furthermore, Ireland and the EU continue to call on all members of the Security Council, particularly Russia and China, to work together in an effort to stop the violence and to support fully the work of UN-Arab League Special Envoy Kofi Annan.
81 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will be meeting the civic society groups in relation to the upcoming referendum on the EU fiscal treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13488/12]
82 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he will be setting up the Referendum Commission in relation to the referendum on the EU fiscal treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13489/12]
85 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made in relation to deciding a date for the fiscal treaty referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13956/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 82 and 85 together.
As the House will be aware, the Government decided yesterday that the date of the referendum will be 31 May 2012. The Bill allowing it to go ahead will be published later this week, for full and thorough debate in the Oireachtas over the next month.
In choosing this date, we want to ensure an informed debate in which the people have full information about — and understanding of — the treaty and its wider context. We also need to give the Referendum Commission enough time and resources to do its important job. The commission will be established by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government once the Bill to amend the Constitution has been published, in principle at the end of this week.
The Government intends to work with civil society groups as part of a determined effort to ensure that voters are well-informed. This will involve listening civil society members from many backgrounds and perspectives. In this context I welcome the work of the subcommittee of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs, which has sought public submissions on the treaty and will commence a series of hearings next week. Aside from the debate here within the Oireachtas, I would urge all interested groups to launch their own debates around the country as the referendum approaches.
84 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Ministers and Ministers of State that travelled abroad to represent Ireland for the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations; the countries to which they travelled; the benefits of continuing such a tradition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13544/12]
As the Deputy will be aware, over this St Patrick's Day period, the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and 16 Ministers travelled to 15 of Ireland's key trading partners to promote Irish business, tourism and culture overseas and to advise our international partners that ‘now is the time to invest in Ireland's recovery'. St. Patrick's Day offers a unique opportunity to promote Ireland's image and interests abroad, with huge interest, from both media and the public, in Ireland and in Irish events around the world.
Ministerial visits around this period are organised to ensure that we maximise the promotion of Ireland's economic interests. The programme of travel is drawn up in consultation with the Embassy network and the State Agencies. Each visit aims to utilise the opportunity of St Patrick's Day to improve and strengthen relations with Ireland's key business and community contacts.
My own programme in Canada gave me the opportunity to meet with political and business leaders as well as members of the Irish Community based there. The programme for my visit was developed in close consultation with the Embassy of Ireland in Ottawa, Enterprise Ireland, Tourism Ireland and IDA Ireland and supported the valuable work that they do in promoting Ireland as a place to do business.
A full list of the Ministers who travelled abroad for St Patrick's Day is below.
Full List of 2012 Ministerial Programmes
North America
Chicago, Indiana, New York and Washington DC — Taoiseach
Canada — Tánaiste
New York — Minister Joan Burton T.D.
New York — Minister of State Kathleen Lynch T.D.
West Coast USA — Minister Richard Bruton T.D.
Atlanta — Minister Jimmy Deenihan T.D.
Boston — Minister Frances Fitzgerald T.D.
UK
UK (Birmingham and London) — Minister Leo Varadkar T.D. and Minister of
State Michael Ring T.D.
Glasgow and Edinburgh — Minister of State Dinny McGinley T.D.
Continental Europe
France — Minister Michael Noonan T.D.
Italy — Minister Pat Rabbitte T.D.
Benelux — Minister Simon Coveney T.D.
Germany — Minister of State Paul Kehoe T.D.
Finland and Sweden — Minister of State John Perry T.D.
Asia
China — Minister of State Ciaran Cannon T.D.
Singapore — Minister Brendan Howlin T.D.
Australia
Australia and New Zealand — Minister Alan Shatter T.D.
86 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the issue of the sale of State assets such as Coillte was discussed with Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping during his recent visit. [10759/12]
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.
87 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will publish a schedule of payments made from public funds to a multinational bracket investment banking and securities firm (details supplied) in the period from 1 September 2008 to date in 2012, with notes confirming the basis of each individual payment made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17590/12]
My Department has made no payments to the entity in question from 1 September 2008 to date.
88 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of leases held by his Department, agencies or quangos that have upward only rent review clauses in which the body concerned is the landlord. [17725/12]
There are no agencies or state agency under the aegis of my Department. The Department itself does not rent property to any other party and, accordingly, does not hold any leases where it acts in the capacity of landlord.
89 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance his plans to re-introduce a scrappage scheme for the auto industry. [17151/12]
I have no plans to re-introduce a scrappage scheme for the auto industry.
90 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance since the Government was formed the number of vacancies in State boards that have been filled by his Department without advertising the availability of the positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17032/12]
In response to the Deputy's question the following are vacancies on boards under the aegis of my Department since March 2011.
Fiscal Advisory Council
The following people were appointed to the Fiscal Advisory Council:
Mr. Sebastian Barnes.
Professor Alan Barrett.
Dr. Donal Donovan.
Professor John McHale, Chair.
Dr. Roisin O'Sullivan.
As Minister for Finance I announced the establishment of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council on a non-statutory basis on 7 July 2011. The Council is part of a wider agenda of reform of Ireland's budgetary architecture which is envisaged in the Programme for Government and is a requirement of the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland. When establishing the Council, I stated that the Council would be an independent body whose existence and independence would be underpinned by legislation to be brought forward by Government in the Fiscal Responsibility Bill.
I appointed the members having regard to a number of criteria including the desirability of having a mix of appropriate backgrounds (academia, the financial sector/financial markets and public finance), macroeconomic/microeconomic expertise and a strong international dimension, as well as the need to take gender considerations into account. I am satisfied that the appointed members have the mix of skills and experience, including in relation to fiscal affairs, to ensure that the Council will be highly effective in fulfilling its mandate. The Fiscal Responsibility Bill will include provisions for the appointment of members once the Council is on a statutory footing.
National Asset Management Agency
Mr John Mulcahy was appointed to the Board of the National Asset Management Agency. He was not appointed under the new procedures for board appointments. His appointment was a National Asset Management Agency Executive Appointment. Mr Mulcahy is head of Asset Management within the National Asset Management Agency.
Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC)
Mr. Oliver Ellingham and Mr. Roger McGreal were appointed to the Board of the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation. As specific skills are required due to the nature of the business model at IBRC it was decided on this occasion not to proceed with the public advertisement of the vacancies.
91 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding tracker mortgages (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17035/12]
The Government and the Troika have opened discussions on how best the Irish banking system and the State can benefit from having further improvements to certain elements of the banking sector. The overall objective of such discussions is to enhance the position of the banks in which the State now has a major investment. A number of approaches are under consideration but it must be emphasised that, at this point, nothing has been agreed or decided.
Regarding the more general mortgage issue, the approach of the Government has been clear. The capital provided by the taxpayer to the domestic banks is to cover unavoidable losses and to ensure that those banks continue to meet their regulatory requirements. Mortgage holders, and other borrowers, who can meet their loan commitments must continue do so and a blanket approach to debt relief, either in respect of negative equity or otherwise, is not an appropriate or affordable approach. Instead, in line with the recommendations of the report of the Inter-Departmental Group on Mortgage Arrears, the Government's approach is to formulate and implement measures that will provide appropriate assistance to those mortgage holders who are experiencing real and genuine difficulty in meeting their commitments.
Measures such as the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears, mortgage interest supplement, mortgage interest relief are already in place to assist mortgage holders and more advanced measures to assist those mortgage holders who are experiencing the most difficulty, such as personal insolvency reform, the social housing "mortgage to rent" initiative, Central Bank engagement with banks to ensure that banks provide realistic, appropriate and sustainable options to their customers and the provision of a mortgage advisory function are now also being advanced. As the Deputy is aware, a temporary Government committee, chaired by An Taoiseach, is now overseeing the implementation, on a cross-departmental basis, of the Government's overall response to the mortgage arrears problem.
92 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the steps he will take to use his stake in the AIB to prevent the bank from introducing their proposed changes which require customers to hold a balance of €2,500 in their current accounts; his views on the fact that these measures will cause undue hardship for customers of the bank and will withdraw money from the local economies and have devastating consequences for local jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17036/12]
The Bank's policy in relation to fees is a matter for the management and board of the institution. I have no role in the day-to-day commercial and operational decisions of the banks, which include these matters. These decisions are taken by the board and management of the institution. Notwithstanding the fact that the State is a significant shareholder in the institution, the bank should be run on a commercial, cost effective and independent basis to ensure the value of the bank as an asset to the State, as per the Memorandum on Economic and Financial Policies agreed with the EU Commission, the ECB and the IMF. The Government is acutely aware of the increasing financial stress that some households are facing in the current environment. However, we have observed that free banking offerings have changed significantly in recent times across the industry and that the bank must remain competitive in order to return to profitability and viability. I am informed that AIB considers its proposal to be competitive and in line with the market.
93 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement regarding increases in petrol prices due to taxation. [17040/12]
Ireland, as with other countries, has experienced an increase in the cost of petrol and auto-diesel. The increase in fuel prices is an international phenomenon. Fuel prices are driven by a number of factors including the price of oil on international markets, exchange rates, production costs and refining costs. The rise in oil prices over recent periods reflected additional factors such as geopolitical uncertainty in Northern Africa and the Middle East with potential supply disruptions.
The excise rates (including the carbon charge) in Ireland on motor fuels are 58.8 cent per litre of petrol and 47.9 cent per litre of auto-diesel. However, our rates remain lower than many of our main trading partners and significantly lower than our nearest neighbour the UK. The rates for petrol and auto-diesel were increased with effect from 7 December 2011, arising from an increase in the carbon charge for those fuels from €15 to €20 per tonne of CO2 emitted. This represented an increase of less than 1.5 cent per litre in the case of petrol and just over 1.5 cent per litre in the case of diesel, when VAT is included. The rate of VAT that applies to those fuels increased from 21% to 23% with effect from 1 January 2012.
The Exchequer yield from excise, as excise is set at a nominal amount, does not increase as the price of fuels increase. On the other hand, the yield from VAT per litre of fuel, as VAT is set as a percentage of the price, increases as the price of fuels increase. However, in this regard it should be borne in mind that to the extent that spending in the economy is re-allocated to petrol and other oil products, and away from other VAT liable spending, and to the extent that the overall level of economic activity is reduced by higher oil prices, there may be little or no net gain to the Exchequer.
It should also be noted that businesses are of course entitled to reclaim VAT incurred on their business inputs, including VAT incurred on fuel. For example, VAT incurred on auto-diesel and marked gas oil (MGO or green diesel) used in the course of business is a deductible credit for business in the Irish VAT system. VAT on petrol can not be deducted/reclaimed.
There are no plans for temporary taxation adjustments, as to do so, could lead to significant costs to the Exchequer. The issue of rising fuel prices was discussed by EU Finance Ministers at an ECOFIN meeting last year where they reconfirmed the approach taken in 2005 and again in 2008, when oil prices were very high, which endorsed a coordinated approach towards not making distortionary fiscal adjustments.
94 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the steps he will take to have an application for refund of stamp duty by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath under the young trained farmer relief scheme immediately processed and paid out to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17103/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the refund application, first submitted in October 2011, was delayed because the representatives of the person in question submitted an incomplete application and did not respond to Revenue's request for authorisation and reference information to enable them to draw down the original stamped deed from the Property Registration Authority (PRA).
Most of these matters have been resolved and the authorisation requested was received on 23 February 2012 and forwarded immediately to the PRA. On receipt of the original deed from the PRA, Revenue will complete its review of the application without further delay and advise the person in question accordingly.
95 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance if he will discuss with the recapitalised banks the situation where residents in Priory Hall would have their mortgage frozen from the date of evacuation, with no impact on their credit rating until a comprehensive solution is implemented. [17112/12]
I am conscious of the difficult situation that the residents of Priory Hall find themselves in.
The lending institutions in Ireland, including those in which the State has a significant shareholding, are independent commercial entities. A mortgage agreement is a contract which cannot be altered without the consent of the parties. I, as Minister for Finance, have no powers in this regard and cannot require the lenders to alter contracts to accept a suspension in mortgage repayments.
Neither do I have any powers to alter how credit ratings are calculated by lenders or credit bureaux. However, I understand that the Irish Credit Bureau offers a facility for borrowers to add a personal declaration (statement) to their credit record to clarify any details contained therein. This personal declaration is then attached to the borrowers file held by the Irish Credit Bureau and can be viewed by lenders when the credit file is accessed.
96 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Finance the way a holder of carbon tax credits may avail of the rebate if their current business transaction is not profitable and no tax is payable. [17125/12]
I assume that the Deputy's question relates to the double deduction for carbon tax on farm diesel which I introduced in Finance Bill 2012.
Under this provision, farmers will be allowed a deduction in computing their farming profits or losses for the amount of additional carbon tax they incur on purchases of farm diesel following the proposed increase in the rate of carbon tax on certain fuels from 1 May 2012. The new deduction will be in addition to the existing deduction for carbon tax included in the cost of farm diesel used in the course of the farming trade.
Where a farming loss occurs, the double deduction for carbon tax will increase the amount of that loss and, depending on the farmers circumstances, the loss may, for example, be used to reduce other income (either of the farmer or of his or her spouse or civil partner) of the same year or it may be carried forward for offset against future farming profits.
97 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider changing the VAT rate charged on motor fuel in view of the current high price of fuel and the benefit this is to Revenue. [17126/12]
In matters relating to the VAT rating of goods and services, I am constrained by the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply.
Under the EU VAT Directive, it is not possible to apply a reduced or zero rate to the supply of motor fuel. Therefore the rate of VAT that must apply to the supply of fuel is the standard VAT rate, which in Ireland is 23%.
98 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of all taxes and duties on a litre of motor fuel. [17127/12]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the breakdown of Mineral Oil Tax, Carbon Tax and VAT on a litre of motor fuel at average prices is as follows:
|
Petrol |
Diesel |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
Mineral Oil Tax |
0.542 |
0.426 |
|
Carbon Tax |
0.046 |
0.053 |
|
VAT |
0.312 |
0.299 |
|
Total Tax |
0.90 |
0.778 |
The Mineral Oil Tax and Carbon Tax amounts were calculated using an average price of 166.9 cent per litre for Petrol and 159.9 cent per litre for Diesel.
99 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance if he will publish a schedule of payments made from public funds to a multinational bracket investment banking and securities firm (details supplied) in the period from 1 September 2008 to date in 2012, with notes confirming the basis of each individual payment made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17142/12]
This information is not held centrally and accordingly I can only answer in respect of my Department and the Offices/Agencies under the aegis of my Department. The question has been copied to all other Departments who will provide the information under separate cover. The Department of Justice (including the Courts Service) and the Department of Social Protection have indicated that no payments were made to the firm in question.
The Central Bank of Ireland cannot provide details of payments to individual consultants because the information is commercially sensitive.
With regard to my own Department, and the other agencies under the remit of my Department, no payments were made to the firm in question during the period in question with the exception of the National Treasury Management Agency group. The details for that group are set out below.
NTMA
The Minister for Finance delegated certain banking system functions to the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) in March 2010. While this delegation was revoked in August 2011 and the NTMA Banking Unit was seconded to the Department of Finance, the costs of certain consultancy services incurred by the Shareholding Management Unit of the Department's Banking Division are still charged to the NTMA on foot of a direction from the Minister for Finance.
In 2010 the NTMA appointed the firm in question to provide advice to the Banking Unit in relation to Anglo Irish Bank. Total payments made under this contract were €362,000.
In 2011 the NTMA appointed the firm in question as advisors as part of its involvement in overseeing the capital raising exercise of the four financial institutions (AIB, BoI, EBS and IL&P), following the announcement of the results of the Central Bank's PCAR/PLAR process on 31 March 2011. Payments made to date under this contract total €4,836,000. It is expected that the costs of this engagement will be recouped from the financial institutions concerned.
NPRF
The firm in question has been a National Pensions Reserve Fund investment manager since March 2002, managing a North American equities portfolio. Fees paid by the Fund to individual investment management firms are commercially sensitive.
100 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to further revise downward the growth projections for 2012 in view of the fact that the growth figures for 2011 have underperformed by 0.3% for GDP and 2.9% for GNP compared to the Budget Day Economic and Fiscal Outlook, the general Government to deficit to GDP ratio for 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17144/12]
In early January, my Department reported on the cash Exchequer deficit for 2011 and this was slightly better than anticipated at Budget time last December. Currently, my Department in conjunction with the CSO is updating the 2011 budgetary outturn in the context of the excessive deficit notification, which all EU27 Member States participate in. In this context, the outturn for the general government deficit will be published during April. In relation to the growth outlook, officials from my Department are currently assessing all available data, including the quarterly national accounts published last week, with a view to updating the forecasts. These updated projections will be contained in the Stability Programme Update, which will be published at end-April, in the context of the European Semester.
101 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he will explain the way, as late as December 2011 projected GNP to grow by 0.4% when the actual figure for 2011 GNP, as reported in the CSO quarterly national accounts, was — 2.4% leaving an overestimation by him of 2.9%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17145/12]
In relation to economic growth, GDP developments are the internationally accepted metric.
Last December, on the basis of existing published CSO data for the first half of last year, my Department projected that the economy would expand by 1 per cent for last year as a whole. This figure was in line with the prevailing consensus at the time.
Preliminary data from Central Statistics Office – and I stress that the figures are preliminary – suggest that the economy expanded by 0.7 per cent in real terms last year. So our economy is expanding, the first time this has happened since 2007, which is to be welcomed.
The difference between GDP and GNP relates to the movement of payments into and out of Ireland from the rest of the world. Such payments relate to flows of both Irish corporates situated abroad and foreign owned multinationals located in Ireland, as well as the significant outward flows relating to the servicing of our national debt. In an economy like ours, GNP developments are very volatile on a quarterly basis, a point which is repeatedly made by the Central Statistics Office. This volatility stems from inter alia very large profit flows – in both directions – between Ireland and the rest of the world referred to above. This in turn is a function of the openness of the Irish economy, and makes all projections of GNP subject to considerable uncertainty.
102 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance his views on a proposal to amend the Investment Intermediaries Act 1995 (details supplied). [17153/12]
Under the Investment Intermediaries Act 1995, all investment firms must have their accounts audited. It is also a requirement that their auditors submit a Statutory Duty Confirmation. At least six weeks before the firm's return is due, the Central Bank sends an email to the firm requesting the auditor's details and the firm must provide these details. While there are sound reasons for this requirement to provide audited accounts, I am mindful of the need to reduce unnecessary overheads, in particular for small firms I am aware that small, non-financial services firms are not required to submit audited accounts and I have asked my officials to review the current situation, in conjunction with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, and the Central Bank of Ireland.
103 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the amount paid to each external property consultant, surveyor and estate agent engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17264/12]
104 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the cost of external property consultants, surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17279/12]
105 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a list of external property consultants or surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17294/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 103 to 105, inclusive, together.
My Department has not made any payments to external property consultants, surveyors or estate agents during the last three years.
106 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the number of leases held by his Department, agencies or quangos that have upward only rent review clauses in which the body concerned is the landlord. [17724/12]
In response to the Deputy's question the Office of Public Works is involved in most purchases and leasing of buildings by the State including buildings leased by my Department. In respect of bodies under the aegis of my Department I am not aware of any such leases being entered into where the body concerned is the landlord.
107 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a submission regarding school transport (details supplied); his plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17157/12]
108 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a submission regarding school transport (details supplied); his plans to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17158/12]
109 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a submission (details supplied) regarding school transport; his plans to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17159/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 to 109, inclusive, together.
From the commencement of the 2012/13 school year, the use of the Catchment Boundary Area (CB) System as a means of determining eligibility will cease for all pupils newly entering post primary school. This means that from the 2012/13 school year, school transport eligibility for all pupils newly entering a post primary school will be determined by reference to the distance they reside from their nearest post-primary education centre having regard to ethos and language.
This change was announced as part of Budget 2011 but is not being introduced until the 2012/13 school year in order to allow parents of children newly entering post primary school ample time to consider their school choice options, taking account of the revised school transport eligibility arrangements.
At post primary level, the evidence is, as set out in the Value for Money Review of the School Transport Schemes, that the majority of children are attending their nearest post primary school/centre. The changes to the Post Primary School Transport Scheme will be applied equitably on a national basis.
110 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills since the Government was formed the number of vacancies in State boards that have been filled by his Department without advertising, the availability of the positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17030/12]
The attached document provides the relevant details of all appointments (and re-appointments) made to bodies under the aegis of my Department without advertisement since my appointment as Minister.
In addition, in accordance with Government policy, expressions of interest have been sought through the Public Appointments Service (PAS) from suitably qualified and experienced persons for consideration for appointment to the following boards of Bodies operating under the aegis of my Department. Léargas Ltd — The Exchange Bureau in December 2011; The Higher Education Authority in December 2011; The Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland (to be newly established) in December 2011; The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) in February 2012; The State Examinations Commission (SEC) in February 2012; The Teaching Council in February 2012.
|
Agency Name |
Number Appointments /re-appointments |
Names |
Notes |
|
Education Finance Board |
2 re-appointments |
Mr. Sean Benton (Chairperson) |
This Board is effectively a caretaker board which will serve for a number of months pending the establishment of the Statutory Fund. It is envisaged that the new Fund will assume the functions of the Board and the Board will be dissolved when the fund is set up. Mr. Ormond and Ms Fahy are re-appointments. |
|
7 appointments |
Mr. Peter Ormond |
||
|
Mr. Stephen McCarthy |
|||
|
Ms.Norah Gibbons |
|||
|
Ms.Inez Bailey |
|||
|
Ms.Bernadette Fahy |
|||
|
Ms.Marian Dunnington |
|||
|
Mr. James Quinn |
|||
|
Ms.Dolores Rooney |
|||
|
Foras Áiseanna Saothair |
1 appointment |
Mr. Michael Moriarty |
Mr. Moriarty, who is General Secretary of the IVEA, was appointed in July 2011 because of his expertise in the area of Vocational Education which will be particularly useful in the context of the future integration of the FÁS training division and the VECs and the creation of SOLAS, the new further education and training authority. |
|
Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) |
11 re-appointments (See Note 1) |
Mr. Donal O’Rourke (Chairperson) |
As FETAC’s term of office expired in December 2011, and to meet with statutory obligations, eligible members of the outgoing Board were re-appointed to the Board until such time as the new QQAAI is established. All 11 re-appointed on 21st December 2011. |
|
Dr. Padraig Walsh |
|||
|
Ms.Margaret O’Connell |
|||
|
Mr. Rory O’Sullivan |
|||
|
Mr. Joseph O’Leary |
|||
|
Ms.Deirdre Keyes |
|||
|
Ms.Bridie Daly |
|||
|
Ms.Margaret Mernagh |
|||
|
Mr. John Mulcahy |
|||
|
Mr. Tony Petit |
|||
|
Ms.Shira Mehiman |
|||
|
Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) |
2 appointments |
Dr. Maria Hinfelaar (1st appointed 9/6/2011) |
As HETAC’s term of office expired in December 2011, and to meet with statutory obligations, eligible members of the outgoing Board were re-appointed to the Board until such time as the new QQAAI (see note 1) is established. All 8 re-appointed on 21st December 2011. |
|
Mr. Aengus Ó Maoláin (1st appointed 1/7/2011) |
|||
|
8 re-appointments (See Note 1) |
Prof. Séamus Smyth (Chairperson) |
||
|
Dr. Finola Doyle-O’Neill |
|||
|
Dr. Marion Palmer |
|||
|
Dr. Íde Ní Fhaoláin |
|||
|
Ms.Mary Mc Glynn |
|||
|
Dr. Diarmuid O’Callaghan |
|||
|
National Council for Curriculumand Assessment |
2 appointments |
Mr. Seán Ó CoinnProfessor Noirín Hayes |
Mr. Ó Coinn nominated by Foras na Gaeilge and Professor Noirín Hayes nominated by the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Both appointed on the 13th of December 2011. |
|
National Council for Special Education |
1 appointment |
Ms.Maureen Costello |
Director of the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) appointed in September 2011. |
|
National Qualifications Authority of Ireland |
1 appointment |
Mr. Gary Redmond (1st appointed 24/6/2011) |
All re-appointed on 31st March 2011 with exception of Mr Redmond. |
|
5 re-appointments(See Note 1) |
Prof. Anne Scott |
||
|
Ms.Marie Bourke |
|||
|
Mr. Eamon Devoy |
|||
|
Ms.Audry Deane |
|||
|
Mr. Tony Donohue |
|||
|
Residential Institutions Redress Board (RIRB) |
11 re-appointments |
Dr. Fionnuala O’Loughlin |
All re-appointed on 16th December 2011 |
|
Dr. Helen Cummiskey |
|||
|
Dr. Harry Bugler |
|||
|
Dr. Mary Bluett |
|||
|
Dr. Ruth Pilkington |
|||
|
Dr. William Delaney |
|||
|
Mr. John Campbell |
|||
|
Ms Ann O’Brien |
|||
|
Ms Samantha Cruess Callaghan |
|||
|
Ms Dariona Conlon |
|||
|
Residential Institutions Review Committee (RIRC) |
6 re-appointments |
The Hon. Mr. Justice Francis D. Murphy (Chairperson) |
All re-appointed on 16th December 2011 |
|
Mr. John Dalton |
|||
|
Ms Ita Managan |
|||
|
Mr. Justice John Buckley |
|||
|
Mr. Brendan Gogarty |
|||
|
Mr. Colm Gaynor |
|||
|
Skillnets Ltd |
1 |
Mr. Mícheál Ó Fiannachta |
A Departmental official appointed in June 2011. |
Note 1: The Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) are to be merged to form a new body to be known as the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland (QQAAI) in the coming months.
111 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider a school (details supplied) in County Cork for any future school building programmes in his Department based on the submissions made by the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17055/12]
As the Deputy may be aware, the school he refers to has previously refused two substantial grants offered to address accommodation issues namely in 2003 under the Small Schools Initiative and in 2006 under the Small Schools Scheme.
In view of the need to ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of major school projects to meet the demographic demands nationally will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years. The five year programme announced earlier this month is focused on meeting those demographic needs. In that context, it was not possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently. In light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project concerned.
112 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the Teaching Council of Ireland is purchasing a new building, the way that this will be funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17057/12]
113 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the role and functions carried out by Teaching Council of Ireland, and the amount of funding they receive from the State on an annual basis; and if he will provide a break down of this funding in tabular form [17058/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 113 together.
The Teaching Council was established in March 2006 to promote teaching as a profession and the professional development of teachers, to maintain and improve the quality of teaching in the State, to provide for the establishment of standards, policies and procedures for the education and training of teachers, to provide for the registration and regulation of teachers and to enhance professional standards and competence.
The Teaching Council became a self funding body from the 28th March 2008. The Council raises its funding, in the main, from teachers' initial registration and renewal of registration fees. There is no annual budget allocation from the State. The Teaching Council has not made any decisions regarding the purchase of new office space or office buildings. In line with the Teaching Council Act 2001, Ministerial consent is required for the Council to borrow money or to acquire, hold or dispose of land or property.
114 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reconsider the decision to delay the school building project at a school (details supplied) until 2015/16. [17081/12]
In view of the need to ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of major school projects to meet the demographic demands nationally will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years. The five year programme announced recently is focused on meeting those demographic needs. In that context, it was not possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently.
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The Design Team are currently working on Stage 2(b) of Architectural Planning which includes the preparation of tender documents. School building projects currently in architectural planning, including the project referred to by the Deputy, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to progress this project to tender and construction at this time.
115 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to introduce a standard enrolment policy for all primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17087/12]
As the Deputy will be aware, last June, I launched a discussion paper on school enrolment. The document, "Discussion Paper on a Regulatory Framework for School Enrolment" contains suggestions on how to make the process of enrolling in schools more open, equitable and consistent. I have made it clear that the paper was not meant to be prescriptive, nor have any decisions been made as to what elements will be contained in any final regulations or legislation. The purpose of the paper was to lead and provoke debate on enrolment policies and practices. I invited education partners and interested parties to submit their views to my Department by the 28 of October last. My officials are currently co-ordinating the submissions received and the feedback from this consultation will help inform the nature and scope of a new regulatory framework for school enrolment.
116 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) in County Cork has been omitted from the school building programme announced, in view of the fact that the project was well advanced. [17099/12]
120 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) in County Cork has been omitted from the school building programme in view of the fact that the project was well advanced. [17135/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 120 together.
In view of the need to ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of major school projects to meet the demographic demands nationally will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years. The five year programme announced recently is focused on meeting those demographic needs. In that context, it was not possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently. The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The Design Team are currently working on Stage 2(b) of Architectural Planning which includes securing Planning Permission, Fire Certificate and Disability Access Certificate (DAC) and the preparation of tender documents. School building projects currently in architectural planning, including the project referred to by the Deputy, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to progress this project to tender and construction at this time.
117 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a list of primary and secondary schools in County Cork that have been notified that they will lose a teaching position or part of a teaching position from September 2012; the schools involved and the positions to be lost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17102/12]
Teacher allocations are approved annually in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. My Department has published the staffing arrangements at primary and post primary level for the coming school year, 2012/13. The relevant circulars, Primary 0007/2012 and Post Primary 0009/2012 are available on my Department's website. At post primary level and in accordance with existing arrangements, where a school management authority is unable to meet its curricular commitments within its approved allocation, my Department considers applications for additional short term support, i.e., curricular concessions. The allocation processes at both primary and post primary level also include an appeals mechanism under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. The appeal procedures are set out in the circulars referred to above. For the coming school year the existing staffing appeals criteria have been extended to enable some limited phasing arrangements for schools where the combination of budget and reform measures impact on a particularly adverse manner on a school's overall allocation. The Appeal Boards operate independently of the Department and their decisions are final. The final staffing position for all schools at primary and post primary level will ultimately not be known until the Autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed and any appeals to the Staffing Appeal Boards will have been considered.
118 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford were to secure a suitable site at no cost to his Department, if he would then fund the building of a new school on the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17113/12]
I can confirm that my Department is in receipt of an application for large scale capital funding for a building project for this school. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 2 rating. In view of the need to ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of major school projects to meet future demographic demands nationally will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years. The five year programme announced on 12 March last is focused on meeting those demographic needs. In that context, it was not possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently. The school's proposal to progress this project is noted. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of a major project for the school at this time.
119 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will not cut staff at DEIS schools (details supplied) [17121/12]
While the Government has tried to protect front line services, difficult choices had to be made to identify savings across all Departments, in line with the requirements of the EU-IMF programme of support for Ireland. Achieving savings in education is particularly difficult given the significant increases in the overall number of pupils in our schools. Notwithstanding this the Government has protected the 28:1 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.
The post primary school referred to by the Deputy is among 163 DEIS post primary schools that will lose 136 posts from previous disadvantage schemes. However, all DEIS post-primary schools will be targeted for additional support through an improved staffing schedule of 18.25:1. This is a 0.75 point improvement compared to the existing standard 19:1 that applies in post-primary schools that do not charge fees (or compared to the 21:1 ratio that will apply in fee-charging schools).
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 details of the reform of the allocation process which is designed to bring a more equitable distribution of existing posts between schools.
The overall objective with the reforms is to enable the teacher allocation and redeployment process to operate more smoothly and efficiently within the new climate of fixed ceilings on teaching posts. The changes are designed to give a more equitable distribution of existing posts between schools, give earlier certainty to schools about their staffing allocations and, where possible, simplify and streamline existing processes and give greater autonomy to schools.
The new arrangements incorporate a long overdue updating of the General Allocation Model (GAM) combining learning support for high incidence special needs and language support for all schools. It also includes changes to NCSE approved (low incidence) resource hours in the base schools or in neighbouring schools. This approach builds on the interim arrangements that operated in 2011 but in a more structured and transparent manner.
The primary schools to which the Deputy refers are among the 140 DEIS Band 1 and Band 2 schools included in the recent report on the impact, in terms of posts, that certain Budget measures would have on these schools.
The main focus of this report concerned additional posts allocated under disadvantage schemes pre-dating DEIS. The outcome of this report was published last month and schools were notified of the Government's decision to retain these posts in DEIS Band 1 and Band 2 Schools.
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 details of the reform of the allocation process which is designed to bring a more equitable distribution of existing posts between schools.
The overall objective with the reforms is to enable the teacher allocation and redeployment process to operate more smoothly and efficiently within the new climate of fixed ceilings on teaching posts. The changes are designed to give a more equitable distribution of existing posts between schools, give earlier certainty to schools about their staffing allocations and, where possible, simplify and streamline existing processes and give greater autonomy to schools.
The new arrangements incorporate a long overdue updating of the General Allocation Model (GAM) combining learning support for high incidence special needs and language support for all schools. It also includes changes to NCSE approved (low incidence) resource hours in the base schools or in neighbouring schools. This approach builds on the interim arrangements that operated in 2011 but in a more structured and transparent manner.
As I have already indicated, I requested my Department to examine these schools due to conflicting number of posts being reported as potentially lost to these 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.
Applying the new staffing schedule for Band 1 schools and the Government's decision in relation to schools retaining posts from previous disadvantage schemes ensures that these schools, including the schools referred to by the Deputy, can continue to implement the appropriate favourable pupil teacher ratios from previous disadvantage schemes while not exceeding this entitlement for 2012/13 school year.
The allocation processes also include an appeals mechanism under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. The appeal procedures are set out in the circular referred to above. For the coming school year the existing staffing appeals criteria have been extended to enable some limited phasing arrangements for schools where the combination of budget and reform measures impact on a particularly adverse manner on a school's overall allocation. The closing date for submission of appeal is 23 March, 2012.
The Appeal Boards operate independently of the Department and their decisions are final.
The final staffing position for all schools at primary level will ultimately not be known until the Autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed and any appeals to the Staffing Appeal Boards will have been considered.
121 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a submission regarding staffing levels at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; his plans to address the issues raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17160/12]
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 staffing schedule for the 2012-2013 school year is available on my Department's website. While mainstream staffing for any school year is based on the previous September's enrolment, there is a provision whereby schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional mainstream posts on developing grounds, using projected enrolment. The retention of such posts in the current school year is subject to schools' having achieved their projected enrolment on 30 September. If the enrolment is not achieved the post allocated on developing grounds is suppressed.
I understand that the school referred to by the Deputy has made an application for a mainstream classroom post on developing school criteria for the 2012/13 school year. My Department will make contact with the Board of Management in this regard.
122 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason he will not grant permanent recognition to a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17174/12]
As the Deputy will be aware, provisional recognition was initially awarded to the school in question in 2008. This temporary recognition was subject to the usual rules and procedures applicable to new primary schools.
The provisional recognition period has been extended to 30 June 2012. As part of the granting of provisional recognition it was agreed that the Inspectorate would evaluate the management and operation of the school, and the extent to which it was complying with the conditions attached to the provisional recognition, and report back to the Minister.
The Department wrote to the school late last year seeking clarification in relation to a number of items arising from the inspection and a response is awaited. Once a response is received, the matter will be further considered.
123 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount paid to each external property consultant, surveyor and estate agent engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17262/12]
124 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost of external property consultants, surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17277/12]
125 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a list of external property consultants or surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17292/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 to 125, inclusive, together.
The information sought by the Deputy is in the following table:
|
Name of external property consultant, surveyor and estate agent |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
Total |
|
Jordan Estate Agent, Auctioneers, Chartered Surveyors and Valuers |
€1,215.00 |
€1,215.00 |
||
|
CCM Property Network |
€182.35 |
€182.35 |
||
|
DTZ Sherry Fitzgerald Ltd. |
€27,422.55 |
€11,374.00 |
€1,996.50 |
€40,793.05 |
|
Crosbie and Graham Auctioneers |
€182.25 |
€182.25 |
||
|
Sherry Fitzgerald O’Leary |
€364.50 |
€364.50 |
||
|
Michael Guiry Auctioneers |
€121.50 |
€121.50 |
||
|
Earley Estates |
€303.75 |
€303.75 |
||
|
Coole Properties |
€182.25 |
€182.25 |
||
|
Sherry Fitzgerald Lewis Beirne |
€789.75 |
€789.75 |
||
|
Sean Furey Auctioneer |
€303.75 |
€302.50 |
€606.25 |
|
|
Sherry Fitzgerald Lannon |
€972.00 |
€972.00 |
||
|
Independent Valuations |
€486.00 |
€486.00 |
||
|
Sherry Fitzgerald Hussey Madden |
€182.25 |
€182.25 |
||
|
Little Nen and Co. T/A Remax |
€315.90 |
€315.90 |
||
|
Sherry Fitzgerald Ryan Talbot |
€5,697.00 |
€5,697.00 |
||
|
Real Estate Alliance Ltd. |
€2,601.50 |
€2,601.50 |
||
|
Sherry Fitzgerald Reilly |
€425.25 |
€425.25 |
||
|
DNG Ronald Duff |
€4,840.00 |
€4,840.00 |
||
|
Raymond Gaffney Auctioneer |
€2,299.00 |
€2,299.00 |
||
|
Savills Auctioneers |
€605.00 |
€605.00 |
||
|
JG Auctioneers |
€250.00 |
€250.00 |
||
|
Peter Murtagh Auctioneers |
€726.00 |
€726.00 |
||
|
DNG O’Dwyer |
€363.00 |
€363.00 |
||
|
Michael Smith Auctioneers |
€100.00 |
€100.00 |
||
|
CB Richard Ellis |
€6,385.00 |
€1,815.00 |
€8,200.00 |
|
|
Sherry Fitzgerald Kavanagh |
€363.00 |
€363.00 |
||
|
Shaun Lafferty Auctioneer |
€484.00 |
€484.00 |
||
|
Gallagher Estate Agents |
€181.50 |
€181.50 |
||
|
Lisney Charterer Surveyors |
€2,178.00 |
€2,178.00 |
||
|
Totals |
€33,023.80 |
€36,815.25 |
€6,171.00 |
€76,010.05 |
126 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will publish a schedule of payments made from public funds to a multinational bracket investment banking and securities firm (details supplied) in the period from 1 September 2008 to date in 2012, with notes confirming the basis of each individual payment made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17587/12]
An analysis of the financial management system for my Department shows that no payments were made to the firm in question during the period 1 September 2008 to March 26th 2012. With regard to agencies under the aegis of my Department and other educational organisations under the remit of the Department, the information requested by the Deputy is not held centrally by my Department and would require significant resources to compile. If the Deputy is interested in a particular agency then officials in my Department will request the agency concerned to provide the relevant information.
127 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of leases held by his Department, agencies or quangos that have upward only rent review clauses in which the body concerned is the landlord. [17722/12]
With regard to office accommodation, the Office of Public Works (OPW) acts as an agent for all Government Departments and is responsible for the provision of Government offices from the State portfolio or by lease agreement. The terms of the leases are a matter for the OPW. Accordingly my Department does not own any office properties. In addition none of the non-commercial bodies under the aegis of my Department are landlords and the issue of rent review clauses in leases does not arise.
128 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform since the Government was formed the number of vacancies on State boards that have been filled by his Department without advertising the availability of the positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17028/12]
In response to the Deputy's question the following are details in respect of appointments made to bodies under the aegis of my Department since March 2011.
An Post National Lottery
In relation to the board of An Post National Lottery Company, I reappointed Mr. Donal Connell as chairman and appointed Mr. Peter Quinn as a director. Both individuals were nominated for appointment by An Post, which is the majority shareholder of the Company. Therefore, the positions concerned were not advertised. The board of An Post National Lottery Company is made up of seven directors, four of whom including the chairman are nominated by An Post and appointed by me as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, with the remaining three being both nominated and appointed by me.
Civil Service Arbitration Board
On 1 July 2011 Mr. Turlough O'Donnell, S.C. (Chair), Mr. Gerard Barry, Mr. Tom Wall, Mr. George Maybury and Mr. Hugh O Flaherty were appointed to the board. The posts were not advertised. The conciliation and arbitration scheme for the Civil Service, the Permanent Defence Forces, the Gardaí and Teachers sets out the nomination process for the Board and its appointment by Government.
Public Appointments Service (PAS)
On 1 September 2011 the following members were appointed to the Board of the Public Appointments Service:
Mr. Eddie Sullivan, Chairman,
Mr. Des Dowling, Assistant Secretary — Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government,
Dr. Deirdre O'Keeffe, Assistant Secretary — Department of Justice and Equality,
Ms Patricia Coleman, Director — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform,
Mr. Seán McGrath — National Director of Human Resources in the Health Service Executive. Mr. McGrath has since resigned from the HSE and the Board. The Minister for Health has been asked for a new nominee.
Ms Judith Eve — former Chairperson the Civil Service Commissioners, Northern Ireland,
Dr. Eddie Molloy — Management Consultant,
Mr. Dan Murphy, former General Secretary of the Public Service Executive Union,
The Chief Executive Officer of the Public Appointments Service holds office on an ex officio basis. Mr. Bryan Andrews has retired from his post as CEO and has been replaced on the Board by the new CEO, Ms Fiona Tierney.
The appointments were not made using the new procedures and the previous Chairman was reappointed to the role on the new board.
The reason for not following the new procedures in relation to board appointments is that the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act, 2004 states that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (in consultation with Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, the Minister for Health and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence) should appoint members of the Board of the Public Appointments Service.
The Board is meant to be representative of its client base i.e. (Government Departments and Public Service Bodies). The majority of the board is therefore civil or public servants, nominated by the relevant Minister. There is also a union representative nominated by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU). I reappointed the outgoing Chairman. I approved the appointment of the two external members because of their expertise in strategic change and public service recruitment respectively.
129 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount paid to each external property consultant, surveyor and estate agent engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17269/12]
130 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost of external property consultants, surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17284/12]
131 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of external property consultants or surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17299/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 to 131, inclusive, together.
One external property consultant was appointed during the period in question. The details are set out below. Mr Ultan Herr was appointed to the Decentralisation Implementation Group as an External Property Consultant in November 2007. The payments made were €3,700 in 2009 and €855 in 2010.
132 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will publish a schedule of payments made from public funds to a multinational bracket investment banking and securities firm (details supplied) in the period from 1 September 2008 to date in 2012, with notes confirming the basis of each individual payment made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17593/12]
No such payments were made by my Department or by the Offices under the aegis of my Department during the period in question.
133 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of leases held by his Department, agencies or quangos that have upward only rent review clauses in which the body concerned is the landlord. [17729/12]
In response to the Deputy's question the Office of Public Works is involved in most purchases and leasing of buildings by the State including buildings leased by my Department.
I have been informed by the Office of Public Works that in relation to rents receivable by the Office of Public Works there are no upward only rent reviews in place.
In respect of bodies under the aegis of my Department I am not aware of any such leases being entered into where the body concerned is the landlord.
134 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation since the Government was formed the number of vacancies in State bodies that have been filled by his Department without advertising the availability of the positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17026/12]
I am taking it that the Deputy is referring to vacancies on the boards of State bodies coming under my Department's remit, in which case the position remains as set out in my reply to Dáil Question 13313/12 of 8 March 2012 (copy follows).
DAIL QUESTION NO. 91
To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a list of all appointments to State boards made by him, including any appointments to the position of chairperson shown separately; if the vacancies on the boards were publicly advertised; who out of any appointments made applied through the publically advertised process, and the prospective nominees that went before the Oireachtas committee for questioning. — Shane Ross.
*For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 8 March, 2012. Ref No: 13313/12.
REPLY
Forfás — Mr. John Murphy, Secretary General of the Department was appointed to the Board of Forfás with effect from 18 January 2012.
The Industrial Development legislation provides that the Director General of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) serves on the board of Forfás. Professor Mark Ferguson therefore became a member of the Forfás Board on taking up his position with SFI with effect from 18 January 2012.
The SFI post is an ex officio appointment provided for in legislation. It has been the custom to appoint the Secretary General of the Department to the board of Forfás for reasons of policy cohesion and corporate governance. As such, the new procedures were not utilized in the case of either appointment.
National Standards Authority of Ireland Board (NSAI) — Helen Curley, a Principal Officer in my Department, was appointed on 8 July 2011. Ms Curley resigned from the Board on 15 November 2011, as due to an internal transfer she was no longer responsible for the NSAI policy area. Ms Barbara O'Leary and Mr. Terry Landers were appointed on 6 March 2012. Both appointments were publicly advertised. Both applied through the advertised process.
Competition Authority — While it does not have a typical board structure, the Competition Authority consists of a Chairperson and up to four other members who act as an executive board. The Competition Acts 2002 to 2010 set out the requirements pertaining to appointments to the Authority. Chairperson: I re-appointed Mr. Declan Purcell as Chairperson of the Competition Authority on 1 July 2011 and following his retirement, I subsequently appointed Ms Isolde Goggin as Chairperson following her selection by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) who publicly advertised this position. Members: I appointed Ms Noreen Mackey and Mr. David McFadden as temporary members of the Authority in July 2011 and I subsequently re-appointed both from 1 October. On 9 August 2011, I re-appointed Mr. Ciarán Quigley as a temporary member of the Authority. These temporary appointments were made in accordance with the Competition Acts 2002 to 2010 and did not require to be publicly advertised.
Advertisements for three full time members of the Competition Authority were published in June 2011 and following the completion of the PAS selection process for these posts I appointed Mr. Stephen Calkins and Mr. Gerald FitzGerald from December 2011 and Mr. Patrick Kenny from January 2011.
Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority — Seven appointments were made to the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA). Mr. Dave Martin and Mr. Kevin O'Donovan were both appointed as nominees of the Prescribed Accountancy Bodies on the 26 May 2011. Ms Sylvia McNeece of the Irish Pension Board, Ms Deirdre Behan of the Revenue Commissioners, Ms Mairead Devine of the Central Bank, Ms Marie Daly of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation and Mr. Sean Hawkshaw of the Irish Association of Investment Managers were all appointed as nominees of the Designated Bodies on 3 January 2012. As these appointments were made in compliance with the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003 it was not appropriate to advertise the posts.
National Consumer Agency — Ms Isolde Goggin was appointed to the Board of the National Consumer Agency in November 2011. While this appointment was not made using the new procedures Ms Goggin's appointment as Chairperson of the Competition Authority and Chairperson designate of the new body which will be established on foot of the merger of the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency reflects the Government's commitment to the rationalisation of State agencies.
PIAB — Two appointments were made to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB). One was the re-appointment of Ms Ann Fitzgerald in her capacity as Chief Executive of the National Consumer Agency, which is a statutory position on the Board. Therefore the post was not advertised. In the case of the second appointment, it was considered appropriate to have a representative from the Department on the Board and Ms Breda Power, Assistant Secretary, was appointed. Given the nature of this appointment, the post was not advertised.
Science Foundation Ireland — Dr. Rita Colwell and Professor Martina Newell-McGloughlin were both reappointed to the Board of Science Foundation Ireland with effect from 26 July 2011. Dr Colwell and Professor Newell-McGloughlin are internationally renowned scientific experts in the Life Sciences and Biotechnology sectors. As the Minister considered it appropriate to re-appoint them to the Board, the vacancies were not publicly advertised.
InterTrade Ireland — The InterTradeIreland Board expired on 12 December 2011. Minister Richard Bruton nominated four new members to that Board. These members included the following: Mr. Martin Cronin Chairman, Mr. Philip Doherty, Mr. Kevin Norton, Ms Mairead Sorenson. These four members were subsequently appointed to the Board on 13 December, 2011 by the North South Ministerial Council. Mr. Philip Doherty did not take up his membership on the Board, and an alternative is currently being sought. Both Mr. Brendan Butler and Ms Patricia McKeown who served on the last Board were re-appointed on 13 December, 2011.
Shannon Development — Mr. Stephen Curran, Principal Officer, was appointed to my Department on 9 January 2012 and was subsequently appointed to the Board of Shannon Development on 23 February 2012. This appointment was a direct replacement of Mr. Bob Keane, Principal Officer, who transferred from the Department to a position in Brussels and subsequently resigned from the Board. This appointment did not fall under the new procedures as Mr. Curran is the Departmental representative on the Board.
IDA — I recently made the following two appointments to the Board of the IDA: Alan W. Gray and Mary Campbell. The Deputy will be aware that Government policy is to introduce greater transparency in the appointment process. In line with this policy and in an effort to broaden the pool of suitable candidates for consideration for appointment to boards, I sought expressions of interest last summer from suitably qualified people for appointment to the boards of several agencies under my Department's remit. I also made it clear in advertising those vacancies that I would not be restricted to only those who responded to the advert. In the case of IDA Ireland, neither appointment was made using the new procedures. Ms Mary Campbell was identified following consultations with IDA Ireland to nominate a person with relevant international financial experience for my consideration for appointment to the Board.
I intend to launch another expressions of interest campaign in the near future in respect of further vacancies that have arisen or that are due to arise over the coming months. In this respect, my overriding focus is to find the best people for particular board appointments. In making appointments I will have regard to the expertise and experience of individuals, the balance of skills and attributes in terms of the overall composition of the board, the gender balance of the board and the availability and commitment of people to serve on the board.
Ref No: 13313/12.
135 Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if there are any plans for the introduction of joint labour committees into the hotel industry in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17149/12]
There are two Joint Labour Committees in place covering the Hotels sector. One covers the entire country, outside of Dublin and Cork. The second covers the Dublin region. However, the Dublin JLC for Hotels has not met since its establishment. A JLC for Cork was never established.
On 7 July 2011, the High Court issued its ruling in a legal challenge, taken by John Grace Fried Chicken Ltd and others, to the JLC system and the 2008 Employment Regulation Order (ERO) covering the Catering Sector outside of Dublin. The High Court ruled that certain provision of the Industrial Relations Acts of 1946 and 1990 governing the making of EROs are unconstitutional and that the 2008 Catering ERO constituted an unlawful and disproportionate interference in the property rights of the plaintiffs. The High Court found that the Acts delegated excessive law-making powers concerning pay and conditions to Joint Labour Committees and the Labour Court without stating any policies or principles to guide those powers.
While the High Court ruling meant that EROs then in place, including the ERO for the Hotels Sector outside of Dublin and Cork, ceased to have statutory effect from that date, the ruling did not address the continued existence of Joint Labour Committees as institutional mechanisms established under statute. Accordingly, the two JLCs for the Hotels Sector remain in existence, albeit without any powers to formulate proposals for an ERO.
The Industrial Relations (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2011 was published on 22 December 2011. The Bill has completed Second Stage in the Dáil and is currently awaiting Committee Stage.
The main purpose of the Bill is to implement the commitment in the Programme for Government to reform the Joint Labour Committee system. The reform of the legal framework for our statutory wage setting mechanisms is aimed at increasing employers' ability to retain and employ workers, particularly in sectors hard hit by the prevailing economic circumstances, including the Hotel sector, and to facilitate necessary cross-sector adjustment.
In addition, the Bill provides for the more comprehensive measures required to strengthen the legal framework for the EROs and Registered Employment Agreement sectoral wage setting mechanisms, under the Industrial Relations Acts 1946 to 2004, in the light of deficiencies in the original legislation identified in the John Grace Fried Chicken case.
The fact that the process of making EROs was found by the High Court to be unconstitutional, together with the identified lack of adequate Oireachtas scrutiny of this process, only underscores some of the main features of the recommendations for reform that were put forward by the Independent Review Report on these statutory wage setting mechanisms — the Duffy/Walsh report.
The commissioning of the independent review of the ERO and REA systems was one of the undertakings given by the last Government in the context of the EU and IMF-supported financial assistance programme for Ireland.
When enacted, this Bill, will implement the programme of reforms to the JLC/REA systems agreed by Government in July 2011. It will radically overhaul the system so as to make it fairer and more responsive to changing economic circumstances and labour market conditions. It will also reinstate a robust system of protection for workers in these sectors in the aftermath of the High Court ruling in the John Grace Fried Chicken case.
The Bill provides, inter alia, that the Labour Court will, following the commencement of the Act and at regular 5 year intervals thereafter, conduct a review of all Establishment Orders in respect of existing Joint Labour Committees, including those covering the Hotels sector. Following such review the Labour Court may recommend that: (a) a JLC be abolished; (b) a JLC be amalgamated with another JLC; or (c) that the establishment order for a JLC be amended.
The Bill sets out clear guidance for the Labour Court in carrying out the periodic reviews of JLCs, including whether, in the case of a JLC that represents workers and employers in a particular region in the State, the continuation of such regional representation is justified.
The position of the Hotel sector will be considered in that context.
136 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the amount paid to each external property consultant, surveyor and estate agent engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17267/12]
137 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the cost of external property consultants, surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17282/12]
138 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide a list of external property consultants or surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17297/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 to 138, inclusive, together.
My Department and the 8 Offices of my Department have not engaged the services of any external property consultant, surveyor or estate agent nor has my Department or the 8 Offices of my Department paid any external property consultant, surveyor or estate agent during each of the past 3 years.
139 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will publish a schedule of payments made from public funds to a multinational bracket investment banking and securities firm (details supplied) in the period from 1 September 2008 to date in 2012, with notes confirming the basis of each individual payment made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17592/12]
My Department did not make any payments to Goldman Sachs in the period from 1 September 2008 to date in 2012.
140 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of leases held by his Department, agencies or quangos that have upward only rent review clauses in which the body concerned is the landlord. [17727/12.]
The information sought by the Deputy is a day to day matter for the agencies. In this regard, I have referred the question to the agencies for direct response to the Deputy.
142 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection since the Government was formed the number of vacancies in State bodies that have been filled by his Department without advertising the availability of the positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17024/12]
The three statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department are the Social Welfare Tribunal, the Citizens Information Board and the Pensions Board. In addition, the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of the Department but it does not have a Board.
The Social Welfare Tribunal consists of a Chairperson and four ordinary members, two are nominated by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and two are nominated by the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC). One of the ICTU members of the Tribunal resigned in 2011 and on the nomination of ICTU, a replacement member, Ms Chris Rowland was appointed commencing 24 October 2011.
I have made two appointments to the Citizens Information Board since coming into office. Mr. Eugene McErlean was appointed with effect from 7 September 2011. This followed my public request for expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced individuals announced in July 2011. 172 applications were received and the appointment was made following a rigorous selection process in accordance with the legislation governing appointments to such a board.
On 1 November 2011, I appointed Ms Fiona Ward, an official of my Department, as the Department's representative on the board, this vacancy was not publically advertised.
I have made no appointments to the Pensions Board since coming into office.
143 Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will receive their redundancy payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17027/12]
A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned was received on 10 August 2011. We are currently processing lump sum claims received in July 2011.
144 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Social Protection if a provision could be made to allow young persons who are living at home, and therefore ineligible for jobskeer’s allowance or benefit, to access the national internship scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17062/12]
The National Internship Scheme provides internship opportunities of either 6 or 9 months for unemployed individuals on the Live Register, in organizations 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 Jobseekers 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.
For these reasons, it has been proposed as a matter of public policy that eligibility for the scheme be confined to those on the Live Register and in receipt of unemployment payments or signing for credits for 3 of the last 6 months. As such, the policy objective is to prioritise scarce resources on those on the Live Register so as to increase their chances of leaving it thereby ensuring a reduction in Exchequer costs over time.
My Department continues to monitor and review the operation of the JobBridge scheme including its eligibility criteria on an ongoing basis.
145 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for rent supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17063/12]
The person concerned was awarded a rent supplement on 26 March 2012. She is in receipt of her full entitlement to rent supplement based on her household circumstances.
146 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which the medical assessor or the deciding officer examined an applicant for disability allowance (details supplied) before or after the original decision to refuse the allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17067/12]
All the medical evidence received from the person concerned is being reviewed by the Acting Deputy Chief Medical Advisor and when his opinion is received the deciding officer will inform the person of the outcome.
147 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to change the eligibility criteria for participation on the community employment programme whereby an individual who is signing for credits is not eligible to participate on community employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17073/12]
The aim of Community Employment (CE) remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment and/or further education and training. The programme is managed within this context, with consideration to the availability of resources and the needs of participants and the community.
The CE programme is one of a range of employment programmes offered by the Department. All of these programmes have specific objectives and eligibility criteria that address the needs of a wide range of participants.
The core eligibility criterion for CE is that the person is in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment, as defined on the DSP public website. This requirement is based on Government policy and Departmental guidelines and has been the rule since CE commenced in 1994.
At present persons signing for credits or are otherwise ineligible for a social welfare payment, do not meet the current eligibility requirements for participation on the CE Scheme. They may, however, be eligible for participation on other Departmental programmes or FÁS programmes, although they may not qualify for payment of an allowance.
Such persons are advised to contact their local DSP Employment Services Office where an Employment Services Officer will be happy to discuss the employment and training options that are open to them.
There are no proposals currently under consideration in regard to making changes to the national operation of the Community Employment programme. Within the current very difficult budgetary constraints, the number of places on Community Employment have been maintained in 2012. In delivering these places, my Department will continue to operate flexibly in the management of this allocation in order to maximise progression to the labour market, while at the same time facilitating the support of community services.
148 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection when an oral hearing will be held for an appeal submitted to the social welfare appeals office (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17074/12]
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.
149 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17096/12]
The person in question was refused carer's allowance on the grounds that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full-time care and attention as prescribed in regulations. On 11th January 2012, she was notified of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review/appeal within 21 days.
Additional medical evidence was received and forwarded to the Medical Assessor for further consideration.
The outcome of the review is due shortly.
150 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of social welfare allowances paid weekly by cheque; the cost to the State of issuing payment by paper; if there are savings to be made by switching to electronic transfer for some or all of these type of payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17110/12]
The Department currently issues approximately 87 million payments in respect of over 60 welfare schemes on a weekly, monthly and annual basis depending on the scheme type. These are delivered via electronic transfers to An Post and to banks, building society accounts, certain credit unions and by cheque.
104,150 people were paid by cheque over the course of February 2012. This represented 5.1% of all payments made during February. The other methods of payment were by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) to a bank account or other financial institution and by Electronic Information Transfer (EIT) to An Post for payment at post offices. EFT is fully electronic in that the customer receives the value of their payment without any manual intervention after it has been issued by the Department. 991,107 (48.4%) of the people who received payments during February were paid by EFT.
In the case of EIT, the value is transmitted by the Department to An Post electronically but is then paid to the customer in cash at a post office. 951,861 (46.5%) of the people who received payments during February were paid in cash at post offices.
In 2011, my Department incurred expenditure of €301,242 in respect of cheque stationery and bank clearing charges. This figure does not include postal or other administration charges. While the costs associated with cheque payments are low, fully electronic payment methods cost less. The Department is currently finalising a new e-Payment Strategy which takes into account international developments in delivering welfare payments, the need for good and effective controls and the costs associated with making these payments. The strategy will be published later this year.
151 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding redundancy payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; when payment will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17119/12]
A redundancy lump sum claim in respect of the person concerned was received on 9 November 2011. The claim is currently being processed and is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.
152 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 113 of 8 March 2012, the basis on which it is contended that a person (details supplied) in County Kildare was not habitually resident in the State, in view of the fact that they have not been out of the country for the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17134/12]
The deciding officer decided that the person concerned failed to meet the condition of being habitually resident in the State on the basis of the nature and purpose of her residence in the State and that the person failed to show her main centre of interest was Ireland. The deciding officer, in making his decision, also noted that the person was absent from the State for a lengthy period of time in 2009.
153 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a list of the level of attainment for young persons aged four to sixteen years, which is used in carrying out a desk assessment relating to the level of care or supervision that a child would need, linked to the domiciliary care allowance payment [17138/12]
154 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm if normal age of attainment lists covering children between four years and 16 years exist in her Department; if she will provide guidance for the desk assessments in domiciliary care allowance claims comparable to those covering children under the age of 48 months which are on page 26 of the medical eligibility guidelines for domiciliary care allowance and if so when were they drawn up; when did they commence operation; and will she make a copy available. [17143/12]
158 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on whether the lists in Appendix 8 of the Medical Eligibility Guidelines for domiciliary care allowance are unfair because they create presumptions in the minds of deciding officers as to whether a child will be more or less likely to be eligible based on what the condition is whereas the additional care and attention needs to which the condition gives rise can be comparable in some children regardless of which list their condition is on; her views on whether as a result of Appendix 8 parents of a child with a severe disability caused by a condition that features on the second list have a higher barrier to jump in order to demonstrate their eligibility and will she outline any plans that she has to address same. [17242/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 153, 154 and 158 together.
Domiciliary care allowance is a monthly payment to the carer of a child with a disability so severe that the child requires care and attention and/or supervision substantially in excess of another child of the same age. This care and attention must be provided to allow the child to deal with the activities of daily living. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months.
Applications for domiciliary care allowance are assessed on a case by case basis by one of the Department's medical assessors all of whom are fully qualified medical practitioners who have training/experience in human disability evaluation. The medical assessor's opinion is based on the information furnished as part of the application process. This information includes personal details supplied on the application form by the child's parent/guardian; details of the additional care and attention required by the child as outlined by the parent/guardian and medical details provided by the child's GP. Any additional information the parent/guardian considers relevant to the application is also reviewed (this could include consultant's reports, reports from a community health doctor, a copy of the needs assessment carried out by the HSE, etc.).
Eligibility is determined primarily by reference to the degree of additional care and attention required by the child rather than to the type of disability involved. It is important to note that the normal ages of attainment data in the guidelines are included to assist the medical assessor in his/her assessment. It is not a scale which determines eligibility or otherwise.
Reports from child and adolescent psychiatrists, psychologists or occupational therapists, usually provide information on the child's individual developmental status on a percentile basis.
Whereas, no normal age of attainment data for children over 4 years of age or adolescents is included in the guidelines, should a medical assessor consider it helpful, there is a wealth of reference material available in the medical literature, e.g. Centres for Disease Control Development Milestones/Queensland Government Development Milestones.
Categories of conditions, which are more likely or less likely to result in a child requiring continual or continuous care and attention substantially in excess of that required by a child of the same age, were developed to assist the medical assessor in the assessment process. It is important to note that inclusion in either category does not, of itself, determine eligibility or otherwise to domiciliary care allowance.
155 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17175/12]
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 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.
156 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a timeline as to when and the way the pathways to work programme will be rolled out in Waterford city and county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17177/12]
Pathways to work is a new approach to working with individuals to assist them in returning to work at the earliest possible opportunity.
The implementation of this approach requires a significant investment in and transformation of operating structures processes and systems and will, as a consequence, require a multi-annual programme of work.
As part of this programme, the Department will pilot the service in four offices — Kings Inn, Tallaght, Arklow and Sligo. This will commence in May with a further roll out to 10 more offices by the end of this year. The location of these offices has not been finalised at this time. The programme will extend to all offices over the next two years.
157 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department’s statement in relation to community employment schemes outlining that groups can apply to have their training budget increased to €1,000 if they make an application to the Department or through their community development organisation been communicated to all CDOs; and if so can the memo be included in her answer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17241/12]
Following clarification of the changes to the Community Employment (CE) programme announced in Budget 2012, correspondence was sent to the operational staff responsible for the CE programme on the 3rd February 2012. The statement in this correspondence related to the Materials and Training budget allocations as follows:
The baseline amount of the grant remains the €500 per participant announced in the Budget. But there is discretion to make an amount of up to €1,000 per participant available to schemes in respect of the training and materials grant this year, subject to individual schemes providing a clear and transparent demonstration of need for this level of funding. The onus is on sponsors to make the case for the appropriate level of the grant for their individual scheme.
Operational staff were requested to ensure that all those staff involved in discussions with the CE sponsors were to receive a copy of the correspondence, which is attached as requested.
159 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the delay in dealing with appeals in the social welfare appeals office with particular reference to an appeal lodged in respect of a person (details supplied). [17244/12]
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the available evidence disallowed the appeal, of the person concerned, by way of summary decision. Notification of the Appeals Officers decision issued 26 March 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.
160 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount paid to each external property consultant, surveyor and estate agent engaged by her Department for each of the past three years. [17270/12]
161 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost of external property consultants, surveyors and estate agents engaged by her Department for each of the past three years. [17285/12]
162 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide a list of external property consultants or surveyors and estate agents engaged by her Department for each of the past three years. [17300/12]
163 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of leases held by her Department, agencies or quangos that have upward only rent review clauses in which the body concerned is the landlord. [17730/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 160 to 163, inclusive, together.
The Office of Public Works provides design, acquisition, refurbishment and maintenance services to the Department. The Department does not engage external property consultants, surveyors or estate agents nor is it responsible for the details of leasing arrangements, such as rent review clauses, as these matters are dealt with on its behalf by the Office of Public Works. However, when the Combat Poverty Agency (CPA) merged with the Department on July 1 2009 responsibility for the lease it had secured on its office premises passed to the Minister for Social Protection. Lisney Property Management was the agent for this property. This arrangement continued until March 31, 2011, when the lease was vacated. This is the only instance of a commercial relationship between the Department and external property consultants or surveyors and estate agents during the period in question. There are no leases held by the agencies under the aegis of the Department that have upwards only rent review clauses where the body concerned is the landlord.
164 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht since the Government was formed the number of vacancies in State boards that have been filled by his Department without advertising the availability of positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17023/12]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question Number 118 of 8 March, 2012
165 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will refrain from making any decision regarding the approval to build on the historic site of 14/17 Moore Street, Dublin, pending an independent battlefield assessment as recommended by the director of the National Museum [17106/12]
The proposed development of the Carlton Cinema site, of which the national monument at Nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street forms part, and for which approval has been granted by An Bord Pleanála, envisages the retention of these buildings and the provision of a commemorative centre to the 1916 Rising in No. 16. The developer's application to my Department for consent to proposals for work under the National Monuments Acts in regard to the provision of the commemorative centre is being examined. As part of the process, the developer was required to provide an assessment of the wider battlefield context of the national monument site. My Department is currently in consultation with the National Museum of Ireland in relation to the consent application and I hope to be able to make a decision on it shortly.
166 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he is in a purchase a parcel of bogland at a location (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [17148/12]
Arising from the requirements under the Habitats Directive to cease turf cutting on 53 raised bog Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), earlier this year my Department sought expressions of interests from land owners, or turbary rights owners, who might wish to provide alternative sites, through sale or long-term lease, for use by those who wish to continue turf cutting. Such sites should be within a reasonable distance of the raised bog SACs affected by cessation and only sites in non-designated bogs are under consideration (i.e. sites not within Special Areas of Conservation or Natural Heritage Areas). Information on the location of raised bog SACs may be found on the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department (www.npws.ie). If the individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question has a suitable site for sale or long-term lease, he should contact my Department by calling Lo-Call 1890-253-147 or (053) 9117310, emailing designated.bogs@ahg.gov.ie, or by writing to: Site Protection Unit, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Newtown Road, Wexford.
167 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount paid to each external property consultant, surveyor and estate agent engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17258/12]
168 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the cost of external property consultants, surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17273/12]
169 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a list of external property consultants or surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17288/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 to 169, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has only been established since 2 June 2011, following substantial Departmental reconfigurations. Details of payments made to external property consultants, surveyors and estate agents engaged by my Department since that date are set out in the following table:
|
Name of Property Consultant/Surveyor/Estate Agent |
Payment made |
|
Malachy Walsh and Partners (Surveying) |
€344.40 |
|
IE Consulting (Surveying) |
€1,815.00 |
|
Tom Spillane and Co. (Auctioneers and Valuers) |
€422.00 |
|
Sherry Fitzgerald Coughlan (Auctioneers and Valuers) |
€605.00 |
|
Property Partners Daly Ó Sé (Auctioneers and Valuers) |
€786.50 |
|
Ken O’Sullivan and Co. (Auctioneers and Valuers) |
€423.50 |
|
Property Partners McCarthy Morgan (Auctioneers and Valuers) |
€302.50 |
|
Harrington Estates (Auctioneers and Valuers) |
€147.60 |
|
Ethos Ltd (Surveying) |
€268.20 |
|
Michael Connolly Ltd (Surveying) |
€665.50 |
|
Arrigan Geo (Surveying) |
Invoice awaited |
|
Eoin Dillon (Auctioneers and Valuers) |
€150.00 |
|
Declan Lees (Auctioneers and Valuers) |
€150.00 |
|
Michael Duigan (Surveying) |
Invoice awaited |
|
Jennings (Surveying) |
€450.00 |
|
Reid (Surveying) |
€1,405.00 |
170 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will publish a schedule of payments made from public funds to a multinational bracket investment banking and securities firm (details supplied) in the period from 1 September 2008 to date in 2012, with notes confirming the basis of each individual payment made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17583/12]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht was established on 2 June 2011, following substantial Departmental reconfigurations. I am advised that, since that date, there is no record of any payment by my Department to the firm referred to by the Deputy.
171 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of leases held by his Department, agencies or quangos that have upward only rent review clauses in which the body concerned is the landlord. [17719/12]
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department was established on 2 June 2011 and the position is that it has no lease agreements containing upward only rent review clauses in which it is the landlord.
I am advised that Waterways Ireland, which is one of the North-South Implementation bodies under the aegis of my Department, has ten lease agreements with upward only rent review clauses in place and these all relate to marina leases.
I am further advised that Údarás na Gaeltachta has over 600 lettable units in a substantial property portfolio of over 250,000 square metres located throughout the Gaeltacht in seven different counties. As stated in its latest published Annual Report, 64% of this property is occupied by business or industrial tenants. Several hundred existing leases date from before 28th February 2010, when the ban on upward-only rent review clauses was introduced by Section 132 of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009, and contain standard upward-only rent review clauses.
172 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline by county and in tabular form, the total number of wind farms on State owned or leased land and the cost per county to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17037/12]
The information requested is not available. The commercial Semi State companies develop their land-bank on a fully commercial basis and this is a day to day operational matter for the companies concerned.
There would be no cost per county to the Exchequer. Any rent or other payments made to the semi State companies would be fully reflected in their annual accounts.
173 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources since the Government was formed, the number of vacancies in State boards that have been filled by his Department without advertising the availability of the positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17044/12]
Since taking up office on the 9th of March 2011, I have made 6 appointments to 3 State Boards for which expressions of interest were not sought. I have outlined in the table below the details of these appointments. I wish to advise the Deputy that I sought expressions of interest in relation to appointments to Boards under the aegis of my Department in June 2011 and again in February 2012.
|
Body |
Number appointed |
|
ESB |
2 |
|
Irish National Petroleum Corporation |
3 |
|
National Oil Reserves Agency |
1 |
The 2 appointments to the Board of the ESB were made in advance of the full implementation of the Government Decision in respect of vacancies in Bodies under the aegis of my Department.
The Irish National Petroleum Corporation (INPC) has had no operational capacity since the sale of its business and commercial interests in 2001. The company's current activities are limited to ensuring the protection of the INPC's position and by extension that of the State, under the terms of the Sale and Purchase Agreement attaching to the 2001 transaction. The INPC must therefore remain in existence until the Agreement expires in 2016. In view of this I reappointed the 2 existing Directors to the Board of INPC and the other person appointed is an official in my Department.
The appointment to National Oil Reserves Agency is an official in my Department.
174 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount paid to each external property consultant, surveyor and estate agent engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17260/12]
175 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost of external property consultants, surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17275/12]
176 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a list of external property consultants or surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17290/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 to 176, inclusive, together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that no external property consultants, surveyors or estate agents were engaged by my Department in the period in question.
177 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will publish a schedule of payments made from public funds to a multinational bracket investment banking and securities firm (details supplied) in the period from 1 September 2008 to date in 2012, with notes confirming the basis of each individual payment made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17585/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has made no payments to the multinational firm in question.
178 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of leases held by his Department, agencies or quangos that have upward only rent review clauses in which the body concerned is the landlord. [17720/12]
I wish to advise the Deputy that the GPO complex, which is owned by the State, is vested in my Department which in turn has leased the complex to An Post. The rent is not subject to review during the lifetime of the lease.
The running of any leased property by agencies under my Department is an operational matter for the individual agency in the first instance and I have no function in this regard.
179 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government since the Government was formed, the number of vacancies in State boards that have been filled by his Department without advertising the availability of the positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17042/12]
The information requested is outlined in the table.
|
Agency / Board |
Name of Appointee (Chairperson highlighted) |
Position advertised |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
Dr. Mary Kelly (Chairperson) |
Yes |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
Ms Mary MacMahon |
No |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
Mr. Conall Boland |
No |
|
Building Regulation Advisory Board |
Mr. Aidan O’Connor (Departmental representative) |
No |
|
Building Regulation Advisory Board |
Mr. Paul Kelly |
No |
|
Building Regulation Advisory Board |
Mr. Conor Taaffe |
No |
|
Dormant Accounts Board |
Mr. Michael Morley (Chairperson) |
No (reappointed) |
|
Dormant Accounts Board |
Mr. Des Gunning |
No (reappointed) |
|
Environmental Protection Agency |
Ms Laura Burke (Director General) |
Yes |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
Dr. Michelle Norris (Chairperson) |
Yes |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
Mr. John Hogan (Department of Finance nominee) |
No |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
Mr. Phillip Nugent (Departmental representative) |
No |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
Mr. Colm Brophy |
Yes |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
Mr. Michael Murray |
Yes |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
Mr. Padraic Cafferty |
Yes |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
Dr. Mary Lee Rhodes |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Ms Breda Collins (Chairperson) |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. John Considine |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Michael Cuddihy |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Tom Doyle |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Brendan McGrath |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Paul Murphy |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Seamus O’Neill |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Martin O’Sullivan |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Ms Anne Ryan |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Ms Lola O’Sullivan |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Christy McDonagh |
Yes |
|
Irish Water Safety |
Mr. Tim O’Sullivan (Departmental representative) |
No |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Mr. Rich Howlin (Chairperson) |
No |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Mr. John O’Connor |
No |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Mr. Eddie Lewis (Departmental representative) |
No |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Ms Marie McLaughlin (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Representative) |
No |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Mr. Peter Carey, County Manager, Laois County Council |
No |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Ms Ann McGuinness, Westmeath County Council |
No |
|
Local Government Computer Services Board |
Mr. Eddie Breen (Chairperson), County Manager, Wexford County Council |
No |
|
Local Government Computer Services Board |
Mr. Michael Malone, County Manager, Kildare County Council |
No |
|
Local Government Computer Services Board |
Mr. Barry Quinlan (Departmental representative) |
No |
|
Local Government Computer Services Board |
Mr. Enda Holland (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Representative) |
No |
|
Local Government Management Services Board |
Mr. Eddie Breen (Chairperson), County Manager, Wexford County Council |
No |
|
Local Government Management Services Board |
Mr. Donal Enright (Departmental representative) |
No |
|
Local Government Management Services Board |
Mr. Michael Malone, County Manager, Kildare County Council |
No |
|
Local Government Management Services Board |
Mr. Barry Quinlan (Departmental representative) |
No |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
Mr. Tom Coughlan, County Manager, Clare County Council |
No |
|
Private Residential Tenancies Board |
Mr. Tim Ryan |
Yes |
|
Private Residential Tenancies Board |
Ms Tricia Sheehy Skeffington |
Yes |
|
Private Residential Tenancies Board |
Ms Paula O’Reilly (Departmental representative) |
No |
|
Radiological Protection Institute Ireland |
Professor William Reville (Chairperson), Professor of Biochemistry UCC (Retired) |
Yes |
|
Radiological Protection Institute Ireland |
Dr. Paraic James, Senior Lecturer, DCU |
Yes |
|
Radiological Protection Institute Ireland |
Dr. Maurice Fitzgerald, Dental Council |
No |
|
Radiological Protection Institute Ireland |
Dr. Patricia Cunningham, Consultant Radiologist |
No |
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 regularly as specific vacancies 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.
All appointments are made in accordance with the appropriate legislation governing appointments to each body. In considering applications due regard is and 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 the Minister. In a number of situations, only some appointments to the body concerned are made by the Minister, or appointments are made with the consent of 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 Chair of the Board for the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency (HSCA) has been re-appointed on an interim basis pending enactment of legislation in respect of the HSCA.
The following members were appointed to the Board of Pobal, a not for profit company under the aegis of my Department, by Government:
Mr. Séamus Boland (Chair).
Mr. Thomas Maguire.
Mr. Liam Keane.
Ms Siobhan McLoughlin.
Ms Jennifer McHugh.
Mrs. Mari Hurley.
Article 3 of the Articles of Association of Pobal requires the Minister to consider nominations received from a list of stakeholders and the Social Partners defined by Government in 2005. The list comprises:
National Social Partners
Social Partners party to the Sustaining Progress Agreement; and Stakeholders,
Area and Community Partnership,
County childcare Committees, and
City and County Managers Association.
A consultation process was conducted in June/July 2011 and the Minister considered 22 nominations received from the Stakeholders and the National Social Partners in bringing forward proposals to Government for the appointments to the vacant positions on the board.
180 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will publish the review of homeless services in the Dublin region; and his plans with regard to the implementation of its recommendations. [17045/12]
The report in question in regard to the management of homeless services in the Dublin region, which accounts for some 70% of my Department's expenditure on these services, was commissioned to facilitate consideration of the implications for the region of the Government's Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, now complete, and the overall review of the homelessness strategy as provided for in the Programme for Government , which is now close to finalisation. Consideration will be given to publishing the report cited in the context of this overall policy review.
181 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will detail the amount of money spent on radio, TV, newspaper and online advertising, in tabular form regarding the introduction of the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17064/12]
182 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will detail the process undertaken regarding the distribution of leaflets to households regarding the introduction of the household charge; the number of leaflets printed; the number of leaflets confirmed delivered as of this date; the number of households eligible for the charge, which have not received the leaflet as of this date; the costs incurred for the printing and distribution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17065/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 182 together.
The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) is generally administering the household charge system on a shared service/agency basis for all county and city councils. The costs arising, including those in relation to printing, distribution and advertising, are a matter for the LGMA and the county and city councils. A competitive tendering process was undertaken for the distribution of leaflets to households to alert them to potential liability for the charge. It is not possible to determine how many of those liable for the charge received a leaflet. Some 1.8m leaflets were printed.
A final reminder to pay the household charge by 31 March, 2012 is currently being issued to households across the State.
183 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government as of this date, the percentage of households eligible for the household charge that have registered; the percentage of households eligible for the charge have paid the charge; the amount of money collected arising from the charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17066/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides the legislative basis for the household charge. Under the Act, an owner of a residential property on the liability date of 1 January 2012 is liable to pay the household charge, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. The household charge is on a self-assessment basis and it is a matter for an owner of a residential property on the liability date to determine if he/she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the household charge.
The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) is administering the household charge system on a shared service/agency basis for all county and city councils. I understand, from data provided by the LGMA, that as of 27 March, 2012, a total of 386,121 properties had been registered for payment of the household charge. This equates to income of some €38.6m.
184 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if any progress has been made in relation to a foreshore licence application (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17069/12]
Following a challenge to the State's ownership of the foreshore concerned, this application was first referred to the Chief State Solicitor's Office for legal advice in February 2011. Since that date, a number of exchanges of information have been made between my Department, the applicants and that office in an effort to resolve the ownership question. Final advice from the Chief State Solicitor's Office is awaited.
185 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if all residential property owned by Government Ministers is exempt from payment of the household charge; the purpose for which Ministers are exempted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17076/12]
186 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason the residential property owned by a Minister of the Government is exempt from the household charge [17082/12]
198 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to parliamentary questions of 13 March relating to exemptions and waivers from payment of the household charge, in which he indicated that residential property owned by a Minister of the Government, would be exempt from household charges, if he will clarify if this relates to all residential properties owned by Ministers of the Government; and if he will provide details of the properties owned by Ministers of the Government that will be exempt. [17243/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 185, 186 and 198 together.
Residential property held in a personal capacity by a Minister of the Government is liable for the household charge on the same basis as any other citizen in the State.
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislation underpinning the household charge.
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.
187 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding a housing estate (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17084/12]
193 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding a housing estate (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17139/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 193 together.
As part of the process of preparing the National Housing Development Survey 2011, published by my Department in October 2011, local authorities provided details of all unfinished housing developments in their areas. Unfinished housing developments were divided into four categories as follows:
Category one, where the development is still being actively completed by the developer, or where no serious public safety issues exist;
Category two, where a receiver has been appointed;
Category three, where a receiver has not been appointed and the developer is still in place but effectively inactive; and
Category four, where the development has been effectively abandoned and is posing serious problems for residents.
Other relevant factors for the purposes of the categorisation process include, inter alia:
the state of completion of roads, footpaths, public lighting facilities, piped water and sewerage facilities and open spaces or similar amenities within the development;the extent to which the development complies with the terms of applicable planning permission;
the extent to which it complies with the provisions of the Building Control Acts 1990 and 2007;
the provisions of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act 1964 as they pertain to dangerous places and dangerous structures within the meaning of the Act;
the extent to which facilities within the development have been taken in charge by the local authority concerned, and,
where there is an agreement regarding the maintenance of such facilities, the extent to which this agreement has been complied with.
This categorisation formed the basis for the list of those unfinished developments eligible for a waiver on the annual household charge.
Only households in developments in categories three and four are eligible for the waiver from payment of the household charge. The list of developments in which households are eligible for the waiver in 2012 is set out under the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012. A revised list of estates will be prescribed for 2013 after which time the waiver for unfinished housing developments will end. Throughout this period it is anticipated that the numbers of categories 3 and 4 developments will decrease significantly as my Department continues to work with local authorities and other stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues, including through the Public Safety Initiative.
188 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of properties sold to local authority tenants on a leasehold basis as opposed to freehold basis; if these are households exempt from household charges in view of the fact that the local authority still has an interest in the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17089/12]
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislative basis for the household charge. 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.
Local authorities have sold about 140,000 residential properties to tenants on leases for terms exceeding 20 years. Under section 1 of the legislation, the tenant purchasers concerned are owners of residential property for the purposes of the household charge. That enactment defines "owner", in relation to a residential property, to include, where the property is let under a lease for a term exceeding 20 years, the person (other than a mortgagee not in possession) who is the lessee under that lease.
Residential properties sold under tenant purchase would not qualify for an exemption under section 2(2)(b) of the legislation, which provides that a building vested in a Minister of the Government, a housing authority (within the meaning of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992) or the Health Service Executive is not a residential property for the purposes of the Act.
189 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the grandfathering clause for architects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17100/12]
I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 354, 356, 363 and 390 of 21 March 2012 which sets out the position on this matter. I have no plans to amend the Building Control Act 2007 along the lines suggested.
190 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to reopen a review into certain planning decisions in Carlow, Meath, Galway and Cork county councils and Dublin and Cork city councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17108/12]
The planning review announced by the former Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government was intended to assess the application of planning legislation, policy and guidance within the development plan and development management systems at local level and to inform further policy development in these areas. A number of planning authorities, representing a broad geographical spread of both urban and rural areas as well as both large and small authorities, had been selected to assist in the review of policies and practices by reference to a number of cases raised with my Department. The Programme for Government includes, inter alia, specific commitments better to co-ordinate national, regional and local planning laws in order to achieve better and more co-ordinated development that supports local communities, to develop a coherent plan to deal with the issue of unfinished estates and to ensure that there is adequate access and participation by citizens and public representatives in decision making and policy formation. The resources of my Department will be directed primarily towards supporting the implementation of the Government’s commitments in these areas.
My Department is finalising the review of a number of specific complaints, following the initiating of the process by the former Minister. When this review is completed, I will issue a public statement outlining the complaints at issue, my response and any appropriate actions to be pursued in regard to further policy development and guidance, in line with commitments in the Programme for Government.
191 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of vacant residential properties and properties under repair by housing type in Trim town and county area in County Meath. [17109/12]
Local Authorities provide information on the proportion of the housing stock that is vacant at the end of each year, and this information is collated and published as part of the annual Service Indicators in Local Authorities Report. Copies of the 2010 report are available from the Local Government Management Services Board and may be downloaded from their website (www.lgmsb.ie).
Under section 58 of the Housing Act 1966, the management and maintenance of the local authority housing stock, including the compilation and funding of ongoing maintenance programmes, is a matter for individual authorities.
Detailed information in relation to the number of vacant properties in Trim, by house type, or the number of properties which are under repair, is not available in my Department.
192 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will sponsor another advertising campaign regarding effective control of dogs to prevent attacks on livestock. [17122/12]
I am aware of the problems that can be caused by dog attacks on livestock, in particular attacks on flocks of sheep during lambing season. My Department has recently undertaken a campaign, in association with Comhairle na Tuaithe (the Countryside Council), to raise awareness amongst dog owners who take part in recreation activities in the countryside. There was a specific focus on the vulnerability of sheep flocks at this time and, overall, the campaign stressed the need to avoid disturbing farm animals and wildlife. These are, in fact, key principles of the "Leave No Trace" programme that my Department promotes.
Along with my colleagues, the Minister and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, I will continue to highlight the issue of dog control in the prevention of attacks on livestock. However, I have no plans currently to sponsor an advertising campaign in the matter.
194 Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that tenancy agreements offered by voluntary housing associations to social housing tenants permit summary eviction under 19th century legislation, namely, Deasy’s Act 1860; if he will consider the introduction by means of a statutory instrument of a standard tenancy agreement to be offered by such bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17141/12]
The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 regulates the tenant-landlord relationship in the private rented residential sector. The Act sets out the law relating to the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords in the sector, rent and rent reviews, security of tenure and the termination of tenancies. The Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) was established under the Act to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants in the private rented residential sector.
My Department conducted a review of the Act in 2009 and among the recommendations arising was that the remit of the Act be extended to the large majority of tenancies within the voluntary and cooperative housing sector. The drafting of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill, which will give effect to recommendations of the review, was approved by Government in July 2011 and the Bill is currently in preparation by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in collaboration with my Department.
195 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide information on an issue in relation to the household charge and coming property tax (details supplied). [17152/12]
196 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter regarding exemption from the household charge (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17155/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 196 together.
The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 and the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012 provide the legislation underpinning the household charge.
The household charge is framed on a self assessment basis at a point in time. It is a matter for those who own residential property liable to the charge to declare this and to pay the charge by the due date, 31 March 2012. The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides for a number of exemptions and waivers from payment of the household charge.
Interpretation of the legislation is a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately a matter for the Courts.
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.
I have no proposals to provide any further exemptions to the household charge.
I have established an Inter-Departmental Group on Property Tax to consider the structures and modalities for an equitable valuation based property tax. The Group will complete its work and make recommendations to me by end April 2012. Following consideration of the Group's recommendations, I will bring proposals to Government on the full property tax as soon as possible. It will then be a matter for the Government to decide on the structure of the full property tax.
197 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he will take to amend the building regulations which need to be focused upon the interests and protection of consumers, purchasers and or renters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17236/12]
There is a clear statutory framework for construction activity, as set out under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2007, and it is based on:—
clear legal standards as set out in the Building Regulations;
detailed Technical Guidance Documents to outline how these standards can be achieved in practice;
the burden and responsibility for compliance resting first and foremost with developers/builders;
a statutory responsibility for professionals who are engaged by developers to ensure that construction at least meets the legal minimum standards; and
the responsibility for enforcing compliance with the Building Regulations resting with the 37 local building control authorities.
Where a contract exists between the owner of a building (including a local authority in the case of certain publicly owned buildings) and the relevant builder/developer enforcement may also be a civil matter.
Local authorities have extensive powers under the Building Control Acts which they can use to enforce compliance with the Building Regulations and recent events have shown that local authorities are prepared to use the courts where necessary and appropriate to effect compliance with planning permissions, Building Regulations and Fire Regulations, all of which are critically relevant to the quality of the built environment. Results can also be achieved, and often are, through discussion and persuasion with the threat of legal action.
Clearly, however, there are steps that can and must be taken to improve compliance with the Building Regulations and oversight of construction activity. That is why, in July 2011, I announced a number of additional measures to be advanced by my Department and local authorities, which include:—
(a) the introduction of mandatory certificates of compliance by builders and the 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 buildings have 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; and
(e) better support and further development of the building control function nationwide.
It is my view that the introduction of the measures proposed will have the capacity to improve the quality of buildings and will lead to a further strengthening of the building control system. The proposed Building Control (Amendment) Regulations providing for mandatory certification and the submission of drawings will be the subject of a public consultation to be announced in mid-April 2012.
199 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount paid to each external property consultant, surveyor and estate agent engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17263/12]
200 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the cost of external property consultants, surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17278/12]
201 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a list of external property consultants or surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17293/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 199 to 201, inclusive, together.
The information requested is set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Name |
Purpose |
Amount Paid € |
|
2010 |
DTZ Sherry Fitzgerald |
Advice and support services in respect of the cessation of lease arrangements for properties used to store electronic voting equipment. |
5,566.00 |
|
2010 |
Zenith Land Surveys |
Survey of land at Valentia. |
2,420.00 |
|
2010 |
Lisney Chartered Surveyors |
Valuation of foreshore licence fees. |
14,132.57 |
|
2011 |
Lisney Chartered Surveyors |
Valuation of foreshore licence fees. |
32,266.68 |
|
2011 |
Rooney Auctioneers and Chartered Surveyors |
Arbitration services in respect of foreshore rent review. |
3,827.24 |
202 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will publish a schedule of payments made from public funds to a multinational bracket investment banking and securities firm (details supplied) in the period from 1 September 2008 to date in 2012, with notes confirming the basis of each individual payment made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17588/12]
My Department has not made any payments to the company concerned during the period in question.
203 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of leases held by his Department, agencies or quangos that have upward only rent review clauses in which the body concerned is the landlord. [17723/12]
The Office of Public Works is responsible for procuring accommodation for my Department, including policy in relation to the management of such property.
The provision and management of accommodation for, or property of, the agencies or bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the bodies concerned.
204 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide the list of bodies and individuals who have made submissions to his Department with regard to upward only rent review clauses in existing leases; if he will make the contents of these submissions available. [17029/12]
While there was no call for formal submissions in relation to this matter, I received submissions on the general issue of upwards only rent reviews from a variety of organisations, including the Society of Chartered Surveyors, Jones Lang LaSalle, DKM Economic Consultants, Retail Ireland, Retail Excellence Ireland and the Irish Association of Investment Managers. I also received a considerable volume of correspondence from individuals and businesses who generally espoused the views of the retail sector.
I have no plans to put the contents of the submissions into the public domain.
205 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality since the Government was formed, the number of vacancies in State boards that have been filled by his Department without advertising the availability of the positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17043/12]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the position, with the exception of the Equality Authority, has not changed since I answered Parliamentary Question Number 489 on 31 January 2012 and that the details, including the relevant update on the Equality Authority, are set out as follows.
1. Children Detention Schools Board of Management
Member
Mr. Dan Kelleher was appointed on 20 September 2011.
2. Courts Service Board
Member
Mr. Shane Browne
Mr. Pat Doyle
Ms Deirdre O'Keeffe
The above were appointed on 5 December 2011.
3. Equality Authority
I have re-appointed members of the outgoing Board of the Equality Authority until the end of July 2012, by which time, I intend to have the necessary legislation in place to establish a new and enhanced Human Rights and Equality Commission.
Chairperson
Dr. Angela Kerins
Vice-chairperson
Mr. Christy Lynch
Ordinary Members
Ms Rhona Murphy
Ms Salome Mbugua
Ms Ellen Mongan
Ms Betty O'Leary
Mr. Peter White
Mr. Séan Fogarty
Mr. Kieran Rose
Mr. Nigel Brander
Ms Lynn Jackson
Mr. Paddy Maguinness
All of the above were appointed on 7 March 2012.
4. Judicial Appointments Advisory Board
Ordinary Members
Dr. Simon Boucher
Ms Karen Dent
Dr. Valerie Bresnihan
All of the above were appointed with effect from 7 June 2011.
5. Legal Aid Board
Chairperson
Ms Muriel Walls
Ordinary Members
Ms Oonagh Buckley
Ms Mary Dalton
Ms Kate Hayes
Ms Joy McGlynn
Ms Oonagh Mc Phillips
Mr. Mícheál O'Connell
Mr. Donncha O'Connell
Mr. John O'Gorman
Mr. Philip O'Leary
Ms Michelle O'Neill
Mr. Ger Power
Mr. Rob Reid
All of the above were appointed on 14 December 2011.
Mr. David Garvey was appointed on 18 January 2012.
6. Mental Health (Criminal Law) Review Board
Chairperson
Judge Brian McCracken was re-appointed as Chairperson with effect from 27 September 2011.
Ordinary Members
Ms Nora McGarry
Dr. Michael Mulcahy
Both of the above were appointed with effect from 27 September 2011.
7. Parole Board
Chairperson
Mr. John Costello was appointed with effect from 26 July 2011.
Ordinary Member
Ms Ciairín de Buis was appointed with effect from 26 July 2011.
8. Property Registration Authority
Ordinary Members
Mr. Frank Branigan was appointed on 29 April 2011.
Ms Teresa Pilkington was appointed on 27 May 2011.
Ms Deirdre Fox was appointed on 4 August 2011.
I can further inform the Deputy that none of the above positions were advertised either for reasons of timing, in that vacancies had to be filled quickly, or because relevant legislation required that the appointment be made on the nomination of a particular professional body. In the particular case of the Equality Authority, as the Deputy will be aware, the Government has agreed in principle to merge it with the Irish Human Rights Commission to form a new Human Rights and Equality Commission and the outgoing members of the Authority were re-appointed for the interim period to 31 July 2012. None of the above chairpersons has appeared before an Oireachtas Committee.
I would also like to inform the Deputy that I am still in the process of appointing the Board of the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA). As part of this process the Chairperson Designate of the Authority appeared before the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality on 27 March 2012. I expect to announce details of appointments to the PSRA in the very near future. All of the positions were advertised on my Department's website and on the website of the Public Appointments Service. I expect to use this process for future such appointments.
<Question No. 489 of 31 January 2012>
Question: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide a breakdown of the number of appointments that have been made to State Boards by him since he came to office including the names of the appointees and the boards they have been appointed to; the number of these appointments that have been made using new procedures involving the advertising of such posts on his Departments websites and the interview of the chairperson of boards by Oireachtas committee; if he will highlight situations where this process has not occurred; and the reason it has not occurred in each case. — Gerry Adams
*For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 31st January, 2012.
Answer
I wish to inform the Deputy that the information requested is as follows:
1. Children Detention Schools Board of Management
Member
Mr. Dan Kelleher was appointed on 20 September 2011.
2. Courts Service Board
Member
Mr. Shane Browne
Mr. Pat Doyle
Ms Deirdre O'Keeffe
The above were appointed on 5 December 2011.
3. Equality Authority
I have re-appointed the outgoing Board of the Equality Authority until the end of February 2012, by which time, I intend to have the necessary legislation in place to establish a new and enhanced Human Rights and Equality Commission.
Chairperson
Dr. Angela Kerins
Mr. Christy Lynch (vice-chairperson)
Ordinary Members
Ms Rhona Murphy
Ms Salome Mbugua
Ms Ellen Mongan
Ms Betty O'Leary
Mr. Peter White
Mr. Séan Fogarty
Mr. Kieran Rose
Mr. Nigel Brander
Ms Lynn Jackson
Mr. Paddy Maguinness
All of the above were appointed on 21 September 2011.
Mr. David Joyce
Ms Annette Dolan
The above were appointed on 26 September 2011.
4. Judicial Appointments Advisory Board
Ordinary Members
Dr. Simon Boucher
Ms Karen Dent
Dr. Valerie Bresnihan
All of the above were appointed with effect from 7 June 2011.
5. Legal Aid Board
Chairperson
Ms Muriel Walls
Ordinary Members
Ms Oonagh Buckley
Ms Mary Dalton
Ms Kate Hayes
Ms Joy McGlynn
Ms Oonagh Mc Phillips
Ms Mícheál O'Connell
Mr. Donncha O'Connell
Mr. John O'Gorman
Mr. Philip O'Leary
Ms Michelle O'Neill
Mr. Ger Power
Mr. Rob Reid
All of the above were appointed on 14 December 2011.
Mr. David Garvey was appointed on 18 January 2012.
6. Mental Health (Criminal Law) Review Board
Chairperson
Judge Brian McCracken was re-appointed as Chairperson with effect from 27 September 2011.
Ordinary Members
Ms Nora McGarry
Dr. Michael Mulcahy
Both of these were appointed with effect from 27 September 2011.
7. Parole Board
Chairperson
Mr. John Costello was appointed with effect from 26 July 2011.
Ordinary Member
Ms Ciarin de Buis was appointed with effect from 26 July 2011.
8. Property Registration Authority
Ordinary Member
Mr. Frank Branigan was appointed on 29 April 2011.
Ms Teresa Pilkington was appointed on 27 May 2011.
Ms Deirdre Fox was appointed on 4 August 2011.
I can further inform the Deputy that none of the above positions were advertised either for reasons of timing, in that vacancies had to be filled quickly, or because relevant legislation required that the appointment be made on the nomination of a particular professional body. In the particular case of the Equality Authority, as the Deputy will be aware, the Government has agreed in principle to merge it with the Irish Human Rights Commission to form a new Human Rights and Equality Commission and the outgoing members of the Authority were re-appointed for the interim period to 29 February 2012. None of the above chairpersons has appeared before an Oireachtas Committee.
I would also like to inform the Deputy that I am currently in the process of appointing the Board of the Property Services Regulatory Authority. All of the positions on offer were advertised on my Department's website and on the website of the Public Appointments Service. I expect to use this process for future such appointments.
206 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will introduce a policy that public events and festivals be supported by the State through a policy of ensuring that no charges be imposed on voluntary committees by the Gardaí for the provision of Garda services for events thus ensuring that the organisation of local events and festivals are encouraged rather than penalised by the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17140/12]
The setting of charges for Garda policing services is a function which has been assigned to the Garda Commissioner under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. In that context the Commissioner determines the circumstances in which such charges arise and I do not have a role in relation to the matter.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that, at operational level, it is the Divisional Officer who decides whether policing services provided in connection with a specific event will be charged for. In that regard I also understand that Divisional Officers take into account the type of event involved.
207 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 199 of 12 January 2012, the current position in the matter of the determination to entitlement to naturalisation in the case of the child of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17147/12]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 199 on 12th January, 2012. I will write to the Deputy when the matter has been determined.
Reply to Parliamentary Question 199 of 12th January, 2012
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 231 on 15th December, 2011. The case referred to has not yet received a hearing date and as the Deputy will be aware the scheduling of cases is a matter for the judiciary.
208 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to an alleged incident regarding a diplomat (details supplied); and if he is in a position to comment on either the specific matter or the general point of concern. [17150/12]
I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.
I am informed by my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, that Diplomatic agents duly accredited here, who are entitled to privileges and immunities in accordance with Article 31 of the Vienna Convention, are expected to respect Irish laws and regulations.
209 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide in tabular form the funding for organisations (details supplied) for the years 2010, 2011, 2012. [17156/12]
Funding was provided in 2010 and 2011 to the organisations outlined in the table. No funding was provided for organisations (details supplied) in 2012.
|
Organisation |
2010 |
2011 |
|
Ghana Ireland Friendship |
€350 |
|
|
Louth African Women |
€400 |
|
|
Akidwa |
€5,402 |
|
|
Congolese Anti Poverty Network |
€1,600 |
210 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount paid to each external property consultant, surveyor and estate agent engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17268/12]
211 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of external property consultants, surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17283/12]
212 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide a list of external property consultants or surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17298/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 to 212, inclusive, together.
I can inform the Deputy that my Department has availed of services from the following companies:
|
Company |
Year |
Amount |
Purpose |
|
CBRE |
2011 |
€1,815 |
Reinstatement cost assessment for insurance purposes |
|
Knight Frank |
2011 |
€1,815 |
Rental Evaluation for potential lease of office space |
I wish to inform the Deputy that it has not been possible for the Irish Prison Service to provide the information required in the time available. The information is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
213 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of leases held by his Department, agencies or quangos that have upward only rent review clauses in which the body concerned is the landlord. [17728/12]
I wish to inform the Deputy that it has not been possible to provide the information required in the time available. The information is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is to hand.
214 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 12586/12, if he will comment on the specifics attached (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17078/12]
As I have previously advised the Deputy, the Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides the legislative basis for the household charge that applies to residential property. Under the Act, an owner of a residential property is liable to the household charge. Under section 2(2)(b) of the Act, a building vested in a Minister of the Government is not a residential property for the purposes of the Act and is not liable to the household charge.
215 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the amount paid to each external property consultant, surveyor and estate agent engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17261/12]
216 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the cost of external property consultants, surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17276/12]
217 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a list of external property consultants or surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17291/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 to 217, inclusive, together.
Property consultants are engaged by the Department for the purpose of providing valuations and technical advice on property related matters. The total amount paid by the Department to such consultants for each of the last three years is shown in the following table. The table also shows the consultants engaged each year. Details regarding the specific amounts paid to individual firms are commercially sensitive. Therefore, this information is not provided.
|
Year |
Consultants |
Total |
|
2009 |
DTZ Sherry FitzgeraldReal Estate Alliance |
€34,890 |
|
2010 |
Real Estate AllianceFingal Planning ConsultantsBrophy Farrell Real EstateMBA Architects |
€21,206 |
|
2011 |
Real Estate AllianceJMG Engineering Services Ltd |
€2,626 |
218 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if he will publish a schedule of payments made from public funds to a multinational bracket investment banking and securities firm (details supplied) in the period from 1 September 2008 to date in 2012, with notes confirming the basis of each individual payment made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17586/12]
No payments were made by my Department to the specified company during the period in question.
219 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the number of leases held by his Department, agencies or quangos that have upward only rent review clauses in which the body concerned is the landlord. [17721/12]
This information is currently being compiled and will be circulated to the Deputy in due course.
220 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm reports that the minimum retention period to achieve the minimum stocking level has been increased from three months to seven months rather than six months as was announced in Budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17034/12]
As the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is co-funded by the EU under the Rural Development Programme 2007/2013, it is necessary to obtain the agreement of the EU Commission to any proposed changes; my officials are involved in ongoing discussions with Commission officials in this regard and a decision is awaited. The proposal under discussion with the Commission is for a six-month retention period. It should be noted that the proposed criteria may be subject to some changes following the conclusion of the discussions with the EU Commission.
221 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine since the Government was formed, the number of vacancies in State boards that have been filled by his Department without advertising the availability of the positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17041/12]
Since May of 2011 all vacancies on the State Boards that fall under my Department's remit are listed on the Department's website. Board appointments to a number of the bodies and agencies are not always made at my sole discretion. Instead, individuals are nominated for appointment by various organisations, specified in the relevant statute. These include the Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board, Teagasc, National Milk Agency, Veterinary Council and Horse Racing Ireland. Nevertheless, the only such appointment was the Chairman of Bord na gCon which had been vacant since prior to the formation of this Government. Given the need to fill this vacancy as a matter of urgency I appointed Mr. Philip Meaney to the position on 12th April 2011, following extensive consultation with those with in-depth knowledge of the industry, and an assessment of his background and experience. I considered him to be eminently well qualified for the position. In addition to his involvement in the greyhound industry over a period of 25 years, including his previously held position as chairman of the Kilkenny Greyhound Company Limited, he was also involved in commercial business in Ireland in a very senior managerial capacity.
222 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 403 of 17 January 2012, if he will advise when this payment will be made as the applicant has submitted all the requested information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17090/12]
The person named was approved for participation in the Agri-Environment Options Scheme with effect from the 1st 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, must 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.
223 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a new agri-environment options scheme and the criteria for eligibility of same. [17123/12]
Despite the financial pressures facing my Department I have made provision in 2012 for €243 million under agri-environment schemes. I am also considering the possibility of re-opening AEOS on an amended basis or limited scale in 2012. This decision will be taken in the context of my Department's expenditure ceiling for 2013 as agreed by the Government, and in particular, on how a new scheme might be funded within the reduced funding and resulting pressures on the Vote. I will make an announcement on this matter in due course.
224 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce legislation to deal with the current inequality where only dairy farmers can enter into a partnership. [17124/12]
Co-operation between farmers has long been the hallmark of Irish farming and this co-operation ranges from informal co-operation right through to limited companies. Partnerships are one of the more effective vehicles of co-operation and I strongly encourage farm families to seriously consider entering farm partnerships which, among other things, will bring improved economic returns and social benefits. Under existing legislation any two or more farmers, and their families, can form a partnership once they draw up and agree a Partnership Agreement and register their partnership with the Revenue Commissioners for tax purposes.
Specifically within the dairy sector the Milk Quota Regulations provide for the establishment of the Milk Production Partnerships which are registered by Teagasc with a milk quota allocation, from my Department, as an incentive.
With the impending cessation of the Milk Quota Regulations in April 2015 and my desire to encourage formal farm partnerships in all sectors of agriculture, my Department is currently examining ways of formally recognizing Farm Partnerships for the purposes of determining access to Departmental and other schemes.
225 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount paid to each external property consultant, surveyor and estate agent engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17257/12]
226 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost of external property consultants, surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17272/12]
227 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a list of external property consultants or surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17287/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 225 to 227, inclusive, together.
The information sought by the Deputy is in the following table:
|
Year |
Property Consultant, Surveyor or Estate Agent |
Category |
Amount Paid (€) |
Total Cost for year (€) |
|
2009 |
Lisney |
Property valuations |
132,457 |
|
|
132,457 |
||||
|
2010 |
Lisney |
Property valuations |
7,260 |
|
|
DNG Dorrian |
Property valuations |
130 |
||
|
Feeney Sherry Fitzgerald |
Estate Agents |
484 |
||
|
7,874 |
||||
|
2011 |
DTZ Sherry Fitzgerald |
Property valuations |
2,341 |
|
|
Frank V Murphy and Co Ltd |
Property valuations |
5,082 |
||
|
Society Chartered Surveyors |
Property valuations |
325 |
||
|
Elliott and Fitzgerald |
Property valuations |
1,210 |
||
|
deVere White and Smyth |
Property valuations |
2,118 |
||
|
W K Nowlan and Associates Ltd. |
Property valuations |
2,118 |
||
|
Lisney |
Property valuations |
11,495 |
||
|
Knight Frank |
Estate Agents and Valuers |
3,025 |
||
|
Sean Pain MGS Ltd. |
Auctioneer |
3,546 |
||
|
31,260 |
228 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will publish a schedule of payments made from public funds to a multinational bracket investment banking and securities firm (details supplied) in the period from 1 September 2008 to date in 2012, with notes confirming the basis of each individual payment made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17582/12]
No payments were made by my Department since 1 September 2008 to the investment banking firm referred to by the Deputy.
229 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of leases held by his Department, agencies or quangos that have upward-only rent review clauses in which the body concerned is the landlord. [17718/12]
In general, all issues in relation to leases for Government Departments/Offices, including my Department are a matter for the Office of Public Works.
With reference to the State Bodies that fall under my Department's remit, decisions relating to property leases are an operational matter for the state bodies themselves. My Department does not record such information nor is it required to do so.
230 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children in State care who were charged or convicted of any criminal offence in 2010 or 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17059/12]
Each child in State care is required to have a care plan and information relating to criminal charges or convictions would be recorded at local level on an individual child's file by the HSE. However, it is regrettable that this information has not in the past been collected or collated at a national level.
Since taking office I have had to prioritise the need for better data collection and information management. This is being progressed through both the introduction of a more comprehensive set of HSE Performance Management indicators and through ongoing work to establish a National Child Care Information System.
I have asked the HSE to examine inclusion of appropriate national data on criminal charges or convictions in the National Child Care Information System.
231 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will list the Bills published by her since the new Government took office. [17116/12]
232 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the Bills she intends to publish before the end of 2012. [17117/12]
233 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the Bills she intends to introduce to Dáil Éireann if this Government runs its full five-year term and the approximate timeframe in which she hopes to publish each Bill. [17118/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 231 to 233, inclusive, together.
I have an extensive legislative programme to address a number of issues which fall within my remit as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.
My first legislative priority was to establish the Department of Children and Youth Affairs as a legal entity. In order to do this efficiently, I made significant amendments to the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009, rather than wait to introduce a new Bill. The Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009 was enacted in July 2011. The Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009 also provided for the establishment, on a statutory basis, of the special care processes in the High Court. I have made considerable progress in addressing the legislative programme of my Department and I intend to introduce the following Bills in the Dáil in 2012:
Amendment to the Constitution Bill (Children's Referendum);
Adoption Bill (relating to the Children's Referendum);
Children First Bill;
Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill;
Child and Family Support Agency Bill, and
Children Act (Amendment) Bill
234 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 587 of January 2012, when a reply will issue. [17136/12]
The Adoption Authority of Ireland is an independent statutory body established under the Adoption Act, 2010. The Authority has responsibility for the operational implementation of enacted legislation and Government policy. As the issue raised by the Deputy is of an operational nature, I have forwarded the request to the Chief Executive of the Authority for direct attention.
235 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will list in tabular form the sending countries which the Adoption Association of Ireland has sent pack or dossiers to since the introduction of the Adoption Act 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17137/12]
The Adoption Authority of Ireland is an independent statutory body established under the Adoption Act, 2010. The Authority has responsibility for the operational implementation of enacted legislation and Government policy. As the issue raised by the Deputy is of an operational nature, I have forwarded the request to the Authority for direct attention.
236 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the amount paid to each external property consultant, surveyor and estate agent engaged by her Department for each of the past three years. [17259/12]
237 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the cost of external property consultants, surveyors and estate agents engaged by her Department for each of the past three years. [17274/12]
238 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide a list of external property consultants or surveyors and estate agents engaged by her Department for each of the past three years. [17289/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 236 to 238, inclusive, together.
I am happy to confirm to the Deputy that my Department has not engaged, incurred costs or made any payments to any external property consultants, surveyors or estate agents since its establishment in June 2011.
239 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will publish a schedule of payments made from public funds to a multinational bracket investment banking and securities firm (details supplied) in the period from 1 September 2008 to date in 2012, with notes confirming the basis of each individual payment made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17584/12]
The Deputy might note that my Department was established on 2nd June 2011 and no payments have been made to the firm concerned.
240 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a special needs grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; if he will advise on how to help the person in this predicament; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17091/12]
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.
241 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that the necessary speech and language resource will be provided to ensure that a specific speech and language disorder class can be established in a school (details supplied) in County Donegal from September 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17131/12]
The Department of Education and Skills provides for the establishment of special classes for specific speech and language disorder (SSLD) in primary schools. Applications to establish such classes are considered by the school's assigned Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) and those meeting the criteria for establishment are approved by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). A full-time teacher is assigned to each class, and classes operate with a reduced pupil-teacher ratio of 7:1. The Health Service Executive has responsibility for the provision of health and personal services including speech and language provision, as appropriate, to people with disabilities. The Department of Health has asked the Health Service Executive to reply directly to you in relation to the provision of such services in County Donegal.
242 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health since the Government was formed, the number of vacancies in State boards that have been filled by his Department without advertising the availability of the positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17038/12]
Since my appointment on 9 March 2011, I have appointed 56 people to State boards without advertising the positions through the Department's website.
From January of this year, following on from Government Decision S180/20/10//1424 on 29th November 2011, relating to appointments to State Boards, my Department has advertised for expressions of interest for vacancies on the Boards of the VHI, Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, Mental Health Commission, Health and Information Quality Authority and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland through the Departments' website. I have made three appointments to the Voluntary Health Insurance Board with effect from 15 March 2012. The appointments followed advertising for persons with relevant qualifications and experience to make an expression of interest in appointment to the Board and the appointees were among those who made such an expression of interest. Further appointments are pending.
243 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the progress being made by him on establishing individual health identifiers for patients [17053/12]
My Department is currently examining policy options for the roll out of individual health identifiers. It is intended that the Health Information Bill, which is expected to be ready for publication later this year, will provide the necessary legal basis for the use of an individual health identifier. The introduction of individual health identifiers is an essential step in the improvement of patient safety, patient data confidentiality and efficient service provision. It will also be necessary for the roll out of Universal Health Insurance. My Department is currently consulting with the Data Protection Commissioner, the Health Information and Quality Authority, other Government Departments, including the Department of Social Protection, in its consideration of this issue. I intend bringing forward detailed policy proposals in the coming months in relation to these matters.
244 Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health when he intends to bring the carer’s strategy before the Committee on Health and Children for consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17054/12]
The development of a National Carers Strategy ‘to support carers and to address issues of concern' is a key commitment in the current Programme for Government.
The Strategy will address the needs of informal and family carers. It will be conceptual and visionary and will establish a number of high-level principles, goals and objectives and a road map to implementation. The State already faces challenges in maintaining existing levels of services from within limited resources and the Strategy is being developed in that context. The Strategy will not be an operational plan but will set the strategic direction for future services and supports for carers in recognition of their role and contribution to maintaining children, adults and older people with physical or mental health difficulties in their own homes.
While issues relating to carers span a number of different Departments, the Taoiseach has allocated responsibility for co-ordination of the preparation of the Strategy to me with the support of the Minister for Social Protection. Work on developing the Strategy is on-going and a consultation process with other Departments is currently taking place. It is hoped that a draft will be completed shortly as a basis for final consultation prior to submission to Government for a decision on future progress.
245 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if he will examine if a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be entitled to free general practitioner visits under the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17077/12]
The Programme for Government committed to reforming the current public health system by introducing Universal Health Insurance with equal access to care for all. As part of this reform programme the Government is committed to introducing Universal GP Care within the first term of office of this Government.
Initially it is intended to extend GP cover without fees to persons with defined long-term illnesses who are in receipt of drugs and medicines under the Long Term Illness Scheme. Primary legislation is required to give effect to this commitment. Once primary legislation has been approved by the Oireachtas, the details of the new arrangements will be announced.
246 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health the way a person can retrieve his or her personal card stored on the DNA database resulting from the blood samples taken from newborns and the exact procedure they need to follow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17080/12]
In late 2009, the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) received a complaint from a member of the public in relation to the retention of Newborn Screening Cards (NSCs). The basis of the complaint (which was upheld by the Data Protection Commissioner) was that the NSCs should not be retained indefinitely without consent as this constituted a breach of the Data Protection Acts 1998 and 2003. During 2010, a number of meetings were convened with the Deputy Data Protection Commissioner and representatives of the HSE, the DoH and CUH and Temple Street Hospital. A policy was agreed in conjunction with the DPC to address both the legislative and ethical requirements of the National Newborn Screening Programme.
In accordance with the policy, from July 1st 2011, the blood portion of the Newborn Screening Card (NSC) will be retained for 10 years and disposed of during the child's 11th year (for the purpose of confirming an initial diagnosis should this be deemed necessary). Parents/guardians are provided with specific information on the retention of the NSC's with regard to their use and written consent is sought in this regard. The changes to the NNBSP since 1st July 2011 bring about compliance with both national and EU data protection legislation, uphold ethical principles and meet ethical obligations with regard to consent, privacy and confidentiality.
The agreed policy also provided for the disposal of archived NSCs older than ten years. Following receipt of representations concerning the proposed destruction of archived Newborn Screening Cards, I requested the HSE to conduct a review of this decision. The report and recommendations of the review group were submitted to my office in January 2012. Having carefully considered the issue, I have accepted the recommendation of the review group, that in order to meet our legal and ethical responsibilities, newborn screening cards older than ten years will be destroyed. The international consensus clearly favours seeking explicit consent (rather than opt out) from an individual and/or their parent/guardian for use of their previously collected biological material (including NCS's) for any other purpose than for which it was collected.
The HSE is developing an information campaign offering members of the public the opportunity to have their NSC returned to them, prior to any destruction of the cards taking place. This will ensure that anyone who wishes to donate their own or their child's NSC to research will be afforded the opportunity to do so. I have requested the HSE to provide an outline of the procedures to be followed for the retrieval by members of the public of their NSCs. The proposed course of action seeks to ensure public trust and a continued willingness to participate in the National Newborn Screening Programme, a vital public health measure for children and their families.
247 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding assistance for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17088/12]
I presume the Deputy is referring to the assisted living / personal assistant services provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to people with a physical and/or sensory disability.
The HSE's National Service Plan for 2012 provides for a reduction of 3.7% in funding to specialist disability services. However, the Plan states that at least 2% of this reduction should not impact on services and needs to be generated from other savings and increased efficiencies.
As part of the ongoing work of the HSE's National Consultative Forum on disability services, the HSE in conjunction with representative organisations, service providers and service users, has begun a process to identify and agree a framework for identifying and implementing cost efficiencies. The goal is to minimise the impact on services.
The 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 a sensory disability. Although the funding allocated to disability services has decreased by 3.7%, the HSE aims to minimise the impact this will have on services users and their families as much as possible. The HSE is in the process of negotiating with agencies providing personal assistant services around the unit cost of providing this service.
248 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding 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. [17092/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
249 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health if she will expedite an application for a medical card in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Dublin; when the card will be approved; when same will issue; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17111/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
250 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Meath did not qualify for the early retirement scheme as per his Department's circular 07/210 in view of the fact that the written advice they received from the assistant national director of human resources in the Health Service Executive indicating that they would qualify. [17128/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
251 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason recent social worker graduates who paid the €100 registration fee last year are expected to pay €295 for 2012 when there will be no fitness-to-practice committees, no supervision of regulation is currently in place and while other social workers are not required to pay until 2013; his views that this is fair and equitable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17130/12]
The Health and Social Care Professionals Council and the 12 registration boards to be established under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 are responsible for protecting the public by regulating health and social care professionals. The Council was established in March 2007 and is working to put in place the necessary structures for registration, education and fitness to practise for the 12 health and social care professions designated under the Act.
The first registration board to be established, the Social Workers Registration Board, was established in August 2010, and the associated Social Workers Register opened for receipt and processing of applications for registration on 31st May, 2011. A second registration board, the Radiographers Registration Board, was established on 16th December 2011 and its register is expected to be established later this year. The opening of the Social Workers Register marks the first step in the regulation of an estimated 2,500 social workers.
Under the provisions of the 2005 Act, there is a two-year transitional period from the date on which the register of the members of that profession is established, during which existing practitioners may apply for registration. From May 2013, every social worker wishing to use the title will be required to be registered. The name of every registered social worker will be published in the register, which will be accessible on-line. Only social workers who have satisfied the board that they hold an approved qualification and are "fit and proper" to engage in the practice of the profession will be entered on the register.
A new statutory Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Social Workers has been adopted by the Board to underpin the regulation of the profession. The Code specifies the standards of ethics, performance and conduct required of registered social workers in a clear and accessible manner. The new system of regulation will give the public confidence that they are dealing with a fully qualified and regulated professional whenever they encounter a social worker.
Part 6 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 refers to issues concerning complaints and disciplinary sanctions in relation to registrants and a fitness to practise advisory committee is currently working to develop a fitness to practise framework. The related fitness to practise regime for social workers, to be introduced at the end of the transitional period in May 2013, will allow concerned members of the public to make a complaint about a registered social worker. If upheld, disciplinary sanctions can be imposed, including preventing that person from practising as a social worker. The implementation and operation of a robust fitness to practise process will underpin and ensure adequate patient safety provisions.
The current fee structure is as follows and is set by the Council being mindful of the requirement for it to become self funding as soon as possible. A registration fee of €100 for new graduates, who have obtained recognised professional qualifications within two years of applying for registration. A registration fee of €295 for existing practitioners with the necessary experience and recognised professional qualifications or equivalent. An annual retention fee of €295 for registrants, including those who paid the lower rate on graduation, is payable on the annual renewal date which is 31st May each year for Social Workers.
252 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he has fully investigated allegations of fire safety concerns at a hospital (details supplied) in County Cork including the reported use of combustible insulation material in the underground carpark; if he has also reviewed the comments of the local fire officer in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17133/12]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
253 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite 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. [17176/12]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
254 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the amount paid to each external property consultant, surveyor and estate agent engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17266/12]
255 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the cost of external property consultants, surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17281/12]
256 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a list of external property consultants or surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17296/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 254 to 256, inclusive, together.
The sourcing of property on behalf of Government Departments is a matter for the Office of Public Works.
Noble Property Consultants were engaged to provide advice on a lease inherited by my Department from an external agency subsumed into the Department as part of a wider rationalisation programme.
Costs and details are as follows:
|
Name of Consultants |
Cost |
|
Noble Property Consultants |
€2,420 (inc. Vat) |
257 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will publish a schedule of payments made from public funds to a multinational bracket investment banking and securities firm (details supplied) in the period from 1 September 2008 to date in 2012, with notes confirming the basis of each individual payment made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17591/12]
My Department has made no payments to the firm referred to by the Deputy. In relation to agencies under the aegis of my Department, information is currently being compiled which will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
I have also referred this matter to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
258 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of leases held by his Department, agencies or quangos that have upward-only rent review clauses in which the body concerned is the landlord. [17726/12]
The sourcing of property on behalf of Government Departments is a matter for the Office of Public Works.
There are two leases currently held by my Department. These leases are not upwardly only rent review contracts.
The position regarding the HSE and other agencies is a matter for the agencies themselves. My Department is requesting them to reply directly to the Deputy.
259 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport since the Government was formed, the number of vacancies in State boards that have been filled by his Department without advertising the availability of the positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17039/12]
Since my Department advertised new procedures for appointments to boards on Friday 8th April 2011, all appointments from that date have followed these procedures. However given the importance of ensuring the right mix of skills and experience on every board, appointments are not necessarily confined to those who have made an expression of interest.
In total there have been 71 appointments made to boards under the aegis of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport since I took up office as Minister. Of these 43 were new appointments and 28 were re-appointments. Of the reappointments, 8 related to members of the Advisory Committee of the National Transport Authority. These individuals were reappointed pending the completion and implementation of the Taxi Review Group's work. Of the 43 new appointments, 17 were from applications received arising from the new advertised process.
Details of State Board appointments are available on the Department's website.
260 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it is intended to provide funding for Ireland West Airport Knock, County Mayo, for the development of an expansion of the existing apron, runway, overlay and upgrade and expansion of the arrivals and passenger handling facilities, as part of a long-term development programme for the airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17047/12]
261 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is willing to make a five-year commitment to the provision of capital funding to Knock Airport, County Mayo, to enable it to reach its full potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17048/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 261 together.
Last year, I received approval from the European Commission to extend the 2006-2010 Regional Airports Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Grant Scheme up to December 2014. The capital funding being provided under the Scheme is focused on safety and security projects which aim to ensure that each airport can comply with the latest national and international aviation safety and security standards.
Under the Scheme, I allocated some €17m for the regional airports over the four year period to end 2014. Capital grants totalling €4m were provided in 2011 with a further €13m to be provided to the four regional airports still receiving grant aid, including Ireland West Knock, over the next three years.
Ireland West Airport Knock has provided details to my Department on projects which the Airport wishes to advance under the Scheme. These are being considered by my Department in the context of priorities for funding at all the airports under the Scheme in future years. It is not possible to give any commitments at this stage on the eventual decisions.
Ireland West Airport Knock has been a major beneficiary under the CAPEX Scheme and has already received almost €11m in grant aid in the period 2006 to 2011 which is considerably more than any other airport has received. This included over €4m for the terminal extension and I am pleased to see that passenger numbers using this facility have increased at the airport. However, given the current financial Exchequer constraints, no funding is being provided under the Scheme for development purposes at these airports. It is a matter for the individual airports to pursue any such proposals with their own funding.
262 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if all airports, State and private, are being charged for services by the Irish Aviation Authority on the same basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17049/12]
This question concerns charges imposed by the Irish Aviation Authority for the delivery of services to State and private airports. This matter is the responsibility of the IAA in accordance with its commercial mandate. I have accordingly 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.
263 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the potential sources of funding available from his Department for a volunteer sports organisation (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17060/12]
I am pleased to announce that applications are now being sought for a new round of the Sports Capital Programme. This Programme is the main vehicle for Government support for the development of sports facilities and the purchase of equipment. It is open to any organisation, such as the group referred to by the Deputy, with a suitable project to apply for funding under the Sports Capital Programme, subject to the Programme's terms and conditions. More information and application forms can be downloaded from www.dttas.ie.
264 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of offices held by Tourism Ireland outside of Ireland; and the number of staff in the Tourism Ireland offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17101/12]
As the matter raised is primarily an operational one for Tourism Ireland Ltd., I have forwarded the question to the agency for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
265 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will facilitate a debate in Dáil Éireann on the taxi industry review and its findings. [17107/12]
On the 29th February 2012, I made a presentation of the Taxi Regulation Review Report to the Committee on Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht. If the matter of the Review Report is listed for discussion in this House, I will gladly facilitate that request.
266 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if it is possible to provide any form of grant aid towards the upgrade and restoration of listed buildings in Kilcock, County Kildare, including the old school, the monastery and other such buildings with a heritage dimension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17115/12]
There is no funding available from my Department for the upgrade and restoration of listed buildings. I understand that funding is also unavailable for this purpose from Fáilte Ireland but I have referred the matter to them for further reply and any observations they may have on the matter. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
268 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent of sports grant awards by applicant and location of various groups or agencies throughout County Kildare in 2011; the number of applications received; the ones likely for consideration in the current year; if in respect of major or minor applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17245/12]
I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the Sports Capital Programme. There were 3 applications received from County Kildare in 2011 under a special initiative for Local Authorities to develop sports facilities that would have a positive impact on participation. None of these applications were successful. In two cases the planning permission was not in place and in the other case the Council did not confirm title to the land where the facility was to be developed. I am pleased to announce that applications are now being sought under a new round of the Sports Capital Programme and it is open to any organisation with a suitable project to apply for funding, subject to the Programme's terms and conditions. More information and application forms can be downloaded from my Department's website at www.dttas.ie.
269 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the full extent of applications for various sporting or recreational grants received by him in each of the past three years; the funding allocated; if fully drawn down the extent to which it is likely to respond to further similar application in the current year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17246/12]
I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the Sports Capital Programme. Earlier today I announced that applications are now being sought for the 2012 round of the Sports Capital Programme. This Programme is the main vehicle for Government support for the development of sports facilities and the purchase of equipment. More information and application forms can be downloaded from www.dttas.ie.
While there have been no new rounds of the Sports Capital programme since 2008, applications were sought last year from local authorities for sports capital projects that would increase participation in sport. 206 applications were received under this initiative and a total of €4.5m was allocated to 111 separate projects.
270 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the hosting of the Olympics in the UK is likely to benefit the tourism and sporting sectors here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17247/12]
271 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the possible benefits in terms of sporting and tourism likely to accrue from the holding of the Olympics in the UK; the way this can benefit the island of Ireland as a whole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17248/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 270 and 271 together.
The tourism and sports agencies are represented on the London 2012 Coordinating Group which I am chairing and which is looking at opportunities for Ireland from the proximity of this year's Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.
Tourism Ireland is the north-south body established under the Good Friday agreement with responsibility for the overseas promotion of the entire island of Ireland as a tourist destination. The organisation has been rolling out a busy programme of promotional activity to target a wide range of potential visitors around the world in the run-up to and during the 2012 Games. This includes targeting Corporate Sponsors, promoting holiday package extensions to Ireland, targeting ‘displaced' Londoners and promoting golf and Ireland as the ‘Home of Major Champions.
On the sporting side, athletes from thirteen countries will train at the National Aquatic Centre in the lead up to the London Games including the US Synchronised Swim Team, the South Korean National Squad, the UK Paralympic Swimming Squad and swimmers from the Cayman Islands, Poland, Venezuela and Surinam. A pre-Olympic Water Polo Tournament taking place in the NAC in July will involve participation by Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Germany, Great Britain and current Olympic Champions Hungary. A number of other Olympic related events are also taking place in Ireland before the Games. Earlier this month, a Men's Hockey Olympic Qualifying Tournament was hosted at the National Hockey Stadium in UCD. In July, the World Youth Sailing Championships will take place in Dun Laoghaire while Morton Athletics Stadium in Santry will host a Pre-Games International Athletics Event.
Question No. 272 answered with Question No. 21.
273 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he sees any future development in the shareholding at Aer Lingus to affect air transport or to be affected by EU or competition laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17250/12]
In relation to Aer Lingus, the Government considers that the State's remaining shareholding is no longer a strategic asset as it does not enable the Government to determine Aer Lingus policy on issues such as the use of the airline's landing slots at Heathrow Airport. Accordingly, the Government has decided that the shareholding will be sold at an appropriate time, when market conditions are favourable and at an acceptable price that is agreed by Government. In conjunction with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I will consider all potential options for the proposed sale of the State's shareholding and any expressions of interest received.
With regard to competition law, the Deputy will be aware that a hostile takeover bid for Aer Lingus a few years ago was ruled out by the European Commission on competition grounds. The State had objected to the bid on the same basis. In terms of the proposed sale of the State's remaining shareholding, the future ownership arrangements would, of course, have to comply with relevant European requirements including the requirement that all EU licensed airlines are majority owned and effectively controlled by EU Member States and/or nationals of EU Member States.
274 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he can take any practical action to address commercial or other transport costs thereby assisting economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17251/12]
275 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has had discussions with his EU colleagues in the context of a possible reduction of transport costs throughout the EU by way of economies of scale in the purchase of imports such as fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17252/12]
276 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way he and his EU colleagues can best maximise the purchasing power of the EU in the tourism and transport sectors throughout the EU and the marketing thereof with positive effect on economic recovery throughout the entire EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17253/12]
277 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has examined any service or cost of services provided by the State deemed to have a negative impact on the transport sector with a view to any rationalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17254/12]
279 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his expectations in respect of the maximisation of economic activity resulting in job creation throughout the tourism, transport and sporting sectors in the current and future years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17256/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 274 to 277, inclusive, and 279 together.
My Department has no direct control of transport costs in general but keeps under review costs arising from the services provided through our agencies.
In accordance with commitments under the Programme for Government, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is currently conducting a review of all charges levied on businesses, including the transport sector, by Government Departments and their Agencies. My Department is contributing to the Review.
There are very significant practical, economic and political difficulties with the concept of centralised European purchasing of oil and other transport materials and assets. However, at national level, cost competitiveness is a key consideration for Ireland as an open export-oriented economy and transport is one of the many factors influencing that competitiveness. The Government's plans to improve competitiveness are set out in the Programme for Government and place a heavy emphasis on the delivery of effective transport services. I have also outlined my transport and tourism priorities to 2016 on my Department's website which can be found at www.dttas.ie. In addition, the Government’s Jobs Initiative includes a number of measures intended to stimulate tourism by increasing the competitiveness of access transport and our tourism product.
278 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he intends to examine further the possibility of reviewing capital projects whose benefits have a positive economic benefit directly or by public private partnerships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17255/12]
Funding for transport capital projects for the period 2012-2016 was determined in the context of the capital review carried out last year. A key priority when selecting projects was to protect existing investment and maintain safety standards. Following this, priority was given to projects and programmes which are affordable and provide value for money, contribute to economic recovery and transport objectives, including adding value to existing infrastructure and services.
Given the overall Exchequer funding position, affordability of new projects was a key factor. If a project cannot be afforded, the arguments pertaining to economic return are irrelevant. Many road and public transport projects with strong business cases have been postponed for consideration in advance of the next capital programme to be agreed before 2016. Of course should additional Exchequer funds become available for transport in the interim some of these projects will be progressed.
The use of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a delivery mechanism for capital investment where appropriate will also be kept under review. A number of road PPP projects have been successfully delivered in recent years. However, the successful awarding of a major PPP contract involving private funding is challenging at any time but is particularly challenging in current circumstances where Ireland has been the subject of intervention by the IMF/EU. Nevertheless, work is continuing with a view to seeking to finalise a contract for the N7/N11 PPP road project.
280 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount paid to each external property consultant, surveyor and estate agent engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17271/12]
281 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of external property consultants, surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17286/12]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 280 and 281 together.
In 2011, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport engaged the services of Alan Flood, Architect
to carry out investigations and a draw up a layout to ensure the optimum use of office space. A total of €739 was spent in this regard. No property consultants or surveyors were engaged by this Department in 2009 and 2010.
282 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a list of external property consultants or surveyors and estate agents engaged by his Department for each of the past three years. [17301/12]
In 2011, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport engaged the services of Alan Flood, Architect, to carry out investigations and a draw up a layout to ensure the optimum use of office space. A total of €739 was spent in this regard. No property consultants or surveyors were engaged by this Department in 2009 and 2010.
283 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will publish a schedule of payments made from public funds to a multinational bracket investment banking and securities firm (details supplied) in the period from 1 September 2008 to date in 2012, with notes confirming the basis of each individual payment made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17594/12]
No payments were made by the Department from public funds to the company concerned during the period referred to in the question.
284 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of leases held by his Department, agencies or quangos that have upward only rent review clauses in which the body concerned is the landlord. [17731/12]
The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport does not hold leases with upward rent reviews. I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the agencies for which I have responsibility for their direct response. If the Deputy does not receive a reply within ten working days, please advise my private office.
